ADT Cost Per Month: What You Really Pay for Smart Home Security

ADT gets tossed around as the big name in home security, but most folks still have no clue what the monthly bill might look like. No big surprise—ADT isn’t exactly shouting their prices from the rooftops. And when you dig into those numbers, you’ll realize it’s not just about a flat fee. There’s a basic plan, but then you swipe on a couple cameras and suddenly your cost bumps up like that food delivery order after you click 'add guac'.

So what’s the real story? ADT’s bare-bones monitoring plans usually start around $30 to $40 a month. Want smart home stuff—remote arming, camera access, app features? That jumps to $50–$60 a month, sometimes more if you stack up the extras.

Here’s a heads-up: this monthly total doesn't always include the price of equipment. Some people lease it, some buy it outright, and the deal you get up front can swing your costs a lot. Don’t get stung by an awesome promo, only to see your payment double after a year.

• Breaking Down ADT’s Monthly Fee
• Equipment Costs—What’s Included and What’s Extra
• Hidden Fees, Contracts, and Fine Print
• Is Professional Monitoring Worth the Extra Cash?
• Ways to Pay Less: Tips and Deals
• Comparing ADT to Other Security Brands

Breaking Down ADT’s Monthly Fee

Monthly bills with ADT aren’t just a flat rate you pay for peace of mind. Their pricing actually depends on a few things: which plan you pick, any extra devices you add, plus taxes and other fees that slip in there. Let’s get into the real numbers so there are no surprises when your bill lands.

ADT’s most basic monitoring service—this just covers 24/7 home monitoring without smart home bells and whistles—usually starts at about $34.99 per month. If you want to unlock features like app control, smart door locks, and cameras, expect to pay closer to $56.99 per month for what they call the ‘ADT Command’ package. And that’s just standard prices—it can bump up with more upgrades.

Here’s a quick breakdown of common ADT packages and their monthly cost as of 2025:

The more stuff you want to monitor—like extra doors, motion detectors, or video cameras—the higher your bill goes. You’re also charged per month for each camera’s video storage in some cases, so stacking two or three cameras can sneakily add another $10–20 to what you pay every cycle.

Keep in mind, these prices don't usually include equipment fees. If you’re renting devices, it may be rolled into your monthly bill. If you want to buy equipment outright, you might still be on the hook for the full monitoring fee, so double check with ADT before you sign the contract.

If you see an ADT promo for a lower price, look for the asterisk—it’s probably for a limited time or basic monitoring only. Once the honeymoon period ends, you’ll be right back at the prices above. Always ask if the quoted price is for the length of your contract or just a few months’ teaser.

Equipment Costs—What’s Included and What’s Extra

ADT doesn’t exactly make it simple when it comes to equipment fees. They love to advertise their monitoring service, but when it comes to what you actually get in your starter kit, you’ll want to read the details. For a typical basic package—the kind you see in most ADT ads—you usually get a control panel, a few door or window sensors, and maybe a motion detector. That’s it.

Most folks want more—doorbell cameras, indoor cams, or smart home gear like locks or lights. And this is where your price creeps up. ADT lets you bundle extras, but each add-on has its own cost. Some devices, like their HD cameras, can run $100 to $200 each. Don’t forget, they’ll offer monthly leasing so you don’t pay a lump sum upfront, but leasing usually makes you pay way more over time.

Here’s a quick look at what’s usually included (and what isn’t) with a standard ADT set-up:

• Included (Basic Kit): Digital keypad, 3 door/window sensors, 1 motion detector, window decals, yard sign
• Extra Cost: Cameras (indoor, outdoor, doorbell), extra sensors, smoke/CO detectors, smart locks, garage controllers, extra keypads, home automation extras

One thing a lot of folks miss—if you want the cool stuff like app control or camera video, you’ve got to choose a higher-tier plan and pay an install fee. Install fees are almost always $99 and up. Those charges rarely show up in the first sales pitch.

If you move houses before your contract is up, you might need to buy new equipment all over again—ADT’s contracts don’t always travel with you for free. Run the numbers before saying yes to every upgrade, and remember: home security systems get expensive fast if you’re not careful with the extras.

Hidden Fees, Contracts, and Fine Print

The monthly price for ADT always sounds decent—until you look at the extra stuff they sneak into your bill or contract. Let’s start with contracts. ADT basically never does month-to-month. Most customers get roped into a three-year contract (or two years if you’re in California). Break the agreement early, and expect to cough up 75% of your remaining payments. That’s not a small hit.

Now, hidden fees. There’s usually a one-time installation fee that runs from $99 up to $199, depending on the gear you pick and the complexity of the setup. Want more sensors or a fancy camera? Each one adds more dollars up front—and some folks only realize it when they see the bill after the installer leaves.

Here are the sneakiest costs you might face with ADT:

• Activation Fee: Not every promo covers this, and it ranges from $25–$99.
• Early Termination: If you want out of your contract, expect to pay a chunk. Usually 75% of what's left, so quitting after a year costs a lot.
• Service Calls: Need a tech to come out? It often runs $49–$100 per visit.
• Relocation: Moving? Transferring your system can mean a new contract, installation fees again, or extra charges to move the gear.
• Cloud Storage: If you add security cameras, there’s a recurring monthly fee for saved video clips. That’s often $2.99–$12.99 per device per month.

Some ADT dealers run promotions where equipment is "free" if you sign a contract, but this usually just rolls the cost into your monthly payment—nothing’s really free. And here’s a surprise: adding homeowner’s insurance discounts for ADT rarely makes up for the bumpy fees if you’re not watching your contract closely.

You’ll definitely want to read every part of the contract before you sign, especially paragraphs about moving, cancelling early, or upgrading gear. If you’re shopping for smart home security systems, these fine-print details change the real price in a big way.

Is Professional Monitoring Worth the Extra Cash?

Paying extra for ADT's professional monitoring can feel like a hit to your wallet, but here's the thing—it actually pays off for a lot of folks. With monitoring, there’s a team ready to jump on the line if your alarm goes off, day or night. That means if you’re traveling or just deep asleep, someone’s got your back.

The big deal is response time. According to data from the National Fire Protection Association, homes with monitored alarms get emergency help about 3–4 minutes faster after an alarm goes off compared to DIY systems that text you and hope you answer. That time matters, whether it’s a break-in or a fire.

Home Security News wrote, "The main value in professional monitoring is peace of mind and direct emergency response—no guessing, no waiting for a text."

If you’re weighing the value, think about what you’re really protecting. Got family at home during the day? Travel a lot for work? Professional monitoring is designed for people who’d rather not play phone tag when there’s a real emergency. And the insurance angle—it’s legit: most insurance companies throw you a 5–20% discount on your homeowners policy if you have a monitored home security system, which actually chips away at the monthly cost.

Still not sure? Here’s a quick rundown:

• ADT monitoring runs 24/7, no off days.
• You get two-way talk with the ADT panel in case you can’t reach your phone.
• They dispatch police, fire, or medical help directly—no waiting on you to answer your phone in time.
• Big plus for busy homes, older folks, or anyone out of town a lot.

If you’re on a tight budget and always glued to your phone, you might think about a self-monitored setup to save some cash. But if you want set-it-and-forget-it protection—or you just sleep better knowing someone else is on call—then that extra monthly charge for monitoring starts looking a lot more worthwhile.

Ways to Pay Less: Tips and Deals

ADT isn’t cheap, but you can absolutely shave money off your monthly bill if you know where to look. Not every deal sticks around, and some offers are way better than others, so timing matters. Here’s how real people save on their ADT and smart home security plans.

• Take Advantage of Seasonal Offers: ADT throws out discounts a few times a year, especially around Black Friday, spring home shows, and even back-to-school season. Sometimes they give free equipment or installation upgrades just to sweeten the sign-up.
• Call and Negotiate: If you’re coming from another company or you’re willing to sign a longer contract, ask straight up for a better monthly rate or freebies. Sales reps often have flexibility, especially for new customers or folks at renewal time.
• Bundled Equipment Packages: Instead of paying for each gadget à la carte, ask about starter kits. These bundles usually have door sensors, motion detectors, and a panel—cheaper than piecing it together yourself.
• Watch Out for Fees: ADT sometimes slips in charges for extra sensors or mobile access. Make sure you double-check the fine print before clicking 'confirm.'
• Skip the Extras at First: If you pick a basic plan now, you can always add cameras or automation later. That keeps your starting bill down while you figure out what you really need.

Here’s a quick look based on 2024 offers:

Pro tip: Check your homeowner’s insurance. Some insurers knock 5%–10% off premiums if you show proof of monitored home security. Submit your ADT contract and see if you qualify for that extra discount every year.

And don’t forget—competition helps. If you show ADT a better deal from another alarm company, they might price match or toss in a month or two free. Use that to your advantage before signing anything.

Comparing ADT to Other Security Brands

If you’re weighing your options, you’ll notice ADT isn’t your only pick when it comes to smart home security and monthly costs. Names like SimpliSafe, Vivint, and Ring have jumped into the fight, and the price gaps are enough to turn some heads.

Put it this way: ADT is famous for professional installation and monitoring, but it costs a chunk more each month. SimpliSafe, for example, lets you install the gear yourself and watch your home for about $18–$28 a month. Ring’s monitoring starts at $20 a month. With both, you skip long contracts and can cancel anytime. ADT, though, usually asks you to sign for at least 36 months—and there’s a penalty for bailing early.

Equipment is another spot where the numbers split. You’ll often buy your SimpliSafe or Ring gear upfront, but you own it. ADT sometimes rolls equipment fees into your plan or offers leasing, but either way, you’ll end up paying more if you add smart cameras or extra sensors. It’s like a phone plan—cheaper monthly sounds good until you see what add-ons cost.

Here’s another thing: ADT’s big selling point is their 24/7 monitoring centers that have a long track record. If you want a super established reputation, ADT’s hard to top. But if money and flexibility are your top concerns, brands like SimpliSafe or Ring win points because they’re easy to start and stop, no big contract hangs over your head, and the tech is solid for most homes.

Bottom line: if you want something set up for you, monitored by pros, and you’re okay with a higher monthly fee, ADT does the trick. If you’re the type who likes to tinker, save some cash, and don’t mind installing stuff, checking out SimpliSafe, Ring, or even Vivint makes sense. Match what you want to what you’re willing to pay, and don’t skip the small print.