The Who, What, and Why of ADS Home Security Reviews
With a name so close to ADT, customers get confused easily. ADS Security has been operating from its headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee since 1990, and has an impressive history of consistently high rankings. According to a leading security industry publication called Security Distributing & Marketing, ADS is currently listed as the 25th largest security firm in the US.
Serving over 75,000 customers in the southeast, ADS Security offers a host of electronic security solutions. When considering them, think of your future plans. If you plan on moving away from a state that ADS doesn’t service, you could pay a hefty cancellation fee. Their relocation fee is more pricey than our top 5 companies reviewed as well.
Before getting going into more detail here is a look into the pros and cons of ADS home security monitoring:
Pros
- Excellent reputation for customer service
- Easy to customize security systems
- Certified technicians who install the systems have been trained to the Five Diamond Central Station (highest level of training in the industry).
- Technical support is readily available
- Any repairs that are necessary are included in the monthly fees paid by the customer, so you will not have to incur any additional costs as a client if something goes wrong and needs to be fixed.
Cons
- High starting costs – $199+ installation fee and an activation fee
- Monthly monitoring fees are almost double the price of comparable security companies
- Limited availability
- Finally, you must pay termination fee if moving to area not serviced by ADS
How much will you be paying for this?
Monthly monitoring for ADS starts at $42.95 per month, on top of the $249 installation charge. For customization of your security package, you can expect to pay more. Home automation including energy extras, smart thermostats etc. will bring your monthly up to $80 a month, similar to Vivint’s monitoring costs.
Services offered
ADS Security offers a wide range of home and business protection, including burglar alarms, fire alarms, and video surveillance. All systems can be remotely controlled from computers or smartphones, giving customers peace of mind while away from their homes and the ability to check on pets or children who have been left with babysitters. All aspects of the home can be monitored, including carbon monoxide levels and the presence of water. You can also control the temperature remotely. Meaning customers can pre-program the temperature of their home so that it is comfortable when they return.
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ADS security system review
ADS uses Honeywell total connect equipment, which is a reputable brand of security hardware. When you purchase a system from ADS you benefit from $300 worth of free equipment. You can expect to have limited mobile connectivity and a bigger monthly fee if you are wanting home automation. Also, you can find better deals but you do get the ‘ma and pa’ shop benefits.
You are able to control things from a smart device with their basic package and above. It is easy to do but if you don’t care for the ‘fancy’ gadgets you can also get a simple key remote to arm and disarm the alarm system. Other equipment offered by them to secure your home is:
- Motion sensors which will sound off when detecting any heat wave over 45 lbs
- Window and door contacts
- Smoke and heat sensors (but it will up the monitoring price)
- C02 detectors
- Security cameras
- Basic home automation equipment
- Wireless key remotes
- Finally, there are signs & stickers
The people on the other side
ADS Security has a good reputation for customer service, and there are very few dissatisfied customers reviewing the company online. ADS is a Better Business Bureau accredited company, with an A+ rating. This is the highest rating a company can achieve and is a reflection of how well they manage their customers. According to BBB, ADS Security only received 3 complaints within the last 12 months and just 14 complaints within the last 3 years. ADS make sure to resolve all of these complains in a fair and timely manner, according to the BBB. There are a small amount of complaints received, considering that ADS services over 75,000 customers, shows how well they are doing at keeping their customers happy. A company of this size would usually expect a higher volume of complaints.
Our Summary
If you live in one of the few states where ADS is available then they may be worth looking into further. However; their equipment is outdated (should be 2gig or GE) and their mobile control isn’t the best. Their installation costs is $150 above average but you do get quite a bit of equipment for that fee.
See how ADS stacks up to the top home security systems here.
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Last update on 2025-12-12 at 07:10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Frank Dodds says
ADS Security is a decent alarm company but certainly not the best. You can count of them for having great customer service but the fail to provide in certain aspects as detailed in this review. You can find a better alarm system company, in my opinion.
Security & Cellular Plus says
Very well balanced enumeration of pros and cons. Thank you for this helpful article. High reputation and reliability really deserves double fee. In fact, high demand of their service is a clear indication of astounding credentials. Hence, it’s all worth it.
Jean says
ADS is definitely on the high-end price point range and it’s with good reason. They have highly-trained personnel and they use industry-leading equipment brand. Now, if they would just upgrade their systems, then they would be up there with Frontpoint and ADT. It’s too expensive for an outdated system. If they want more business, they should keep up with the changing technologies.
Kyle says
I suggest trying a different company. ADS is sketchy especially if you read their contract terms. It seems they want to bind you as their company for eternity with auto renew policies, long agreement terms with high cancellation fees. After looking into them and having a rep come to my house to give me a quote I didn’t feel comfortable signing with them and glad I didn’t!
Veronica says
After reading about ADS in detail, it seems a nice choice for home security system to me. The price is bit high but we are getting many other pros with ADS security. What do you guys suggest?
Alarm Reviews says
Hey Veroinca,
As always the choice is up to you and your home. We give a top 3 recommendation for individuals like yourself who are not quite sure who to choose. That along with this review should point you to a company that will fit your security needs.
Philip Saw says
ADS seems old and outdated to me. I think they need to revamp their advertising, logo and security equipment. Until then, I have left them and gone with the #1 company recommended here and you can easily tell the difference.
Ryder says
I experienced major problems with the installation process. Customer service provided conflicting information depending on whom I talked to. I came very close to canceling the contract because of the problems with installation. Some information was just plain not true.
Nathalia says
We really like ads. It’s easy to install. The only thing is I don’t know when my contract will end because I am not sure if I signed up for a two-year contract. I hope to have some feedback or more communication about where my account stands.
Sandie Whittaker says
I love the home control capabilities with the system I have installed. It’s a blast to turn the lamp off when my wife is studying and unlocking the door for visitors from my iPad while I sit on the couch. A bit pricey compared to the other companies listed here but it’s awesome!
Bruc k says
the Best Security company I have ever had.
hands down the best service in this town for
sure.
Alarm Reviews says
Quite the confidence Bruce! Glad you enjoy them, although they are not one of the 5 National companies we recommend they are a good company and have all around average experience in the security realm.
Rechel vinc says
One of the best decisions I’ve made since
becoming a homeowner was using ADS
Security. I had a lot of questions regarding
installation with new construction and my
representative made me feel so secure in my
decision. I was able to have the system
installed immediately before move in and with
perfect precision. I was given all options and
my respresentative helped me decide what was best for me, what I really needed and the most cost effective. Upon installing the alarm I was given a great explanation of how system works and felt confident in my choice once again. I live in a transitional neighborhood and I have zero worries over the safety of myself and my belongings due to ADS. I have accidentally set my alarm off multiple times and I can attest to the efficiency of this company and their patience with their customers. Having the ability to check on the status of my alarm or set it from my phone gives me complete peace
of mind. There is no better alarm company.
Ben says
Having the system in my home for a little over a year has been great. My son is able to use the Zwave door keypad lock to let himself into the home after school with no problems. We also have a dog and feel good about leaving her out of her crate during the day. When our older children visit, they can set their own
codes with ease. When we do accidently set off
the alarm, central station calls within seconds.
I feel sure that my family is safe and secure in
our home due to having this system in place.
These are just a few reasons, of many, why I
love my ADS system.
Randy Otten says
I’ve found that companies that have great customer service can make a big difference. Sometimes you have to pay more to get good service. I like that they use uses Honeywell equipment, which is top of the line in my opinion.
Eugenie says
That’s true! most of time it is the right thing to do, to get the best service available for your business or home, compromising due to the price might cost you more if anything go wrong with cheaper service!
Jim Winters says
I’ve been looking into having a home security system installed and ADT has a lot to offer. I agree that the main drawback is the cost of their systems, but I’ve talked to a few of their customers that think the quality of their service makes up for that.
Robin says
I have a 2gig system Installed by ADS Security. They have many different equipment choices to choose from.