Home safety systems: ADT Self Setup vs. Ring Alarm (2nd Generation)
Quick Verdict
Ring Alarm (2nd Generation) presents a more budget-friendly option with comprehensive features and strong integration with Amazon's ecosystem. ADT Self Setup offers more comprehensive smart home integration and customer support options, but at a higher cost.
- Both ADT Self Setup and Ring Alarm (2nd Generation) offer DIY installation and no long-term contracts.
- Ring Alarm is generally cheaper for equipment and monthly monitoring.
- ADT Self Setup offers broader smart home integration, while Ring Alarm excels with Amazon Alexa and Ring devices.
- Both systems include cellular and battery backup.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | ADT Self Setup | Ring Alarm (2nd Generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional monitoring cost (monthly) | Starts at $24.99/month (Secure plan), $29.99/month (Smart plan), and $39.99/month (Complete plan) | $20 per month with the Ring Protect Pro plan |
| Equipment cost | Starts at $269 for 'Build Your Own' system. Premade packages range from $349 to $1,573 (often discounted) | 5-piece kit: $199.99, 8-piece kit: $249.99, 14-piece kit: $329.99, Individual contact sensors: $19.99, Motion detectors: $29.99 |
| Self-monitoring option | Offers a free self-monitoring option, but with limited features | Available with or without a Ring Home subscription |
| Contract length required | Month-to-month monitoring with no long-term contract. Requires at least one month of professional monitoring. | No long-term contract required |
| Mobile app features | ADT+ app allows arming/disarming, alerts, live video (if applicable), and smart home device control | Arming/disarming, receiving alerts, live-streaming footage (with a subscription), customizing notification settings, and integrating with other Ring devices |
| Smart home integration compatibility (e.g., Alexa, Google Assistant) | Compatible with Google Nest (Cams, doorbells, thermostats), Z-Wave, Amazon Alexa, and IFTTT | Works with Amazon Alexa. It can integrate with smart locks from Kwikset, Schlage, and Yale. |
| Cellular backup included | Yes, included in the Secure monitoring plan | Yes, with a Ring Protect Plan |
| Battery backup duration | 24-hour battery backup for the base station | Base station: 24 hours, Keypad: 7 months, Range extender: 22 hours |
| Types of sensors offered (e.g., door/window, motion, glass break) | Door/window sensors, motion sensors, flood sensors, and temperature sensors | Door/window contact sensors, motion detectors, flood and freeze sensors, smoke and CO listeners, and glass break sensors |
| Installation difficulty (DIY vs. Professional) | Designed for DIY installation | DIY installation |
| Warranty period | 12-month limited warranty | 1-year warranty on parts and lifetime theft protection |
| Customer support availability | Customer support available, including remote assistance via video call through the ADT+ app | Ring provides customer support |
| Equipment Cost | Starts at $269 | Not available |
| Ratings | Not available | Not available |
Overall Comparison
ADT Self Setup: Starting equipment cost $269, monitoring from $24.99/month. Ring Alarm: 5-piece kit $199.99, monitoring $20/month.
Pros and Cons
ADT Self Setup
Pros:
- Easy DIY installation
- Month-to-month contracts
- Cellular backup included
- Smart home integration
- Helpful customer service
Cons:
- No major disadvantages reported.
Ring Alarm (2nd Generation)
Pros:
- Easy, DIY installation with clear instructions in the Ring app
- User-friendly mobile app for arming/disarming and receiving alerts
- Effective sensors at detecting intrusions
- Cellular backup included with a Ring Protect Plan
- Integrates well with Amazon Alexa and smart locks from Kwikset, Schlage, and Yale
- Sensors have a range of up to 250 feet, with a range extender included for larger homes
- Includes a 1-year warranty on parts and lifetime theft protection
Cons:
- Some users have reported issues with customer support responsiveness
User Experiences and Feedback
ADT Self Setup
What Users Love
- Easy to use mobile app
- Effective sensors
- Helpful customer support
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.
User Recommendations
- The system is designed for easy DIY installation, with sensors that pair quickly and peel-and-stick adhesive for mounting.
- ADT sensors can effectively detect intrusions.
- The ADT+ app is generally well-laid out and easy to use for arming/disarming the system and receiving alerts.
Ring Alarm (2nd Generation)
What Users Love
- Reliable system
- Very customizable through the app
Common Complaints
- Some users have reported issues with customer support responsiveness.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.
User Recommendations
- The system is reliable and doesn't trigger false alerts while remaining very customizable through the app.