ADT Security Camera Pricing and Costs

Year after year, we highly rate ADT for its top-class monitoring service. The inclusion of Google Nest cameras in recent years has cemented the 150-year-old company in our list of the best home security systems of 2025. While you could buy these cameras directly from the tech giant, is it worth it to go through ADT instead?

On one hand, these cameras are more powerful when combined with ADT’s top monitoring and tech services. On the other hand, you gotta pay for those services. Let’s go through the pricing details and an overview of our latest experiences so you can see if a Google security camera from ADT is right for you.

Overview of ADT Security Cameras

If you’re looking to snag Nest Cams, we suggest going through ADT. We’ve spotted ADT running promotions on Nest Cams with discounts reaching 60 percent off. That beats what we typically see on the Google Store or Amazon. Since it’s identical hardware either way, you’re getting the same quality product at a better price through ADT.

>> Check Out: Nest Camera Review

We’ve also known ADT 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.

That said, ADT has been shifting toward DIY setups lately. Their current Self Setup line is built specifically for homeowners and renters to handle installation themselves. This route cuts out installation fees and scheduling headaches. It’s a particularly good option if you’re building a small security setup.

>> 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 keeps it simple with three camera categories – indoor cameras, outdoor cameras, and video doorbells. They’re all Google Nest products. Here’s what you can add to your ADT security setup:

Unlike some security cameras we’ve tested that lock their best features behind subscription paywalls, Nest Cams deliver sophisticated capabilities right out of the box. Take people detection, for instance. Nest Cams handle this with built-in AI, while competitors like Blink require a cloud subscription for the same feature. A Google cloud subscription does add extra perks, though. When we tested the Nest Cam (battery), the cloud-based facial recognition really helped us hone in our alerts.

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 bundles a Nest Aware subscription with any video package you buy. If you go with monitored systems, it’s included in the $39.99 monthly Complete monitoring fee. We think that’s a solid deal since Nest Aware — a solid deal since Nest Aware normally runs $10 per month on its own. Your Nest Aware subscription through ADT gets you:

• 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.

There’s also an option to upgrade to get 10-day continuous recording and 60-day event history. It’s called Nest Aware Plus, and it costs $10 more than Nest Aware. Fair warning though: Continuous recording can really bog down your Wi-Fi. From our testing, Nest Aware Plus feels like overkill for ADT setups since the cameras already excel at capturing important moments and you’ve got professional monitoring backing them up.

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

Right now, you’ve got four packages that include these essentials plus at least one Nest camera. The Outdoor Video package comes with either a video doorbell or battery-powered Nest Cam. Go all-in with the Total Safety package and you’ll get a video doorbell, indoor or outdoor Nest Cam, an outdoor Nest Cam, a smart lock, and additional gear. We’ve included the camera-free Security Starter package in the comparison below.

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. They’re added at retail prices – no markups, no discounts.

These Google devices won’t break the bank, but they do cost a bit more than pocket change. If you want ADT’s cameras but need time to save, they offer financing up to 60 months. That Outdoor Video package at MSRP? You’re looking at roughly $18 monthly over 36 months.

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.

Here’s our take: the pre-built packages hit the sweet spot for most households. Plus, they’re frequently on sale. Need an extra sensor or camera? Just tack it onto a package deal and still score the discount. We paid upfront for our custom setup, but financing is always an option if you prefer spreading out the cost.

ADT Self Setup

ADT has come a long way from its professional-installation-only days. Now, DIY installation through ADT Self Setup is front and center. It’s even the default if you shop on ADT’s website. They’ll provide remote tech support during setup too, which we definitely recommend for getting your cameras positioned just right.

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 runs $99 minimum, climbing higher based on system complexity. Add cameras to the mix and you’re probably looking at $200 or more. Yes, it’s an extra expense, but in our experience, professional installation often means your cameras are positioned for maximum coverage and performance.

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.

The Nest Cams sit right in the middle price-wise. But feature-wise? They’re actually playing in Arlo’s league with facial recognition, person detection, and other AI-powered smarts built right in.

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 perk to consider: With the DIY approach, you dodge installation fees entirely. You’ll handle the whole setup, cameras included. Sound intimidating? Don’t sweat it; Nest Cameras rank among the most user-friendly security cameras we’ve installed.

The Nest Cam (indoor) couldn’t be simpler. Just plug it in and mount it to a wall or flat surface. The battery-powered Nest Cam and Nest Doorbell are even more straightforward. Charge them overnight, then mount them wherever you need coverage.

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 makes sense if you want ADT’s renowned monitoring paired with Google Nest’s camera tech, though you’ll pay more for the convenience. The upside, in our opinion? You’re getting a premium security experience with more equipment options to choose from.

If you prefer something more budget-friendly, ADT Self Setup delivers solid value. You can get the same cameras — indoor camera, outdoor camera, and video doorbell, all from Google Nest. The monthly monitoring is easier on the wallet too, and there are no installation fees.