The key difference between ADT and ADT Plus (ADT+) lies in their scope and function: ADT refers to the comprehensive security company and its traditional services, while ADT+ is a specific modern digital platform—an app and web portal—designed to manage certain ADT security systems and integrated smart home devices.
Understanding ADT
ADT is a long-standing, well-known brand in the security industry, providing a wide range of security solutions for homes and businesses. For decades, ADT has been synonymous with professional monitoring, alarm systems, and security installations. Their offerings typically include:
- Security Systems: Various types of alarms, sensors, cameras, and access control.
- Professional Monitoring: 24/7 monitoring services, dispatching emergency services when an alarm is triggered.
- Installation and Maintenance: Professional installation by technicians and ongoing service plans.
ADT's core business revolves around providing a complete, professionally managed security ecosystem.
Introducing ADT Plus (ADT+)
ADT+ is the evolution of how users interact with modern ADT security. It is specifically designed as an intuitive app and web portal that acts as a central hub for managing ADT's newer security offerings, particularly those with "Self Setup" capabilities, and smart home integrations.
The ADT+ platform allows users to:
- Control Security Devices: Easily arm and disarm their ADT security system, view live camera feeds, and manage connected sensors.
- Integrate Smart Home Products: Seamlessly connect and control Google Nest products (such as thermostats, doorbells, and cameras) alongside their ADT security devices, creating a unified smart home experience.
- Manage Accounts: Access billing information, update personal details, and manage service settings all in one convenient location.
Essentially, ADT+ streamlines the user experience for specific ADT security systems, empowering customers with greater control and integration capabilities right from their smartphone or web browser.
Comparing ADT and ADT+
To highlight the distinctions, here's a comparison:
| Feature | ADT (Broader Company/Service) | ADT+ (Digital Platform) |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Security company, provider of systems and monitoring services. | App and web portal for system control and account management. |
| Scope | Comprehensive home and business security, professional installation, 24/7 monitoring. | Interface for managing specific ADT security systems (e.g., Self Setup) and integrating smart home devices. |
| Purpose | To provide security, deter crime, and offer peace of mind through professional services. | To offer user-friendly control, integration, and account management for modern ADT systems. |
| Function | Installs equipment, monitors alarms, dispatches emergency services. | Allows users to self-manage security devices, view cameras, connect Google Nest products. |
| Role | The core security provider. | A tool/interface that enhances the user experience of specific ADT services. |
Key Takeaways
- ADT is the overall brand that provides security systems and professional monitoring. It's the parent company and the service itself.
- ADT+ is a modern digital interface (app and web portal) for specific ADT systems, particularly those that allow for self-setup or are integrated with smart home technologies like Google Nest products. It acts as your command center for these modern systems.
In essence, while ADT is the "what" (the security service), ADT+ is the "how" (the digital tool used to interact with and manage certain ADT services and integrated devices). ADT+ enhances the user experience for customers with compatible ADT security and smart home setups, providing convenient control and account access via a single, integrated platform.
For more information, you can visit the ADT help portal: What You Need to Know about the ADT+ App and Web Portal
