ADT vs. Ring Alarm

ADT vs Ring Alarm

So, what are the differences between the ADT vs. Ring Alarm? 

The big differences are Ring’s affordable subscription plans and flexibility when it comes to keypad placement. 

While ADT impresses us with its smart home integration capabilities.

However, Ring Alarm remains our top pick for the simple fact that it’s both portable, and doesn’t require professional installation.


The Short Version

ADT = Ethernet hub to router connection, 12-hour hub battery backup, two-way audio on hub, no hub siren, extra siren support, hub speaker, no hub sensor, digital panel keypad, multiple keypad support, comes w/ keyfob, app, keychain remote & keypad disarming options, 24/7 professional monitoring, $48.99/month basic subscription, $58.99/month advanced subscription, contract required, subscription required for remote monitoring & notifications, cellular backup starting at $48.99, optional landline connection, Entryway, Motion, Door & Window Sensors, Flood, Carbon Monoxide, Heat & Glass Break sensors, remote panic button, video monitoring, no monthly contracts available, works w/ Alexa & Google Assistant, no IFTTT, Smart Home compatibility w/ Ring Video Doorbell, Nest Thermostat, Smart Thermostats, Kwikset Smart Lock, Garage Door Controller, Lights & Switches & Smart Plugs, WiFi, Z-Wave technology, professional installation required,

Ring Alarm = Ethernet or Wireless hub to router connection, up to 24 hours hub battery backup, two-way audio with the hub & hub siren, extra siren support, no hub speaker, no hub sensors, separate, wireless, portable & rechargeable keypads, multiple keypad support, no key fob, app and keypad disarming options, optional 24/7 professional monitoring, $10 per month or $100 annually basic subscription, only one plan available for advanced subscription, no contract required, remote Monitoring & notifications available, cellular backup, no landline connection, Motion, Entry, Smoke, Carbon Monoxide, Alarm Smoke & CO Listener, Water sensors, video monitoring, monthly contracts available, no Google, Alexa & IFTTT, compatible w/ Schlage Connect Z-Wave & all Ring products, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, 2.4GHz or 5GHz, Z-Wave, Zigbee, & Bluetooth for Setup technology.

Which one are you getting?

Last update on 2024-03-29 at 04:25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

ADT vs. Ring Alarm — Easy Comparison Chart

ADT Ring Alarm
ColorMostly WhiteWhite
DIY SolutionNoYes
Other Smart Home CompatibilityRing Video Doorbell, Nest Thermostat, Smart Thermostats, Kwikset Smart Lock, Garage Door Controller, Lights & Switches, Smart PlugsSchlage Connect Z-Wave, all Ring products
Monthly Contracts AvailableNoYes
Remote Panic ButtonYesYes
Landline ConnectionOptional(Basic Plan $27.99)No
Remote Monitoring & NotificationsSubscription requiredYes (no subscription required)
Advanced Subscription$58.99/monthOnly one plan available
24/7 Professional MonitoringYesOptional
Key FobsYesNo
KeypadYes, on a digital panelSeparate, wireless, portable, rechargeable
Hub SpeakerYesNo
Hub SensorsNoN/A
Extra Siren SupportYesYes
Hub SirenNoYes
Hub to Router ConnectionEthernet (gateway)Ethernet/Wireless
Two-Way Audio on a HubYesNo
Hub SirenNoYes
Multiple Keypads SupportYesYes
Disarm OptionsApp, keychain remote, keypadApp, keypad
Basic Subscription$48.99/month$10 per month or$100 annually
Contract RequiredYesNo
Cellular BackupStarting at $48.99Included with the paid plan
SensorsEntryway, Motion, Door & Window Sensors, Flood, Carbon Monoxide, Heat, Glass BreakMotion, Entry, Smoke, Carbon Monoxide, Alarm Smoke & CO Listener, Water
Video MonitoringYesYes: a variety of indoor and outdoor Ring Cameras
Google AssistantYesNo
AlexaYesNo
IFTTTNoNo
TechnologyWiFi, Z-WaveWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n,2.4GHz or 5GHz,Z-Wave, Zigbee,Bluetooth for Setup
Professional Installation RequiredYesNo

ADT vs. Ring Alarm— What’s Different?

Ring Alarm

Installation – When it comes to installation Ring offers a simpler more DIY solution that doesn’t require too much trouble, while ADT to be professionally wired and you’ll also need to pay an additional $99 installation fee.

Hub to Router Connection – Both ADT and Ring Alarm attach to the router in different ways.
While the ADT system only offers the ability to connect to the gateway via ethernet, Ring supports both a WiFi as well as an Ethernet connection for more flexibility.

Technology – In terms of the technology, Ring Alarm is slightly more flexible with its ability to connect with not only WiFi & Z-Wave, but it also has access to Zigbee and uses Bluetooth for the setup.

While ADT integrates with only WiFi & Z-Wave.

Hub Battery Backup – While both ADT and Ring include a hub battery backup, Ring Alarm’s battery can power the sensors for up to 24 hours, while ADT only runs for 12 hours.

Smart Home Integration – ADT has more of an edge when it comes to smart home integration since it offers compatibility with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, Ring Video Doorbell, Nest Thermostat, and many other ADT-branded Garage door controller, lights & switches, smart thermostats, and plugs.

Whereas the Ring system only works solely with other Ring products.

Two-Way Audio on Main Panel – Additionally, ADT security comes with two-way audio feature built-in into the main panel, functioning as a type of an intercom system.

Unfortunately, Ring lacks this feature.

Siren – While both systems include a siren, there are a couple of differences.

For example, Ring Alarm has a siren built into its main hub and keypad, and even allows the option for add-on sirens. while ADT doesn’t come with a gateway siren but still has one in its main panel and integrates with other add-on sirens.

Sensors – Both systems do support a wide range of sensors, however, Ring Alarm does have a slight advantage when it comes to usefulness.

You can expect the standard entryway, motion, carbon monoxide, and water sensors from both models, however, Ring also provides the Alarm Smoke & CO Listener, which allows you to keep your existing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and will listen for the sound of the alarms and alert you when they go off.

Keypad – ADT and Ring Alarm offer flexibility when it comes to keypad placement, the main difference, however, is that Ringkeypad is separate, wireless, portable, and rechargeable making it easy to set up anywhere, while ADT’s keypad is built-in to the control panel.

You can still choose to purchase an additional keypad for ADT if you wish for the same flexibility.

Landline Connection – With ADT you also have the option to add a landline connection for an extra $27.99 per month if you wish, while Ring lacks this add-on.

Key Fobs – ADT security systems also support a key fob that easily arms or disarms your system with the touch of a button.
While with Ring you can only do so via the app or keypad as it doesn’t include a key fob.

Subscription – Both ADT and Ring Alarm include subscription plans that you can choose from.

Ring is pretty simple as you can just go for the 24/7 professional monitoring plan for a simple fee every month, while ADT comes with three different subscription packages.

You can choose from the Traditional, Control, or Video plan all three of which require an upfront payment of $125.

Last update on 2024-03-29 at 04:25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API