ADT Average Monthly Cost: What to Expect from Your Wireless Alarm System

ADT is one of those brands everyone knows, but most people only figure out the real cost when they finally make the call. Here’s the deal—ADT’s monthly fees for wireless alarm systems usually fall between $30 to $60, but that’s only the main monitoring fee. There’s more to the story, and some folks get caught off guard by the extras.

The advertised prices often just cover basic monitoring. If you want fancy add-ons like cameras, smart locks, or even remote phone access, the price climbs fast. Some people shell out over $60 a month without realizing how quick the upgrades add up.

ADT’s installation fees and equipment costs can sneak up, too. Even if you grab a promo, there might be contract requirements or activation fees. A lot of people wish they double-checked what’s actually included before signing.

• How ADT Builds Monthly Pricing
• Popular ADT Plans and Features
• What’s Included: Equipment vs. Monitoring
• Hidden Fees and Sneaky Add-ons
• Tips to Save on ADT Wireless Alarm Systems

How ADT Builds Monthly Pricing

So you’re eyeing ADT, but the monthly bill looks pretty confusing? Let’s break it down. ADT’s pricing isn’t just a flat number—it’s a mix of a bunch of stuff rolled together.

The core charge is for their home security monitoring. That’s the number you usually see splashed in ads. Right now, the ADT basic monitoring plan usually lands around $30 to $40 a month for wireless alarm systems. This gets you 24/7 monitoring, and a few sensors on doors and windows.

Add-ons change everything. Want cameras, smart home controls, or glass-break sensors? Each of these bumps up your monthly rate. The most loaded plans can eat up $60 to $65 every month. Here’s a rough idea of what you might see:

Those aren’t the full picture. ADT also includes fees for equipment, which you’ll either pay up front or fold in monthly, adding $10–$20 more. And installation’s not free—you’re looking at charges anywhere from $99 up to $199 for pro setup, depending on what you want installed.

Another gotcha? Contract length. With ADT, most deals are locked in for 36 months. If you try to walk away early, you’ll owe a chunk of what’s left. Some offers come with zero activation fees, but you have to dig into the fine print because these offers can change based on promo season.

Bottom line: the sticker price is just the start—the more you layer on, the higher your monthly payment climbs. Always do the math before you sign.

Popular ADT Plans and Features

ADT has three well-known plans: Secure, Smart, and Complete. Each one ramps up in price and features, so you can match your budget and needs. The ADT Secure plan is the one most people start with if all they want is a solid, basic wireless alarm system. Smart and Complete are your options if you want all the fancy stuff like home automation and cameras.

• ADT Secure: Covers just the basics. You get 24/7 professional monitoring, wireless sensors on windows and doors, a digital keypad, and a high-decibel alarm. No smartphone app—and no cameras—in this plan. Monthly fees usually hover around $30-$40, but sometimes there’s an extra charge if you want smoke or CO detectors.
• ADT Smart: This plan steps things up with the ADT Control app. Now you can arm and disarm your system with your phone, get alerts, and even control some lights or locks. It’s good for folks who want remote control. Costs run $45-$50 per month.
• ADT Complete: For people who want video with their security, this plan gives you indoor and outdoor cameras and lets you view footage on your phone anytime. You also get everything from the lower plans, with fees from $55-$60 per month, depending on what gear you include.

The table below lays out the main features and price ranges for each plan. No surprises—just what you actually get.

ADT also lets you mix-and-match add-ons. Want extra sensors, a smart doorbell, or another camera? You can tack those on, but expect the monthly payment to go up, plus possible equipment fees upfront. Before picking a plan, write down what features matter most—so you don’t pay for stuff you’ll never use.

What’s Included: Equipment vs. Monitoring

When you sign up with ADT, it’s easy to get mixed up between what you’re paying for up front and what’s rolled into the monthly fee. Here’s how it really works—you're paying for both the physical gear (the alarms and gadgets they put in your house) and the professional monitoring (the service calling the cops or fire department if something goes wrong).

The basic package usually gives you a control panel, door/window sensors, and a motion detector. Some offers throw in a key fob, but don’t expect fancy cameras or smart home gear unless you pay more. Here’s a quick snapshot:

• Standard sensors and control panel? Included in most starter packages.
• Video doorbells, cameras, or smart locks? Extra cost—sometimes a lot extra.
• Professional installation? Often required, and not always free.

Now, let’s talk about the monthly fee. What you’re really buying here is 24/7 monitoring. This means if an alarm goes off, an ADT operator checks in and, if needed, can call emergency services. That’s the monthly bill most people think of when talking about an ADT wireless alarm system.

If you’re a numbers guy like me, here’s what you should know about common costs:

Some plans bundle equipment and monitoring into a single payment, but others split it out, so always double-check. If you want to upgrade later, you’ll usually pay full retail for more equipment and a higher monthly fee if monitoring is tied to extra cameras or gadgets. If you want to stick with just the basics, that’s the cheapest route. But if you want video coverage in every corner—better plan on your bill ballooning fast.

Hidden Fees and Sneaky Add-ons

When talking to ADT reps, the focus is always on the monthly price. But if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find some sneaky extras that make the ADT bill bigger than you expected. The sticker shock for most folks comes from activation, installation, and equipment charges that aren’t included in the main ad.

Let’s break down what can really get added when signing up for ADT wireless alarm systems:

• Installation Fees: Most basic installations run about $150, but if you want extra sensors or cameras put in, expect the final price to go up fast. Some promos lower installation to $99 but require a long contract.
• Activation Fees: People sometimes miss this one: ADT usually charges a separate $99–$125 activation fee just to get started.
• Equipment Upgrades: Those fancy doorbell cams, glass break sensors, or flood detectors? They aren’t covered in the base setup, and prices stack up—$50 for extra sensors, $150+ for smart cameras, and more.
• Cloud Storage: Want your camera recordings saved? Cloud storage can mean another $3–$10 per month, per camera.
• Early Termination Fees: If you want out before your contract is up (often 36 months), expect to pay up to 75% of your remaining balance.

Here’s a quick look at how things can add up:

If you see a price that feels too good to be true, ask for a complete breakdown—every monthly and one-time fee, and the total contract cost. That’s the only way to get the real picture before jumping in.

Tips to Save on ADT Wireless Alarm Systems

If you want to keep your security costs down but still get solid protection, there are some easy ways to cut corners with ADT. I’ve been through enough contracts and calls with service reps to know where the average person can slip up—and how you can avoid it.

• Don’t just sign up online—call and negotiate. ADT reps can offer discounts or throw in free upgrades if you ask directly. Many folks have scored deals like free smart door sensors or reduced install fees just by asking.
• Be clear about what you actually need. If you live in a safe neighborhood, you probably don’t need every single sensor or the fanciest cameras. Sticking with basic monitoring brings the biggest savings.
• Watch out for add-ons. Many of the extras—like video doorbells or smart locks—add $5–$10 each per month. Bundle what you need and skip the rest.
• Look for promo rates. It’s common for ADT to run limited-time deals or offer gift cards with new contracts. These promos can drop your first-year rate by 20% or more.
• Ask about contract length. Some plans lock you in for 36 months, but shorter terms can be negotiable if you push. You might pay a little more monthly, but avoid huge cancelation penalties later.

Here’s a handy breakdown showing how you can save just by paying attention to the right stuff:

The ADT sales team can be flexible, especially if you mention you’re shopping around. And don’t forget—watch your contract dates and ask about rate hikes after promos end. That way you’re never surprised by your next bill.