We tested ADT’s system in a real home for three months — not a demo unit sent to a reviewer, but the same package you’d get if you called their sales line today. Our team member set it up herself in about 40 minutes, and we deliberately triggered the alarm twice to see how fast the monitoring center responded. (Under two minutes both times, for what it’s worth.)
ADT isn’t the cheapest option out there, but it is one of the most established. Whether that matters to you depends on what you’re looking for. Here’s what we found. Need a second opinion? Email us at [email protected] — our team has been through this with hundreds of families.
ADT Home Security: Is It Right for Seniors?
Whether you live in a house, an apartment, or a condo, having a reliable security system is worth considering — especially if you live alone. ADT is one of the most recognized names in home security, and the current version of the system has evolved well beyond its classic blue-sticker reputation. After hands-on testing, here is what you need to know.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Pros
- Professional 24/7 monitoring backed by a dedicated response team
- Choice of professional or DIY installation
- Google Nest smart home integration for voice and app control
- Options for both homeowners and renters
Cons
- Higher upfront equipment costs compared to brands like SimpliSafe
- Professional installation locks you into a five-year service contract
- Phone support is no longer offered — live chat only (7 a.m. to midnight EST)
Installation Options
ADT gives you a choice: professional installation or DIY setup.
With professional installation, an ADT technician visits your home, assesses the layout, and places every device. The entire setup takes a few hours, and you are ready to go as soon as they leave. The tradeoff is a five-year service commitment.
DIY installation lets you place devices yourself using a guided setup process through the ADT app. This option avoids the long-term contract and costs significantly less — packages start around $194.98 for self-installed systems versus $499 and up for professionally installed ones. Most hardware is wireless, so installation is straightforward for most people.
Equipment Overview
Base Station
Every ADT system centers on a base station. This is the hub that connects all devices to the professional monitoring center and gives you a keypad for arming and disarming. A status LED keeps you informed of the system’s state at a glance.
Video Doorbell
ADT uses the Google Nest Doorbell (battery version) as its video doorbell. It detects packages, recognizes familiar faces, and supports two-way audio so you can speak with visitors remotely. It functions well at night, though the battery will need periodic replacement.
Outdoor and Indoor Cameras
ADT offers two outdoor camera options: the Google Nest Cam (battery) and the Google Nest Cam with floodlight. Both have two-way audio, night vision, and IP54 dust and splash resistance. The floodlight version provides color night vision but requires a wired connection and professional electrical work. Indoor cameras share most of these features and start at $99.99.
Contact Sensors and Motion Detectors
Contact sensors alert you whenever a door or window opens. Standard pairs cost $20; premium pairs cost roughly twice as much but integrate with Google Nest devices. Motion sensors work well in interior hallways and ignore pets under 85 pounds. Both are completely wireless.
Keychain Remote
A keychain remote lets you arm and disarm your system from anywhere within 75 feet of the base station — useful for avoiding a trip to the kitchen panel every time you leave or return home. It also includes a panic button to contact the monitoring team directly.
Monitoring and Pricing
Professional monitoring is optional with self-installed systems but required with professionally installed ones. Plans range from:
- $29.99/month with a system costing at least $269
- $34.99/month with a system costing at least $299
- $44.99/month with a system costing at least $369
Packages range from approximately $454 to $1,101. Financing is available at 0 percent APR over 36 months, bringing monthly equipment costs to roughly $13 to $31 — but this triggers the three-year contract requirement.
Without professional monitoring, you can still arm and disarm remotely through the ADT app, though you lose emergency dispatch, cellular backup, and Wi-Fi failover.
ADT App
ADT offers several companion apps:
- ADT+ — for self-monitored systems; controls all ADT and Google Nest devices
- ADT Control — remote device management for professionally monitored customers
- ADT Pulse — remote arming/disarming and smart home scheduling
- SoSecure by ADT — location tracking for family members when outside the home
Customer Support
ADT has a detailed online help center with troubleshooting guides and video tutorials. Live chat is available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to midnight EST. Phone support has been discontinued; the only after-hours option is a chatbot.
ADT vs. Vivint
Both companies offer professionally installed systems with smart home integrations. Key differences:
| ADT | Vivint | |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | DIY or professional | Professional only |
| Monitoring | Optional or required | Always required |
| System cost | $195–$1,101 | $800+ |
| Monthly monitoring | $29.99–$44.99 | $39.99 |
| Glass break sensor | Not available | Available |
| Contract | None (DIY) or 3–5 years | None (upfront) or financing term |
For households already using Google smart home devices, ADT integrates naturally. For those who want a glass break sensor or prefer Alexa-centric control, Vivint is the stronger option. For budget-conscious buyers, both are comparable once you factor in monitoring costs.