ADT dominates the industry because it's the most experienced and trusted security company on the block. The company has a good selection of equipment, and the mobile app is easy to use, but higher monthly costs might turn some folks away. We’ll teach you about ADT equipment, what it costs, and what it works with.
ADT Command Panel
Understanding ADT Security Systems and Cameras
Security cameras are a key piece of the home security puzzle. They provide you with visual access to your home’s comings and goings when you’re not around, and if/when calamity strikes, they can record much-needed evidence. Much to our delight, most home security systems nowadays come with security camera options. That includes ADT, one of the top choices for home security today.
The first thing you should know about ADT is that they continue to evolve their offerings. Most recently, ADT expanded their camera lineup through strategic partnerships and introduced ADT Self Setup. It’s a DIY home security system, completely different from the traditional ADT system. Regardless of the ADT system, however, your security camera options are the same.
ADT and Google Nest Partnership
ADT partnered with Google Nest to offer Nest Cams as security cameras for their whole-home security system. You can add cameras through the ADT Control platform yourself as long as you already have an existing camera.
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Nest Cam Indoor
The three Nest Cam models available are the Nest Cam (battery), the Nest Cam (indoor, wired), and the Nest Cam with floodlight. They differ in how they receive power and in a few minor features like the viewing angle and the built-in floodlight in one of the models. All three Nest Cam models capture videos in 1080p HD, but with a little extra magic called HDR or high dynamic range.
One note we have on the video quality of the Nest Cams has to do with the viewing angle. The wired indoor model has the widest viewing angle out of the three at 135 degrees, while the other two have a viewing angle similar to the ADT Outdoor Camera at 130 degrees.
The main reason one might choose to use the Nest Cams over the ADT cameras is the smart features. The Nest Cams are known for being some of the smartest cameras around, offering features like facial recognition in addition to the standard person, pet, and vehicle detection. Fortunately, Nest Aware is included in the ADT monitoring plan (under Video Security), so when we got the Nest Cams from ADT, we didn’t have to purchase a separate subscription.
ADT uses the same technology as Alarm.com to integrate its automation system and connect devices, which is why alarm.com cameras will work with it.
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Like ADT’s previous security system, ADT Pulse, ADT Command has similar limitations to its system to what can be added and what cannot. Are you wondering what cameras will work with the new ADT Command System? It can certainly be confusing when you are wanting to add cameras to your ADT Command system to know what will be compatible and what won’t. You will always think of What Cameras Will Work With The New ADT Command System?
Compatible Cameras and Their Features
This camera works as an indoor day/night camera with 1080p HD resolution. This camera is perfect if you want to see your driveway or backyard from your ADT Control app. It also only requires a power source and a wireless (WiFi) connection to the ADT Command Smart Security Panel which supports WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) with PIN mode. This is a WiFi Camera like the other ADT Command Cameras, and it does 720P video. This camera is a wireless HD Doorbell Camera that connects to your ADT Command System. It delivers 1080P HD Resolution to your smart phone, tablet, or ADT Portal so you can see who is at your door.
ADT Home Security Review
Benefits of Integrated Security Systems
The key aspect of ADT’s security camera options is that they work with a larger home security system to completely blanket your home. Although effective in protecting homes, security cameras can only protect what they can see. With our ADT system in place, we had the security sensors to fall back on. What we mean by that is, if our cameras fail to catch an intruder - for instance, if they manage to creep through a blindspot - ADT would still detect them through the security sensors.
With the ADT Self Setup system and the ADT+ app, we were able to livestream Nest Cam footage through the app itself, so we were able to verify the alert within seconds of receiving the notification. Unfortunately, the integration wasn’t as smooth with the ADT Pro Install system and the ADT Control app initially. However, ADT has since improved the integration.
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Video verification can speed up police response. With the ADT Complete plan at $49.99 ($39.99 for Self Setup) per month, ADT’s monitoring center will be able to briefly access your video history if - and only if - there’s an ongoing alarm call. Video verification has practical benefits, too.
ADT Monitoring Plans
ADT requires professional monitoring for its ADT Pro Install system, and although monitoring is optional for the ADT Self Setup system, you’ll need a subscription to enjoy the full benefits. ADT recently streamlined their monitoring plans. Now, they have three plans to choose from whether you got a Pro Install system or a Self Setup system.
Still, we believe that ADT’s monitoring plans are worth it. In our experience, they have one of the most reliable monitoring networks, with a total of nine facilities throughout the United States.
ADT Monitoring
Purchasing and Installation
The buying process for ADT has become significantly more user-friendly. If you’re looking to buy an ADT Self Setup system with cameras, the buying process is also online. After customizing your kit and checking-out, ADT will send the package to your doorstep for you to install yourself. The buying process, in our experience, is akin to buying a SimpliSafe package. That’s a good thing for modern DIYers, as you don’t have to talk to a sales agent to get exactly what you want.
That being said, if you buy an ADT system online, you can add only Nest Cams to your cart. If you want the legacy ADT security cameras, you’re going to have to give ADT a call, or talk to an agent through ADT’s chatbox.
ADT Equipment Bundles
To keep you from getting overwhelmed when deciding what security equipment makes sense for your needs, SafeStreet (an authorized ADT provider) offers these equipment bundles. Bundles are a great place to start, and make it easier to pick the equipment and features that you want.
| Package | Best for | What's Included | App Access | Live Video | Smart Home Control | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remote bundle | Security newbies | Command control panel, 3 contacts, motion sensor, yard sign and window decals | Yes | No | No | View packages |
| Video Lite bundle | Basic video security | Command control panel, 3 contacts, motion sensor, yard sign and window decals, choice of 1 Google Nest Cam | Yes | Yes | No | View packages |
| Control bundle | Smart home integration | Command control panel, 3 contacts, motion sensor, yard sign and window decals, choice of 1 Google Nest Thermostat or Automated Door Lock | Yes | No | Yes | View packages |
| Video and Control bundle | Comprehensive home security | Command control panel, 3 contacts, motion sensor, yard sign and window decals, 1 Google Nest Cam and choice of either Google Nest Thermostat or Automated Door Lock | Yes | Yes | Yes | View packages |
Each ADT plan comes with the basics you need to protect your home, including a control panel, a motion detector, and three contact sensors. You'll get the most out of the Command panel with a cellular connection and mobile compatibility. The alarm panel is multilingual and connects to other smart home devices.
tags: #adt #compatible #cameras