Written by

Jennifer Carlson

March 16, 2024

Edited by

Kristen Cramer

ADT cost per month

An ADT home security system costs $599 to $1,449 for equipment and installation, plus $45 to $82 per month for a 24/7 continuous monitoring service.

ADT offers three monitoring packages: Secure Home, Smart Home, and Video & Smart Home. Each package has different features and price points, but they all include a touchscreen control panel, 3 door or window alarms, and 24/7 monitoring.

ADT home security system features

ADT's home security systems come with a wide range of features, depending on the package. The Secure Home package has the most basic features, while the Video & Smart Home package has the most advanced features.

Each package comes with 5 to 15 pieces of equipment. You can add more cameras and other devices to each package for an added fee.

ADT security cost factors

The following factors affect the cost to install an ADT security system:

• DIY vs. professional installation: ADT offers professional and DIY installation options. With the ADT Self Setup plan, you can purchase an equipment bundle or individual items and install them yourself. Equipment bundles cost $146 to $559. You can then either self-monitor or pay $19.99 per month for basic ADT monitoring.

• Labor: The installation fee for ADT packages costs about $150. ADT includes this fee in their total upfront cost.

• Contract: The standard contract length for ADT is 3 years, or 36 months, and you'll have to pay an early termination fee for cancellation. However, they offer a 6-month trial period with a money-back guarantee if you decide to terminate your contract before then.

• Offers: ADT sometimes offers limited-time deals on their security systems, such as 25% off the system or discounted monitoring for $25.99 per month. Check their website or ask a representative before you sign up to make sure you didn't miss a promotion or sale.

Additional items

You can add the items below to your package for an additional fee. If you add all the available items ADT offers, your final cost may be $3,000 or more.

• Glass break sensor

• Emergency panic button

• Wireless key fob

• Indoor alarm siren

• Outdoor siren and strobe light

• Smoke / carbon monoxide detector

• Flood detector

• Temperature sensor

ADT prices vs. other security systems

Many other companies offer security systems comparable to ADT. If you already have an existing security system set up, ADT offers 24/7 monitoring à la carte for $19.99+ per month.

• A security camera costs $125 to $450 with installation on average.

• A full home security system costs $199 to $900 on average for the installation and equipment, plus $25 to $50 per month for monitoring fees.

ADT home security FAQs

What is ADT?

ADT is a home security company, and ADT stands for American District Telegraph. ADT started as a telegraph-based call box in 1874 and has been providing residential security for over 140 years. Today, they offer modern smart home devices connected to professional operators.

Is ADT worth it?

ADT costs more than some other home security options, but they have more experience and a solid track record. You can expect the following benefits from ADT:

• A theft protection guarantee that pays you up to $500 if someone breaks in while an ADT security system is armed

• 24/7 professional monitoring from operators with an average of 5 years' experience

• Professional installation and an explanation of how the equipment works

• A money-back guarantee for the first 6 months

• Same- or next-day service

• An answer to your call within a few rings

Is ADT part of Brinks?

ADT and Brinks are two separate home security companies with different services. At one point, ADT and Brinks were both owned by the same parent company, Tyco International. However, ADT was later acquired by Apollo Global Management.

How do I contact ADT by phone?

You can contact ADT customer service by calling their support center at (800) 238-2727. You can also chat with an ADT agent 24/7 on their support center website.

Getting estimates from security system installers

Before hiring a home security system installer near you, follow these steps:

• Compare 3+ similar home security estimates. Confirm each quote includes similar equipment and features.

• Read customer reviews of local security system installers on HomeGuide and Google.

• Select a licensed, bonded, insured, and experienced security company.

• Avoid suspiciously low estimates.

• Get an estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the installation.

• Only pay in full after the installation.

Questions to ask home security companies

Make sure you hire a high-quality home security system installer by asking these questions:

• What does your estimate include?

• What items do you recommend for this area?

• Can you customize the system to suit my needs?

• What is the monthly monitoring fee?

• How quickly can I expect an answer if I call during an emergency?

• Can you disclose any crime statistics or information for this neighborhood?

• Should I be home when you install the security system?

• How long will the installation take from start to finish?

• What guarantees does your company offer?