ADT Home Security vs. Abode DIY Security System vs. Vivint Smart Home – Detailed Comparison

Quick Verdict

ADT is a solid choice for those seeking professional monitoring and smart home integration, while Abode is ideal for DIY enthusiasts looking for an affordable and customizable system. Vivint is best suited for users who prioritize advanced technology and seamless smart home integration, despite the higher cost.

ADT offers a balance of professional monitoring and smart home integration, but at a higher cost and with potential contract requirements.
Abode provides flexible DIY options with affordable self-monitoring plans and good smart platform integrations.
Vivint focuses on advanced technology and strong smart home features, but comes with higher upfront equipment costs and professional installation.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Metric	ADT Home Security	Abode DIY Security System	Vivint Smart Home
Price	Starts at $24.99/month for Self Setup, $34.99/month for professionally installed systems. Equipment starts at $269.	$0 (self-monitoring), $6 (self-monitoring with more features), $17-$20 (professional monitoring). Equipment cost not specified.	$30 to $50 per month. Equipment starts around $599.99.
Features	24/7 professional monitoring, DIY or professional installation, smart home integration with Google Nest and Alexa, cellular backup, mobile app (ADT+).	DIY installation, contract-free subscriptions, self-monitoring options, smart home integrations, user-friendly home automation system (CUE).	Professional installation required, strong smart home integration, high-end devices like HD cameras, AI-powered features.
Rating	Overall: 9.8/10	Not available	Not available

Overall Comparison

ADT Home Security: Trusted company with reliable monitoring, flexible installation, and smart home integration at a higher cost.
Abode DIY Security System: Affordable and reliable DIY system with flexible monitoring options and good smart platform integrations.
Vivint Smart Home: Advanced technology and strong smart home integration, but with higher upfront costs and professional installation.

Pros and Cons

ADT Home Security

Pros:

Trusted company with over 140 years in business.
Reliable 24/7 professional monitoring with multiple monitoring centers.
Flexible installation options (DIY or professional).
Integrates with Google Nest and other smart home devices.
Offers cellular backup to ensure communication during power outages.
User-friendly mobile app (ADT+).

Cons:

Higher cost compared to DIY systems.
Long-term contracts typically required for professional installation.
Multiple apps may be needed for Nest integration.
Analog keypads on current systems lack smart device control and camera monitoring.

Abode DIY Security System

Pros:

Flexible DIY system
Customizable to match specific needs
Offers a free plan
Self-monitored plans available
Professionally monitored plans available
On-demand monitoring available
Easy to set up with a simple app interface
Affordable
Reliable
Good smart platform integrations
User-friendly home automation system (CUE)

Cons:

No major disadvantages reported.

Vivint Smart Home

Pros:

Advanced technology
High-end devices like HD cameras
AI-powered features
Strong smart home integration

Cons:

Higher upfront equipment costs
Salespeople can be annoying
Installers can be hit-or-miss
Has faced legal trouble for aggressive sales tactics in the past

User Experiences and Feedback

ADT Home Security

What Users Love

Considered trustworthy with reliable monitoring service.
Excellent customer service.
Strong Google Nest integration and innovative features.

Common Complaints

Some users find the app not always intuitive.
Can require multiple apps for Nest integration, which some users found frustrating.

Value Perception

Considered worth the cost due to high-quality hardware and monitoring service.

User Recommendations

ADT's ever-evolving monitoring service is the most reliable we've experienced.
ADT is one of the top options right now, but we also noticed a few shortcomings like the lack of a touchscreen keypad.

Abode DIY Security System

What Users Love

Easy to set up with a simple app interface
Considered affordable and reliable
Good smart platform integrations
Built-in alarm is very loud

Common Complaints

No major complaints reported.

Value Perception

Affordable and reliable

Vivint Smart Home

What Users Love

Incredible cameras and coverage
Great remote monitoring of your home while traveling
Praised for its technology and smart home integration

Common Complaints

Some users find their salespeople annoying
Potential issues with 3rd party installers
Expensive

Value Perception

Considered worth it by some for its features and performance

User Recommendations

The product is amazing with incredible cameras and coverage, great remote monitoring of your home while traveling.