ADT vs. Ring: Which home security system is a better choice?
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ADT and Ring are among the biggest, strongest players on the home security stage – but for different reasons. ADT is known for its reliability (with over 150 years on the market), quality customer support, and professional installation services. Meanwhile, Ring stands out for its flexibility, budget-friendly approach, and DIY focus. But if you’re wondering which one is the best for your house, the answer depends on quite a few things.
Together with the Cybernews teams, I thoroughly analyzed and compared ADT and Ring security systems to help you decide which suits you best. In this article, I’ll explain their differences and similarities, cover their key features and offerings, from security camera selection to theft protection services and installation process, and give a quick rundown of their pricing, including additional fees, money-back guarantee, and more.
Let’s see how ADT and Ring compare against each other – and which one fits your household or property more.
ADT vs. Ring: In a nutshell
ADT is a company with well over a century of experience in the security industry. It offers professional installation and monitoring services. Ring is much more recent, offering DIY-oriented options with flexible self-monitoring. Here they are, in a nutshell:
| ADT | Ring | |
| Rating | ||
| Overall rank | #5 out of 7 | #6 out of 7 |
| Installation | Professional (DIY option available with ADT Self-Setup) | DIY (optional professional installation for a fee) |
| Monitoring | 24/7 professional on tiered plans, optional self-monitoring | Optional self-monitoring or paid professional monitoring for a monthly fee |
| Cost of equipment |
|
|
| Camera options | ADT Outdoor/indoor cameras, doorbell | Ring video doorbell, spotlight cam |
| Mobile app | ADT+ and Control apps require higher-tier plans for full access | Ring app |
| Smart home integration | Advanced integration with Google Nest, Z-Wave devices, and more | Alexa, Google Assistant, Z-Wave support |
| Monthly subscription cost | Starting from $29.99 | Starting from $4.99 |
ADT vs. Ring similarities
To get a clearer picture of the common features between ADT and Ring, I’ve created a list of the key similarities between the two home security leaders below for your reference:
- Smart home integration. Both ADT and Ring support integration with smart home devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This enables voice control over the system. You can arm/disarm the system and manage other connected devices via simple voice commands.
- Mobile app control. Each system offers a proprietary mobile app. ADT’s is called ADT Control, while Ring has the Ring app. You can control your security remotely, receive real-time alerts, and view live footage on the go.
- Security cameras. Both ADT and Ring offer indoor and outdoor cameras and video doorbell cameras. These allow for live video monitoring from the app. The cameras include motion detection, night vision, and two-way audio.
- Customizable packages. Both companies let users customize their security packages according to their property’s size and preferences.
As you can see, both support smart home ecosystems and offer mobile app control, advanced cameras, and customizable packages. Now, let’s look at the key differences between ADT and Ring.
ADT vs. Ring differences
Now, let’s dive into what separates the two home security systems. There are some significant differences between the two that you should take note of:
- Installation. With ADT, you’ll be visited by ADT technicians for a professional installation unless you opt for the Self-Setup. In contrast, customers buy Ring’s services for their practical do-it-yourself (DIY) installation, which is more cost-effective.
- Monitoring options. ADT focuses on providing 24/7 professional monitoring services requiring long contract commitments but now allows free self-monitoring via Self-Setup. With Ring, you can self-monitor and avoid extra monitoring charges. Pro tip: Oversight is available as an add-on with a monthly fee.
- Cost. ADT’s packages (equipment + monitoring) come with higher costs and long-term contracts. Conversely, Ring does not mandate contracts, and equipment costs less upfront.
- Reputation & trust. ADT is one of the oldest security providers in the world, founded about 150 years ago. Ring was founded in 2013, focusing on tech-savvy customers seeking quick, affordable solutions.
- Smart home features limitations. When it comes to smart home integration, ADT boasts a much wider and flexible selection of products, which includes smart locks, thermostats, doorbells, lights, dimmers, and more. While Ring’s selection is pretty functional as well, it’s limited to just a few core options, such as smart locks, switches, detectors, and thermostats.Smart home features limitations.
The most stark differences here are that ADT’s approach prioritizes long-term professional monitoring for full-service security, while Ring offers more freedom and affordable solutions free of contractual commitments.
ADT Vs. Ring: features and tech
Below, you will see an overview. These are my key features and technology findings based on what ADT and Ring offer to customers.
Security Cameras
Both companies offer a wide selection of extremely capable cameras. However, they do vary in features, performance, and integration.
ADT provides access to high-quality cameras with live HD video, HDR, and night vision. Options include the Google Nest Doorbell, Nest Cam Indoor, and Nest Cam Outdoor, each with “intelligent alerts” for motion, package, and familiar face detection. All cameras are wide-angle, exceeding 130° field of view.
The Nest Cam with Floodlight offers added security with a motion-activated light. These cameras integrate with ADT’s professional monitoring service, with continuous video recording available through the Nest Aware Plus plan.
Known for DIY flexibility, Ring offers a variety of indoor and outdoor cameras, such as the Stick Up Cam, Spotlight Cam Pro, and Floodlight Cam Pro. Ring cameras deliver 1080p HD video and include motion detection, color night vision, and two-way audio.
Any of the Ring USB-C outdoor security cameras, such as Spotlight Cam Pro or Outdoor Camera Plus, can also be charged using a Ring solar panel. This can make them a great, low-maintenance and cost-efficient solution, depending on the household.
Meanwhile, ADT’s own-branded cameras – such as Blue – still don’t support solar-powered charging, which might put it at disadvantage if you live in a remote area, looking to save money on electricity bills, or simply a renewable energy enthusiast. While ADT does sell Google Nest cameras, which can be paired with solar panels, it still feels much more limited compared to Ring’s offering.
When comparing ADT doorbell vs Ring doorbell cameras specifically, Ring's expertise in this area shows. While both offer HD video and motion detection, Ring's Video Doorbell originated this category and offers more specialized features.
The Spotlight Cam Pro also offers 3D motion detection and Bird’s Eye View technology for enhanced motion tracking. Ring’s cameras are ideal for DIY users and can operate with solar or plug-in power.
ADT cameras are ideal for users seeking a high-end, Google-backed experience. Ring’s affordable options are better for DIY enthusiasts.
Monitoring
Where monitoring services are concerned, there are obvious differences between ADT and Ring. The companies’ options are clearly tailored for different types of customers.
For instance, ADT primarily focuses on professional 24/7 monitoring, which comes at a higher monthly price. For those comparing Ring Alarm vs ADT specifically for professional monitoring, ADT's six monitoring centers provide more comprehensive coverage than Ring's third-party monitoring service.
Such an extensive network, combined with ADT’s reliable and high-performance Google Nest cameras and high-quality sensors, enhances reliability and ensures rapid response for situations like break-ins, fires, and smoke or flood alerts. In fact, customers have praised ADT’s seriousness on these points.
Ring, meanwhile, is an entirely different model. With Ring, users can choose between DIY self-monitoring, which is included at no additional cost. In addition, affordable professional monitoring via Ring Protect plans is also available.
Another thing that is extremely important with home security, is the monitoring response time, which stands for how long it takes for the monitoring center to take action and notify you after receiving an alert.
With Ring, it usually takes 30 seconds to 1 minute to inform the user about the emergency, with an even faster response reported by several users.
While ADT compares pretty well against most competitors, it still seems to be slower than Ring. According to researchers, it takes the system around 1 minute or more just to notify the provider about the alarm. While it offers a generous window of 30-40 seconds for the home owner to turn off the alarm, this may also be a downside for certain users.
Theft protection
Both Ring and ADT services come with theft protection, although the providers mean slightly different things by it.
With Ring, if your security camera or doorbell gets stolen at any point after purchase, the company will replace it at no cost to the customer. However, this feature won’t cover other purchases like alarms or additional accessories.
Meanwhile, ADT offers a Theft Protection Guarantee. According to the provider, if a burglary or a break-in occurs when the ADT alarm system is on, the customer will be eligible for reimbursement of up to $500.
Keep in mind that the compensation is not guaranteed. First, the incident has to meet a number of criteria – for example, the burglar has to enter specifically through the door or the window equipped with the ADT alarm.
Installation
Both ADT and Ring also have distinct approaches to installation. Traditionally, ADT is a company that focuses on professional installation via its own technicians and usually recommends this route. This will cater to customers wanting a hands-off approach. In addition, installation is not free. However, ADT does offer a Self-Setup option for those who want it.
On the other hand, Ring is a DIY-friendly system, and the company encourages this type of installation. This is for customers who prefer a quick, portable installation so they can control it themselves without additional installation costs.
Though Ring is DIY-focused, it also offers a professional installation (at a price), which you can book through OnTech, Ring’s installation partner. However, Ring offers extensive DIY setup guides on its official website, so if you have time, go for the DIY route. The guides cover all of Ring’s devices and components, a haven for the true DIYer.
Customer support
Customer support is a key area where ADT and Ring diverge, each catering to different user needs based on their service models.
ADT offers extensive, well-established support channels, including 24/7 phone support, online chat, and technician visits. ADT users frequently highlight the reliability of ADT’s support, noting its value for technical issues and complex system needs.
Additionally, ADT supports its clients for two years or more with the so-called Mover’s Package when they decide to move. As part of the deal, you’re provided a free ADT security system for your new home, including door, window, and motion sensors, as well as an additional 25% discount on updates.
In some cases, ADT also offers help with transferring your existing security system. All you have to do is inform the company about the move in advance.
Some users appreciate the professional level of service and technical assistance, even mentioning ADT’s effective troubleshooting for urgent situations. However, others express frustration over long wait times and constraints due to contract terms, which may limit flexibility.
In contrast, Ring’s customer support, which is suited for a DIY-oriented model, offers phone, chat, and extensive online resources. Feedback on Ring’s support is mixed. Many users appreciate Ring’s team's help in guiding them in basic troubleshooting and setup.
However, some find the support less effective when issues are more technical or require a quick response. Users expressed frustration with wait times and inconsistency, particularly in more complex situations.
Plans and Pricing (+ comparison table)
Next, you will find a quick-glance plan and pricing comparison that I have prepared. I found that ADT’s higher cost comes down to higher monthly costs, equipment, and professional installation costs, while Ring’s more flexible and affordable options without contracts lowers its prices.
| Equipment cost | Monthly monitoring cost | Installation cost | Contract required | Money-back guarantee | Cloud storage policy | |
| ADT | Higher (starting at $349.00) | $24.99+ | $99 to $199 | No | 6-month return policy, among the best offers on the market | 30 days, included with the Complete Monitoring Plan ($39.99/month) |
| Ring | Lower (starting at $179.99) | $4.99+ | Quotes vary with OnTech installation services | No | 30-day return policy | Up to 180 days, included with all plans (starts at $4.63/month |
Adding to that, both companies offer free self-monitoring via their respective apps. In ADT’s case, which is traditionally a professionally installed system, ADT Self-Setup was added just last year. Customers can now own ADT equipment outright and self-monitor for free, although more advanced and extensive paid options exist.
When opting for professional monitoring plans, ADT charges between $29.99 to $44.99 (Secure, Smart, and Complete monitoring), while Ring starts from $9.99 to $19.99 (Standard and Premium packages). For Ring, since the system is DIY-focused, the Alarm Professional Monitoring and Virtual Security Guard are add-ons on the Standard and Premium packages., Its SOS Emergency Response feature is only available with Premium.
Check out other security systems comparisons:
Final word on the ADT vs. Ring comparison
After thoroughly reviewing both ADT and Ring, I believe that both can be a solid option for your household. However, the final choice depends on what you prioritize in a security system.
ADT is a great pick for home owners who need high reliability, premium 24/7 customer support, professional installation, and an extra security level, such as a flexible return policy or a generous theft protection guarantee. If you’re fine with less flexibility in terms of a setup and don’t mind paying more, this is the solution for you.
Meanwhile, Ring stands out as a more affordable and flexible option, with budget-friendly prices, impressive alert speeds, and a DIY-friendly setup process that lets you skip professional installation. If you’re looking for a price-to-quality balance, and don’t mind missing out on some additional features in order to save money, it’s your best choice.
When selecting a security system, remember that it’s about safety, not just peace of mind. Consider your needs, desired features, possible unexpected circumstances like a future move or emergency, and budget – and choose a solution that fits your household best.
FAQ
Which is cheaper, ADT or Ring?
Ring is significantly cheaper overall than ADT, with lower upfront equipment and professional monitoring costs.
ADT equipment is generally more expensive upfront, and its professional monitoring services are also more expensive. However, each system’s purpose is different, so costs will naturally vary.
Can I install ADT or Ring by myself?
Yes, both systems offer DIY install options. Ring is focused on DIY installation by default, with optional professional installation available via a third-party provider.
ADT traditionally offers more professionally installed packages to optimize components, though you can also do it yourself.
Does Ring offer professional monitoring like ADT?
Yes, Ring provides optional professional monitoring (or oversight) via a third-party installation partner. You have to book an appointment with this provider on Ring’s website.
However, ADT’s professional monitoring plans have a much more extensive support network.
Which system integrates better with smart home devices?
Both systems support deep integration with smart home devices, with some variations.
ADT offers broader ecosystem support (especially third-party devices like Z-Wave products and Nest). Ring is more focused on Amazon’s ecosystem. It is for those who want simpler, Alexa-based control.
