Having a professional monitoring system installed in your home provides you with the peace of mind of knowing that if a break-in occurs, police won’t be far behind. ADT and Google Nest are two of the leading brands in the industry, offering high-quality security products with innovative features and dependable professional monitoring.
But which one is the right fit for your personal needs? In this in-depth comparison guide, you’ll learn all about these two elite VIPs of the home security arena.
Did You Know? Google Nest recently discontinued the Nest Secure home security system. They still offer top-of-the-line security cameras (which we’ll discuss in this comparison guide), but if you’re looking for a comparable system to Nest Secure, have a look at our Nest Secure Alternatives page.
Key Features of ADT and Google Nest
The first thing we look for when shopping around for a new security setup is, you guessed it, the features! In our bid to help with your decision-making process, we’ve gone ahead and gathered the top perks of ADT and Google Nest all in one place. Here’s what we found:
- ADT is a well-known brand that offers professional installation for all their home security systems.
- Google Nest is relatively new to the home security industry and offers high-quality surveillance cameras with DIY installation options.
- ADT offers complete home security, with modern extras like key fobs for remote arming and disarming of their systems, as well as a convenient mobile app for Android or Apple devices.
- ADT requires users to agree to a three-year contract; however, there are no contracts involved with Google Nest.
Pro Tip: To learn all about what it’s like living with and using ADT, we recommend checking out our in-depth ADT review.
ADT Home Security Equipment
Similarities Between ADT and Google Nest
Now that we’ve gone over the basics, let’s check out how these two industry giants really pair up against one another. To help with your decision, we managed to get a hold of both ADT and Nest packages and tested each system for several days. The similarities between the two surprised even us (and we like to think we’ve seen everything).
To start things off, both systems’ prices are pretty close in comparison and each company is considered more expensive than many of their competitors. Both feature advanced technology with their equipment, and their respect in the industry provides people with a level of confidence that makes both systems desirable to would-be customers.
ADT has been popular for many years and most homeowners are familiar with the brand, even if they’ve never used their service. Although Google Nest is new to the industry, they have quite the competitive edge being owned by Google, a company known for innovation. Here are a few other parallels we’ve uncovered:
- Both ADT and Google Nest offer security systems with indoor and outdoor cameras.
- Both offer remote access and control via mobile app. That is, you can view livestream footage of your security cameras using your smartphone.
- Both offer high-quality equipment that’s built to last, with generous equipment warranties to boot.
- ADT and Google Nest have both earned a spot on our top 10 list of best home security systems.
Did You Know? ADT offers three security packages that provide 24/7 professional intrusion monitoring, as well as fire, carbon monoxide, and flood monitoring.
Nest Cam IQ indoor and outdoor, in box
Differences Between ADT and Google Nest
You’ll be surprised to find that there are several key differences between ADT and Nest Secure systems that might make or break your decision. As a matter of fact, you can find differences between the two brands in practically every area except for the price.
First off, ADT requires their customers to have all systems professionally installed and agree to a lengthy contract to boot. Google Nest, on the other hand, is DIY-friendly and allows users to install the systems on their own. They also do not require a contract to use their services. Lastly, ADT leases out their equipment, while homeowners must purchase all the equipment up front from Google Nest. A few additional tidbits:
- ADT offers whole home security with entryway sensors, motion sensors, and the like. Google Nest only sells security cameras at this time.
- ADT is designed to work along with various Wi-Fi routers, cellular networks, and even landlines. Google Nest, on the other hand, requires Wi-Fi and it may not be compatible with all wireless routers.
- ADT offers a lifetime warranty with their systems, while Google Nest does not.
Blue by ADT App
All You Need to Know About ADT and Google Nest
When we tested Google Nest, we found it to be a customizable and high-tech home security system that includes many smart automation features. While it has not been around as long as ADT, it is still a top competitor and gives the well-known industry leader a run for their money. Here are all the factors you should consider between the two brands before deciding which is best for you and yours.
Key Features
Nest offers video doorbells, smart detectors, indoor and outdoor HD surveillance cameras, and the Nest Learning Smart Thermostat. Owned by Google, this system is designed to be compatible with today’s latest high-tech smart home devices. It is a wireless, camera-based system with cloud storage options for video storage. The all-new Nest Cam lineup boasts some of the smartest features we’ve seen in a security camera, including person detection and AI-powered facial recognition. Included in this lineup are the Nest Cam Battery (a battery-operated indoor/outdoor camera), Nest Cam Indoor (an affordable plug-in indoor camera), and the Nest Cam Floodlight (a floodlight-equipped outdoor cam).
ADT provides customers with full home protection with window and door sensors, motion detectors, and indoor/outdoor cameras. They are continually improving their home security systems and plans, and customers can access many of today’s home automation options, such as smart locks, thermostats, and lights. The company also allows users to arm or disarm their systems using a mobile app or key fob. ADT systems may be connected using cellular-based or landline connections and they are designed to detect floods, fire, or leaks. To top things off, all motion detectors are pet-friendly.
FYI: Google Nest features a Pathlight setting that will light your way in the dark by providing a soft LED light. This way, even in the middle of the night, you can see where you’re going (we see you Dracula).
Contracts
ADT requires you to sign a three-year contract, but the company does offer a six-month money-back guarantee for those afraid of commitment. If you choose to cancel your service within the initial six months (whatever the reason), you can return the equipment and all monitoring expenses will be refunded.
Google Nest doesn’t require any long-term commitment. But they also don’t offer professional monitoring, either.
Pricing
You can choose from any of ADT’s multiple packages for your home security needs. The cost of these packages can range between $29 and $56 per month and you have the option of adding on different devices for an additional charge. Unfortunately, there is also a $125 installation fee that must be paid up front.
With Google Nest, you purchase the cameras upfront. The Nest Cam Battery costs $179, the Nest Cam Indoor sells for $99, while the Nest Cam Floodlight retails for $279.
With Google Nest, you purchase the cameras upfront. The Nest Cam IQ Indoor and Nest Cam IQ Outdoor cameras run between $199 and $399 for a single device. It’s not cheap, but you certainly get what you pay for here.
FYI: ADT’s 24/7 home monitoring is available for less than $1 per day, making their service affordable for most families.
Installation
All ADT home security systems must be installed by a professional technician and there is a fee for installation (sorry DIYers) that ranges from $99 to $199.
Google Nest allows customers to install their own security cameras. We like the DIY flexibility here. And honestly, it only takes about 20 minutes to install the outdoor camera, and 5 to 10 minutes to install the indoor camera. No sweat.
Emergency Connections
ADT offers a 24/7 professional monitoring service that will respond in the event of a triggered alarm or alert. If that happens, a representative from the monitoring service will alert the local authorities immediately. ADT systems are connected to this service using either a landline or cellular connection (ideal for those in both the city and the country).
Google Nest, on the other hand, no longer offers 24/7 professional monitoring. So this is something to keep in mind if you’re looking for whole home security backed by a monitoring center.
Which Is Best: ADT or Google Nest?
Overall, if you are interested in full home protection from a dependable brand that includes top-of-the-line equipment with their system, ADT is our top choice. They continue to be the most renowned brand in the industry and have adapted over the years to include the latest in modern technology. For over 140 years, ADT has provided consistent and reliable security for its customers.
Although Google Nest is new to the home security industry, they are still a strong competitor for ADT. The Google-owned company provides highly-sophisticated, do-it-yourself camera systems for homeowners and renters alike. Also, unlike ADT, there’s no long-term contract to stress about (always a bonus in our book!).
So if your main concern is finding a reliable and dependable system from a top industry brand, then ADT is the obvious choice. If you’re more interested in convenience and surveillance, Google Nest is your best bet. At the end of the day, regardless of your decision, you and your family will feel safe and secure.
