ADT Security Camera Pricing and Costs

Year after year, we highly rate ADT, and the inclusion of Google Nest Cams secured it a spot on our list of the best home security systems of 2025. However, good camera technology doesn’t come cheap, but at least you won’t pay a premium buying through ADT instead of directly through Google.

Plus, you get high quality devices backed by sophisticated technology. These cameras are made even more powerful when combined with ADT’s top class monitoring service. Let’s go through the pricing details and an overview of our latest experiences so you can see if a security camera from ADT is right for you.

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 per month Complete 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

Currently, four packages include these fundamental components and at least one Nest camera. The Outdoor Video package includes either a video doorbell or a battery-powered Nest Cam. The top-tier Total Safety package includes a video doorbell, an indoor or outdoor Nest Cam, an outdoor Nest Cam, a smart lock, and more. In the table below, we’ve also included the Security Starter package that does not include a camera.

The purchase of any package requires at least one month of professional monitoring. For packages with a camera, ADT requires at least one month of Complete Monitoring for $39.99 per month. In the table below, we’ve also included the camera-less Security Starter package for comparison.

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.

While these are good deals for dependable Google technology, not every has a few hundred dollars lying around. ADT does offer financing options with terms up to 60 months. So, the Outdoor Video package would cost about $18 per month over a 36-month term.

Our Recommendation

When we tested ADT, we went with the Build Your Own package, which starts with the base station and a door/window sensor for $269. We added all the components we wanted to test to rack up a total of more than $1,200.

That said, we feel the established packages work for most homes. Also, these packages are often discounted. If you think you need one more sensor or camera, you can easily add one to an established package and still take advantage of any discount. Finally, we paid for our custom system upfront, but you can finance your equipment if you want.

ADT Self Setup

ADT used to require professional installation, but they now offer DIY installation through ADT Self Setup. This approach has been so successful that it’s now the default option on the ADT website. There’s also an option for remote assistance from an ADT technician during your installation which we recommend to optimize the placement of your cameras.

While most of these cameras are pretty easy to install, the Nest Cam with Floodlights requires hardwiring to a junction box. Unless you’re an electrician, we suggest getting your ADT system installed by a technician if it includes that camera. It’s the only Nest Cam not available as part of ADT Self Setup.

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. That’s a costly add-on for most people, but an expert installation ensures you’re getting the most out of your cameras.

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.

For camera support, ADT’s Complete monitoring package costs $39.99 per month. That price is very competitive with those from other top home security companies. Also, you don’t have to sign a contract and can go month-to-month with the service.

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 reviewed Arlo cameras, the cameras we tested were more expensive but had premium features to make them worth the price. Arlo also has budget-friendly, bare bones cameras, unlike ADT.

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.