ADT Security Camera Pricing and Costs

It’s no secret that ADT is one of our top security systems right now, and a big reason why is its use of top-class security cameras made by Google Nest. When you combine ADT’s monitoring prowess and the video security provided by Nest Cams, you get whole-home security that is hard to match.

But here’s the thing: ADT systems are known for being expensive, and Google has a similar reputation. Does that mean that ADT cameras are out-of-reach and expensive? Let’s see how much it costs to add video security to an ADT system.

Overview of ADT Security Cameras

The first thing you should know: You can’t just buy security cameras from ADT. You need to buy an entire ADT system and get a monitoring subscription for it. It’s a pretty big commitment.

That said, you can buy ADT’s cameras (which are Google Nest Cams) from Google itself. So if you’re interested in just the cameras, see our Google Nest review. There’s a big difference in using Nest Cams as standalone cameras versus using them as a part of the ADT system.

We’d also like to note that ADT has a new security system that doesn’t require professional installation and monitoring. It’s called ADT Self Setup. It offers the same Google Nest cameras as the classic ADT system, but how the pricing works is a little different. We’ll also discuss ADT Self Setup on this page.

With all those out of the way, let’s talk about the security camera options for ADT, starting with the classic professionally-installed and monitored ADT security system.

>> 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.

You’ll Need a Subscription

Nest Cams bought from ADT work differently, though. They still have all the goodies – person detection, facial recognition, intelligent app alerts, etc – but while Nest Cam users aren’t required to buy a subscription, those who buy their cameras from ADT are. And what’s more, the monthly fee costs $2 more than if you buy it directly from Google Nest. You’ll see why in a second.

First, all ADT users are required to pay a monthly monitoring fee. The base price for that is $29.99 per month, which is on the affordable side. However, if you have security cameras, the price goes up to $44.99. That additional $10 goes to your Nest Aware subscription, which gives you 30 days of video history and advanced features like facial recognition. From Nest, that same subscription costs $8 per month.

Well, ADT isn’t trying to nickel-and-dime its users – at least we assume. There’s a difference in using Nest Cams as standalone cameras versus using them with ADT. That difference is video verification. If an alarm triggers, ADT’s monitoring center can access live Nest Cam footage to confirm the incident. If there’s a real crime in progress, they can relay more information to the police, which in turn speeds up police response. Nest Cams don’t offer professional monitoring when used by themselves, so that extra $2 you’ll pay ADT is worth it, in our opinion.

You’ll Need a Package

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

• A digital control panel
• Three-door and window alarms
• A motion detector

There are three packages – Build Your Own, Smart Home, and Video and Smart Home. The last one is the only one that includes security cameras from the start, but you can customize any of the packages before checkout. That means whichever you go with, you can add security cameras to the package.

Note that there’s a slight disparity between Google’s actual pricing for its cameras and the prices listed on ADT’s website. We put both below so you can compare.

Disappointed? We were, too! ADT’s pricing is almost double Google’s pricing. ADT doesn’t offer any explanation, but if we were to guess, it might have something to do with the installation. ADT requires professional installation, so it’s likely that the overhead charge covers the installation cost.

We should also note that ADT’s pricing for the cameras used to be the same as Google’s listed retail price. That was the case when we bought the ADT system we tested.

Now, if you want to buy Nest Cams at retail price but from ADT, keep reading. ADT Self Setup offers that option.

The Video and Smart Home Package

If you’re not up for customizing your security system, you can go the easy route and buy a Video and Smart Home package. It comes with an indoor camera and a video doorbell. Plus, thanks to a limited-time deal, another indoor camera or video camera is included.

Prices for this package start at $1,158 for nine pieces of security equipment. You can pay this amount in installments of $19.30 per month for 60 months, $32.17 per month for 36 months, or $48.25 per month for 24 months.

That’s not the end of it, though. First, this ADT system requires professional installation, for which you’ll pay a one-time installation fee of $149. After that, you still have to pay a monthly fee for professional monitoring and cloud subscription –  a total of $44.99 per month. That subscription includes Nest Aware, access to the Nest Cams via the ADT Control app, and video verification.

For some users, two or three cameras are enough, but if you need more, you can still add more cameras. The prices are the same as with the Build Your Own package.

In summary, if you want cameras from ADT, you’ll purchase the Smart Home and Video package, sign up for three years of professional monitoring, and pay a one-time installation fee. You’ll get an indoor camera and a video doorbell in addition to other security equipment like a motion detector and door and window monitors. Any additional cameras cost extra.

Pricing Breakdown

ADT Self Setup

As you’ve seen, getting security cameras from ADT can be expensive. But there’s another way – one that lets you buy the cameras at retail price, avoid the $149 installation fee, and have the option to skip the $44.99 monthly monitoring fee. That’s ADT Self Setup, which is a DIY security system made by ADT.

Three Cameras

Unlike ADT Control, ADT Self Setup has access to only three security cameras: The Nest Cam (battery), Nest Cam (indoor), and Google Nest Doorbell (battery). You can add any number of these three cameras to any ADT Self Setup package, and ADT Self Setup is selling them at retail prices.

• Nest Cam (indoor): $99.99
• Nest Cam (battery): $179.99
• Nest Doorbell (battery): $179.99

Another route is to buy a package that includes cameras, and you have two options for that: Starter and Premium.

The downside of buying a Self Setup system compared to the ADT Control is you can’t apply for financing; you have to pay the full price upfront. However, if it’s within your budget, you can save hundreds of dollars.

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.