Detection
Door and window sensors, motion detection and supported life-safety devices can create alarm events when configured conditions are met.
The core difference
What Is a Monitored Home Security System?
A monitored system does more than send a phone notification. It connects the security equipment in your home to a professional monitoring service that can receive eligible alarm events and follow the response process defined by your monitoring plan.
Connection
The installed system communicates eligible alarm events to the monitoring service. Connectivity and backup capabilities depend on the system and plan.
Human response
Trained monitoring professionals can review the incoming event and use the contact or verification process that applies to the account.
Escalation
When appropriate under the selected service and circumstances, monitoring professionals can contact emergency services on the customer’s behalf.
Important: professional monitoring does not guarantee that a burglary, fire, carbon-monoxide event, medical event or other loss will be detected, prevented or resolved. Equipment, response procedures, communication methods and service availability depend on the system, plan, location and applicable terms.
From alarm to action
What Happens When a Monitored Alarm Is Triggered?
The exact sequence varies by alarm type, verification method, local rules and monitoring plan. At a high level, a professionally monitored system follows four stages.
1
An event is detected
A configured sensor or supported device detects a condition such as an entry event, motion or an eligible life-safety alert.
2
The monitoring service receives it
The system sends the eligible alarm event through the communication method supported by the installed system and monitoring plan.
3
Verification or contact occurs
The monitoring process may include contacting the customer, trusted contacts or using supported verification tools, depending on the event and service.
4
Response follows the plan
If the event is treated as an emergency, monitoring professionals can notify appropriate emergency services according to the plan and local procedures.
Primary-source check: ADT states that its professional monitoring agents are available around the clock, can verify alarms and can alert emergency services. ADT also states that it operates six company-operated U.S. monitoring centers. See ADT’s current professional monitoring information.
Choose the service model
Professional Monitoring vs. Self-Monitoring
Both approaches can send useful alerts. The practical difference is who is responsible for noticing the alert and taking the next step.
| What to compare | Professional monitoring | Self-monitoring |
|---|---|---|
| Who receives alerts? | Your system can send eligible alarm events to a professional monitoring service as well as supported customer notifications. | You rely primarily on your own app, phone, siren or connected notifications. |
| Who takes action? | Monitoring professionals follow the account’s verification and response process and can contact emergency services when appropriate. | You or another designated person decide what to do after seeing the notification. |
| If you miss the notification | The monitoring service can still receive eligible alarm events, subject to system connectivity and service terms. | A missed or silenced notification can delay your own response. |
| Recurring cost | Usually requires an ongoing monitoring fee and may involve an agreement. | May have lower recurring costs, although cloud video or app features can still require subscriptions. |
| Best fit | Homeowners who want a trained third party involved in the alarm-response process. | People comfortable taking responsibility for checking alerts and deciding when to seek help. |
Build the system around the home
What Can a Monitored Home Security System Include?
The right equipment depends on the property layout, entry points and priorities. A quote should define which devices are included, which are optional and which services are monitored under the selected plan.
Entry sensors
Door and window sensors help cover common entry points and can generate alerts when the system is armed.
Security cameras
Supported indoor, outdoor or doorbell cameras can add visual awareness and app-based viewing features.
Control panel
The panel is the local control point for arming, disarming and interacting with connected security equipment.
Life-safety options
Supported smoke, heat, carbon-monoxide or other devices may be available with additional monitoring services.
Smart locks & automation
Compatible connected devices can add remote control and automation features under supported plans.
Mobile app
Supported app features can let you arm, disarm, view compatible cameras and manage connected devices remotely.
If you also want help deciding where equipment should go, see our professional home security installation guide.
ADT monitoring network
Six Company-Operated U.S. Monitoring Centers
ADT says its professional monitoring network includes six company-operated monitoring centers in the United States. ADT’s monitoring overview describes the centers as designed to provide 24/7 coverage, while its current newsroom information describes the six centers as fully redundant and UL-certified.
Company-operated
ADT states that its monitoring centers are operated by ADT rather than outsourced.
24/7 staffing
Professional monitoring is designed to receive eligible alarm events around the clock, subject to system and service availability.
Redundancy
ADT describes its six centers as redundant, helping the network continue operating if one location is affected.
Verification tools
ADT describes services such as Alarm Messenger that can support alarm verification for eligible events.
Sources: ADT professional monitoring and ADT monitoring-center overview.
Budget for the whole service
How Much Does a Monitored Home Security System Cost?
Look at the total package rather than the monthly monitoring number alone. Equipment, installation, monitoring, optional devices, local permit fees and agreement terms can all affect total cost.
| Cost component | Current offer on this site | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Professional monitoring | 36-month monitoring agreement starting at $49.99/month for qualifying customers; 24-month agreement in California. | Plan level, included services, additional monitoring features and final monthly amount. |
| Installation | $99–$299 customer installation charge; minimum $199 installation charge in California. | Final installation charge, technician availability and any property-specific work. |
| Equipment | Promotional equipment eligibility can vary by campaign, property and provider review. | Exactly which devices are included, optional, substituted, purchased, leased or subject to promotion terms. |
| Other costs | Local permit fees, taxes or additional service charges may apply. | Ask for the complete approved quote and agreement before authorizing installation. |
Who benefits most?
Is Professional Monitoring Right for Your Home?
The strongest reason to choose professional monitoring is not the number of devices. It is whether you want someone other than you involved when an eligible alarm event occurs.
Professional monitoring may fit if…
You travel, work away from home, do not want to depend entirely on noticing phone alerts, want a professionally installed system, or value a trained monitoring service being part of the alarm-response process.
Self-monitoring may fit if…
You prefer to manage alerts yourself, want to minimize recurring monitoring costs and are comfortable being responsible for checking notifications and deciding when to contact emergency services.
Before you buy: ask how the system communicates with monitoring, what happens during a power or internet interruption, which devices are monitored, how verification works, whether local alarm permits are required, what the agreement term is and what cancellation terms apply.
Buyer questions
Monitored Home Security FAQ
Does a monitored system still send alerts to my phone?
Many modern monitored systems support app alerts in addition to professional monitoring. Exact app, camera and automation features depend on the equipment and monitoring plan.
Does professional monitoring require Wi-Fi?
Communication methods vary by system. Some professionally monitored systems can use cellular and/or broadband connections, and backup behavior varies by equipment and plan. Confirm the specific communication path and outage behavior before installation.
Can smoke and carbon-monoxide devices be monitored?
Supported life-safety devices may be available with monitored services, often for an additional charge. The provider should confirm compatible equipment and the monitoring plan before installation.
What happens if I accidentally trigger the alarm?
Verification and cancellation procedures depend on the system and event. Learn the provider’s false-alarm process, keep contact information current and understand any local permit or false-alarm rules.
Is professional installation required?
The SafeStreets offer promoted on this site uses professional installation for the ADT-monitored system. Availability, appointment timing, equipment and final pricing are subject to provider review and ZIP availability.
How do I get a new monitored system quote?
Use the quote form on this page or call 855-532-1019. TheHomeSecurityCompany.com connects qualifying consumers with SafeStreets, an ADT Authorized Provider. Existing ADT customers should contact ADT directly for account or service support.
Shopping for a New Monitored Home Security System?
Check current SafeStreets availability, equipment options, professional installation and ADT monitoring for your ZIP code.
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