ADT Review: 5 Things to Know About ADT

ADT Review: 5 Things to Know About ADT

Founded in 1874, ADT has provided home security to consumers across America for generations. Considered of the biggest names in the industry, people often look for an ADT review to help them understand the strengths and negatives of the company.

Not only will we provide you with an in-depth review of their services, but we’ll give you 5 things to know about ADT and whether it’s a good option for your home security…and whether a better choice exists.

 

ADT: A household name

ADT has become a household name. After all, many people recognize the little blue sign that sits in a window or front yard of a house. 10-20 years ago, the little sign made all the difference for homeowners who wanted to help prevent potential intruders.

However, the home security industry has changed drastically with the advancement of camera technology and independent systems that do not rely on a national corporation for installation and monitoring. Thankfully, due to AI, homeowners have more accessibility and affordability than ever, right at their fingertips.

With such options, an ADT review becomes vital for the general consumer. Knowing whether the costs, benefits, and drawbacks of ADT services are worth the expenses can mean the difference between a strained budget and having extra savings at the end of the day.

So, here’s an ADT review that gives you 5 things to know about their services and company. At the end, we will even provide a verdict on whether the company is right for you.

 

1) ADT Review: They offer 24/7 monitoring

Benefit: Much of ADT’s marketing revolves around providing 24/7 monitoring of its professionally installed systems. Such a service can be useful for those new to the home security environment and do not have a working knowledge of how systems and technology work. Since the tech can feel overwhelming to some, a service that offers professional installation and monitoring can be enticing.

Drawback: To get professional monitoring, the system must be professionally installed. Having your system installed professionally means added labor costs, as well as higher overall costs and even long-term contracts.

Today, most homeowners do not need a middle-man watching their cameras, whereas a decade ago, monitoring was extremely important.

With the advancement of mobile technology and app development, anybody can easily monitor their home system and determine for themselves whether a call to emergency services is necessary.

Conclusion: ADT may be useful for those refusing to own a smartphone or tablet. However, modern options provide better customization and support.

For those who have no interest in owning a smartphone or tablet, an independent monitoring service may be the best option. Considering that professional monitoring requires professional installation and increased costs, other options may be more beneficial for consumers.

 

2) ADT Review: Offer Environmental monitoring for things like fire, carbon monoxide, flooding, and more.

Benefit: Consumers who desire an ADT review want to understand what other services could be included in their required long-term contract with ADT.

ADT also offers monitoring for environmental events including fire, carbon monoxide, flooding, and more. These options often help consumers feel more protected from the unforeseeable dangers of life.

Alongside expanded environmental protection, installing ADT can potentially help lower insurance rates, as a result of preventive monitoring that comes with added protection like fire and carbon monoxide.

Drawback: Unfortunately, the expanded environmental monitoring services are only included in higher-tier packages, making it more expensive for consumers.

While there is potential to lower insurance rates, independently installed systems can also provide coverage at a fraction of the cost and still offer potential insurance rate reductions.

Conclusion: ADT’s environmental monitoring benefits are diminishing as custom technology becomes a superior replacement to expensive independent monitoring.

The benefit of ADT’s environmental monitoring is peace of mind through professional monitoring.

However, the expenses and monitoring are considered negatives in this ADT review when compared to the efficiency, accessibility, ease of use, and impressive savings realized when installing simple tech and an easy-to-use app on your phone.

3)ADT Review: The sign and stickers deter would-be burglars.

Benefits: The easily recognizable blue octagonal sign or sticker has been a deterrent for thieves for decades. Considering criminals look for the easiest victim or scenario, a bold presentation of your security system shows robbers that your house is not an easy target.

The blue sign or sticker is etched deep into the public psyche, making it quickly recognizable to a person casing your house or walking up the front walkway.

Many consumers feel safer knowing they have a security system that is not hidden from view, but on full display.

Drawback: The blue octagon is not necessarily a drawback, but other options offer just as much of a deterrent as the unmistakable little blue sign.

Doorbell cameras, wireless cameras mounted at strategic points around the house, and even independent security company signs can provide just as much potential protection as the little blue yard sign – at a fraction of the cost.

When a criminal determines whether a house is an easy target, they will typically inspect the premises. Whether from the road or pulling into the driveway, they are on the lookout for any cameras or signs of an advanced security system. Having a doorbell camera and a camera over your driveway will often be enough of a deterrent that the would-be robber will look elsewhere. 

After all, no one wants to be on camera.

Add in customizable lights and alarm sirens, and the blue octagon will feel low-tech in comparison.

Conclusion: The sign is a powerful deterrent to criminals, though not a perfect solution. Likewise, the presence of a personalized home security system can provide just as much of a deterrent to criminals.

The little blue sign will most likely not be worth the extra cost when compared to a system that allows you to consult with a professional security company regarding what you need and do not need to protect your home.

4) ADT Review: Contracts

Benefit: ADT offers professionally installed security equipment and monitoring in contracts that are often 36 months long. Professional installation and monitoring can be convenient for those who want a plug-and-play system, and feel safer when someone is watching their cameras and systems for them.

 

Drawback: ADT only offers long-term contracts when getting their professional installation (which their monitoring services requires). Sadly, ADT contracts include high early termination fees for canceling before the initial term ends.

Termination fees can be as high as 75% of the remaining monthly charges.

Not only that, but camera support requires the highest costing plan, and going the DIY route does not allow for financing.

 

Conclusion: No brainer. Long-term contracts with high early termination fees are a major drawback.

High termination fees and long-term contracts may have been an acceptable expense 20 years ago.

Long contracts and expensive tiers cannot compete with easy-to-use technology and companies which offer consumers security systems with no contracts. The expensive, long-term contract is not worth the services.

5) ADT Review: ADT offers professional installation

Benefit: ADT provides professional installation for those who want the 24/7 monitoring service. Many people do not wish to install their own equipment and prefer to opt for ADT’s services.

 

Drawbacks: ADT uses authorized dealers. This means customers may experience pricing variables, inconsistent installation quality, and communication problems.

The use of authorized dealers also means the threat of long-term contracts and high cancellation fees comes alongside the professional installation.

Today, other companies, such as veteran-owned Let There Be Light, offer high-quality, expert installation services that are professional and personal. All without contracts or monthly fees.

 

Conclusion: The inconsistent nature of authorized dealers is a massive drawback.

Consumers are better off hiring a company that can offer high-quality equipment and placement, efficiently install the system, train users on monitoring apps, and do so for an upfront and one-time price.

The best part? Financing options do exist for those who need them.

ADT Review Conclusion

ADT carries a storied and reputable history of providing home security installation and 24/7 monitoring services. Many people have enjoyed safety and security, knowing the blue sign is in their window or yard.

Today, the accessibility of high-quality, cost-efficient equipment has closed the gap on the unique benefits ADT used to provide.

Home security technology on the market today is a far better investment than long-term contracts and needless monitoring by a national corporation. Options such as a simple smartphone app that leverages AI monitoring to notify you of movement, cameras with sensitivity settings and night vision, motion sensors, and doorbell cameras with two-way speakers make the user experience much more personal and efficient.

Our Recommendation

Services such as veteran-owned Let There Be Light provide expert installation, easy-to-understand training, features that are as advanced or as simple as you want, no contracts, no monthly fees, and most importantly: personalized care and concern for you and your loved ones.

If you are looking for a way to save money, avoid contracts, and cut out the middle man with your home security, then schedule a free consultation with Let There Be Light today!