ADT vs. Ring: Which Smart Security System Is Best for You?

ADT and Ring both offer great home security systems. The question is which one is better for your needs. We compared ADT and Ring to find out which is better in a variety of areas, including installation, security cameras, mobile app usability, and much more.

Overall Findings

When considering ADT vs Ring security systems, you're not exactly comparing apples to apples. Instead, ADT is a professionally installed and monitored service, where Ring is more a do-it-yourself solution (though Ring does offer professional monitoring). And there are major differences in the monitoring. ADT requires a contract that usually about three years in duration where Ring doesn't require a contract, and you can pay month-to-month for monitoring, but you're encouraged to pay by the year.

Installation: Ring is Perfect for the Do-It-Yourselfer

If you're looking for the hands-off version of a security system, ADT is the option that offers that. For a one-time installation fee, security professionals will come into your home and install your system, set it up, and you're done. Security engaged. Most ADT systems come with a basic package that includes the digital keypad, window and door contacts, and a motion detector as well as a backup battery and a wireless keychain remote. You can add additional pieces of you want, including more contacts, cameras, and even a doorbell camera.

If you're more of a DIY-person, then Ring is worth considering. The various aspects of the Ring system are all self-install and even for beginners, they're easy to put in place. The basic ring system comes with the base station, keypad, window and door contacts, and a motion sensor, as well as a range extender. There are also several other equipment bundles you can choose as well as ad-hoc equipment, like a doorbell camera, more contacts, or indoor and outdoor cameras you can add if you choose.

The advantage (and disadvantage) of Ring is that you can choose a wireless system, which means installation is less invasive, so if you live in an apartment or rental property where a hard installation is a concern, Ring makes a good choice that goes with you when you move.

Camera Options: Ring Takes This Category, Hands Down

If cameras are your main concern, you might be disappointed with the ADT cameras. ADT offers both indoor and outdoor cameras as well as a doorbell camera, but the models are limited and they are mostly 720p HD with good night-vision capabilities.

On the other hand, Ring has an entire line of both indoor and outdoor cameras, multiple versions of it's Ring Doorbell camera, and the quality of these cameras is 1080p HD in most cameras and they have great night vision.

Mobile App: Mostly Equal Footing

The problem with apps is that they're often not exactly what you're looking for, and that seems to be the case with both the ADT and the Ring apps. While both have great capabilities, like cloud storage and the ability to view and record on demand, they both also seem to be somewhat buggy any time a new version of the app is released.

Where ADT and Ring diverge is in the ability to do everything in one app. Both Ring and ADT offer some home automation integration, but Ring's integrations work from within the Ring app while ADT's may require require multiple apps (and even the occasionally web-based log-in). This is less than convenient, but it's not a deal-breaker if a professionally monitored system is what you're after.

Emergency Services: ADT is Probably the Better Option

Emergency services is where ADT really shines above Ring. ADT offers 24/7 professional monitoring and has additional features that include Medical Alert services and a portable emergency alert button. What's more, when your system is installed, your location is set so emergency services is always sent to the correct address.

Ring tends to fall down in the monitoring category. Although the company offers 24/7 monitoring, that doesn't guarantee a response. It's been our experience that alarms can go unanswered and what's more, since Ring is a portable system, if you change it's location and fail to notify Ring of the change, then Emergency Services could be dispatched to the wrong address if something did go wrong.

Final Verdict

If you're looking for a new home security system and you're not sure which is better, ADT vs Ring, the answer is likely to be, it depends on your preferences. ADT offers and excellent system but there is an installation fee, long term contract, and higher monthly costs. However, for that expense you'll find the equipment is perfectly adequate for keeping your home and family safe, and you'll get some additional options that aren't available in the Ring system.

Ring, on the other hand, is definitely designed for the DIYer who is looking for an easy entry into home security without a long term contract. There are some upfront monthly costs, but the equipment you purchase belongs to you and is more portable than an ADT system, and monthly monitoring costs are much lower. Unfortunately, the monitoring in the Ring system isn't as reliable as the monitoring in the ADT system, so that's something to keep in mind.