ADT Self Setup is the superior choice due to the Nest Secure system being discontinued. ADT Self Setup offers a modern, supported system with both professional and self-monitoring options, smart home integration, and cellular backup.
| Attribute | Nest Secure (with updated Google Home integration) | ADT Self Setup |
|---|---|---|
| Product Name | Nest Secure (with updated Google Home integration) | ADT Self Setup |
| Status | Discontinued in 2020, support ended on April 8, 2024 | Available |
| Professional Monitoring | Outsourced to Brinks Home Security with 24/7 monitoring and emergency dispatch. Monthly fee required. | Offers 24/7 professional monitoring. SMART Monitoring platform connects you to the police faster electronically. Monitoring plans start at $24.99/month. |
| Self-Monitoring | Available via the Nest app for remote control, notifications, and livestreaming without a monthly fee. | Offers a self-monitoring option. Alerts via the ADT+ app. Canceling the monitoring plan means you lose access to the ADT+ mobile app. |
| Equipment Cost | Basic package started at $399 (Nest Guard hub, two entry sensors, and two Nest Tags). Additional Nest Detect sensors cost $49 each, and Nest Tags were $25 each. | Starting from $269 for the "Build Your Own" system, including the base station and one door/window sensor. Premade packages range from $349 to $719 (MSRP). |
| Monthly Subscription Fees | Optional monthly fees applied for Nest Aware cloud storage and advanced AI features. Professional monitoring with cellular backup was available for a monthly fee through Brinks Home Security. $19/month with a three-year contract or $29/month without a contract. | Secure Monitoring plan: $24.99/month (for systems without video cameras). Complete Monitoring plan: $39.99/month (for systems with video cameras). |
| Installation | DIY installation with app guidance. Professional installation was available for $99.99 per device. | Designed for easy DIY installation. The ADT+ app provides on-screen instructions. |
| Smart Home Integration | Google Assistant, Alexa, LIFX, Philips Hue, and Kasa smart devices | Google Nest devices, Z-Wave devices, IFTTT (Philips Hue, Lutron, and Sonos) |
| Mobile App Functionality | Remote arming/disarming, cloud storage review, notifications, livestreaming, two-way audio, and control of connected devices. | Arm/disarm the system, receive alerts, and control connected devices. View live and recorded footage from paired cameras. |
| Entry Sensor Reliability | Nest Detect sensors combined open/close detection with motion sensing. | ADT entry sensors can detect and help deter intruders. Discreet and smaller than some competitors' sensors. |
| Motion Detector Accuracy | Not available | Pet-friendly motion sensors (won't trigger for pets under 40 lbs). |
| Alarm Response Time | Not available | ADT's SMART Monitoring platform connects you to the police electronically faster than traditional voice calls. |
| Battery Life of Sensors | Nest Detect sensors: 6 months to 3 years using CR123 lithium batteries. | Door sensor: up to two years. Motion sensors, flood and temperature sensors use CR123A batteries. ADT recommends changing wireless sensor batteries annually. |
| Cellular Backup | Available with professional monitoring, ensuring operation during power outages, with T-Mobile as a provider. | Included in ADT Self Setup professional monitoring plans. The Smart Home Hub includes cellular backup (requires a subscription). |
| Customer Support | Mixed reviews; some users reported issues with responsiveness and helpfulness. | Customer service responsiveness varies. |
| Ratings | Not available | Not available |
| Pros | DIY installation, Smart home integration, Self-monitoring, Combined sensor, Cellular backup | Easy DIY installation, Professional monitoring options, Self-monitoring capabilities, Smart home integration, Pet-friendly motion sensors, Cellular backup available |
| Cons | Discontinued, Mixed customer support reviews | Losing app access if monitoring plan is canceled, Customer service responsiveness varies |