ADT Review 2026

7.8

out of 10

Equipment8/10

Monitoring9/10

Value6.5/10

Setup7/10

Support8.5/10

Bottom line: Best for homeowners who want professional installation, the largest monitoring network in the US, and don't mind a multi-year contract.

ADT's 150-year track record, 200+ monitoring centers, and professional installation set the gold standard for managed security. If you want to hand the entire process to a professional and have a recognizable brand on your certificate of alarm, ADT delivers. The tradeoff is real: 2–3 year contracts and some of the highest monthly fees in the industry.

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Pros & cons

Pros

200+ monitoring centers
150+ year track record
Free professional installation
Insurance discounts widely accepted

Cons

Requires 2–3 year contract
Among the highest monthly fees

Ideal for

Homeowners wanting zero DIY involvement
Those who need insurance documentation from a major brand
Large properties benefiting from professional sensor placement
Buyers who want the most monitoring redundancy

Not ideal for

Renters or frequent movers (the contract is a real liability)
Budget-conscious buyers (monthly fees are among the highest)
Those who want month-to-month flexibility

Monthly monitoring plans

ADT Secure

$28.99/mo

Entry-level

24/7 professional monitoring
Intrusion detection
Smoke/CO monitoring

ADT SmartRecommended

$38.99/mo

Key facts

Founded	1874
Monitoring centers	200+ across the US
Contract	2–3 year required
Installation	Professional (licensed technician)
Trial period	6-month money-back guarantee

Frequently asked questions

Can I get out of an ADT contract?

Yes, but expect to pay ~75% of remaining contract value. Read the early termination clause before signing.

Does ADT qualify for home insurance discounts?

Yes — ADT's monitoring certificate is accepted by virtually every home insurer for 5–20% premium discounts.

Does ADT do same-day installation?

Same-day installation is available in some areas. Most installations are scheduled 1–2 weeks out.

Shop ADT →

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