ADT Home Security for Seniors, Tested by Caregivers

ADT Pros and Cons

ADT Installation

Since I chose professional installation, I didn’t have to do anything to get the system up and running. A professional engineer came to my house and recommended where to place each device. Within a few hours, my system was set up, and I could control everything through the ADT+ app.

That being said, there is a DIY installation option if you prefer to get your hands dirty, so to speak, and avoid that five-year contract. Fortunately, most of the system is wireless, and there is a guided self-setup through the ADT app, so this is a good way to avoid a long commitment.

My Experience With ADT

I customized a system from ADT, purchasing a base station, keychain remote, indoor camera, outdoor camera, video doorbell, and some motion and contact sensors for the inside of my home (see below for more information on my equipment).

I recommend getting the keychain remote, as it lets me arm and disarm my system without having to go through the base station in the kitchen. Other than that, I didn’t do much with the ADT system, as I had no intruders, fortunately. However, I appreciated being able to answer for packages when I wasn’t home. My video doorbell alerted me when they arrived, and I used my video doorbell’s speaker to tell the delivery people to put packages in the back. If you've ever experienced package theft, you’ll know how useful this is.

Beyond that, my ADT system blended into the background, which is the way a security system should be. But I had the comfort of knowing that my system was being monitored 24/7, so I didn’t have to worry about it. What I really bought, aside from my system, was peace of mind.

ADT Equipment

While the below isn’t a complete list of all the equipment ADT has to offer, it should give you a general overview — at least enough to get started.

Base

With any system, you’ll need a base, which lets you control all of your devices. You’ll arm and disarm your system using the keypad, and you can see your system’s status on its LED light. It’s important to have this base because it keeps you connected to the monitoring center, given you pay for professional monitoring.

Video Doorbell Camera

ADT uses the Google Nest Doorbell (battery) as its video doorbell. Instead of ringing the regular doorbell integrated into my home, guests ring my video doorbell, which lets me watch them remotely. This camera is particularly advanced, though. It can detect packages, alerting me when my latest Amazon treasures have arrived, or even alert me when it sees faces it recognizes, or not.

With two-way audio, I can actually speak to my guests through the ADT+ app, and they can speak back. The camera works great at night, but I wish ADT offered the wired version as well, so I didn’t have to replace the battery every so often.

Outdoor Security Camera

ADT offers two outdoor camera options: the Google Nest Cam with floodlight and the Google Nest Cam battery, which can also be used indoors. These cameras have similar features to the Nest Doorbell, like familiar face alerts, two-way audio, and night vision. They also all have IP ratings of 54, meaning that they’re completely unsusceptible to dust, and can be splashed with water while functioning normally.

But the floodlight camera is different largely for its floodlights, allowing color night vision instead of black-and-white. Note that this camera is wired and requires an electrician, however, while the Nest Cam is battery-operated.

Indoor Security Camera

The Google Nest Cam can be used indoors as well as outdoors, and it’s available in either wired or battery. You can save money, however, by buying the Nest Cam Indoor, which costs $99.99 instead of $179.99. While it’s not durable enough to be used outside, it gives you the same features as the outdoor version: clear video, two-way audio, and compatibility with Google Assistant and Alexa.

Contact Sensors

ADT’s door and window sensors, otherwise known as contact sensors, will let you know anytime someone opens a door or window. There are two kinds of contact sensors available: regular pairs, which cost $20 each, or premium pairs, which cost twice as much but are compatible with Google products like the Nest Doorbell or Google Nest Hub. If you’re already in the Google smart home ecosystem like me, I’d recommend getting the premium contact sensors so you can integrate your entire system.

Motion Detectors

The motion sensors are ideal for interior rooms like hallways, and I could mount them either on a wall or in a corner. For small and medium-sized pet owners, you’ll be happy to know that the sensor ignores anything under 85 pounds. Like with the contact sensors, the motion detectors are completely wireless, allowing for installation in a snap.

Keychain Remote

Next to my house keys is my ADT keychain remote, which lets me arm and disarm my system without walking to the base station. It also allows me to contact the monitoring team using the panic button, which is useful as long as I’m within 75 feet from the base station.

ADT Monitoring and Pricing

Technically, I didn’t have to pay for professional monitoring. Rather, self-monitoring lets me arm and disarm my system remotely through the ADT app. That being said, I needed professional monitoring to be able to access:

• Emergency alerts
• Emergency services response
• Cellular and Wi-Fi backup

Professional monitoring ranges from $29.99 a month with a system that costs at least $269, $34.99 for systems that are at least $299, and $44.99 for systems that cost at least $369. There were three packages to choose from, ranging from $454 to $1,101, although I could have customized a system as well.

You do have the option to finance your equipment with 0 percent APR for 36 months, bringing package costs to about $13 to $31 per month. But note that you’ll be locked into a three-year contract, which isn’t the case if you pay upfront. Additionally, anyone with professional installation must sign up for five years. ADT used to require long contracts for everybody, so this is definitely an improvement. It’s also one of the reasons why ADT is one of the best home security systems for seniors.

ADT App

There are a few ADT apps on the Apple and Google Play stores:

• ADT+: If I had done self-monitoring, I could have used this app to control all of my ADT, Google Nest, and other smart home devices.
• ADT Control: I used this app to control my smart home devices remotely.
• ADT Pulse: This app let me arm and disarm my system remotely and set schedules for my smart home devices, like turning on my A/C 15 minutes before I return from work.
• MyADT: This app only contains my account information, but it doesn’t let me control any devices remotely.
• SoSecure by ADT: Last but not least, this app helped me track my loved ones. Think of it as professional monitoring, but outside of your home.

ADT Customer Support

ADT has a large online help center full of troubleshooting tips, information on device features, and instructions on how to replace devices’ batteries, etc. There were even a few video tutorials, which I appreciated as a visual learner. But if I still had questions, I could have used the live chat, speaking with a live human from 7 a.m. until midnight EST. Unfortunately, ADT no longer offers support over the phone, so if I’m not within these hours, my only option is a chatbot. That was a bit frustrating, and I wish there was a way for ADT customers to call them directly and speak to an actual human.

ADT Senior Plan

ADT does not have a discount or service for older adults, specifically. However, AARP members can save on ADT systems, with a 5 percent discount on monitoring, plus free professional installation of a Nest video doorbell. To get this offer, go onto ADT’s website or call 866-593-4472.

Many people do not know that in addition to home security systems, ADT also offers three medical alert systems: mobile, in-home cellular, and in-home landline. If you want to learn more, read my guide to ADT medical alert systems.

ADT vs. Vivint

One of the biggest differences between ADT and Vivint is that Vivint requires 24/7 professional monitoring, while with ADT, it’s optional. The same is true for professional installation; while ADT offers it as an option, Vivint requires it. Right off the bat, I can see that ADT has more options, while Vivint is a bit strict.

In terms of equipment, the companies have similar offerings, such as indoor and outdoor cameras, motion sensors, contact sensors, and keypads. However, Vivint offers a glass break sensor, which ADT lacks.

Pricing-wise, the two companies are similar, with monthly prices of $39.99 from Vivint, or $29.99 to $44.99 with ADT. But Vivint’s packages are more expensive, starting at $800 compared to $269. Overall, I’d recommend ADT if you’re already in the Google smart home ecosystem, as it will integrate nicely, but Vivint if you are dead set on having a glass break sensor. For everyone else trying to save money, ADT will not impact your bottom line as much.