Home safety systems: Google Nest Secure (if still supported, or successor product) vs. ADT Self Setup

Quick Verdict

ADT Self Setup is the better option due to the Google Nest Secure being discontinued and no longer supported. ADT Self Setup offers a modern, supported system with more features and options.

Google Nest Secure has been discontinued, while ADT Self Setup is currently available.
Both systems offer DIY installation and smart home integration with Google Assistant.
ADT Self Setup provides a wider range of sensors and a longer battery backup duration.
ADT Self Setup offers cellular backup as a standard feature, while Google Nest Secure only offered it with a professional monitoring plan.
ADT Self Setup has no long-term contracts, while Google Nest Secure's professional monitoring had options for a 3-year contract.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	Google Nest Secure (if still supported, or successor product)	ADT Self Setup
Name	—	ADT Self Setup
Professional Monitoring Option	—	Available with 24/7 monitoring. ADT owns its monitoring stations.
Self-Monitoring Option	—	Available, but with limited features. You're responsible for calling for help.
Equipment Cost	—	Starts at $269 for the "Build Your Own" system. This includes the Smart Home Hub and one door/window sensor. Premade packages range from $349 to $1,573, but are often discounted.
Monthly Subscription Cost	—	Secure Plan: $24.99/month (basic intrusion alerts, app access). Smart Plan: $34.99/month (adds smart home controls). Complete Plan: $39.99/month (includes video monitoring and cloud storage).
Contract Length	—	No long-term contracts for self-setup systems.
Mobile App Features	—	ADT+ app allows control of the system, including Google Nest devices. You can view cameras, review recordings, and control thermostats. It also allows for setting up home automation rules.
Smart Home Integration Compatibility (e.g., Google Assistant, Alexa)	—	Integrates with Google Assistant and Google Nest devices. Also compatible with Z-Wave devices.
Ease of Installation	—	Designed for DIY installation. The ADT+ app provides step-by-step instructions. Sensors have peel-and-stick adhesive.
Battery Backup Duration	—	Base station has a 24-hour battery backup.
Cellular Backup Availability	—	Yes, the system has a 4G/LTE cellular chip for backup.
Types of Sensors Offered (e.g., door/window, motion, glass break)	—	Door/window sensors, motion sensors, glass break sensors, smoke detectors, flood/temperature sensors.
Warranty Period	—	12-month limited warranty on purchased systems or devices.
Discontinued	—	Not available

Overall Comparison

ADT Self Setup offers a lower starting equipment cost ($269 vs $399), a longer battery backup (24 hours vs 12 hours), and a 12-month warranty, while Google Nest Secure has been discontinued.

Pros and Cons

Google Nest Secure

Pros:

Easy DIY installation
Good smart home integration (Google Assistant, Alexa)
Reliable door/window detection
Mobile app for remote control and monitoring
Cellular backup available with professional monitoring

Cons:

Discontinued product (no longer available)
Customer support issues reported
Self-monitoring requires users to contact emergency services
Professional monitoring requires a subscription
Nest Secure is no longer available, as Google discontinued it in 2020 and ended support on April 8, 2024.

ADT Self Setup

Pros:

Easy DIY installation
Mobile app control
Smart home integration
Cellular backup
24-hour battery backup
Professional monitoring option available
No long-term contracts

Cons:

Self-monitoring has limited features
Equipment cost can be high depending on the package
Monthly subscription costs vary

User Experiences and Feedback

Google Nest Secure

What Users Love

Easy to install with the Nest app
Good integration with other Nest devices
Effective remote control via the mobile app

Common Complaints

Some reports of issues with customer support
False alarms can occur if sensitivity settings are not adjusted

Value Perception

Nest Aware subscription required for advanced features
Professional monitoring provides 24/7 support and cellular backup

User Recommendations

Installation was generally considered easy with the help of the Nest app, with many users completing the setup in under 20 minutes.
The Nest app allowed users to arm/disarm the system, review cloud storage, receive notifications, livestream footage (from connected cameras), and control other Nest devices.

ADT Self Setup

What Users Love

Easy to install and set up
Reliable intrusion detection
Good mobile app for remote control
Seamless smart home integration
Helpful customer support

Common Complaints

Limitations of self-monitoring
Potential cancellation fees

Value Perception

Money-back service guarantee within the first 6 months if they can't resolve a system issue.

User Recommendations

Designed for DIY installation with peel-and-stick sensors and a mobile app for guidance.
ADT uses video verification to help speed up police response.
The ADT+ app allows remote arming/disarming, control of smart home devices, and viewing of camera feeds.