ADT Wireless Equipment
Thankfully, even though ADT sells systems that use a landline, you need to specifically opt-in for a landline system. That meant I could look at all of their equipment online when I built my system without worrying about whether or not any specific component needed a landline. For cellular backup, ADT uses Verizon.
When I bought my ADT system, I received a good number of components. It wasn’t the biggest system ever, but I got to test out at least one piece from every product category. Although the system wasn’t over the top, it was enough to rack up a hefty bill with the professional installation. It would have been less if I’d gone with ADT Self Setup, though. Here’s what I ended up getting, its wireless capabilities, and how much it all costs:
Component |
Wireless capabilities |
Professional install price |
Self Setup price |
Control panel |
Plugged in with 24-hour battery backup |
$200 |
$179.99 |
Entryway sensor |
Fully wireless |
$50 |
$14.99 |
Motion sensor |
Fully wireless |
$100.00 |
$24.99 |
Outdoor cameras |
Fully wireless |
$309.00 |
$179.99 |
For the sensors, the pro install ones have a better build quality than the Self Setup ones, so the price differences there made sense to me. But, that huge price difference on the outdoor camera doesn’t make much sense. Both systems use the exact same Google Nest Cam (outdoor or indoor, battery-powered).
I definitely liked the Google Nest Cam when I reviewed it, but the price of the pro install one can be a bit jarring. Still not nearly as expensive as the Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro I tested, but $309 is a lot for an outdoor camera.
ADT Monitoring
If you want the most reliable monitoring in the industry, ADT’s the best choice for you. They have 12 state-of-the-art monitoring centers — each equipped with a backup generator. That’s a lot of redundancy. It’s also how they got on top of my roundup of the security systems with the fastest response times. Even though ADT’s monitoring is good, I didn’t like that they required it.
What makes their cellular monitoring so great is the support they provide. You know how there are different cellular networks? 3G used to be all the rage. That’s dated technology nowadays. I want at least 4G LTE in my security systems since it can transmit more data faster, letting my cameras stream video at 1080p.
FYI: Before choosing a company for their cellular backup, make sure you have service with the cellular provider they use. Don’t use the maps that the cellular providers give you to see if you have coverage, though. Use the FCC’s cellular coverage map for an accurate mapping of
That’s why ADT made CellBridge. It converts systems still running on 3G to a 4G LTE system. And they give it away for free. I’ve yet to see a security company give away a free upgrade to this day, but ADT did it with CellBridge.
ADT Smart Home Capabilities
Anyone that uses Google smart home products will like ADT a lot. They’re partners with Google and sell Google Nest security cameras. So, the security system integrates really well. I integrated my system with my Nest Hub smart home to let us control the security system with my voice.
Since I got the Nest Hub Max with a decent-sized screen, I could check my Google Nest Doorbell from my kitchen whenever someone was at the door. Then, I could use the two-way audio to let them know I’d be right there and just needed to finish getting the cookies in the oven. Check out the other ways I used my video doorbell in my Google Nest Video Doorbell review. That’s also why I think ADT is the best security system for Google Home.
As for Alexa and Apple smart homes, ADT works, but not quite as well as it does with Google Home. For instance, my Amazon Echo couldn’t automatically connect to my Google Nest cameras like my Nest Hub could. It also doesn’t work with Apple HomeKit, but you can still use your Apple Watch and Apple TV with your ADT system.
>> Learn About: Best Home Security Systems That Work With Alexa in 2024