The main difference between Ring and ADT is that Ring is a DIY smart home security system, while ADT is a professionally installed and monitored system. Both offer a range of devices and features to protect your home, but they differ in terms of pricing, contracts, customer service, and integration with other smart home platforms. In this article, we will compare and contrast Ring and ADT in detail, and help you decide which one is best for your needs.
Ring is a brand of smart home security products owned by Amazon. It started as a video doorbell company, but now offers a variety of devices, such as cameras, alarms, sensors, and smart lighting. Ring also has a subscription service called Ring Protect, which provides cloud storage, professional monitoring, and cellular backup for your devices. Ring is designed to be a DIY system, meaning you can install and set up the devices yourself, without the need for professional installation or wiring. Ring is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and other smart home platforms.
ADT is one of the oldest and most trusted names in home security. It offers a range of professionally installed and monitored systems, with devices such as cameras, alarms, sensors, smart locks, and thermostats. ADT also has a subscription service called ADT Pulse, which allows you to control and monitor your devices remotely, via a mobile app or a web portal. ADT requires a long-term contract, a professional installation fee, and a monthly monitoring fee. ADT is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, Z-Wave, and other smart home platforms.
Ring vs ADT: Pricing
One of the biggest differences between Ring and ADT is the pricing. Ring is much more affordable than ADT, both in terms of upfront and ongoing costs. Here is a breakdown of the pricing for Ring and ADT:
Ring devices: Ring devices are sold individually, or in bundles, and range from $59.99 for a video doorbell to $799.99 for a 14-piece alarm kit. You can also buy additional devices, such as sensors, cameras, and smart lighting, to expand your system. Ring devices are available online, or at retailers such as Best Buy, Home Depot, and Target.
Ring Protect: Ring Protect is an optional subscription service that provides cloud storage, professional monitoring, and cellular backup for your devices. There are two plans: Ring Protect Basic and Ring Protect Plus. Ring Protect Basic costs $3 per month or $30 per year, and covers one device. Ring Protect Plus costs $10 per month or $100 per year, and covers unlimited devices. Ring Protect Plus also includes a 10% discount on future Ring device purchases, and an extended warranty for your devices.
ADT devices: ADT devices are not sold individually, but as part of a package, and vary depending on the features and services you want. The basic package costs $599 for the equipment, and includes a touchscreen control panel, three door/window sensors, a motion detector, a keychain remote, and a yard sign. You can also add more devices, such as cameras, smart locks, and thermostats, for an additional cost. ADT devices are only available through ADT authorized dealers, and require a professional installation fee, which ranges from $99 to $199.
ADT Pulse: ADT Pulse is a subscription service that allows you to control and monitor your devices remotely, via a mobile app or a web portal. There are three plans: ADT Pulse Select, ADT Pulse Video, and ADT Pulse Home Automation. ADT Pulse Select costs $52.99 per month, and includes basic remote access and email and text alerts. ADT Pulse Video costs $58.99 per month, and includes live video streaming and recording. ADT Pulse Home Automation costs $62.99 per month, and includes smart home integration and automation. All ADT Pulse plans require a 36-month contract, and include 24/7 professional monitoring and cellular backup.
Both Ring and ADT offer a range of features to protect your home, but they differ in terms of functionality and flexibility. Here are some of the features that Ring and ADT offer:
Video doorbells: Ring is known for its video doorbells, which allow you to see, hear, and speak to visitors at your door, from anywhere. Ring offers four models of video doorbells, with different features and prices. ADT also offers a video doorbell, but it is only compatible with the ADT Pulse Home Automation plan, and requires a professional installation.
Cameras: Both Ring and ADT offer indoor and outdoor cameras, with features such as night vision, motion detection, two-way audio, and sirens. Ring cameras are wireless and battery-powered, and can be placed anywhere. ADT cameras are wired and require a professional installation. Ring cameras can be accessed and controlled via the Ring app, while ADT cameras can be accessed and controlled via the ADT Pulse app or web portal.
Alarms: Both Ring and ADT offer alarm systems, with devices such as control panels, keypads, sirens, sensors, and detectors. Ring alarm system is wireless and can be installed and customized by yourself. ADT alarm system is wired and requires a professional installation and configuration. Ring alarm system can be armed and disarmed via the Ring app, keypad, or keychain remote. ADT alarm system can be armed and disarmed via the ADT Pulse app, web portal, keypad, or keychain remote.
Smart home integration: Both Ring and ADT are compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and other smart home platforms, such as IFTTT, SmartThings, and Wink. This allows you to control and automate your devices with voice commands or routines. Ring devices can also be integrated with other Amazon products, such as Echo Show, Fire TV, and Kindle. ADT devices can also be integrated with other Z-Wave products, such as Kwikset, Schlage, and Honeywell.
Another difference between Ring and ADT is the customer service. Ring is known for its responsive and helpful customer service, while ADT is known for its inconsistent and frustrating customer service. Here are some of the customer service aspects of Ring and ADT:
Installation: Ring devices are easy to install and set up by yourself, with clear instructions and videos on the Ring website and app. Ring also offers a free tool kit and mounting hardware for your devices. ADT devices require a professional installation, which can take several hours and cost up to $199. ADT also requires a credit check and a 36-month contract before the installation.
Support: Ring offers 24/7 customer support via phone, email, chat, and social media. Ring also has a comprehensive online help center, with FAQs, guides, videos, and community forums. ADT offers 24/7 customer support via phone, but not via email, chat, or social media. ADT also has an online help center, but it is not as extensive or user-friendly as Ring’s.
Reviews: Ring has generally positive reviews from customers, who praise its affordability, functionality, and customer service. Ring has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, and a 4.2 out of 5 stars rating from Trustpilot. ADT has generally negative reviews from customers, who complain about its high prices, long contracts, and poor customer service. ADT has a C- rating from the Better Business Bureau, and a 1.4 out of 5 stars rating from Trustpilot.
Ring vs ADT: Conclusion
Ring and ADT are two of the most popular home security systems in the market, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. Ring is a DIY smart home security system, while ADT is a professionally installed and monitored system. Ring is more affordable, flexible, and user-friendly than ADT, but ADT is more reliable, comprehensive, and established than Ring. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget, preferences, and needs. Here are some scenarios where you might prefer one over the other:
You might prefer Ring if you want a low-cost, easy-to-install, and smart home compatible system, and you don’t mind self-monitoring or paying a small fee for professional monitoring.
You might prefer ADT if you want a high-end, professionally installed and monitored, and fully integrated system, and you don’t mind paying a high fee and signing a long-term contract.
We hope this article has helped you understand the difference between Ring and ADT, and make an informed decision for your home security. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for reading!
