ADT Security System Doorbell Camera Options: 2026 Updated

Overview of ADT’s Nest Doorbell Options

ADT used to offer its own doorbell camera a few years ago, but that ADT doorbell didn’t really meet our expectations. The video quality was substandard and it lacked advanced security features we’ve come to expect from ADT, such as person detection. That’s why we think partnering with Google is a smart choice.

The two options available are:

• Nest Doorbell (battery): This is a battery-powered doorbell you can install on any door frame. We recommend it if you don’t have existing doorbell wiring or if you’re renting, given its installation flexibility.
• Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd gen): While this model requires hardwiring to a doorbell setup, its edge is that it offers higher quality videos than the flexible, battery-powered Nest Doorbell. It also comes with smarter AI features.

Here’s a quick specs comparison:

Note that these doorbell cameras are also available as standalone devices, just not from ADT. We reviewed the Nest Doorbells we bought from the Google Store. They’re the same hardware available from ADT.

ADT Doorbell Camera Key Features

Beyond some minor differences in specs, the Nest Doorbells from ADT share the same core features. Both enabled us to keep an eye on our front door, offering standard doorbell camera functionalities such as motion detection, live video streaming, smartphone alerts, night vision, and two way audio.

On both models, night vision uses infrared LEDs to maintain visibility in complete darkness. The Nest Doorbell automatically switches modes based on ambient light levels. During our testing, we could clearly identify faces and read package labels even at midnight. Just note that when infrared night vision is on, everything turns black-and-white. Glare – such as from street lamps or porch lights – can also affect visibility. Smart doorbell camera placement is key.

Expert Advice: ADT is one of the top security systems for professional installation, and in our experience, ADT technicians are trained to prioritize optimal device positioning. If you have concerns about your doorbell camera placement, you should raise them during the installation so ADT techs can find a workaround.

Nest Doorbell nighttime footage with infrared night vision

Two-way audio is another core feature we tested heavily. It lets you communicate with visitors through the Google Home or ADT+ app. While this is a standard feature, we found that Nest Doorbells have noise suppression and echo cancellation to minimize feedback. The audio quality is clear enough for normal conversation, but we noticed that wind can occasionally interfere with outdoor audio pickup. That’s another aspect to consider during installation.

According to research from Parks Associates, 36% of U.S. internet households now own at least one smart home device, with video doorbells ranking among the top three purchased categories. The Nest Doorbell’s integration with Google Assistant enables voice commands like “Hey Google, show me the front door” to pull up live video on Nest Hub displays or Chromecast-enabled TVs.

Installation and Setup Process

Speaking of installation, ADT is now more flexible. They still offer professional installation, but DIY setup is now available as an option through ADT Self Setup. In fact, we got our Nest Doorbell (battery) when we reviewed ADT Self Setup.

Installing the battery-powered Nest Doorbell took us approximately 20 minutes from unboxing to first ring. The package includes mounting hardware, a small level tool, and a battery that arrives partially charged. We downloaded the Google Home app, signed in to our existing Google account, then scanned the QR code on the doorbell to begin pairing. Unfortunately, it’s still required to use the Google Home app, even though the Nest Doorbell becomes accessible through the ADT+ app after setup.

Everything included in the Nest Doorbell (battery) mounting kit

For the wired version, we relied on ADT’s pros as it requires slightly more technical knowledge. It’s manageable for avid DIYers, but if you’re completely new to doorbell camera installation, we suggest letting ADT do it. It took the technician about 15 minutes – we could tell they knew what they were doing – and the final setup looked cleaner than what we could have possibly pulled off.

One quick note – since you’re buying a doorbell camera with an ADT security system, you’re going to want to integrate it with the ADT+ app to access all your devices through a single interface. We found the integration seamless overall. The only catch is that you need to use the Google Home app for the initial set-up. You can’t bypass it and go straight to the ADT+ app, since ADT requires you to link your Google Home account to access the doorbell cameras.

>> Related: The Best Home Security System Apps of 2026

Video Quality and Performance

In our experience testing security cameras and doorbell cameras, specs don’t tell the whole story. Sure, the ADT’s Nest Doorbell (wired) may have a 2K resolution compared to the battery model’s 1080p HD, but in practice, the difference in video resolution made minimal impact. We mean that as a good thing. The video quality on the battery version impressed us just as well as the wired version did.

Here’s our observation:

• Colors appear natural and balanced – not oversaturated like some cheaper doorbell cameras we tested.
• HDR worked well, processing challenging lighting conditions like direct afternoon sunlight and backlit subjects. When a delivery driver approached our door one bright afternoon, we could still make out facial features instead of a silhouette.
• The 30 frames per second doesn’t sound impressive, but we think it captures videos smooth enough for front door monitoring. Even with slight network delays, people and vehicle movement appear natural.
• When live streaming, expect some video and audio delays depending on how fast and stable your internet connection is. We noticed that on our 250 Mbps fiber-optic network, the delays are anywhere around 2 to 3 seconds. But on days when the connection is slower, we say delays of about 5 to 7 seconds.
• The camera lens isn’t hydrophobic, so during heavy rain or snow, water droplets can get on the lens and obstruct portions of the view. We occasionally got blurred spots during those weather events.

Smart Detection Capabilities

This is where we think ADT users benefit the most from the company’s partnership with Google. The Nest Doorbell’s on-device machine learning analyzes video locally to distinguish between people, packages, animals, and vehicles. This means you’ll receive specific alerts like “Person detected” or “Package delivered” rather than generic motion notifications.

During our month-long testing period, the person detection proved remarkably accurate, correctly identifying humans in roughly 95% of instances. It successfully ignored swaying tree branches, passing cars on the street, and our neighbor’s cat wandering across the porch—all common false triggers for basic motion detection.

Nest Doorbell package detection in action

On the other hand, package detection works by recognizing box shapes and delivery person patterns. When UPS dropped off a package and walked away, we received a “Package delivered” notification within seconds. However, the system occasionally misidentified larger packages as people when the box occupied most of the camera’s view.

With a Nest Aware subscription, you unlock facial recognition that learns to identify familiar faces over time. After training the system with about a week’s worth of footage, it began correctly announcing “Sarah is at the front door” when our sitter dropped by, versus “Person at the front door” for strangers.

Avoiding False Alarms: Customize your activity zones in the Google Home app to exclude high-traffic areas like sidewalks. This reduces unnecessary alerts from passing pedestrians who never approach your door. Learn more in our guide to dealing with security system false alarms.

Pricing and Subscription Plans

There are two things to consider when it comes to ADT’s doorbell camera pricing. First is the equipment cost. Both Nest Doorbell variants cost $179.99 from ADT, which is how much they also cost from the Google Store. That said, if you don’t have an ADT security system yet and you want your doorbell from them, you’ll need to buy an ADT package, which ranges from $269 to more than $1,000 depending on system size.

The second expense to consider is the subscription cost, which you’ll need if you want to unlock ADT’s best features. If you have doorbell cameras (or any security camera) in your ADT system, you’d need the Complete plan from ADT. It costs $39.99 per month for ADT Self Setup customers, but $49.99 for ADT customers who avail professional installation.

Here’s what that subscription includes:

• Access to ADT’s redundant network of monitoring centers
• 24/7 response to police, fire, and medical emergencies
• Access to the ADT+ app
• Home automation and smart home integrations
• Google Home Premium features, including Familiar Face alerts
• 30-day cloud storage for unlimited Nest Doorbells and Nest Cams

Battery vs. Wired: Which Should You Choose?

In our opinion, choosing between the battery and wired Nest Doorbell depends on your specific installation requirements and maintenance preferences. Here’s our practical breakdown:

Choose the battery model if: 

• You’re renting and can’t drill holes or run wiring
• Your home lacks existing doorbell wiring
• You want to install the doorbell on a gate, garage, or secondary entrance without electrical access
• You prefer the flexibility to relocate your doorbell seasonally or experimentally.

It’s a good pick for renters, in particular, as ADT has become one of the best security systems for apartments.

Choose the wired model if: 

• You have compatible doorbell wiring already in place
• You live in an extremely cold climate where battery performance suffers
• You want truly maintenance-free operation without recharging concerns

In our experience, the wired model offers better long-term reliability with zero battery anxiety, but the battery model’s installation flexibility is genuinely valuable for homes with challenging wiring situations or renters who want professional-grade security without permanent modifications.

Our Final Verdict

After testing both models, the Nest Doorbell proves to be a strong, polished option—especially if you’re already using Google Home or ADT. Video quality is sharp, smart alerts are impressively accurate, and everything works smoothly inside ADT’s ecosystem.

If you’re an ADT customer, the Nest Doorbell makes a lot more sense since video storage is bundled into your monitoring plan, giving you cleaner integration and simpler billing. If you’re shopping standalone, though, it’s worth comparing alternatives like Ring or Arlo, which offer better subscription value in our opinion.

Frequently Asked Questions