ADT Review
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- The Good
- Reliable company with a long history
- Professional installation
- State-of-the-art devices
- The Bad
- Monitoring fees can get expensive
- Mandatory three-year contract
- Not available everywhere
ADT has been in business since 1874, so you know that you’re working with a reliable company that treats its customers fairly. ADT provides state-of-the-art devices that keep your home safe. Since the company insists on professional installation, every device works as advertised. The bad thing about using ADT is that the monitoring fees can get expensive. Plus, the company requires you to sign a three-year contract before it will install your system.
- Packages
- Basic
- $36.99 per month
- Basic Wireless
- $48.99 per month
- ADT Pulse
- $52.99 per month
- DT Pulse + Video
- $58.99 per month
ADT offers four packages to meet the needs of different homeowners. The Basic plan ($36.99 per month) requires a landline, but it comes with wireless components and 24/7 monitoring services. The Basic Wireless package ($48.99) meets the needs of households that no longer pay for landlines. It’s similar to the Basic package, but you get a wireless connection to the local police. That gives you greater security as well as more convenience. ADT Pulse ($52.99) gives you email and text alerts when someone enters your home. IT also lets you access your home security system via your smartphone. ADT Pulse + Video ($58.99) lets you use any mobile device or computer to view a live stream from your home’s security camera.
- Fees
- $99 installation fee
ADT charges $99 to install its system in your home. You do not, however, have to pay for the system as long as you sign a three-year contract. Considering that the contract is mandatory, practically every customer gets a free system. The company doesn’t provide much information about advanced systems, though. If you want extra equipment, then you have to talk to an ADT representative to get a quote.
- Monitoring Services
- 24/7 monitoring
- Video monitoring
ADT offers 24/7 monitoring services that alert the police via landline or a cellular device. If you choose the system with a video camera, you can watch the live feed from your mobile device or computer.
- Installation
- Professional installation
- Installation within 24 hours
In recent years, many home security companies have migrated toward wireless systems that homeowners can install on their own. ADT has adopted wireless technology, but it still uses professionals to install all of its security devices. Having someone else install your system may sound like a pain, but ADT provides installation within a day. Having a professional do the job also ensures that you install devices properly in places where they can spot intruders.
- Devices
- Wireless control panel
- 3 door and window sensors
- A pet-immune motion detector
- Window decals and yard signs
The basic home security system from ADT comes with a wireless control panel, three sensors for your windows and doors, a pet-immune motion detector, and window decals and yard signs to keep trespassers away. The Basic Wireless and ADT Pulse systems come with the same equipment plus one key fob and CellGuard (the cellular device that ADT uses to contact local law enforcement). ADT Pulse + Video adds a video camera. Additional motion detectors, door sensors, window sensors and other devices may cost extra. Unfortunately, ADT isn’t clear about how much it charges for its individual devices, so you will need to contact the company for a quote.
- Customer Service
- Phone and web form
ADT is one of the few home security companies that has a 24-hour hotline. Someone will take your call even if you contact the company at midnight on a Sunday. That’s an excellent level of service that you don’t find from many companies today. If you don’t want to place a phone call, then you can use the website web form. A representative from ADT will respond by phone to answer your questions. No matter which customer service option you choose, you will talk to a trained professional.
ADT: User Reviews
ADT: Comments
ADT is by far the most popular home security company in the United States. Despite that, ADT doesn’t offer nearly as many devices as some companies. Instead, it has chosen to concentrate on home security through sensors and cameras. While other companies are entering the world of home automation, ADT remains committed to the plan it has used for decades.
How Does ADT Work?
When you order ADT service, a technician comes to your home to install your system’s wireless components. Once the system is activated, people who enter your home must have a code that turns off the alarm. Without the code, an alarm will sound and the system will contact the police. Depending on which plan you have, you will also receive an email or text message alerting you to the situation.
ADT uses window and door sensors to determine when someone enters the house. The ADT system also comes with a motion detector that gets calibrated to ignore pets. You may get an occasional false alarm when your cat jumps on the kitchen counter, but they happen rarely.
What Makes ADT Stand Out?
ADT has some of the best customer services in the home security industry. It is one of the few companies that encourages members to contact customer service via telephone instead of email. As an extra bonus, ADT’s customer service representatives answer calls 24/7. You never have to worry about leaving a message that no one will return. Instead, you get to talk directly to a trained professional who knows how to answer your questions.
Common Reviews of ADT
The Better Business Bureau gives ADT an A+ rating. Still, the company receives a mixture of positive and negative reviews. Many negative reviews come from customers who purchased ADT systems and services through third parties. For instance, some people complain that they did not receive additional devices that would enhance their security systems. While this is unfortunate, it is outside of ADT’s control. If you choose to use ADT, make sure you deal directly with the company instead of an affiliate.
Positive reviews often focus on ADT’s commitment to good customer service. Customers repeatedly say that ADT’s employees provide accurate, thorough information that helps them make wise decisions. No matter what other problems some people may have with ADT, you have to admit that terrific customer service is hard to find these days.
Is ADT for You?
ADT is a good home security option for people who don’t want a lot of extra devices. If you’re interested in home automation, then ADT isn’t the right company for you. If you want a straightforward home security system that works well and gives you access to excellent customer service, then ADT will probably meet your needs well.
Keep in mind that ADT has cellular and landline systems. Many experts believe that cellular systems provide better security because savvy burglars can disconnect landlines. Using a landline connection, however, will save you more than $10 per month. In reality, you have to wonder whether many people who break into houses know how to disable phone lines.
ADT isn’t the cheapest home security option, but it is reliable and convenient. Anyone who’s serious about protecting their home from intruders should consider getting an ADT system.
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