ADT Doorbell Camera Review 2024

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, as of 2021, the two companies are now partners.1

Still, it’s a little disappointing to find that Google seems to be taking the lead in the partnership when it comes to camera manufacturing. It makes us wonder if ADT is up to putting out its own equipment. Plus, it creates some confusion when we want to talk about ADT products. Even so, we have all the details on Google Nest, er, we mean ADT’s video doorbells.

The Specs

• Resolution: A camera’s real value has to do with its ability to provide a crystal-clear image. These days, there are cameras on the market that provide up to 4K resolution. That’s over 8 million pixels. The ADT doorbell camera doesn’t quite achieve that level of clarity. In fact, it doesn’t quite measure up even to the industry standard of 1080p. The camera’s resolution of 960×1280 provides some 37 fewer pixels than 1080p. That’s a passable image, but only just barely.
• Field of view: ADT’s doorbell cameras do great when it comes to field of view. The camera can show 145 degrees, which is solid compared to the industry-standard 130 degrees. Just as important, it features a 4:3 aspect ratio, which means you can see visitors’ feet as well as their faces, and you can easily check your porch for packages on the ground and worry less about porch pirates.
• 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. 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: ADT’s doorbell camera is outdoor rated, with an IP rating of 54. That means it’s sealed from solid objects, though it isn’t dust-tight. It’s also protected from splashing water. Not exactly top-of-the-line protection, but if your camera is positioned on your porch, it’s probably safe from most weather. In addition, the doorbell camera works in temperatures between negative 4 degrees and 104 degrees Fahrenheit, which should cover all but the most extreme climates.
• 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: ADT’s doorbell cameras come with some sophisticated artificial intelligence capabilities. They know the difference, for instance, between people, animals, and packages. In addition, the cameras include facial recognition software so you can set yours up to know when your sister drops by. Connect the camera to smart locks, and you can set your system to let her in even when you’re not there.
• 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 a choice of wired and wireless doorbells. The wireless option uses a built-in Li-ion battery that can last up to seven months. The wired version connects directly to your existing doorbell wiring.

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 need to know that you can’t purchase just a doorbell from ADT. As we point out in our full ADT review, the company sells its equipment only as part of its full-service plans. All of those plans include a hub, motion detectors, and door/window sensors. They also include monthly 24/7 professional monitoring and professional installation.

The good news is you’re better off with professional monitoring anyway since you’re protected even if you aren’t available to receive alerts. Of course, you can still keep track of your home yourself through the user-friendly ADT Control or the Nest app and a free 30 days of event history.

ADT Self Setup Doorbell Camera Options

ADT created a spin-off brand, ADT Self Setup, that is quite unlike the original ADT security system. You’d still have to purchase equipment to use Self Setup, but rather than having technicians install it, you can do the installation yourself. That can save you around $100 on installation costs.

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.

The catch with ADT Self Setup is that it offers fewer types of components. It doesn’t have glass sensors and carbon monoxide detectors, for instance. On the bright side, though, it has a strong focus on security cameras and doorbell cameras. In fact, the doorbell camera that ADT Self Setup offers is the same Google Nest Doorbell we discussed earlier.

Buying From ADT vs. ADT Self Setup

Obviously, a few questions arise. Even though it’s the same company, ADT markets its self-setup solution to a different type of user. Generally, people who like DIY security solutions want complete control over their costs and their monitoring. And ADT knows this. But, what makes ADT different from ADT self setup considering the equipment comes from the same company? Is using the Nest Doorbell with an ADT system the same as using it with the ADT Self Setup?

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. Google Nest also sells a wired version of their video doorbell if you’re like me and have a hard time remembering to charge your phone at night, never mind charging your doorbell every few months.

Cost of Hardware

The second factor is the cost. For some reason, the Nest Doorbell is pricier if you buy it with an ADT system than if you buy it with ADT Self Setup or from Google’s online store. The regular price from ADT is $229.99 for the battery-powered doorbell, whereas it costs only $179 from both ADT Self Setup and Google.

Note, however, that if you buy from ADT, you get the option to pay in monthly installments. You can pay for your entire ADT system in 24, 36, or 60 months. ADT Self Setup doesn’t have that option, which means you’ll have to pay upfront. Learn more about ADT pricing and ADT Self Setup pricing for a clearer comparison.

Monthly Cost

Lastly, it will cost you more to use the Google Nest Doorbell if you have an ADT system than an ADT Self Setup system. ADT requires professional monitoring. If you have cameras in your home, the minimum cost is $61.99 per month. Moreover, you’ll need to sign a three-year contract (up to five years depending on your equipment financing plan). With that contract in place, you’re committed to pay the monitoring fee every month; early cancellations will come with a penalty.

With ADT Self Setup, monitoring is optional, but even if you opt in, the maximum you’ll pay per month for professional monitoring is $34.99. That’s nearly half of what it costs to monitor an ADT system with cameras.

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 free subscription to Nest Aware, unlocking features like facial recognition and cloud storage.

Recap

One of the best things about ADT is that you have so many options when it comes to protecting your home. That applies to the company’s video doorbells too. If you’re looking for a full-service company to stand behind your video doorbell, ADT is definitely your best bet. If, however, you just want to invest in a video doorbell without worrying about equipment packages and monthly monitoring, you can always go with ADT Self Setup. It’s all about which one you prefer, and since they offer the same video doorbells from Google Nest, you can enjoy the same features and benefits from either ADT brand.