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The best home security companies can beef up the safety of your property by providing you with the latest equipment and effective monitoring. While ADT security has long been a market leader with over 140 years of industry experience, newcomer Abode security is fast catching up with innovative plans that include DIY and on-demand professional monitoring. Both companies are highly reputable but they target different home protection needs, so If you’re deciding between Abode vs. ADT, here are some factors to consider.
ADT
ADT security offers three levels of protection, ranging from simple motion detection and alarm monitoring, to full home automation and video surveillance.
Pros
- Established brand and highly experienced in home security.
- Six-month, money back guarantee.
- $500 Theft protection guarantee.
Cons
- Plans are more expensive than competitors.
- Requires multi-year contract commitment.
- Mixed customer satisfaction ratings.
- Early contract termination fee applies.
ABODE
Abode security gives customers freedom to choose the type of monitoring they prefer and to switch plans as they need without penalty.
Pros
- No monthly contracts or cancellation fees.
- Affordable prices (free plan available).
- Discount available for annual billing.
- Professional, DIY and on-demand monitoring options.
- Self-installation available.
Cons
- 30-day trial period is short compared to competitors.
- Limited one year warranty.
- No theft protection guarantee.
- Less experience than established brands.
| Monitoring options | Monitoring prices starting at | Installation options | |
| ADT | Professional | $36.99/month | Professional |
| Abode | Professional/on-demand/DIY | $20/month | DIY/professional |
Data as of 07/22/20
Plans
ADT
ADT offers Secure, Smart and Complete protection packages. The Secure package includes security basics like around the clock professional monitoring, security equipment like digital keypad, keychain remote and motion detector, and smartphone control through ADT’s mobile app.
Smart package customers can enjoy everything in the Secure package plus a high degree of home automation. This means you can connect smart home devices like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Kwikset and Z-Wave to your system, and enjoy smart home controls and remote arm and disarm.
For premium security, ADT’s Complete package offers everything above plus video surveillance. You’ll be able to live stream from mobile devices as well as record and save video clips.
Abode
Abode offers a free Basic plan and two paid options — the Standard plan and Pro plan.
With Abode’s free Basic plan, you can view live feeds, take advantage of home automation with compatible devices like HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant, Sonos and more, and receive push notifications.
The Standard Plan is great for self-monitoring, with 7-day video storage, 7-day activity timeline, one touch arm/disarm, customizable notifications, around the clock support and geofencing. What’s more, you can get on-demand professional monitoring — a service unique to Abode security — where you can get 24/7 professional monitoring for vacations and long weekends.
The Pro plan has everything that its Standard cousin has to offer, but with added features like video recording and continued alerts even if your internet is down, professional monitoring for break-ins, fire and medical emergencies, 30-day video storage and 30-day activity history.
Who is it best for
ADT plans
- Secure- Best for simple home security and professional monitoring on a budget
- Smart- Best for those looking for home automation and remote access
- Complete- Best for total home security with video surveillance
Abode plans
- Basic- Best for home security beginners getting to know their new alarm system
- Standard- Best for those comfortable with self-monitoring and want affordable customization
- Pro- Best for families who would like maximum security even during internet outages.
Contract and pricing
ADT
ADT home security costs start from $36.99 but varies depending on the plan you choose. Monitoring contracts requires 36-month commitment (24 months in California). There is a customer installation charge of $99 or $199 depending on the security package you choose. Additional fees may be payable based on your chosen system configuration, equipment or services, or if local permit fees apply.
If you terminate the contract early, ADT may charge up to 75% of monthly services charges that remain of your contract term.
Abode
If your decision between Abode security vs ADT security is based solely on price, then Abode has the edge.
For monthly billing, the Standard Plan costs $6/month and the Pro Plan costs $20/month. However, you can get a sizable discount with annual billing. The annual plan costs $100 for Pro and $60 for Standard respectively, for the first year. After that, the cost of an annual plan will be $200 for Pro and $60 for Standard. The Basic Plan is included with all Abode home security systems and is free of charge.
You can cancel or switch plans at any time without a cancellation fee.
For Abode home security systems, there are four kit options: iota kit elite for $389, Smart security kit elite for $340, iota kit middle for $335 and Smart security middle for $299. You can also build your own package.
Customer service
ADT
ADT has been accredited with BBB since 2013. It has a BBB rating of A+, the highest possible, but average customer review score is a worrying one out of five. ADT’s customer review score is slightly better at 1.7 out of five on Trustpilot.
The most common complaints on Trustpilot and BBB relate to contract disputes, particularly over cancellation fees and procedures. Therefore, it’s a good idea to make sure you understand the commitment and the consequences of early termination before signing ADT’s service agreement.
Abode
Interestingly, Abode is not accredited with BBB and it has a BBB rating of C due to the company’s failure to respond to a customer complaint. However, it also has an average customer review score of 3.5 on BBB, which is much higher than ADT’s score. Bear in mind that Abode’s score is based on less than 10 customer reviews. Abode home security is rated highly on Trustpilot too, with a score of 4.1 based on over 2,300 reviews.
From analyzing customer reviews on Trustpilot, a common problem for dissatisfied customers seem to be delivery problems.
Ease of Installation
ADT
ADT offers professional installation for all of its home security packages and you will have to pay between $99 and $199 for this service based on the package you have. An installer will come to your home to set up your security equipment, and instruct you on how it works. It’s a great feature for anyone who isn’t confident with home security installations, or wants help to connect their system to devices like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Kwikset, and more. Having a smart home allows you to control things like lights and the thermostat, close garage doors or play music through a mobile phone app.
Abode
One of Abode’s big selling point is that it’s designed for simple DIY installation — a feature that gives you more control and saves on installation costs. Whatever kit you get, there’ll be an Android/iOS app to guide you through the installation process, from the first placement of your gateway to setting up each individual sensor. If you want to call a pro instead, you can select your kit online, then select professional installation at check out. You’ll be able to book in a time once your equipment arrives. Installation pricing starts at $99.
In terms of home automation, each package gives you access to CUE — Abode’s home automation platform —which has impressive features like conditional automation and sunrise/sunset support.
Further reading
- https://www.reviews.com/home/security-systems/best-diy/
- https://www.reviews.com/home/security-systems/best-wireless/
FAQs
About the Authors
Kristie Kwok is a finance content writer with in-depth knowledge of the banking industry from her previous work experience in banks such as UBS, Lloyds Banking Group and Royal Bank of Scotland. She is a qualified accountant with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, specializing in Accounting and Finance.
