Three years after Google invested $450 million in the home security business ADT, the two companies finally have an integrated product for DIY smart security clients. Last month’s ADT Self Setup system will interface with Google Nest’s video doorbell and interior and outdoor cameras.
Since the investment, ADT has provided Google’s smart home devices as part of its professionally installed packages. However, this is the first time the two firms have offered a comprehensive software security integration for a DIY solution.
Now ADT’s sensors and Google’s cameras can be operated directly in the Google Home app or on a Nest Hub, as well as through ADT’s app. With a Nest hub, you may arm and disable the system (second-gen or Nest Hub Max). For $24.99 a month, ADT SMART Monitoring may professionally monitor ADT Self Setup and allow video verification to speed up emergency response. It costs $34.99 with a Nest Aware membership.
ADT’s press announcement said the beginning set, which includes the Nest Doorbell, hub, and a few sensors, would cost $219.98, making this an appealing integration. Google’s $400 Nest Secure system is substantially more pricey. The ADT relationship ended that product.
ADT confirmed this when The Verge couldn’t see the $219.98 cost on the site. Raya Sevilla, ADT’s CTO, informed us that pricing is introductory. $479.99 will be the beginning bundle price. Not $220, the “Starter” costs $380. Despite multiple requests for explanation, we haven’t identified a $220 bundle on the site. ADT’s $80 Build Your option was recommended by Karyna Malave. That’s only for the hub, not the doorbell, cameras, sensors, or other devices. Adding those pieces rapidly tops $220.
This cost places ADT Self Setup hardware above Ring and SimpliSafe DIY security systems. $340 Ring Alarm hardware bundles include a cordless video doorbell. Ring’s expert monitoring costs $20 per month. SimpliSafe’s standard plan with a camera costs $465, and monthly monitoring (including video verification) is $28. Cross-comparisons are difficult because all security vendors put their hardware bundles on semi-permanent sale.
We’ll also have to wait for ADT’s hardware. ADT’s Self Setup hardware appears to be the same as that supplied with Blue by ADT, their failed DIY home security system. Blue, formerly LifeShield, started a week before Google’s investment. It had a video doorbell and other cameras. ADT no longer sells blue but remains supported.
White security sensors with a smartphone and Google Nest video doorbell.
ADT Self Setup with Google Home includes a $180 Google Nest Doorbell and costs $220. Image: ADT
ADT’s Self Setup includes door and window sensors, motion sensors, flood and temperature sensors, and a keychain remote. An ADT smart hub with a keypad controls the sensors. On ADT’s website, customers may buy the system with Nest goods, including the Nest Doorbell (battery, not wired), Nest Cam interior and outdoor, and Nest thermostats.
According to an ADT video, you can utilize ADT sensors to activate smart home automation in Google Home, such as turning lights on or off when the motion sensor detects motion. The system may be armed and disarmed via a Nest Hub (second-gen) or Nest Hub Max. The Verge reports that Customers can incorporate Nest items with Self Setup by adding them to the ADT Plus app’s “home.”
