ADT Fire & Security home security system review

Every package from ADT is tailored to the security needs and size of the property (image credit: ADT)

ADT Fire & Security is a long-established company with over 140 years in business. They have a fast-responding, professional UK monitoring centre providing round-the-clock support which makes this service one of the best home security system providers in the UK. In addition, the company assures they fix up to 80% of technical issues remotely. ADT products and services also meet strict international standards and hold several accreditations across the board. 

ADT offers an all-inclusive service, maintenance plan and 24/7 professional monitoring. They have several customisable smart home security packages that include intruder alarms, full HD CCTV cameras, video doorbells with night vision, and pet-friendly sensors, among other excellent-rated products. The company brings the latest in automation technology to tailor their security solutions to individual needs

Rating: ★★★★

Overall, ADT Fire & Security is one of the best security systems for homes and UK wireless home security camera systems. The security of your house is too important to leave to a one-fit-all solution, so whenever you can, it’s always a good idea to go for a trusted company with a proven track record. Our review of ADT Fire & Security products and services has uncovered many benefits.

This system is not cheap – and you will need to sign up for a more extended contract. However, considering the company will take care of the entire installation and maintenance and seeing most customers are delighted with their products, we believe it’s worth the investment.

ADT’s security systems are all professionally installed for a simple, fuss-free experience (image credit: ADT)

ADT Fire & Security is a trusted home security system that combines cutting-edge technology with expertise to provide properties with burglar alarms, video doorbells, and CCTV services. Each home security system is tailored to suit individual needs and users can control all devices and products from a smart alarm panel and an ADT app you can install on your smartphone, tablet, and PC – a feature that is included in all packages. ADT Fire & Security doesn’t have any hidden fees; installation, service, monitoring and maintenance are all part of the package you select. However, contracts are 36 months minimum. 

• Installation type: Professional
• Price range: Tailored quotes
• Number of packages: Four, bespoke to every home
• Monitoring: Professional

• Highlights: ADT Fire & Security offers good security coverage with their CCTV camera monitoring, burglar alarms (with flashing LED lights and deterrent sirens), and video doorbells. The entire system is controlled through a touch screen panel with an integrated keypad and the app.
• Service: Homeowners can choose between Burglar Alarm, Smart Home, Pet Friendly and CCTV packages and each one will be tailored to individual homes upon quotation.
• Warranty: One year.
• Key benefit: ADT security systems are professionally installed, tested, and maintained. The company also offers expert support with no unexpected extras. Unlike DIY plans, ADT Fire & Security don’t just alert you when something is happening, they can answer the alarm 24/7/365 and will alert emergency services.

Every home security package comes with benefits and disadvantages, so it’s best to weigh them up before making an informed decision. ADT Fire & Security’s systems offer:

• Excellent range: You can choose which equipment to include in your ADT Smart Home package. In addition to cameras, alarms, and doorbells, ADT also offers HD wifi cameras, two-way audio intelligent cameras, smart plugs, and smoke detectors. The company also has a trustworthy, efficient, dedicated 24/7/365 monitor centre. 
• Friendly app: The ADT Smart Services app works for both Android and iPhone and facilitates the maintenance and programming of all your home security products from one simple and convenient location. You can use the app from any device such as phones, tablets, and the PC.
• Trusted company: ADT Fire & Security is an established, well-respected company with a long history of providing effective home security services and products and a 4.2 Trustpilot rating (out of five, one of the highest for home security providers).

However, the downsides to consider include: 

• Long contracts: ADT’s shortest contract is three years. This is considerably longer than its home security competitors, although not exactly an uncommon practice among the most established companies. There is no flexible month-to-month option. 
• You cannot install the system yourself: If you purchase an ADT Fire & Security system, you will also need to pay a fee for installing the products in your home. You cannot do it yourself. However, planning an installation date is very easy, and you can get your system running within one week.
• Higher prices: ADT provides an excellent service, and its products are resilient and effective. This, however, comes at a premium price. Most customers agree, though, that their professional monitoring is worth the extra.

ADT’s useful app allows users to disarm the system remotely (image credit: ADT)

ADT’s burglar alarm package is a user-friendly system that includes a touch screen control, ADT smart services connectivity, and a deterrent siren. The package comes with six components that work together in harmony: an ADT bell box with a flashing LED light, a touch screen alarm panel that also includes an integrated keypad and a deterrent siren, a wireless door contact, two PIR motion sensors, and the ADT Smart Services app. Large pets are also never mistaken for an intruder. This alarm package is perfect for homes and families of all sizes, as you can create up to 64 zones and 48 different user codes. 

ADT Fire & Security also offers a smart video doorbell that can see, hear, and record who’s at your front door. The doorbell has motion sensors that detect people approaching your home. You can access the camera’s video through the ADT Smart Services app, use two-way audio to communicate with your visitor, and store all recordings in the cloud. The doorbell has both wifi and GPRS connection (in case the first fails) and can record 3,000 clips when it detects a person approaching. This product requires no batteries, as it is installed using wires. The image quality is slightly lower than the CCTV cameras, 720p, but the smart doorbell supports IR night vision and has noise reduction for better audio quality. 

You can upgrade your home security to high-definition using one of ADT’s HD CCTV packages, which can also be tailored to your residence’s needs. The cameras record true colour during daytime and crisp monochrome at night-time (thanks to infrared technology). The full HD image quality is very good  and the camera’s lenses provide wide viewing angles for all captures. Video is recorded at a max of 25 FPS (2MP) and in formats AHD, TVI, CVI, and CVBS. These cameras are excellent for both indoors and outdoors use, as they are IP66 weather resistant. You can also choose between white or black models to better suit your home’s style. ADT CCTV systems can record up to 30 days of footage and play it back with ease.

Another advantage of ADT is that you can have a security solution that is specifically tailored to your home. The company supports large property installation (four beds or more), CCTV, premium-grade Tier 3 system for your insurance, and alarmed outbuildings. Other products in the ADT security range include smoke and heat detectors (they are wireless and provide constant monitoring and protection) and carbon monoxide detectors. You can control all your ADT products from the ADT Smart Services app, which is available for both Android and iPhone. 

All ADT security system components are professionally installed. The staff takes care of everything, from drilling the holes to setting up your alarms to testing and maintenance. You will be able to arrange for your installation through text and get the system running within one week. 

ADT Fire & Security has one of the best home security guarantees in the industry. All packages that include the Quality Service Plan get an extended ADT guarantee as part of the monthly rate. This consists of any and all services needed during the first 90 days at no cost and free replacement parts and repairs for as long as you keep your ADT monitoring services.

For other similar complete packages with professional monitoring and a tailored package of cameras and sensors look at Verisure and Abode, but for a more affordable price consider the flexible package options from Simplisafe. Different components can be added at any time to expand a home security system, and their paid-for professional monitoring (which can include emergency services alerts) starts at 53p per day. 

It’s important to mention that ADT’s contracts are relatively long. And the benefit of choosing another supplier like Simplisafe, compared with ADT, would be their month-to-month cancel-anytime contracts. ADT requires homeowners to sign up for three years (36 months). The good news, however, is that you have six months to decide if you like the service and can cancel within that time period at no extra cost. 

You will need to contact ADT Fire & Security to get a quote, as the price will depend on the security system you want to install (number of cameras, types of alarm, and additional products). The good news is that the price you will get will include everything from installation to maintenance and support – with no hidden extras.

ADT offer an all-inclusive service as standard when it comes to maintenance, so it would be ideal for homeowners who want a fit and forget system. They have a 24-hour service engineer callout and technical support from their remote operating centre if any issues do arrive.

ADT allows up to 64 zones and 48 user codes for a flexible system (image credit: ADT)

“ADT has been around for over 140 years, and as one would expect, it’s probably as refined as a security system could be. The user-experience is spot-on, thanks to the easy-to-use equipment, intuitive smartphone app, and the convenient to use touchscreen control panel. There’s even a smartwatch application specifically made for more tech-y ADT users.”

• Security.org review

“Although it’s often the most expensive option, ADT has the technology and experience to offer the best protection for your small to medium sized business. Every package comes with the distinctive bell box, professional installation and 24/7/365 maintenance and response.” 

• Tech Radar review

“ADT is familiar to people. It’s synonymous with home security. And if you don’t need all the bells and whistles, or if you don’t mind paying extra to access them, then you’re going to be satisfied with ADT. But if you’re tired of paying a ton of money for home security, or if you want a DIY system, or if you’re just looking for something different, ADT isn’t the end-all-be-all.” 

• Reviews.org review

“Prompt, professional service. Our experience was enhanced greatly by the installation engineer – Adrian Cook – who made a special effort to the set-up our system, providing us with two boxes for the exterior of the house and also ensuring the interior panel is aesthetically mounted on the wall with all wires concealed and out of view.”

• Alicia, via Trustpilot

“While I have to say that the maintenance cost of my system is high and this does concern us, ADT are efficient in arranging for the inspection. Sam Clark telephoned early this morning to agree the time of the inspection and arrived on time. Sam was personable and polite and carried out the inspection efficiently. He was also happy to discuss, advise and listen to our questions on the alarm system we have.We are happy with the service received today.”

• Graham Hardaker, via Trustpilot

“Wayne was very friendly and took time to explain the alarm system to us and answer any questions we had. He made the set up process very quick and easy and guided us through all the steps. He made sure we understood the system by going through examples and practicing it out with us.”

• Anitta Sritharan, via Trustpilot

The required monthly fee and comparatively high initial costs might mean ADT is out of consideration for some. That being said, if your budget can stretch, ADT’s exemplary service, customisable packages and professional installation means that any home with their system installed will be a safer, more secure place.

Rating: ★★★★

We considered several factors when reviewing the various ADT Fire & Security home security systems and its smart cameras, video doorbells, and alarms. We included five main criteria when comparing it to some of the best self-monitored home security systems and best wireless home security camera systems, including design, durability, efficiency, performance, and guarantee options, and took into consideration professional and customer reviews that have set up and tried the products in ADT Fire & Security’s range. We also compared the ADT Fire & Security security cameras and alarm systems with the best home security system UK in terms of both performance and price.

We considered the following factors:

• Reputation, including customer reviews
• Variety of packages available
• Security features and functionality
• Upfront and contract pricing
• Usability

For more information, read our article on how we review home security systems.