Residential Security System Monitoring: A Comprehensive Guide to ADT in 2025

Residential security system monitoring is a vital service for homeowners who want to protect their properties and loved ones. These systems typically include alarms, cameras, and sensors that detect unauthorized entry, fires, carbon monoxide leaks, or water damage. When an alarm is triggered, a monitoring service is alerted, which can dispatch emergency responders or notify the homeowner. In today’s world, where home security is a top priority, companies like ADT have established themselves as leaders by offering reliable, technologically advanced solutions.

This article examines ADT’s residential security system monitoring, delving into its history, key features, pricing, customer feedback, and its comparison to competitors. With recent updates from 2025, we’ll provide a current perspective on why ADT remains a top choice for homeowners seeking peace of mind.

Overview of ADT

Founded in 1874, ADT is one of the oldest and most recognized names in the home security industry. Starting as a telegraph-based alarm system, ADT has evolved into a leader in smart home security, earning the title of the #1 Smart Home Security Provider in the U.S. for seven consecutive years, according to their official website (ADT Official Website). Their partnership with Google Nest enhances their offerings, integrating smart home devices like cameras, thermostats, and doorbells into their security systems.

ADT’s 150-year history reflects its commitment to innovation and reliability. In 2025, the company continues to lead the market, with a 7% revenue increase reported in Q2 2025, showcasing its financial strength and strategic growth (ADT Newsroom).

How ADT’s Monitoring Works

ADT’s monitoring service is a cornerstone of its offerings, providing 24/7 professional monitoring through six U.S.-based monitoring centers—the largest network in the industry. This extensive infrastructure ensures that your home is always under watch, with rapid response times for emergencies. When an alarm is triggered, ADT’s team verifies the situation, often using live video feeds from cameras (if included), and can dispatch police, fire, or medical services as needed.

ADT’s System Monitoring and Response Technology (SMART) enhances this process by enabling quick alarm verification, which can reduce false alarms and speed up emergency responses. The company offers three monitoring plans to cater to different needs:

These plans enable homeowners to select a level of monitoring that suits their security needs and budget. The ADT+ app serves as a central hub, enabling users to control their systems, receive alerts, and view live video feeds remotely.

Features of ADT’s Security Systems

ADT’s security systems are designed to be comprehensive and adaptable, offering a range of features to protect homes:

• Alarm Systems: Include door and window sensors, motion detectors, and glass break sensors to detect unauthorized entry.

• Cameras: ADT offers indoor and outdoor cameras, including Google Nest cameras, known for their high-quality video and clarity up to 20 feet (US News ADT Review). These cameras support live streaming and two-way audio.

• Smart Home Integration: Through the ADT+ app, users can control Google Nest devices, such as thermostats, lights, and doorbells, alongside ADT’s security components.

• Hazard Detection: Sensors for smoke, carbon monoxide, and water leaks protect against environmental threats.

• Trusted Neighbor: A unique feature that allows homeowners to grant temporary access to trusted individuals, such as neighbors or family, via the ADT+ app.

These features make ADT’s systems not only secure but also user-friendly, integrating seamlessly into the modern smart home ecosystem. The ADT+ app enhances convenience by allowing remote management of all devices, ensuring homeowners stay connected to their homes from anywhere.

ADT Cost and Plans

ADT’s pricing varies based on the equipment and monitoring plan chosen. Below is a breakdown of the costs:

ADT’s pricing is higher than some competitors, but the value lies in its professional monitoring, extensive feature set, and Google Nest integration. For homeowners who prioritize reliability and comprehensive protection, these costs are often justified (Security.org ADT Cost Review).

Customer Reviews and Ratings

ADT receives generally positive feedback for its reliability and comprehensive services, though some customers note drawbacks related to cost and flexibility.

• Security.org rates ADT 9.8/10, praising its Google Nest integration, innovative features like Trusted Neighbor, and lowered prices. However, they mention professional installation fees and restrictive monitoring plans for camera support (Security.org ADT Review).

• NerdWallet gives ADT a 4.0 rating, highlighting its fast response times and six monitoring centers but noting high monitoring fees and occasional Google Nest integration issues. They also reference a 2020 security breach in Dallas-Fort Worth, which ADT has since addressed (NerdWallet ADT Review).

• Trustpilot shows a 4.5/5 rating based on nearly 10,000 reviews, with customers commending ADT’s professional installation and customer service (ADT Security Solutions).

While ADT’s reliability and monitoring capabilities are widely praised, some customers find the costs high and the system less flexible than DIY alternatives. The 2020 breach, though resolved, remains a point of discussion, but ADT’s ongoing improvements demonstrate their commitment to security.

Comparison with Competitors

ADT faces competition from companies like Vivint, Ring, and SimpliSafe. Here’s how they compare:

ADT’s strengths lie in its professional monitoring, extensive network, and Google Nest integration, making it ideal for homeowners who value reliability over cost. Competitors like Ring and SimpliSafe offer more affordable, DIY-friendly options but lack ADT’s depth in professional monitoring (CNET Best Home Security Systems).

Future of Home Security with ADT

In 2025, ADT continues to demonstrate its market strength. The company reported a 7% revenue increase in Q2 2025, with strong cash flow and strategic customer acquisitions (ADT Newsroom). ADT also announced a secondary public offering of common stock and a share repurchase program on July 24, 2025, signaling confidence in its future growth (ADT Investor Relations).

Looking forward, ADT is likely to enhance its smart home integration, leveraging AI and IoT advancements to improve its app and monitoring services. The partnership with Google Nest positions ADT to stay competitive in the evolving home security landscape.

Conclusion

ADT remains a top choice for residential security system monitoring, offering a blend of traditional security and modern smart home integration. It's 24/7 professional monitoring, backed by six U.S.-based centers, ensures rapid response to emergencies, while features like Google Nest integration and Trusted Neighbor enhance convenience. Although costs are higher than some competitors', ADT’s reliability, extensive features, and long-standing reputation make it a worthwhile investment for many homeowners.

For those considering a home security system, ADT provides a tailored solution that can be customized to meet specific needs, ensuring protection now and into the future. Whether you’re moving into a new home or upgrading your current security, ADT’s comprehensive offerings are worth exploring.