I’m in a bit of a new situation and could use some advice. I recently moved into a house that already has an ADT security system installed, with window sensors, glass break detectors, smoke detectors, and a digital panel (looks like this: [link to ADT panel]).
I called ADT to ask about reactivating the system, and they told me they would need to send someone out before giving a quote. When the ADT technician arrived, he gave me a monthly monitoring price that seemed way too high, plus a reactivation fee. He didn’t provide any paperwork, backup for the pricing, or even explain the details upfront. Only after pressing him did he mention a 3-year contract. I couldn’t even find the pricing info on their website.
I’m feeling uneasy about this and would like to know my options. Can I keep using all these existing sensors with another company? Can I replace the panel with something else? And most importantly, which companies would you recommend?
Unfortunately, ADT systems are fully proprietary. Both the panel and the sensors would need to be replaced if you want to switch to a different company.
The only option with that panel is to replace the entire system. ADT equipment, including the panel and sensors, is specific to their service and won’t work with other companies.
ADT is expensive, and their customer service often leaves a lot to be desired, so you’re not wrong to consider alternatives. If you’re looking for a professional installation, check out local security companies in your area. They tend to have better service and lower prices compared to big national brands like ADT, Brinks, or Vivint.
I recently removed my ADT Command system, so I understand your situation. ADT was charging me nearly $90 a month, which was way too much. Now, I pay about a third of that for a system that has more features and is much better overall.
ADT’s system is proprietary, so I could only reuse the wired sensors by connecting them to a wired-to-wireless takeover module. The garage door opener integration worked too, even though it was ADT-branded. Everything else, like the cameras, wireless sensors, and panels, had to be replaced.
For clarity, the wired zones I reused were actually from an older system that predated ADT. The ADT Command system itself doesn’t support wired zones directly and also relies on a wired-to-wireless module.