ADT Doorbell Camera Review 2026

ADT Doorbell Cameras

The first thing you need to know is that ADT doesn’t offer its own video doorbells. Instead, if you order a doorbell camera from ADT you’ll get a Google Nest video doorbell. That makes sense since the two companies have been partners since 2021.1

Doorbell cameras aren’t the only Nest products available from ADT. You can also get Google Nest’s full lineup of security cameras, including their versatile battery-powered indoor/outdoor Nest Cam and the new wired Nest Cam Indoor and Nest Cam Outdoor. In short, ADT and Google’s partnership goes beyond just simple product integration – it’s a meshing of two powerhouses.

The Specs

• Resolution: ADT offers two Google Nest doorbell options. The battery-powered version delivers 960×1280 HD resolution—adequate for identifying visitors but not the sharpest available. However, the newer Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd gen) steps up to 2K HDR resolution, providing significantly clearer images with better contrast and detail, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
• Field of view: The field of view also varies by model. The battery version offers a solid 145-degree diagonal view with a 4:3 aspect ratio, letting you see visitors from head to toe and spot packages on the ground. The wired 3rd gen model expands this to an impressive 166-degree diagonal view—among the widest in the industry—giving you even more coverage of your porch and surrounding areas.
• Night vision: Night vision for this camera is also solid. The video doorbell features two infrared LEDs, which can capture activity even in the lowest light levels. The wired model’s enhanced night vision pairs with its higher resolution for superior clarity in darkness. Night vision is an important feature to have, as burglars hate to be exposed while casing a home or breaking in.
• Two-way audio: The ADT doorbell succeeds again when it comes to audio. It includes a microphone so you can have two-way conversations with the Girl Scouts who have come by to deliver your cookies. Even better, the mic has noise reduction and echo cancellation, so you can actually understand what they’re saying about your thin mints.
• Outdoor rating: Here’s where things get a bit concerning. The IP54 rating means the battery doorbell option can handle dust and water splashes, but it’s not top-of-the-line protection. For comparison, the wired model has an IP65 rating, which makes it water-resistant, but not waterproof.
• Activity zones: Like most security cameras these days, you can set up activity zones in your ADT doorbell camera’s field of view. That helps cut down on false alerts when the neighbor’s dog happens by chasing a squirrel.
• AI: This is where ADT’s Google partnership really shines. The doorbell can differentiate between people, animals, vehicles, and packages like most high-end competitors. However, it goes a step further with facial recognition. Once trained, it can alert you specifically when “Mom is at the door” rather than just “person detected.” Studies show that the accuracy of these facial recognition algorithms exceeds 99 percent.2
• Wi-Fi connectivity: The ADT doorbell camera works through a Wi-Fi signal and sends all video to cloud storage so you can review it at your leisure.
• Power options: ADT offers both battery-powered and wired options. The battery version lasts up to six months, depending on activity levels (Google reports an average of 2.5 months for typical use). The wired version eliminates charging concerns entirely while supporting the higher 2K resolution and enhanced features.

If you want the maximum field of view in your video doorbell, check out our review of the Vivint video doorbell. It’s one of the most advanced camera doorbells we’ve ever tested. In fact, all of Vivint’s equipment features state-of-the-art technology. So, if you’re a tech geek, take a peek at our review of the Vivint security system to see what else they offer. We’ve also put Vivint up against ADT in a head-to-head competition to help you figure out which best fits your needs.

Additional Details on ADT Doorbell Cameras

You can’t just buy a standalone doorbell camera from ADT. It’s only available as part of a home security package. Every package includes their base station, door/window sensors, and motion detectors. If you get your system professionally installed, you’ll also need to sign up for a $49.99 per month monitoring plan with a 36-month contract.

The silver lining? Professional monitoring means trained security experts watch your home 24/7, even when your phone dies or you’re in airplane mode. They’ll contact emergency services if needed, potentially saving precious minutes in a crisis. Plus, you still maintain control through the ADT+ app, which now integrates seamlessly with the Google Home ecosystem for unified smart home management.

ADT Self Setup Doorbell Camera Options

ADT expanded their Self Setup line to compete directly with DIY security giants like SimpliSafe and Ring. This isn’t your traditional ADT experience. It’s designed for the tech-savvy homeowner who wants professional-grade equipment without the professional installation price tag (which runs at least $100).

Aside from that, professional monitoring is not required. We recommend getting a monitoring plan, but if you prefer a fully-DIY home security, you can use ADT Self Setup without monthly fees. And even if you add professional monitoring, you won’t have to sign a contract unlike with the ADT security system. See how ADT stacks up against dedicated DIY security providers in our roundup of the best DIY security systems on the market. ADT does surprisingly well given that it specializes in professionally installed and monitored solutions.

Buying From ADT vs. ADT Self Setup

Let me break down the real differences between these two ADT offerings, because the distinction isn’t always clear in their marketing materials. Think of traditional ADT as the full-service restaurant experience, while ADT Self Setup is more like ordering from a high-end meal kit service. It’s the same quality ingredients, but with a different preparation and service model.

Well, there are three things to consider if you’re trying to decide between ADT and ADT Self Setup.

Installation

First is installation. ADT Self Setup is a DIY system, whereas ADT requires professional installation. That said, we tested the Nest Doorbell (battery) ourselves and we can say it’s about as easy to install as any other video doorbell. It’s completely wireless, it comes with all the accessories you need for quick mounting, and the Nest app will guide you through the entire process. It’s a 30-minute job, even if you’re new to video doorbells. The wired doorbell is just as easy to set up if you have existing doorbell wiring. If not, we recommend using ADT’s professional installation service.

Cost of Hardware

Here’s where pricing gets interesting. ADT doesn’t offer nearly as many deals for their professionally installed systems as their Self Setup systems. That means you’ll likely pay their full retail prices.

The key advantage with traditional ADT? Financing options. You can spread payments over 24, 36, or 60 months with zero percent APR (subject to credit approval). ADT Self Setup requires full payment upfront, which could mean dropping $500-$1,000 immediately for a basic setup.

Monthly Cost

This is where the gap widens dramatically. ADT monitoring plans with camera support is $39.99 monthly for Self Setup customers. For professionally installed systems, the price is $49.99 per month, which is locked in for 36 months minimum. If you break that contract early, you’ll pay 75 percent of your remaining balance. That could potentially cost thousands of dollars.

ADT Self Setup’s professional monitoring plans don’t require a contract. That means you can cancel anytime without penalties. Even better, you can use the system completely free if you self-monitor, though you’ll lose cloud recording and some AI features.

Here’s another thing to note: While there’s a huge difference in monitoring costs between ADT and ADT Self Setup, the doorbell features are actually the same. You’ll get a subscription to Google Home Premium included with ADT’s Complete plan, unlocking features like facial recognition and cloud storage.

Recap

After extensive testing, we found that ADT’s doorbell cameras (really Google Nest in disguise) deliver solid performance with exceptional AI capabilities. The introduction of the wired 3rd gen model with 2K HDR and 166-degree field of view addresses previous concerns about resolution and coverage. However, the real decision isn’t about the hardware — it’s about how much hand-holding you want. Traditional ADT provides white-glove service at premium prices, while ADT Self Setup offers the same smart doorbell for DIY enthusiasts at a fraction of the ongoing cost.