ADT Health – an Average Device with a Premium Price Tag
ADT has been one of the most trusted names in home security for more than a century. It is a reputation that is well-deserved and we had expected this would extend into their Medical Alert System offering. Unfortunately, that is not the case. With very ordinary systems and Call Centers, that while very reliable, are built for Home Security and a price that does not reflect value, we ave InHome cannot recommend ADT Health.
While we applaud any effort to raise awareness around Medical Alert Systems, we found ADT Health’s medical alert solution to be woefully lagging behind the top competitors in the industry.
If you have ADT as a Home Security System, are loyal to their brand, and are willing to pay a premium, they are worth looking into. However, out of the more than 20 systems reviewed, more than half scored higher and ADT did not rank even close to our Top Five.
Shopping Experience7.5/10
Unlike other providers, there is no option to purchase an ADT system online. Instead, customers are required to order by phone. During our secret shopping experience, the reason for this became clear, ADT wanted to sell us Home Security in addition to their solution for Medical Alerts.
While the representatives on the other end of the line were knowledgeable, we could not switch the conversation to what we were interested in – a best-in-class medical alert system; rather, it felt like a lecture on security as a whole, with medical alerts being one part of that. Your experience may be different and if that’s the case, we encourage you to contact us and let us know!
Equipment & Setup7.5/10
ADT’s equipment is good – it’s dependable, properly tested and certified, but ADT’s top-of-the-line systems are equal to what most providers offer as their base solution. It is clear ADT looks to leverage their strong brand in charging higher than expected prices for very ordinary equipment. We can only recommend ADT’s medical alert system if you are looking for Home Security as well as these services:
- Smoke detection
- Fire detection
- Carbon monoxide detection
Their wearables are standard for base equipment. Both the necklace pendant and wristbands are comfortable.
Cost & Value7.5/10
A 7.5 is generous and we had to ask ourselves how we can justify even this score given the competition’s better offerings, the high cost associated with ADT, and any superior value offered other than access to best-in-class call centers. Were we swayed by the brand? Perhaps, and that’s OK. When you are known for keeping families safe for more than 100 years, you’re doing something right.
Monitoring & Reputation8.5/10
ADT has one of the most robust call center networks in the world – however, medical alert makes up just a small part of their business
Being a large company with the resources to provide the great service, which they do – but, again, we do not believe those resources are made available unless a commitment to purchase a home security system is also part of your plan.
Closing
The outstanding stuff
- Best home security available, if a medical alert system is coupled with that, there is value provided
Our wish list
- Commit to a stand-alone system in a manner reflective of the leaders in this space: MobileHelp and Lifestation.
Our final thoughts – If you are in need of home security, pairing medical alert technology with home security can make a lot of sense. As a stand-alone system, we believe consumers are much better served by exploring the other medical alert systems reviewed on our site. Interested in home security as well? Visit our home security section.
