How Much Does ADT Cost a Month in 2025? Full Breakdown of Monthly Fees and Hidden Costs

When you’re thinking about home security, one of the first questions you ask is: How much does ADT cost a month? It’s not just about the monthly fee - it’s about what you’re actually paying for, what’s hidden in the fine print, and whether it’s worth it compared to other options. The answer isn’t simple, because ADT’s pricing has changed a lot since 2023. What used to be $50-$60 a month is now as low as $24.99 - but only if you do it yourself.

ADT’s Monthly Monitoring Fees: What You Actually Pay

ADT’s monthly cost depends on three big things: how you install the system, which package you pick, and whether you’re signing a contract. As of 2025, their monitoring fees range from $24.99 to $82.14 per month.

• DIY Installation: If you install the system yourself, you can get basic monitoring for $24.99/month. This is their new entry-level plan, launched in March 2025, and it comes with no contract.
• Professional Installation: If ADT sends a technician to set up your system, you’ll pay at least $49.99/month. This price is locked in only if you sign a 36-month contract.
• Top-tier plans: Packages with video monitoring, smart home integration, and outdoor cameras can hit $70-$82/month - especially if you’re on a long-term contract.

Here’s a quick breakdown of ADT’s most common monthly monitoring fees based on 2025 pricing from ADT’s website and third-party reviews:

Notice the gap between DIY and professional installation? That’s $25 a month - and it’s not just for the installer’s labor. ADT charges more for professional setups because they guarantee system compatibility and faster emergency response times. But if you’re tech-savvy, you can save big by going DIY.

Equipment Costs: The Real Hidden Expense

ADT doesn’t just charge you monthly. You also pay for the equipment - and that’s where things get expensive.

Basic DIY starter kits start at $199 after promotions. But if you want cameras, door sensors, motion detectors, and a hub, you’re looking at $700-$1,600. Here’s what you might actually pay for popular packages:

• Security Starter Kit: $349 (door/window sensors, keypad, motion detector)
• Outdoor Video Package: $648.98 (two outdoor cameras, hub, siren)
• Front Door Protection: $738.98 (video doorbell, outdoor camera, smart lock)
• Total Safety Package: $1,593.95 (full home coverage with 10+ devices)

Most customers don’t pay this all upfront. ADT offers 36-month, 0% APR financing. That means your $1,593.95 system gets split into $44.27/month payments - on top of your monitoring fee.

So if you pick the Total Safety package with professional installation, your real monthly cost isn’t $82.14. It’s $82.14 (monitoring) + $44.27 (equipment) = $126.41/month. That’s over $1,500 a year just to keep your home secure.

ADT vs. Competitors: Is It Worth It?

ADT isn’t the cheapest option out there - not even close. Here’s how it stacks up against other top brands in 2025:

ADT’s DIY plan is competitive - it’s right at the industry average of $25/month. But if you go with professional installation, you’re paying more than most competitors - even Vivint, which is known for being expensive.

What you’re paying for with ADT isn’t just equipment. It’s 24/7 professional monitoring with UL-certified centers. Their average response time is 30-45 seconds - faster than most DIY systems. If you have elderly family members or live in a high-crime area, that peace of mind might be worth it.

The Contract Trap: What Happens After 3 Years?

ADT’s biggest criticism isn’t the price - it’s what happens after your contract ends.

If you sign up for professional installation, you’re locked into a 36-month contract. That’s three years. During that time, your rate is locked in. But once it expires? Many customers report their bills jumping from $49.99 to $70-$80/month - sometimes without warning.

On Trustpilot, ADT has a 1.3/5 rating based on over 18,000 reviews. The top complaint? “Price increased 75% after my contract ended.” Reddit users in r/homesecurity share similar stories: one person went from $29.99 to $52.99 - a $23 monthly hike.

ADT doesn’t advertise this upfront. Their website says “$24.99/month” - but doesn’t clearly state that’s only for DIY. The professional plans are buried in fine print, and the contract terms are easy to miss.

If you’re not ready to commit for three years, avoid professional installation. Stick with DIY and month-to-month monitoring. You’ll keep your flexibility - and your wallet.

Early Termination Fees and Other Hidden Costs

Let’s say you change your mind after six months. Can you cancel? Yes - but you’ll pay.

ADT charges early termination fees of up to $600 if you break your 36-month contract. That’s not just a penalty - it’s a financial trap. If you move, get a new job, or just don’t like the service, you’re stuck paying hundreds just to leave.

There’s also an installation fee of $100 - unless you get a promotion. ADT runs frequent deals that waive this fee, but you have to sign up during a sale. Otherwise, you’re paying extra.

And don’t forget taxes. ADT adds state and local sales tax to every monthly bill. That can add $2-$5 to your payment depending on where you live.

Who Should Choose ADT? Who Should Avoid It?

ADT isn’t right for everyone. Here’s who it works for - and who should look elsewhere.

Choose ADT if:

• You want 24/7 professional monitoring with guaranteed response times
• You’re not tech-savvy and want someone to install your system
• You value brand history and trust (ADT’s been around since 1874)
• You’re okay with a 3-year contract and potential rate hikes

Avoid ADT if:

• You want to pay under $30/month with no contract
• You’re comfortable installing your own system
• You’ve had bad experiences with long-term contracts
• You’re on a tight budget and can’t afford $100+ monthly bills

If you’re looking for the cheapest option, go with Ring or Blink. If you want professional monitoring without a contract, try SimpliSafe or Frontpoint. But if you want the most trusted name in home security - and you’re willing to pay for it - ADT still delivers.

What’s Next for ADT? Price Cuts Coming?

ADT’s business model is changing. In 2024, they lost market share to DIY brands like Ring and SimpliSafe. Their response? Lower prices.

Their $24.99 DIY plan with no contract was a direct reaction to competition. In Q4 2024, they saw a 12% increase in new subscribers - the biggest jump in years. Analysts believe they’ll keep cutting prices to stay relevant.

Some predict ADT could drop their DIY rate to $19.99 by late 2025. That would make them even more competitive. But here’s the catch: ADT’s monitoring margins are already thin at 62%. If they go lower, they might have to cut corners on service or support.

Right now, ADT is walking a tightrope: lower prices to win customers, but keep enough profit to maintain their monitoring centers. Whether they can balance that long-term is still up in the air.

For now, if you’re thinking about ADT, get the DIY plan. Skip the contract. Avoid the equipment financing. And make sure you know what your bill will look like after 36 months.