Both Blue by ADT (Gen 3) and ADT Self Setup are viable options for DIY home security. Blue by ADT (Gen 3) may be more appealing to users looking for broader smart home integration and a slightly lower monthly cost, while ADT Self Setup offers a specified warranty period and integrates well with Google Nest.
| Attribute | Blue by ADT (Gen 3) | ADT Self Setup |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Blue by ADT (Gen 3) | ADT Self Setup |
| Professional monitoring option | Available with 24/7 monitoring by ADT. Includes alerts for alarm events, emergency contact and authorities notification, panic and duress modes. | Yes, ADT Self Setup offers 24/7 professional monitoring. ADT owns and operates its monitoring stations. |
| Self-monitoring option | Available, but you are responsible for contacting emergency services yourself. | ADT also offers free self-monitoring with its Self Setup systems, but it has limited features. |
| Equipment cost | Build Your Own System starts at $179.99. Starter System is $219.99. Starter Plus System is $299.99. Individual cameras (Indoor, Outdoor, Doorbell) are typically $199 each. | Expect to spend at least $269 for the basic "Build Your Own" system, including the base station and one door/window sensor. Premade packages range from $349 to $1,573, but prices are often discounted. |
| Monthly subscription cost | Professional monitoring is $19.99 per month. | Monitoring plans for ADT Self Setup start at $24.99/month. The "Secure Monitoring" plan is $24.99/month and the "Complete Monitoring" plan is $39.99/month. |
| Contract length | No long-term contracts are required. | ADT Self Setup does not require long-term contracts. |
| Mobile app features | Remote arming/disarming, control of smart home devices, access to cameras, saved media, and event history, customizable alerts and notifications, user management. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices. | The ADT+ app allows you to manage your system, control compatible smart home devices, view live video feeds from cameras, review recordings, and receive alerts. You can arm/disarm the system remotely, control lights, locks, and thermostats. |
| Smart home integration compatibility | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Z-Wave devices (lights, locks, thermostats, garage door openers), IFTTT (If This Then That), SmartThings. | ADT Self Setup works with Google Nest devices. It also offers broad third-party support via Z-Wave technology. You can use voice commands with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. IFTTT integration is also available. |
| Installation difficulty | Designed for DIY (Do It Yourself) installation. | ADT Self Setup is designed for easy DIY installation. The ADT+ app guides you through the setup process. Remote assistance from ADT tech support is also available. |
| Battery backup duration | The Smart Home Hub includes a 24-hour battery backup. The indoor camera has a limited battery backup. | The Smart Home Hub includes a 24-hour battery backup. |
| Cellular backup availability | Yes, through a Cellular Backup Bridge. | Cellular backup is available with a monitoring subscription. |
| Warranty period | Not specified in the provided context. | ADT Self Setup systems and devices come with a 12-month limited warranty. |
| Number of sensors included in base kit | Starter System: Includes two door/window sensors. Starter Plus System: Includes four door/window sensors and two motion detectors. | The "Build Your Own" kit includes one door/window sensor. |
| Price | Not available | Starting from $269 |
| Ratings | Not available | Not available |