ADT Home Security Camera Pricing & Costs in 2024 (2024)

• Overview
• ADT Camera Options
• ADT Self Setup
• Customer Support
• Recap

Adding security cameras to your home security systems is a surefire way to bolster your home security. And if those security cameras and security system come from a reputable brand with over 100 years of experience, you’re sure to get your money’s worth. We’re talking about ADT, but instead of just telling you, why don’t we show you what we mean?

In this review, we’ll take a close look at all the security camera options available from ADT, from their self-branded cameras to the smart cameras from their partner, Google Nest. We’ll also discuss how you can buy ADT security cameras, and whether or not they’re really worth it.

Overview of ADT Security Cameras

There are two things you need to know about buying security cameras from ADT. First and foremost, you can’t just buy security cameras. You can’t just dip your toes, you have to buy an entire ADT security system, have it installed by an ADT technician, and then get a monthly professional monitoring subscription.

The second thing is that ADT currently offers security cameras from a third-party brand. It’s not just any brand, though, but Google Nest, one of the leading smart home security providers today.

As you probably know, Google Nest offers standalone cameras, so if you want to use “ADT’s cameras” (which are actually from Google Nest) without a security system, it’s actually possible. You can buy Nest Cam from Google and use the Google Home app to monitor it.

On this page, we’ll focus on how Nest Cams work as part of an ADT security system. We’ll also discuss another option called ADT Self Setup, which is a security system that offers DIY installation and optional monitoring, unlike the classic ADT professionally installed system. So without further ado, let’s talk about ADT cameras, how they perform, and how much they cost.

>> Related: ADT Self Setup Review

ADT Camera Options

First, let’s discuss ADT options for the ADT Control, the professionally-installed, professionally-monitored security system from the brand.

One of the things we like about ADT is that each customer gets the chance to personalize their package. You don’t have to buy a bundle with equipment you won’t use. Instead, you can choose a starter package and then build that out as you see fit.

That setup, however, makes ADT pricing a little harder to comprehend. Recently, ADT made some of their equipment prices available online so users can canvas and shop around. That’s certainly a welcome change.

Three Cameras

ADT offers three options if you’re buying security cameras – indoor cameras, outdoor cameras, and video doorbells or doorbell cameras. For each type, you can opt for an ADT-branded camera or a camera from Google Nest. The latter is made possible by an on-going partnership between the two home security giants, which is certainly interesting.

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.

Because the Nest Cams are more advanced than the ADT-branded cameras, ADT seems to be focusing on offering these cameras, which brings us to the next part: ADT packages.

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 in total – Build Your Own, Smart Home, and Video and Smart Home. The last one is the only one that includes security cameras, but if you go with the Build Your Own package, you can opt to add security cameras before completing your purchase.

Since ADT seems to be focusing more on the Google cameras, only their prices are displayed online. If you want ADT’s more basic (and likely more affordable) self-branded cameras, you’ll have to give ADT a call and request a quote.

For the Google cameras, here’s how much they cost from ADT versus how much they cost if you buy directly from Google:

Note that there’s some disparity between Google Nest’s pricing on its website and ADT’s pricing for Nest Cams. ADT, unfortunately, offers no explanation as to why they are selling Nest Cams at a higher cost, but we’re guessing it has something to do with the installation.

ADT security systems require professional installation, so even though the Nest Cams can be installed completely DIY, a technician will set them up for you if you buy from ADT. ADT Self Setup, a DIY security system we’ll cover more below, also offers Nest Cams but at MSRP (no added cost by ADT).

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, which costs $61.99. The good news is, for that price, you’ll also receive a subscription to Nest Aware, Google Nest’s cloud service. And it’s not just for storing videos – it also unlocks facial recognition through the Familiar Face Alerts feature.

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 we mentioned in the intro, there’s an easier option if you don’t want a professionally-installed ADT system (with a $149 installation fee). That option is the ADT Self Setup, which is a DIY security system. As it turns out, it’s also a more affordable option if you’re looking to buy security cameras from 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 $34.99. Of that amount, $24.99 goes to ADT for professional monitoring, while $10 goes to Google Nest for cloud storage via Nest Aware.

There is one feature we really like, though, which is video verification. In the alarm industry, video verification refers to the use of live security camera footage to verify an on-going emergency. With the ADT Self Setup system, that’s exactly what ADT’s trained monitoring professionals would do if they receive an alert from your system. This can speed up police response, as responders in some states prioritize verified alarms.

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.