ADT Security Alternatives & Similar Services

At this point in your home security research, you may be feeling overwhelmed by your choices. Many security providers offer similar protection, but the equipment they use and the perks they offer may vary. With so much to consider, it can be hard to determine which option is best.

ADT is the biggest name in home security and the top pick for many. Even so, that doesn’t mean that it will be the right fit for your home. 

As you look for the protection you need, we wanted to dive into three of the top choices for home security. We’ll show you why so many customers love ADT. You’ll also learn about Vivint and Frontpoint, two leading security alternatives with similar services.

By the end of this guide, you’ll better understand which security provider is right for you.

What does ADT offer?

Trusted security

ADT has been protecting homes and families for more than 145 years. During this time, it has evolved to keep up with changes in technology, threats, and trends. These innovations have allowed it to remain at the top of home security providers. In fact, it continues to hold half of the market.

Along with experience, ADT offers a powerful reputation. Its decades of success have built trust in its services, a promise they continue to deliver on. Plus, since many homes already have an ADT system wired in by previous owners, this company makes it easy to start your own account.

Going with this provider means enjoying the benefits of its extensive experience. Let’s explore everything that continues to make ADT a home security giant.

Equipment

ADT is one of the few home security providers to offer a wired system. If you don’t want to use a wireless system, this option is the way to go.

Like all home security systems, ADT includes basic equipment such as door and window sensors, motion detectors, keypads, and safety sensors. You can control your entire system through the touchscreen control panel, ADT Command. These devices will alert you to any unwanted entries and environmental threats.
You can also equip your home with indoor, outdoor, and doorbell security cameras. ADT has partnered with Google to offer its Nest cameras, which offer excellent recording quality, numerous customizations, and live streaming.

ADT’s line of equipment includes:

• ADT Command control panels
• Keypads
• Door and window contact sensors
• Motion sensors
• Smoke & heat detector
• Carbon monoxide detector
• Indoor, outdoor, and video doorbell cameras
• Smart garage door controller
• Smart lighting
• Smart locks
• Smart switches and plugs
• Smart thermostats
• Panic buttons

These cameras seamlessly integrate with your smart home ecosystem for further convenience.

Smart home automation

Along with protecting your home, your security system can automate certain activities to increase your convenience and safety. ADT’s system connects with Google and Amazon ecosystems to expand your home’s smart network. It can also integrate with any smart devices that operate on Z Wave protocol.

Rather than creating all of its own devices, ADT has partnered with Google to offer Nest products with its security system. These options include:

• Google Nest WiFi and Point
• Google Nest Mini
• Google Nest Hub Max
• Google Nest Thermostat

Additionally, you can add smart plugs, garage controllers, lights, and locks to your home. 

When your devices are linked to your security system, you can control them through your ADT Command panel and phone. If you have Alexa or the Google Assistant set up, you can use voice commands to activate, deactivate, and adjust your smart system.

A smart home security system allows you to:

• Automate events, such as recording a video at a specific time of day or disarming the security system when your phone is close enough to connect
• Adjust settings and check device statuses from anywhere in the world
• Control all of your smart devices in one place

And so much more. Connected homes are the way of the future and ADT is ready to meet these new demands.

Plans & pricing

With ADT, you have more options to choose from than most alternatives. You can choose from three preset equipment packages or build your own.

You can add more devices to any plan, though you will have to pay for the monitoring plan that supports your system’s capabilities. If you want to use security cameras, for instance, you will have to pay for the top-tier plan.

ADT’s professional monitoring service is the best in the industry. It uses nine monitoring centers to guarantee that it is always ready to respond to any emergencies. Whether a security sensor is triggered or your smoke alarm goes off, its monitoring team will quickly act to send emergency responders.

The biggest difference between ADT and the alternatives in this guide is this provider’s contract requirement. If you want to enjoy its home security services, you will have to agree to a long-term contract. You have the option to choose from 24-month, 36-month, and 60-month agreements.

You can finance your security system to save money on the front end or pay for all of your equipment upfront. Either way, you will also have a monthly monitoring fee.

All of ADT’s customers enjoy professional installation services. You can trust that your system is set up correctly, even with the most complicated network of devices. This service requires a one-time installation fee.

Best of all, you can enjoy several exclusive benefits with your ADT system. These perks include:

• A six-month, money-back guarantee if you aren’t happy with your system
• A Theft Protection Guarantee that provides a $500 reimbursement for your homeowner’s insurance deductible if your home is burglarized while the system is armed
• Repairs and replacements for faulty devices, included in every monitoring plan

Convenience & customization

Want to see a live video feed from your cameras? Looking to create an automated schedule for your smart lights? Need to connect with ADT?

You can do it all in the ADT Control mobile app!

The app takes all responsibility for your security off your shoulders. Along with allowing you to arm/disarm your system and adjust your settings, the app will alert you when a door is left unlocked or your system’s status changes.

More importantly, ADT’s system is easy to customize to your needs and preferences. Some of the personalization options include:

• Setting schedules so your devices activate, record, disarm, and more at a specific time on a one-time or regular basis
• Adjusting the temperature, lighting, and other smart devices through the app
• Changing settings for your cameras and other devices
• Turning on alerts for events such as the door opening

You can easily access your entire system through your phone and control panel to make your life easier.

Additional considerations

By age alone, it’s clear that ADT is doing a lot right. Its long history of success shows that it can keep your home protected.

Plus, if you move during your contract, ADT will work with you to make the transition as easy as possible. You will even get new equipment, saving you the hassle of moving your current equipment.

That also makes it easy to start using ADT when you move into a home that already has its equipment. Just call the company to get your own account started.

Out of most security providers, this company boasts some of the best customer service experiences. If you are dealing directly with the company, you can trust that you will get friendly service and quick solutions to your problems.

What security system is better than ADT?

A different security system might fit your needs better than ADT, but you will get the same high-quality protection from all three security companies. If you are a short-term renter, you might prefer Frontpoint. If you don’t want a contract, Vivint might be a better fit than ADT. You should evaluate these options based on your needs rather than trying to find the “best” provider on the market.

ADT vs Vivint

A network of protection

Vivint is a newer player, but it has quickly become one of the top home security providers. While customers love its equipment and services its smart home capabilities have pushed it to the top of many lists.

Vivint has created its own line of smart devices. Since this equipment is made to work together, you can enjoy a more powerful security system.

This provider is a good choice if you like ADT but don’t want to sign a contract. You may, however, have to pay more for your equipment. Before you decide if the flexibility is worth the cost, let’s take a look at Vivint’s security solutions.

Equipment

If you compare ADT and Vivint’s equipment options, you will find that they offer almost identical devices. Both companies have created systems that fully cover your home and maintain security against a variety of threats.

Vivint’s equipment includes:

• Door and window sensors
• Glass break detectors
• Motion sensors
• Flood sensors
• Smoke detectors
• Carbon monoxide detectors
• Indoor, outdoor, and doorbell cameras
• Smart thermostats
• Smart garage door controllers
• Smart lighting
• Smart door locks
• Smart Drive
• Vivint Car Guard

Smart home automation

As mentioned, Vivint’s network of smart devices is its best feature. Rather than just adding compatible third-party devices, its products are specifically designed to expand your security system’s capabilities. This design helps you get more out of your smart home.

If you already have smart devices or want to use third-party options, Vivint’s system can integrate with Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Google’s Nest products. You can then use voice control with Alexa and the Google Assistant to adjust and use your smart features. This system also integrates with smart devices that use Z Wave protocol.

Vivint’s smart products include:

• Smart thermostats, including Nest Thermostats
• Smart garage door controllers
• Smart door locks
• Smart lights
• Smart plugs

It also offers Vivint Car Guard, which connects vehicles to your security system, and Smart Drive, a smart hard drive for video storage.

Plans & pricing

Given the similarities in ADT and Vivint’s services, the ability to avoid a contract is one of the top reasons customers might choose the newer provider.

Purchasing your equipment upfront allows you to use Vivint’s service without signing an agreement. You can stop your service at any time without hassle. You can choose to finance your equipment for as little as $0 down instead, but you will have to sign a 42- or 60-month contract.

Like ADT, you will have to pay for the company’s professional monitoring service to use your equipment. Its monitoring team is available 24/7 to respond to any alerts or communication. Vivint doesn’t have as many monitoring centers and level of redundancy as ADT, but it remains ready to get you the help you need.

Vivint provides a security consult to identify the ideal devices and placement for your system, similar to ADT’s consultation. The provider also professionally installs all of your equipment, again, like ADT, though the cost of this service is included in your equipment’s price.

Rather than offering equipment packages and pricing, Vivint works with each customer to design the ideal system. If you want a quote for your home, you can call 844-700-4905 to speak with a Vivint representative.

Convenience & customization

The Vivint mobile app includes access to live video feeds, system settings, your smart devices, and more. You can check on your system’s status and arm/disarm it with a few taps. Instant notifications ensure that you always know what’s happening at home.

For more convenience, you can adjust your system to better fit your needs. Customizations include:

• Automating actions based on a schedule or event-based triggers
• Controlling smart devices through the app or control panel
• Adjusting the settings on your devices

Since Vivint’s systems are more closely connected than many options, you have more ways to personalize it for your convenience.

Additional considerations

Vivint doesn’t offer as many perks as ADT, including a trial period, but there are still several benefits to choosing this provider.

If you’re moving, you can choose to take your equipment with you rather than paying for a new system. Plus, you own your security equipment rather than leasing it for the length of your contract, which gives you more flexibility. Vivint also offers a few additional options for moving with its system to lessen the hassle.

The home security provider faced customer service issues early on, but it has improved considerably in recent years. You can expect a helpful, friendly service for any of your needs.

ADT vs. Frontpoint

Exceptional do-it-yourself protection

If you prefer to skip the hassle of professional installation, a DIY security system might be your best option. This option is easy to set up by yourself while continuing to offer the protection you need. Like the other companies in this guide, it also provides reliable professional monitoring services for an extra layer of safety.

Frontpoint’s equipment and services are similar to ADT’s, but it doesn’t offer as many white glove perks. Still, its industry-best customer service and ease of use have made it a popular solution for many homes and families.

Equipment

Do-it-yourself equipment is designed for easy installation. Once your system arrives through the mail, you can get it set up and armed in no time. You won’t have a security consultation to show you the best locations for your devices, like you would with ADT, but you can easily find tips for ideal placements.

Frontpoint has a broader range of security products than many DIY providers, including:

• Door/window sensors
• Glass break sensors
• Motion sensors
• Indoor, outdoor, and doorbell cameras
• Carbon monoxide detectors
• Smoke and heat detectors
• Flood sensors
• Keypad and touchscreen control panels
• Smart thermostats
• Smart locks
• Smart plugs
• Wireless light controls
• Garage door tilt sensor
• Keychain remote
• Panic pendant

Smart home automation

Worried that a DIY system might not work well with a smart home? Don’t be! Frontpoint offers several smart devices that enable automation and remote control. Along with Google Home and Amazon Alexa integrations, this system connects with Siri devices, an integration that ADT lacks. 

This provider’s smart products include:

• Smart locks
• Smart plugs
• Wireless light controllers
• Smart thermostat

You can also use devices that run on Z Wave protocol.

Plans & pricing

Frontpoint allows customers to either purchase their equipment upfront or finance it over the course of their contract. Its equipment doesn’t cost as much as ADT’s, but these devices also generally have fewer capabilities.

If you want a touchscreen control panel, for instance, you will have to pay extra to add it on.

You can choose from three equipment packages or choose to build your own. The packages include:

• The Starter Pack – A basic package with a Frontpoint Hub, keypad, door and window sensor, and motion sensor.
• The Home Shield – Add two additional door and window sensors, an indoor camera, a smoke and heat sensor, and a flood sensor to cover more of your home and potential threats.
• The Family Lookout – Choose from a doorbell or outdoor camera for added security. You will also get a keychain remote in addition to the equipment The Home Shield package.

Every purchase includes three years of professional 24/7 monitoring, which is required to use your system. Frontpoint’s monitoring team will send emergency responders to your home if any part of your system is triggered.

After purchasing your equipment, Frontpoint will ship it to your home for free. If you want it in one or two days, you will have to pay extra for rushed shipping.

Convenience & customization

Every package includes access to its mobile app, which you can use to view, control, and adjust every device connected to your system. Like ADT, Frontpoint gives its customers extensive control over their systems. 

Once connected, for example, you can set automated “scenes.” Depending on your settings, your system will automatically adjust your smart lighting, temperature, security system status, and more when these scenes are activated.

You can also use voice commands with Siri, Alexa, and the Google Assistant to control your devices. 

You can use the app to:

• View live and recorded videos
• Adjust your system’s settings
• View and change your system’s current status
• Create automated actions and schedules

Extra considerations

DIY security systems are often easiest to move. Simply remove the devices and set them up in your new home after alerting Frontpoint to the move. You won’t have to pay any additional fees, get new equipment, or set up a reinstallation appointment.

Along with home security, customers get Front ID Protect, which is powered by Allstate Identity Protection. This service protects you from identity fraud and offers recovery assistance if you’re victimized. 

Crash and Smash Protection is another perk. If your system stops communicating with Frontpoint’s monitoring center, they will treat it like a break-in. Even if an intruder breaks your control panel, you will still get the help you need.

Finally, Frontpoint has the best customer service record in the industry. No matter your issue or when you reach out, you can expect to get quick, helpful solutions.

Which security system is right for me?

	Pros	Cons
ADT	Backed by nearly 150 years of experience Best professional monitoring redundancy with 9 monitoring centers Six-month money-back guarantee Wired and wireless options	Requires multi-year contracts Includes installation costs
Vivint	Flexible pricing, including upfront or financed payment plans No additional activation or installation fees Professional installation, maintenance, and set-up guidance No contract required	High equipment costs No trial period
Frontpoint	Easy, DIY install No contracts Includes identity protection Exceptional customer support 30-Day, Money-Back Guarantee	High costs Average smart home automation capabilities No security consultation

The best security system is the one that fits your budget, offers the coverage you need, and helps you feel secure in your home. Even if ADT isn’t the perfect solution, you can find security peace of mind with any of the alternatives in this guide.