When it comes to home security, ADT is one of the most recognized names in the industry. With a reputation for reliable monitoring and a wide range of services, many homeowners consider ADT when looking to protect their homes. However, a common question arises: How much does ADT cost per month? The answer depends on several factors, including the type of system, the monitoring plan, the equipment, and any additional features. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down ADT’s monthly costs, packages, and what you can expect when investing in their home security solutions.
Understanding ADT’s Pricing Structure
ADT Home Security offers a variety of home security packages, each tailored to different needs and budgets. The monthly cost of an ADT system typically includes two main components: equipment costs (either upfront or financed) and monitoring fees. Additionally, installation fees and optional add-ons can affect the overall price. Let’s dive into the details.
1. Monthly Monitoring Fees
ADT’s monthly monitoring fees are the recurring costs you pay for 24/7 professional monitoring services. These fees vary depending on whether you choose a DIY self-setup system or a professionally installed system, as well as the level of monitoring you select. Based on recent data, here’s a breakdown of ADT’s monitoring plans:
Secure Plan: Starts at $29.99 per month. This plan includes 24/7 professional monitoring, ideal for basic home security needs. It’s designed for customers who want essential protection without advanced features.
Smart Plan: Starts at $34.99 per month. This plan builds on the Secure Plan by adding smart home device control and one-tap alarm functionality through the ADT+ app.
Complete Plan: Starts at $44.99 per month. This premium plan includes everything in the Smart Plan, plus additional features like video monitoring for ADT cameras.
DIY Self-Setup: Starts at $24.99 per month for monitoring. This option is more affordable and caters to those who prefer to install their systems.
Professionally Installed Systems: Monitoring starts at $34.99 per month, with some premium plans reaching up to $59.99 per month, particularly in specific regions such as California.
On average, ADT’s monitoring fees range from $24.99 to $60 per month, depending on the package and location. For example, some sources note that the average monthly monitoring fee is around $43.49, with additional equipment costs averaging $20.34 per month if financed.
2. Equipment Costs
In addition to monitoring fees, ADT systems require equipment such as sensors, cameras, and control panels. Equipment costs can be paid upfront or financed over time, which impacts the monthly cost.
Upfront Costs: For professionally installed systems, equipment costs typically range from $599 to $1,449, depending on the package and add-ons like cameras or smart home devices.
DIY Packages: ADT’s DIY home security packages start at $199, making them a more budget-friendly option for those who want to avoid high upfront costs.
Financing Options: If you choose to finance equipment, monthly payments can range from $15 to $30. For example, the Total Safety package starts at $1,101.77, or about $30.60 per month with 36 months of financing, plus a monitoring fee of $44.99 per month.
3. Installation Fees
Installation fees vary based on whether you opt for professional installation or a DIY setup:
Professional Installation: Installation fees can range from $99 to $199 or more, depending on the complexity of the system and the number of devices installed.
DIY Self-Setup: With ADT’s Self-Setup systems, there are no installation fees since you set up the equipment yourself. This can significantly reduce the overall cost.
4. Add-Ons and Additional Costs
ADT offers various add-ons, such as extra door/window sensors, security cameras, or smart home devices like ADT smart locks and thermostats. These can increase the monthly cost, especially if you opt for the Complete Plan, which includes video monitoring for cameras ($57.99 per month). For example, adding external security cameras or additional sensors can raise the monthly fee to between $45 and $82, depending on the equipment and plan.
ADT’s Packages and What They Include
ADT offers several packages to suit different needs, from basic security to advanced smart home integration. Here’s a look at some of the popular options:
1. Secure Home Package
Monthly Monitoring Cost: Starts at $29.99
Features: Includes 24/7 professional monitoring, a base station, door/window sensors, and an ADT yard sign. This is the most basic package, ideal for small homes or apartments.
Equipment Cost: Starts at $599 upfront or $15–$20 per month if financed.
2. Smart Home Package
Monthly Monitoring Cost: Starts at $34.99
Features: Includes everything in the Secure Home Package, plus smart home integration, allowing you to control devices like lights and thermostats via the ADT+ app.
Equipment Cost: Ranges from $599 to $899 upfront or $55.97 to $60.97 per month with financing.
3. Total Safety Package
Monthly Monitoring Cost: Starts at $44.99
Features: Includes advanced features like video monitoring, additional sensors, and compatibility with ADT cameras.
Equipment Cost: Starts at $1,101.77, or about $30.60 per month with 36 months of financing.
4. DIY Self-Setup Package
Monthly Monitoring Cost: Starts at $24.99
Features: Includes a base station, door/window sensors, and the ADT+ app for remote control. This package is designed for those who want flexibility and lower costs.
Equipment Cost: Starts at $199.
Factors That Affect ADT’s Monthly Cost
Several factors can influence the total monthly cost of an ADT system:
Location: Monitoring costs can vary by region. For example, in certain areas like Florida, Central California, and San Francisco, monitoring through a phone line can be as low as $9.99 per month, while GSM monitoring is $19.99.
Contract Length: ADT typically requires a 24- or 36-month monitoring agreement, which may lock in your monthly rate but can also include penalties for early cancellation.
Add-On Equipment: Adding devices like cameras, smart locks, or additional sensors increases both upfront and monthly costs.
Promotions and Discounts: Some promotions, such as AARP member discounts, can lower costs. For instance, AARP members can get DIY packages starting at $199 and save 5% on monitoring.
Is ADT Worth the Cost?
ADT’s monthly costs are higher than some competitors, like SimpliSafe or Ring, which can start at $10–$30 per month. However, ADT’s reputation for reliable 24/7 monitoring, professional installation options, and extensive smart home integration makes it a preferred choice for many. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Reliable Monitoring: ADT’s 24/7 professional monitoring is backed by over a century of experience.
Customizable Packages: From DIY to premium plans, ADT offers flexibility for different budgets and needs.
Smart Home Integration: The Smart and Complete plans allow seamless control of smart devices.
Nationwide Coverage: ADT operates across the U.S., with local support in many areas.
Cons
Higher Costs: Monthly fees ($24.99–$60) and equipment costs ($199–$1,449) can be steep compared to competitors.
Long Contracts: A 24- or 36-month commitment may not suit everyone.
Additional Fees: Installation and add-on equipment can increase the overall cost.
Comparing ADT to Competitors
To put ADT’s costs in perspective, let’s compare them to other popular home security providers:
SimpliSafe: Starts at $150 for equipment and $10–$30 per month for monitoring. It’s a more affordable DIY option but lacks ADT’s extensive professional monitoring network.
Ring: Offers plans starting at $10 per month with equipment costs as low as $100. However, it’s primarily a DIY system with less comprehensive monitoring.
Vivint: Similar to ADT, Vivint’s monitoring starts at $30 per month, but its equipment costs can be higher, often exceeding $1,000.
Tips for Saving on ADT Costs
Opt for DIY Setup: Choosing a self-setup package can save you on installation fees and lower monthly monitoring costs.
Look for Promotions: Check for discounts, such as AARP member offers or seasonal deals.
Customize Your System: Only add the equipment you need to avoid unnecessary costs.
Negotiate: Some customers report success in negotiating lower monthly rates or installation fees by contacting ADT directly.
Conclusion
So, how much does ADT cost per month? On average, you can expect to pay $24.99 to $60 for monitoring, with additional costs for equipment (upfront or financed) and installation. The exact price depends on your chosen package, whether you opt for DIY or professional installation, and any add-ons like cameras or smart home devices. While ADT’s costs are higher than some competitors, its reliable monitoring, customizable packages, and smart home integration make it a strong choice for many homeowners.
For the most accurate pricing, contact an ADT agent to customize a plan for your home. By understanding your needs and exploring available promotions, you can find an ADT package that fits both your budget and security requirements.
Call (877) 470-7879 to get ADT now!
