ADT Security Monthly Monitoring Costs
ADT’s monthly monitoring fees have become more transparent and competitive in recent years. As of 2025, the monthly cost for ADT professional monitoring ranges from $24.99 to $49.99, depending on your system type, installation method, and the features you choose.
Monitoring Plan Breakdown
| Plan Type | Self-Setup (DIY) | Professionally Installed |
|---|---|---|
| Secure (Basic Monitoring) | $24.99/month | $34.99/month |
| Smart (Adds Home Automation) | $29.99/month | $39.99/month |
| Complete (Adds Video Monitoring) | $39.99/month | $49.99/month |
- Secure Plan: Covers 24/7 professional monitoring for break-ins, fire, and emergencies.
- Smart Plan: Adds smart home automation features (lights, locks, thermostats).
- Complete Plan: Includes video monitoring with cloud storage and video verification.
Key Point: If you install the system yourself, you’ll pay less per month compared to professional installation. The most affordable option is the Self-Setup Secure Plan at $24.99/month.
ADT Equipment Costs
Your monthly bill may also include equipment costs if you choose to finance your system instead of paying upfront. ADT offers several packages, each with different devices and price points. Here’s a look at typical equipment pricing, with the option to finance over 36 months at 0% APR:
| Package Name | Upfront Cost | Monthly (36 mo.) |
|---|---|---|
| Build Your Own | $269 | $7.47 |
| Life Safety | $404 | $11.22 |
| Security Starter | $349 | $9.69 |
| Video Essentials | $529 | $14.69 |
| Outdoor Video | $648.98 | $18.03 |
| Front Door Protection | $718.98 | $19.97 |
| Total Safety | $1,573.95 | $43.72 |
Pro Tip: ADT often runs discounts, so you may find lower prices on some packages or free equipment deals when you sign up for monitoring.
Sample Monthly Cost Calculations
To estimate your total monthly cost, add your monitoring fee to any equipment financing payments. For example:
- Self-Setup Secure Plan with Build Your Equipment:
- Monitoring: $24.99/month
- Equipment: $7.47/month
- Total: $32.46/month
- Professionally Installed Complete Plan with Outdoor Video Package:
- Monitoring: $49.99/month
- Equipment: $18.03/month
- Total: $68.02/month
If you pay for equipment upfront, your monthly bill will only reflect the monitoring fee.
What’s Included in ADT’s Monthly Fee?
ADT’s monthly monitoring fee covers more than just basic alarm response:
- 24/7 Professional Monitoring: Multiple monitoring centers nationwide ensure rapid response to emergencies.
- SMART Monitoring: Advanced technology to verify alarms and speed up police response.
- App Access: Control your system, view cameras, and receive alerts via the ADT+ app.
- Home Automation: (On Smart and Complete plans) Integrate lights, locks, thermostats, and more.
- Video Monitoring: (On Complete plan) Includes cloud storage for recorded video and live streaming.
Additional Costs to Consider
- Installation: Professional installation is available for all systems, with fees typically around $150, but DIY setup is free for Self-Setup packages.
- Contract Length: Most ADT contracts are 36 months (24 months in California), with a six-month money-back guarantee for new customers.
- Add-Ons: You can customize your system with extra sensors, cameras, smart devices, and environmental detectors for an additional cost.
ADT vs. Competitors: Monthly Cost Comparison
| Security System | Monitoring Cost per Month |
|---|---|
| ADT | $24.99 – $49.99 |
| Vivint | $29.99 – $49.99 |
| Ring | $20 |
| Frontpoint | $49.99 |
| SimpliSafe | $21.99 – $31.99 |
ADT’s prices are generally higher than some DIY competitors, but you’re paying for a robust monitoring network, professional installation options, and a wide range of smart home integrations.
Is ADT Worth the Cost?
ADT remains one of the most trusted names in home security, offering:
- High-quality equipment (including Google Nest devices)
- Flexible installation (DIY or professional)
- Reliable, nationwide monitoring
- Strong smart home and video integration
While you might pay more per month than some budget systems, the peace of mind, rapid emergency response, and comprehensive coverage make ADT a top choice for many homeowners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ADT have a monthly fee?
Yes, all ADT systems require a monthly monitoring fee, starting at $24.99/month for Self-Setup customers.
Can I get ADT without a contract?
Most ADT plans require a 36-month contract, but there’s a six-month money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied.
How much does ADT charge for cameras?
ADT cameras range from $99 to $279 each, depending on the model. Video monitoring plans start at $39.99/month for Self-Setup customers.
Are there free equipment deals?
Yes, ADT occasionally offers free equipment promotions, but these usually require you to purchase a specific package or commit to a monitoring plan.
Conclusion
ADT’s monthly security costs in 2025 start at $24.99 and can reach $49.99 or more, depending on your system and features. Equipment can be paid upfront or financed, adding to your monthly bill. While ADT is not the cheapest option, its reputation, technology, and service quality make it a leading choice for homeowners seeking reliable, professional security.
If you value top-tier monitoring, smart home integration, and flexible installation, ADT is a strong investment in your family’s safety.
Call (844) 662-0388 to get ADT now!