ADT Home Security Review

The ADT Pulse app has a:

• 4.1 rating in the Google Play Store
• 4.8 rating in the Apple App Store

Our SecurityNerds say the app is very easy to use. It has a lot of functionality, including:

• Ability to arm and disarm your security system
• Ability to view the cameras (indoor and outdoor) from anywhere in the world
• Ability to talk to someone at the front door, if you have the doorbell feature
• Receive push notifications when your alarm is triggered or when a family member enters the home
• Lock and unlock doors remotely, if you have smart locks
• Adjust the temperature of your home, if you have a smart thermostat
• Turn off smart appliances and/or turn on your lights, if you’ve chosen these smart home features

In the App store reviews, the biggest complaints were due to delays and connectivity issues. Note that ADT Pulse can’t be used on jailbroken and “rooted” devices because they pose a security risk.

The ADT Pulse mobile app can be buggy but it gets good ratings and is easy to use. You might want to take advantage of more of the capabilities the app has to offer. Here are some of the smart-home features available from ADT that can be controlled through the app:

• Door Lock: With smart door locks, you can lock and unlock doors from your app. Program your door to lock after 30 seconds of being unlocked, if you like. You can also set user access codes, so certain family members or friends can get in, and you can get alerts when people enter and exit the house.
• Garage Control: If you opt for garage door security, you will know (via the app) when your garage door is open or closed, and you can open and close the door from wherever you are.
• Thermostat: You can remotely access and control the temperature in your house. You can also set different temperatures during different times of the day, helping to reduce your energy bill. You can even set up separate settings for weekends or for vacation, for example.
• Light Control: Smart lights and smart bulbs allow you to turn on and off lights, even when you’re not home. This can be helpful if you want to make it look like you’re home, to deter burglars, or if you want your home to be lit when you get there.
• Video Doorbell: Answer your front door, even when you’re not there. With a doorbell camera that has two-way audio, you can see who’s ringing the bell and talk to them. Tell delivery persons where to leave your package, or make it seem like you’re home, even when you’re not.
• Alexa Integration: If you also have Alexa, you can integrate it into your app. Then, just talk to Alexa to control your ADT smart home features.

You do not need to get smart home capabilities through ADT. You can get some separately if you want, but not all smart home features can be controlled through the ADT app—there’s something convenient and streamlined about just having to rely on one app. Being able to control it all through Alexa is an added perk.

There’s no doubt ADT is large company with established experience in home security monitoring, so you can feel good about knowing its team is on-call in case of emergency. Plus, it offers a six-month money-back guarantee. But know that installation and service are done by independent companies, some of which get great reviews and some not-so-much. Some customers recommend going through Protect Your Home, which is the largest ADT provider and an offer a slightly more predictable experience than going through a less established third party.

To test customer service, our SecurityNerd called to inquire about a potential security system. They found customer service to be very easy to reach. The representative was helpful and transparent about what was included in each package. They were unable to quote us specifically about add-on items though and said that would be part of the installation process. Shortly after the general call, a local security specialist called our SecurityNerd to follow up.