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Business security systems help protect property, employees and inventory while giving owners greater visibility into what’s happening at their locations. While many systems focus primarily on intrusion detection, some also include video surveillance, access control and automation tools that help businesses manage security from a single platform.
We chose ADT Business Security as the best security system for small businesses because it combines professional monitoring, customizable security solutions and an easy-to-use management platform. We like that businesses can build a system that fits their needs with intrusion detection, video surveillance, access control and automation tools, then manage everything remotely through the ADT Control app.
Businesses have no shortage of options for security providers, including Vivint, SimpliSafe and Lorex. However, ADT stands out for its customizable solutions, professional monitoring and broad range of security tools. ADT isn’t the cheapest option, but its ability to tailor systems to businesses of different sizes and industries makes it our top choice for small businesses.
In particular, we loved that ADT doesn’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to security. Small businesses have different security needs depending on their industry, size and location, and ADT works with each customer to build a customized system that fits those requirements. The company can combine intrusion detection, video surveillance, access control and automation tools into a solution tailored to each business. This level of personalization helps differentiate ADT from some DIY security providers, which may offer quality products but typically require businesses to design and manage their own systems.
ADT’s customized solutions are backed by its extensive experience and monitoring infrastructure. The company has been in the security business for more than 150 years and operates six monitoring centers across the country, including facilities dedicated to commercial customers. This network helps support ADT’s rapid response times, which can be critical when businesses are dealing with potential break-ins, emergencies or other security events.
We also like that ADT’s offerings go beyond basic intrusion detection. Depending on the system you choose, ADT can provide video surveillance, access control, environmental monitoring and business automation tools through a single platform. Features such as flood detection, temperature monitoring, lighting controls and remote system management help businesses protect their property while maintaining visibility into what’s happening across one or multiple business locations.
We were impressed with how easy ADT’s business security system was to use. The platform comes equipped with ADT Control, a mobile application that allows businesses to manage their security system remotely. Depending on the package, users can view camera feeds, receive alerts, control automations, adjust settings for connected devices and manage access to sensitive areas from a single app.
The ADT Control app also impressed us with how well it integrates with smart and mobile devices. Available on iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, as well as Apple Watch, the app lets businesses monitor cameras, manage access permissions, receive alerts and control connected devices without switching between multiple systems. It also supports a variety of third-party smart devices and allows users to create automated scenes and schedules that can be managed remotely through a centralized platform.
Although we enjoyed the overall power of having this wide breadth of options, the level of customization the system offers can be overwhelming. The documentation in this area could also use some work. However, we found customer service helpful, and ADT’s security consultants can assist with system setup and configuration.
ADT also features a physical touchscreen control panel. We found the panel responsive and easy to navigate, and we appreciated having a dedicated control hub available onsite in addition to the mobile app.
ADT business security includes many of the business security system features companies expect, including intrusion detection, professional monitoring and video surveillance. Here’s a closer look at the features we found most useful:
Intrusion detection is the foundation of any business security system, and it’s included with every ADT Business Security package. ADT’s monitoring plans include intrusion detection, panic alarm monitoring and optional environmental protections such as temperature and flood monitoring. Businesses can also add motion detectors, glass-break sensors and door and window sensors to help protect their property.
We also like that ADT goes beyond basic alarms with features such as automatic arm and disarm settings, remote system verification and user code management. These tools help businesses maintain visibility into their security systems while making day-to-day management easier.
Video surveillance is one of ADT’s strongest offerings. The company provides a range of HD security cameras with features such as continuous recording, advanced analytics, two-way talk, built-in sirens and both cloud storage and onsite video storage. Businesses can also view live and recorded footage remotely through the ADT Control app, making it easy to monitor activity from virtually anywhere.
We were particularly impressed by ADT’s focus on proactive security. In addition to traditional surveillance, certain cameras support AI Deterrence, which uses video analytics and built-in speakers to identify potential trespassers and deliver automated verbal warnings. ADT also offers business analytics tools that can provide insights into customer traffic, occupancy and queue lengths.
The biggest limitation is that video surveillance is only available with ADT’s Complete monitoring package. Businesses that want cameras but don’t need ADT’s full suite of security and automation tools may find the added expense hard to justify.
ADT’s AI Deterrence feature goes beyond passive video surveillance. Using video analytics and a camera’s built-in speaker, the system can identify potential trespassers and deliver automated verbal warnings in real time. Businesses can customize the messages, voices and responses used by the system to fit different situations.
We like that AI Deterrence allows ADT’s cameras to do more than simply record suspicious activity. When the system detects someone in a restricted area, it can respond with an automated warning instead of waiting for someone to review footage after the fact. This feature has the potential to help businesses address unwanted activity before it escalates.
ADT’s business automation tools allow businesses to manage more than just security. Through the ADT Control app, users can remotely control lighting, create automated schedules, adjust climate settings and automate actions such as locking and unlocking doors.
We like that these features are integrated into the same platform used to manage cameras, alarms and access controls. While business automation isn’t a necessity for every small business, it can help reduce manual tasks, improve energy efficiency and provide greater visibility into day-to-day operations.
ADT’s access control tools help businesses manage who can enter specific areas and when. Depending on your setup, the system can support mobile credentials, key cards, card readers and video intercoms, giving businesses more control over employee and visitor access.
We particularly liked how access permissions can be managed remotely through the ADT Control app. Adding or removing access for employees is straightforward, which can be especially useful for businesses with multiple staff members, restricted areas or frequent employee turnover.
Access control can help businesses limit who can enter areas where sensitive records, equipment and other assets are stored. That added layer of security may help reduce the risk of unauthorized access and some types of data breaches. For healthcare businesses, access controls can also support HIPAA compliance by helping protect sensitive information and patient records.
ADT integrates with popular smart home ecosystems, including Amazon Alexa and Google Home. While we don’t consider voice assistant integration a must-have business security feature, we found ADT’s implementation to be surprisingly useful.
If your business already uses Alexa or Google Home, ADT works well with both platforms. We liked being able to use voice commands to trigger automations and control connected devices without opening the app. It’s not a feature most businesses will buy a security system for, but it can make everyday tasks a little easier.
ADT doesn’t publish standard pricing for its business security plans. Instead, the company customizes each system based on your facility, industry, security risks and equipment needs. To receive pricing, businesses must contact ADT for a free security assessment and quote. Here’s a look at how its plans and features compare.
Plan | Pricing | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
Secure | Custom quote |
| Businesses that need professionally monitored intrusion and environmental protection |
Interactive | Custom quote | Everything in Secure, plus:
| Businesses that want remote access and automation tools in addition to security monitoring |
Complete | Custom quote | Everything in Interactive, plus:Â
| Businesses that want a fully integrated security system with video monitoring capabilities |
There are a few other costs and pricing details to keep in mind:
Although this quote-based approach can make it difficult to compare costs upfront, we found the consultation process helpful. ADT’s security specialists evaluate your workspace, discuss your security concerns and recommend a system based on your specific needs rather than pushing a one-size-fits-all package.
Implementation and onboarding begin with a free security assessment. Businesses can request a consultation through ADT’s website, after which an ADT representative discusses the company’s location, size, industry and security needs. The next step is an onsite evaluation, where a security specialist assesses the property and recommends equipment and monitoring options.
We liked that ADT didn’t try to force us into a prebuilt package. The specialist made recommendations based on our location and security concerns, but there was room to adjust the system and equipment based on what made sense for the business. After the agreement is signed, ADT schedules the installation and completes the system setup.
Overall, we found ADT’s onboarding process straightforward. The combination of a security assessment, onsite consultation and professional installation helps ensure businesses receive a system that fits their specific environment.
ADT offers several ways for businesses to get help, including phone support, live chat and an online support center. New customers can contact ADT directly for sales and pricing information, while existing customers have access to dedicated support options for billing, troubleshooting and account assistance.
ADT also offers an AI-powered digital assistant through its website. During our testing, the assistant was able to answer basic questions and transfer us to a live ADT specialist when needed. Businesses that prefer speaking with a representative can also contact ADT by phone or use the company’s live chat feature.
Here’s what stood out to us about ADT’s support options:
ADT offers robust business security tools, professional monitoring and highly customizable systems. However, we found a few drawbacks that businesses should consider before signing up. Here are the areas where ADT fell short for us:
We independently researched leading business security systems, identifying the monitoring services, equipment options and security features that differentiate each provider. We also reviewed vendor materials, analyzed customer feedback and spoke directly with company representatives to better understand each provider’s offerings. Our evaluation focused on factors such as security and monitoring capabilities, pricing, implementation, ease of use, customer support and overall value.
We selected ADT as the best business security system for small businesses because it brings together professional monitoring, video surveillance, access control and remote system management in one platform. The ADT Control app allows business owners to manage their security systems from virtually anywhere, while ADT’s customizable equipment options help businesses build a solution that fits their specific needs.
We recommend ADT business security for …
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