Alarm.com vs ADT: The Smarter, Simpler Way to Protect and Automate Your Home

When it comes to home security, ADT is a household name — but that doesn’t automatically make it the best fit for today’s connected homes. At SecuraCore, we use and recommend Alarm.com, because it goes far beyond just sounding a siren. It’s an entire platform that ties together your security, cameras, lighting, thermostats, locks, garage doors, and more — all in one app. And best of all, we are a local business who installs and services our solutions -- instead of selling and shipping a blue box with an installation manual.

Let’s break down how Alarm.com stacks up against ADT, and why homeowners in Central Oregon are making the switch.

1. All-in-One Smart Home Control — Not Just Security

Alarm.com is more than an alarm system — it’s the brain of your home. With one app, you can arm your system, view your cameras, adjust your thermostat, open your garage, turn on or off you lights and lock your doors — even set “scenes” that automate everything at once.

✅ Example: Tap “Goodnight” and your home locks up, turns off lights, adjusts the temperature, and arms security automatically.

ADT, through its partnership with Google Nest, but still leans heavily on separate apps and limited device compatibility. In short, Alarm.com keeps everything unified.

2. Built-In Privacy and Reliability

Alarm.com’s system sends critical alerts instantly — even if an intruder smashes the panel — thanks to its patented Crash & Smash Protection. It also uses dual-path communication (Wi-Fi + cellular backup) so your home stays protected even if your internet goes out.

And unlike some large national systems, Alarm.com doesn’t sell or share your data. Your video, automation routines, and activity remain private and secure.

3. Video That’s Actually Smart

Alarm.com cameras do more than record — they think. You’ll get alerts that matter (“Person detected at front door”) instead of constant motion spam. And since it’s part of the same system as your security, your cameras can trigger actions automatically — like turning on lights or recording when your alarm goes off.

ADT offers good-quality cameras, especially when paired with Google Nest, but they’re still managed through separate systems and don’t integrate as tightly with automation features.

4. Local Service > Call Centers

When you choose Alarm.com through SecuraCore, you get real people right here in Central Oregon — not an anonymous call center. We design, install, and support every system ourselves. That means faster service, custom configurations, and someone you actually know when you need help.

ADT is a national brand with centralized support. If something goes wrong, you’re often routed through multiple layers before someone local can help.

5. Flexible Hardware, No Lock-In

Alarm.com gives you options. You can choose panels from top brands like Qolsys or 2GIG, cameras that fit your home’s design, and even integrate third-party devices like Sonos, Lutron lighting, or smart thermostats.

ADT systems, on the other hand, are proprietary — meaning you can’t take your equipment with you if you ever change providers.

6. Smarter Automations That Actually Simplify Your Day

• Geo-Services: Your home knows when you’re coming or going, automatically locking doors or adjusting the thermostat.

• Scenes: Create “Away,” “Night,” or “Vacation” modes to simplify your routines.

• Custom Alerts: Know when your kids get home, when the garage door opens, or if the basement temperature drops too low.

ADT offers some automation, but it’s more limited and often requires higher-tier plans or separate apps to achieve the same flexibility.

7. Contracts, Costs, and Control

ADT’s national model means long-term contracts (typically 36-60 months) and higher recurring fees.

With Alarm.com, you get options. SecuraCore offers flexible service plans — no massive corporate red tape, no surprise fees, and complete transparency. You get a system that fits your home and your lifestyle.

The Bottom Line

ADT has the name. Alarm.com has the innovation.

With Alarm.com + SecuraCore, you get:

• A system built around your home, not a corporate template.

• Smarter automation, better reliability, and deeper integration with your favorite smart tech.

• Local service from a Bend-based team that knows your neighborhood — and stands behind every install.

  
  

Ready for a Smarter, Safer Home?

Let’s show you what a truly connected home feels like. Visit our Technology Design Center in Bend, or reach out for a personalized quote. We’ll walk you through Alarm.com’s latest features, cameras, and automations — and help you experience why smarter always wins.