How much does ADT CCTV cost in the UK? ADT CCTV packages start at £99 for installation, with monthly monitoring fees ranging from £40 to £90. Pricing varies based on system complexity, contract length, and add-ons like smart home integration. Most packages include 24/7 professional monitoring, HD cameras, and mobile app access. Below, we break down costs, hidden fees, and alternatives to help you make an informed decision.
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What Are ADT CCTV’s Core Packages and Pricing?
ADT offers three primary CCTV packages in the UK:
- Basic Security (£40/month): 2-3 HD cameras, 24/7 monitoring, and app alerts.
- Smart Home Bundle (£65/month): Adds smart locks, motion sensors, and voice control compatibility.
- Premium Protection (£90/month): Includes 4K cameras, panic buttons, and fire/smoke detection.
How Do Installation Costs Affect ADT’s Pricing?
Installation fees range from £99 to £300, depending on system size and wiring complexity. ADT requires professional installation to ensure compliance with UK security standards. Hidden costs may apply for wall reinforcement, additional power outlets, or bespoke camera mounts.
Installation complexity significantly impacts upfront costs. Properties with thick masonry walls often require £150-£200 in drilling fees, while listed buildings may incur £250+ for conservation-compliant mounting. ADT technicians typically charge £50/hour for labour, with average installations taking 4-6 hours. For multi-story homes, expect 20-30% higher costs due to ladder hire and safety protocols. ADT also offers a premium £399 “discreet installation” option that hides wiring in crown moulding or under floorboards.
| Installation Type | Average Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 3-Camera Setup | £149 | 4 hours |
| Wired Commercial System | £275 | 8 hours |
| Wireless Retrofit | £99 | 2 hours |
Which Factors Influence Ongoing Monthly Fees?
Monthly costs depend on monitoring tiers, data storage needs, and equipment upgrades. For example, cloud storage for 30-day video retention adds £8-£15/month. Longer contracts (3+ years) often reduce monthly rates by 10-15%, while shorter terms (1 year) incur higher premiums.
Does ADT Charge Hidden Fees or Exit Penalties?
Yes. Early termination fees apply up to 75% of remaining contract value. Users report £150-£300 charges for system removal or contract cancellation. ADT also imposes £25/month fees for late payments and £50 for technician call-outs beyond annual maintenance.
Are DIY CCTV Alternatives Cheaper Than ADT?
DIY systems like Ring or Arlo cost £200-£500 upfront with no monthly fees but lack professional monitoring. For equivalent 24/7 ADT-style surveillance, third-party monitoring services add £15-£30/month. However, DIY setups require self-installation and lack ADT’s BS8418 and NSI certifications for police response prioritization.
While DIY kits save 40-60% initially, they often lack critical features. For example, most self-installed systems can’t integrate with UK police alarm response systems, delaying emergency dispatch by 10-15 minutes. ADT’s dual-path communication (cellular + broadband) ensures 99.99% uptime compared to DIY systems’ 95% average. Over a 3-year period, ADT’s Premium Protection package becomes cost-competitive when factoring in equipment warranties and included maintenance.
| Feature | ADT Premium | DIY System |
|---|---|---|
| Police Response Priority | Yes | No |
| Equipment Warranty | 5 years | 1-2 years |
| Average Maintenance Cost | £0/year | £75/year |
How Does ADT Compare to UK Competitors Like Verisure?
Verisure’s comparable packages cost 10-20% less (£35-£80/month) but use shorter 1-2 year contracts. However, ADT offers superior camera resolution (4K vs. 1080p) and integrates with more smart home platforms (Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit). Response times average 45 seconds for ADT versus 60+ seconds for most rivals.
Expert Views
“ADT’s pricing reflects its police-approved status and infrastructure,” says a security industry analyst. “While DIY systems work for small properties, businesses and high-risk homes benefit from ADT’s guaranteed emergency response. The 24/7 monitoring hub with dual-path connectivity (broadband + cellular) justifies higher costs for mission-critical security.”
Conclusion
ADT CCTV systems in the UK range from £480 to £1,800 annually, balancing advanced features with professional reliability. While upfront costs exceed DIY alternatives, their NSI-certified monitoring and insurance-approved systems provide long-term value for homes requiring guaranteed protection. Always review contract terms and ask about seasonal discounts before committing.
FAQs
- Q: Can I negotiate ADT CCTV pricing?
- A: Yes—ask about price matching, referral discounts, or bundling with home insurance.
- Q: Does ADT require a landline?
- A: No. Modern systems use cellular/internet backups for alarm signaling.
- Q: Are ADT cameras wireless?
- A: Hybrid systems use wired power but wireless data transmission for flexible placement.