Citywide Alarms vs. ADT

If you’re comparing ADT with a local company, here is an honest side-by-side so you can see the differences in one place. Citywide Alarms is a family-owned St. Louis alarm company that designs, installs, monitors, and services its own systems. Where the two are even, we say so.

The Answers Before You Buy

Citywide Alarms and ADT, Side by Side

Feature Citywide Alarms ADT
CompanyFamily-owned, St. Louis-based since 2010National provider
InstallationCitywide technicians onlyADT technicians or self-setup
Who services your systemThe same local team that installed it, from offices in Clayton and St. CharlesPhone support through ADT
24/7 professional monitoringYesYes
Video during alarmsMonitoring station can send alarm video to policeMonitoring center can briefly view cameras to verify an alarm
Camera optionsWireless, IP, and hardwired PoE, HD to 4KOne third-party consumer camera line
On-site recordingYes; on-site and/or cloud; weeks of footageNo local storage option; short backup during internet outages
Cloud storageYesYes
Smart detectionPerson, vehicle, and animal detection, tripwire, custom zones, Perimeter GuardPerson, pet, and vehicle detection
AppOne app for cameras, alarm, locks, lights, and garageADT+ app
Video doorbellYes, KSDK's top video doorbell provider in St. LouisYes
Commercial security and fireFull commercial security, access control, and commercial fire systemsSold its commercial security and fire business in 2023; focuses on residential, small business, and multifamily

ADT information based on SafeHome.org's 2026 ADT review and ADT's August 2023 SEC filing, as of October 2026.

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Some Key Differences Between Citywide Alarm Systems & ADT

Cloud and On-Site Storage, Not Cloud Alone


ADT’s cameras keep video in the cloud, with no local storage option and only a short backup when the internet goes down. Citywide systems can record on-site, in the cloud, or both. With on-site recording, footage is saved even when your internet is not working, and with a copy in cloud storage, it stays protected if a camera is damaged or stolen. Our systems hold weeks of footage, so you can go back and find what happened.

One Local Team From Install to Service


The same company designs, installs, monitors, and services your Citywide system, from offices in St. Louis and St. Charles. We only service equipment we install ourselves, so there is no handoff between companies when something needs attention, and the people who answer already know your setup.

Cameras Chosen for Your Property


Instead of fitting every home to one camera line, we choose cameras for each property. Hardwired PoE cameras suit spots where a steady cable connection matters, and wireless cameras fill in where running cable does not make sense. Resolution goes up to 4K, the floodlight camera records in 4MP with 3,000 lumens of light, and infrared night vision covers the overnight hours. Browse our security cameras to learn more.
The team at Citywide Alarms standing in front of one of their work vans.

Home and Business Under One Company


ADT sold its commercial security, fire, and life safety business in 2023 to focus on its residential, small business, and multifamily markets. Citywide still covers both sides of the job. For your home, that means alarms, cameras, and smart home. For your business, it means business security, access control, and commercial fire systems under one company.

Switching from ADT

Start by checking the end date on your current contract, since that decides when a switch makes sense. When you are ready, a Citywide technician walks through your home, recommends the system that fits it, and installs it, with the cameras, alarm, and monitoring planned together. Our home security and home alarm systems are designed and installed by the same local team.

What Others Think Of Our Service

Proudly Serving Construction Sites All Over The St. Louis Metro

Citywide Alarms provides trusted security solutions throughout St. Louis and surrounding communities. Whether you’re a home or a business, we’re ready to help you protect what matters most.
  • St. Louis
    7733 Forsyth Blvd. Suite 1100
    Saint Louis, MO 63105
  • St. Charles
    965 Sycamore Dr.
    St. Charles, MO 63304

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