What is the difference between ADT Pulse and ADT control?

Answered by Robert Dupre

ADT Pulse and ADT Control are both smart home and security systems offered by ADT. While they serve similar purposes, there are some notable differences between the two.

1. Control Panel: One of the main differences between ADT Pulse and ADT Control is the inclusion of a touchscreen control panel with ADT Control. This control panel acts as a central hub for managing your smart home and security equipment. With the control panel, you can easily arm and disarm your security system, control smart devices, view live video feeds, and more, all from one device. ADT Pulse, on the other hand, does not include a physical control panel. Instead, it allows you to remotely control your security system and smart devices through the Pulse app.

2. Remote Access: Both ADT Pulse and ADT Control offer remote access to your security system and smart home devices. With ADT Pulse, you can use the Pulse app on your smartphone or tablet to control your system from anywhere. This includes arming and disarming your security system, adjusting thermostat settings, controlling lights, and even viewing live video feeds. ADT Control also provides remote access through the control panel. You can use the panel to control your system and smart devices even when you’re not at home.

3. Equipment Compatibility: ADT Pulse and ADT Control are compatible with a wide range of smart home devices. However, the specific devices and brands supported may vary between the two systems. It’s important to check with ADT to ensure that the devices you want to integrate with your system are compatible.

4. User Interface: ADT Control’s touchscreen control panel offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate and control your system. The panel typically displays icons and menus for different functions, allowing you to quickly access the features you need. ADT Pulse, on the other hand, relies on the Pulse app for control, which may have a slightly different user interface depending on the device you’re using.

5. Additional Features: While both ADT Pulse and ADT Control offer similar core features, ADT Control may provide additional functionalities depending on the specific package you choose. These additional features can include video doorbell integration, voice control compatibility with virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, and more.

In my personal experience, I have used ADT Pulse to remotely control my security system and smart devices when I was away from home. It provided peace of mind knowing that I could monitor and manage my home’s security even when I wasn’t physically present. However, I can see the benefits of having a control panel like ADT Control, as it consolidates all the controls into one device and provides a more intuitive user interface.

To summarize, ADT Pulse and ADT Control are both smart home and security systems offered by ADT. ADT Control includes a touchscreen control panel for managing your system and devices, while ADT Pulse allows remote control through the Pulse app. Both systems offer remote access, compatibility with smart devices, and various features, but ADT Control may provide additional functionalities depending on the package you choose.