ADT vs. Xfinity Home Security

The home security giant squares off against the largest cable provider in our home alarm comparison.

Most Popular
ADT Shield
ADT
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
  • pro
    Reputable name
  • pro
    Professional installation
  • con
    Pricey
Best for Bundling Services
Xfinity
xfinity
1.8 out of 5 stars
1.75
  • pro
    Service bundles
  • pro
    Innovative equipment
  • con
    Poor customer service reviews
Brianne Sandorf
Feb 13, 2023
Icon Time To Read2 min read

ADT has been around forever, and Xfinity Home is a relatively new player in the home security game (less than 10 years), but are they really that different?

We’ll come right out and say it: if you want standalone home security, go with ADT. If you’re looking to get all your home services in one fell swoop, get Xfinity Home. If you’re just starting out with your first security system, you may want to check out our Best Home Security Providers post.

ADT and Xfinity comparison
CompanyADTXfinity
Starting price$28.99–$59.99/mo.$30.00*/mo.
Installation typeProfessionalProfessional
Installation feeVariesStarts at $60.00
Contract length36 mos.36 mos.
Contract cancellation fee75% of remaining contractStarts at $700 minus $70.00 for every 3 mos. of service kept*
Smart home supportYes†Yes
Mobile app controlYes‡Yes
Learn more

* Xfinity prices vary by location.

† Smart home functions not supported by all monitoring plans.

‡ Mobile app control not available with all monitoring plans.

Security system install
Heads Up

Both ADT and Xfinity have professional installation, which reduces customer hassle. Both companies are starting to open up into the DIY space, ADT now offers a DIY option ADT Self Setup that comes with more affordable monitoring prices. 

What we like about ADT

ADT Command control panel

ADT’s the go-to name in home security. 

We also have major heart eyes for ADT’s 24/7 video recording and cellular packages. 

What we like about Xfinity

Internet, cable, phone, security . . . home services really add up. With Xfinity Home, you can get it all in a single, price-effective bundle.

Xfinity control panel

Most of Xfinity’s equipment is pretty standard: the Basic Home System package comes with the Xfinity Home app, a touchscreen controller, three door or window sensors, a motion sensor, and a yard sign. But the company also has some neat features. The controller is handheld and portable, and there’s a proprietary Zen thermostat that can be added to a package for some home automation magic.

Xfinity Home Security connection
Info Box

Xfinity’s mobile app requires a connection through the XH router, which an Xfinity technician would verify. So you can use another internet provider, but you’ll still be using Xfinity equipment.

ADT vs. Xfinity pros comparison

ADT Pros

  • Well-known name
  • Professional installation 

Xfinity Pros

  • Service bundles
  • Some innovative equipment

What we don’t like about ADT

ADT monitoring and security equipment are expensive. It doesn’t offer the most cutting-edge tech, and you don’t get the app with every plan. Basically, you’re paying premium prices for ADT’s shiny reputation.

ADT also lags behind when it comes to transparency. It doesn’t provide equipment price breakdowns on its website because the equipment prices are part of what you'll pay for installation, so it's hard to know what you'll pay upfront. 

What we don’t like about Xfinity

Three words: Comcast customer service. Xfinity Home Security’s customer service is no better than what Xfinity/Comcast usually offers. That means you’re likely in for frustrating exchanges, obtuse responses, and even billing problems.

Also, Xfinity security monitoring prices are hard to pin down. In some areas, an Xfinity bundle is a huge money-saver. In others, it’s a bad deal. You won’t know for sure without entering your ZIP code on the Xfinity website.

Xfinity Home Security systems equipment
Price Tag

Xfinity equipment prices are standard and start at $360 for a basic system. But you’re getting very basic equipment for that price, including just one security camera option.

Finally, Xfinity’s one of the few home alarm systems we’ve reviewed that’s not compatible with either Alexa or Google Assistant. Its home automation compatibility is extremely cherry-picked, with a few devices from various well-known smart home brands.

ADT vs. Xfinity cons comparison

ADT Cons

  • Expensive professional monitoring
  • No transparency in pricing and fees  

Xfinity Cons

  • Poorly rated customer service
  • Location-dependent prices

Which one should you choose?

If you live in an area with lower Xfinity prices, especially if you’re already an Xfinity customer, we recommend an Xfinity service bundle. But if you’re looking for home security alone, aren’t a current Xfinity customer, and live in a higher-priced Xfinity area, ADT’s where it’s at.

Want to learn more?

Brianne Sandorf
Written by
After five years with Reviews.org, Brianne can and will tell you which internet or mobile provider you should sign up for. She’s talked with internet customers across the U.S. and beyond and addresses their real-life concerns in every piece she writes. Brianne also created the ratings system for the Reviews.org internet service provider reviews and wrote most of them. Brianne channels her lifelong interest in detective work by hunting for obscure, need-to-know information about internet service providers. She’s always learning so that she can pass her knowledge on to Reviews.org readers. Her writing and expertise have appeared in numerous other publications, including Move.org, Parents.com, and the Stanford student blog. Her work for Reviews.org is also cited in a research paper about smart home assistants titled “Expert-Generated Privacy Q&A Dataset for Conversational AI and User Study Insights.” Brianne is a homegrown Utahn who loves to travel and see new places. She graduated from Westminster College with a double major in honors and creative writing. After 20 years in a 8,000-person city, she now lives in Murray, a bustling metropolis of 50,000 where she and her husband raise their two little girls.

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