ADT Security Camera Pricing and Costs

We think ADT is one of the best security systems out there, and a big reason for that is the quality of its equipment. In addition to ADT’s own branded cameras being on point, the company has also integrated Google Nest cameras into its home security ecosystem.

ADT is also regularly rolling out new features and services to go with its new hardware additions. It has even embraced the growing DIY approach to home security installation. Even though ADT is known for its uniformed service technicians, you can now install an ADT camera yourself with the company’s Self Setup packages. Let’s break down all that ADT has to offer when it comes to security cameras.

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

We also recommend buying cameras through ADT because you can have them professionally installed. This is especially handy if you are buying cameras that must be mounted and wired into your home’s electrical system. In fact, a professional installation might be your only option for these cameras if you live in an area that makes it mandatory to have licensed professionals perform electrical work.

You may want to forgo installation if you’re only using battery-powered or plug-in cameras. However, bringing in an expert can ensure that your setup is done correctly. If you’re dropping hundreds of dollars on a home security system, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re getting the most out of your investment.

>> 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:

The Nest Cams are some of the most advanced standalone cameras on the market. These are cameras capable of person detection and facial recognition, features that can add a lot of value to your home security. When we reviewed the Nest Cam (battery), for example, we used facial recognition to monitor the comings and goings of friends and guests.

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.

You’ll Need a Subscription

One thing that’s sort of a downer is that you need a Nest Aware subscription to use your Nest Cams with ADT. You can do without if you self-install your ADT security system, but it’s required if you have your security system professionally installed.

The good news is that the Nest Aware subscription is already included in the $44.99 monthly fee you’re going to pay ADT for monitoring. So basically, you’re paying ADT $36.99 to enjoy professional monitoring, cellular backup, smart home automation, and other monitoring features; the remaining $8 goes toward your Nest Aware subscription.

Here’s exactly what you’ll get with Nest Aware:

• 30-day event history recordings
• Familiar Face alerts (facial recognition)
• Sound recognition (glass breaking, smoke alarms, etc.)
• e911 (call 911 services from the app and be connected to station closest to your home address)

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, but it will cost you an extra $7 per month. Plus, since the Nest Cams only use cloud storage, continuous recording might take a toll on your Wi-Fi network. You probably won’t need it, especially given how good the Nest Cams are at detecting and capturing potentially crucial moments on cam.

You’ll Need a Package

You can’t purchase a camera without investing in a package deal. All packages include:

• A base station with a built-in keypad
• At least one door/window sensor
• Access to the ADT+ app

There are two packages that are centered around the Nest Cams. The Video Essentials package comes with a battery-powered Nest Cam or a video doorbell. The Front Door Protection package comes with a Nest Doorbell and a smart lock. ADT also has a Security Starter package, but that doesn’t include any 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

Now that you know everything about buying Google Nest security cameras from ADT, let’s talk about our recommendations. When we tested ADT, we actually went with the Build Your Own package. It cost us $269 and it came with the base station and a door/window sensor. It was like an open floor plan that we were able to customize with all the components we wanted to test. We racked up a bill of more than $1,200 that we paid upfront, but remember, you can finance your equipment.

We chose the Build Your Own package because all the other packages include equipment we don’t need. But if you think the pre-customized packages could work for you, we’d say go for it. They often have the best 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 is not cheap. It starts at $99 but scales with the size and the types of equipment being installed. If you’re buying security cameras, professional installation will probably cost you $200 or more. And remember, Nest Cams were originally designed for DIY installation, so it’s not like you’d be doing a lot of hard work. We’ve managed to set up the Nest Cam (battery) in under 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 $44.99. It’s actually the same as the monitoring option from ADT Control. $29.99 goes to ADT for professional monitoring while the remaining $10 goes to Nest Aware and video verification. One minor difference is that instead of the ADT Control app, you’ll use the newer and sleeker ADT+ app with ADT Self Setup.

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.