How to Get Out of an ADT Contract Early: Real Ways to Avoid Penalties
Learn the real ways to cancel your ADT contract without paying steep early termination fees. ADT doesn't offer 5-year contracts - here's how to get out legally and save money.
Get Out of ADT: Best Alternatives and How to Switch Without Penalty
When you get out of ADT, a long-term monitored home security service known for high fees and rigid contracts. Also known as cancelling a professional alarm contract, it’s not just about switching brands—it’s about reclaiming control over your home security, costs, and privacy. Many people stay with ADT because they think they’re locked in, but that’s not true. You can leave, and most of the time, you don’t need to pay a penalty if you know the right steps.
The real issue isn’t the equipment—it’s the monitored alarm system, a security setup that sends alerts to a central station that calls police or dispatches help. ADT uses this model, but so do others. The difference? Companies like SimpliSafe, Ring Alarm, and Arlo don’t force you into 3-year contracts. They let you pay month-to-month, skip monthly fees entirely, and use local storage instead of cloud-only video. That’s why more people are walking away. You don’t need a big company breathing down your neck to stay safe.
And it’s not just about contracts. ADT’s equipment is often outdated, their app is clunky, and their customer service is slow. Meanwhile, newer systems let you connect cameras directly to your phone, use cellular backup when the internet goes down, and store footage right on a microSD card. You can even set up a system without Wi-Fi at all. That’s the kind of flexibility ADT doesn’t offer. If you’re tired of paying $50 a month just to have someone watch your cameras, you’re not alone.
People who get out of ADT usually find they save hundreds a year—not just on monthly fees, but on hidden costs like equipment rentals, installation charges, and service calls. You can buy your own cameras, sensors, and alarms outright. No leasing. No markups. No surprises. And if you’re worried about losing professional monitoring, you don’t have to. Many alternatives offer it for less than half the price, or you can skip it altogether and get alerts straight to your phone.
Switching isn’t complicated. First, check your contract end date. Most ADT contracts auto-renew, but you have a 30-day window to cancel before renewal. Call them, say you’re leaving, and ask for a cancellation form. If they push back, remind them you’re within your legal rights under UK consumer law. Then pick a new system that fits your needs: battery-powered cameras for easy setup, offline storage for privacy, or smart alarms that work without a subscription. The posts below show you exactly how to do it—step by step, with real cost comparisons, setup guides, and tips to avoid common mistakes.