ADT Security Camera Pricing and Costs

We regularly rate ADT as one of the best security systems available, and the company’s cameras have been a big part of those ratings. Year after year, ADT continues to impress us with camera technology that complements its sensor technology and top-class monitoring service.

ADT took its camera technology to the next level a few years ago when it incorporated Google Nest devices into its lineup. These cameras have the quality we’ve come to expect from Google, and they leverage the tech giant’s latest technology, such as its AI technology for facial recognition. Let’s go through all of the cameras currently available from ADT and our experience with them so you can see if any of them suit your needs.

Overview of ADT Security Cameras

If you’re going to buy Nest Cams, we recommend getting them from ADT. We’ve seen ADT offer deals on Nest Cams by up to 60 percent, which is better than what we’ve seen on Amazon and Google Store. It’s the exact same hardware, so you’re not missing out by buying directly from ADT.

>> Check Out: Nest Camera Review

ADT is known for its trained service technicians, and they can professionally install your cameras. In fact, we recommend a professional installation for any cameras that will be hardwired into your home’s electrical system. If you live in an area where any electrical work must be done by a professional, then an installation from ADT is your only choice.

However, a professional installation isn’t your only choice. The Self Setup line from ADT is designed to be installed by homeowners and apartment renters. Going this route is a great way to save on installation fees. The DIY approach is also more sensible if you are only purchasing plug-in or wireless cameras.

>> Related: ADT Self Setup Review

ADT Camera Options

You don’t have to look long and hard to learn about ADT’s home security pricing. That information is readily available on ADT’s website, including ADT’s current deals and other promotions you might want to check out. But since you’re already here, let’s see the options.

Three Cameras

ADT offers three types of security cameras – indoor cameras, outdoor cameras, and video doorbells or doorbell cameras. All those cameras are from Google Nest. Here’s an overview of the Nest Cams you can get with your ADT security system:

While some home security cameras have functions only available with a cloud subscription, Nest Cams offer advanced capabilities as standalone devices. For example, Nest Cams use AI technology to recognize people, something that requires a cloud subscription with SimpliSafe. A Google cloud subscription does unlock a bit more functionality. In our review of the Nest Cam (battery), we talk about how we used cloud-powered facial recognition to cut down on false alarms.

They are also some of the most reliable security cameras on the market, especially if you value high video quality. Yes, you don’t need to be able to shoot cinematic videos with your security cameras, but a high frame rate (at least 30 fps) and dynamic range will help you capture crucial details in case of a break-in. The Nest Cams have both.

Nest Aware Subscription

ADT now offers a Nest Aware subscription when you purchase any video package. For monitored systems, the cost is rolled into the $39.99 monthly monitoring fee. Without that bundle, you’d pay $8 per month for Nest Aware. When you get a Nest Aware subscription through ADT, it includes:

• 30 days of video event recordings
• Facial recognition technology
• Sound recognition technology, which can detect breaking glass or smoke alarms
• 911 services in the mobile app that connects to local first responders

Additionally, the ADT monitoring plan with Nest Aware includes video verification, which means ADT’s monitoring personnel will be able to use your cameras to verify alerts and potentially speed up police response.

You also have the option to add 10-day continuous video recording with Nest Aware Plus, which costs an extra $7 per month. A word of warning: Continuous recording might take a toll on your Wi-Fi network. Our recommendation is to pass on Nest Aware Plus because the Nest Cams excel at detecting and capturing key moments on video.

Choose a Security Package or Build Your Own

While some home security companies sell their cameras as standalone products, ADT requires certain purchases that include:

• A base station
• At least one door/window sensor
• Access to the ADT+ app

There are two packages that have these essential elements and a Nest camera. With the Outdoor Video package, you can include a battery-powered Nest Cam or video doorbell. The Front Door Protection package includes a Nest Doorbell camera and a smart lock. For cost comparison, the Security Starter package doesn’t include Nest cameras.

You can also customize those packages with additional equipment, so if you need more cameras than what’s included, you can buy them from ADT. Surprisingly, they’re being sold at retail prices – no markups.

Still, Nest Cam pricing starts at about $100. That’s a significant amount that not everyone is willing or capable of shelling out upfront. Fortunately, ADT offers financing options. So if your equipment total becomes too high to pay upfront, you can always finance it for up to 60 months. The Outdoor Video package before any add-ons costs about $18 per month over a 36-month term.

Our Recommendation

When we tested ADT, we went with the Build Your Own package and were pretty happy with what we got. Our package started with the base station and a door/window sensor for $269. From there, we added all the components we wanted to test. We racked up a total of more than $1,200. We paid for it upfront, but you can finance your equipment if you want.

We went with the Build Your Own package because the other packages didn’t include all the equipment we wanted to test. That said, the established packages work for most homes. Also, these packages typically have deep discounts.

ADT Self Setup

Remember when we said you can also DIY the installation? Well, that’s another option if you’re looking to save. ADT previously had a different offering for ADT Self Setup, but now, you can get the same equipment options if you want to DIY. The prices and packages are the same, too, but you can cut back on the cost by skipping the installation fee and installing the system yourself.

ADT’s installation fee starts at $99 and increases with the scale of the installation. If it involves security cameras, installation will likely cost $200 or more. However, Nest Cams were designed for DIY installation, and we set up ours in about 10 minutes.

The only Nest Cam we’d recommend getting professionally installed is the Nest Cam with Floodlights. It requires hardwiring to a junction box, so unless you’re an electrician, we suggest getting your ADT system installed by a technician if it includes that camera.

Monitoring Options

Now, after buying ADT Self Setup equipment, you can skip the monthly fee and use it without professional monitoring. However, you also won’t be able to enjoy the system’s full features that way, so we recommend paying for professional monitoring.

With cameras, professional monitoring for ADT Self Setup costs $39.99. It’s a little bit cheaper than monitoring a professionally installed ADT system, and you don’t have to sign a contract either.

Price Comparison

Now that you know your options, let’s compare them to other brands on the market, specifically, Ring and Arlo. We’ve tested the Ring cameras and found them to be a solid and affordable option. On the other hand, when we tested the Arlo cameras, they were a bit more expensive but with the right features to make them worth the price.

Compared to those two options, the Nest Cams are somewhere in the middle price-wise. However, in terms of features, the Nest cameras are actually on the same level as Arlo, since they are capable of facial recognition, person detection, and other AI-powered detection modes.

Combine that with ADT’s monitoring service, and you can really get a lot of good value from the ADT Self Setup camera options.

ADT Self Setup Camera Installation

Here’s another thing to consider: As a DIY system, you don’t have to pay an installation fee. You’ll set up the whole system yourself, including the cameras. If that sounds too daunting, let us assure you that Nest Cameras are some of the easiest security cameras we’ve ever had to install.

The Nest Cam (indoor) is a simple plug-in camera, so all you need to do is plug it into an outlet and secure its placement either to a wall or any flat surface. The Nest Cam (battery) and Nest Doorbell (battery) are even easier to deal with. Since they run on batteries, simply charge them overnight before mounting them.

Customer Support

When it comes to home security technology, we prefer companies that offer immediate customer support. You never know when you’re going to need help installing a new component or updating a piece of software. This is where ADT delivers in a big way, especially with live chat support. This service is available from 7 a.m. to midnight (Eastern Time). Whether you need to make an early call or a late night one, ADT is available to serve you.

Recap

So which ADT security system is right for you?

The professionally-installed ADT system is a great option if you want to combine ADT’s excellent monitoring service with the power of Google Nest cameras, but note that this is the more expensive route. In return, however, you’ll receive a premium home security experience and a wider range of options for home security.

That said, if you’re on a budget, the ADT Self Setup system is still a viable budget alternative. While you get less choices for equipment, it has access to an indoor camera, outdoor camera, and a video doorbell – all from Google Nest. Its monthly monitoring plan is also cheaper than ADT Control, but again, it’s not as robust as ADT’s full-featured option.