While Google Nest Secure offered a user-friendly experience and effective smart home integration, its discontinuation makes it an unviable option. Blue by ADT provides a more flexible and currently supported alternative with broader smart home compatibility and no required contract for monitoring, although some users have reported issues with contract lengths and false alarms.
| Attribute | Google Nest Secure (with updated features) | Blue by ADT |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Google Nest Secure (with updated features) | Blue by ADT |
| Professional monitoring cost | Brinks' monitoring started at $29.99 per month with a contract. Previously, Nest Secure offered professional monitoring with cellular backup for $19/month with a 3-year contract or $29/month without a contract. | $19.99 per month |
| Equipment cost | The Nest Secure basic package started at $399 and included the Nest Guard hub, two entry sensors, and two keychain fobs. Additional Nest Detect sensors cost $49 each. | Smart Hub: $159.99, Starter System: $199.99, Starter Plus System: $279.99, Door/window sensors: $14.99 each, Motion detectors: $24.99 each, Flood sensors: $34.99, Indoor/Outdoor/Doorbell cameras: $199.99 each |
| Contract length required | Brinks required a contract for its security systems. Nest itself offered monthly or yearly contracts. | No contract required for professional monitoring, but some customers have reported being locked into longer contracts. |
| Mobile app rating (iOS) | 4.7 on the Apple App Store | Not available |
| Mobile app rating (Android) | 4.3 on the Google Play Store | Not available |
| Number of entry sensors included | Two | Varies based on system: Starter system includes two, Starter Plus includes four |
| Motion detection range | Up to 15 feet when placed on a wall. With reduced motion sensitivity enabled, the detection range is up to 10 feet. | Indoor camera: 16 feet, Outdoor camera: 16.4 feet (5 meters) |
| Environmental hazard detection (smoke, CO) | Can integrate with Nest Protect smoke and CO detectors. | Flood sensors, smoke and CO2 siren detection (indoor and outdoor cameras) |
| Smart home integration (e.g., Google Assistant, Alexa) | Integrated with Google Assistant and Alexa. It also worked with smart lighting systems like LIFX and Philips Hue. | Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Z-Wave devices |
| Cellular backup included | Available with professional monitoring. T-Mobile was once an exclusive partner. | Included with professional monitoring plan. Smart Home Hub has a 4G LTE cellular radio. |
| Battery life of sensors | Between 6 months and 3 years | Outdoor camera: 2-3 months (may be closer to one month), Door/window sensors: up to two years |
| Warranty period | Nest Secure Alarm came with a 2-year limited manufacturer warranty. The Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen) has a one-year limited warranty. | 12-month warranty on purchased equipment |
| Price | Not available | Not available |
| Ratings | Not available | Overall rating: Not available, Performance rating: System reacts instantly to arm and disarm commands. |
| Pros | Easy to install, User-friendly mobile app, Effective smart home integration, Tamper detection, Automatic security updates | DIY installation, Easy to install, Supports Z-Wave devices, Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT, Adjustable sensitivity on motion sensors to avoid false alarms, Door sensors are generally loud and effective in deterring burglars, Outdoor camera has a sturdy build and is IP-65 weather resistant, Can cancel anytime without financial obligations, Full refund available if you cancel within 30 days of the order date |
| Cons | Discontinued and no longer supported, Requires placement within 50 feet of the Nest Guard, Professional monitoring requires a contract | Some customers have reported being locked into longer contracts, Some reviewers report the alarm going off without apparent reason, Outdoor camera battery life may be closer to one month than 2-3 months, Building construction can reduce the actual range of the wireless sensors |