Last updated: March 2026
ADT is America’s most recognized security brand — and they’d love for you to pay $28-52/month for cameras you could get elsewhere for free. ADT’s camera lineup has improved since the ADT+ platform launch, but the pricing model makes them hard to recommend when DIY alternatives deliver equal or better hardware at a fraction of the cost.
Here’s our honest breakdown of every ADT camera, what they actually cost, and better alternatives.
ADT Camera Lineup in 2026
ADT offers cameras through two paths: professional installation (traditional ADT) and ADT Self Setup (formerly Blue by ADT). The hardware is decent; the pricing is the problem.
Professional Install Cameras
| Camera | Type | Resolution | Key Features | Night Vision | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADT Indoor Camera | Indoor | 1080p | Person detection, 2-way audio, privacy shutter | IR | Cloud (30 days) | Included in package |
| ADT Outdoor Camera | Outdoor wired | 1080p | 130° FOV, IP65, smart motion zones | IR (up to 30ft) | Cloud (30 days) | Included in package |
| ADT Video Doorbell | Doorbell | 1080p | 180° vertical FOV, package detection | IR | Cloud (30 days) | Included in package |
| ADT Floodlight Camera | Outdoor + light | 1080p | 2000 lumens, 240° motion, siren | Color (floodlight) | Cloud (30 days) | Included in package |
ADT Self Setup (DIY) Cameras
| Camera | Type | Resolution | Key Features | Price (standalone) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADT Indoor Camera | Indoor | 1080p | 2-way audio, motion zones, Google integration | $100 |
| ADT Outdoor Camera | Outdoor | 1080p | Weather-resistant, night vision, smart alerts | $200 |
| ADT Video Doorbell | Doorbell | 1080p HDR | Wire-free option, head-to-toe view | $200 |
Important note: “Included in package” doesn’t mean free. Professional installation packages cost $200-600+ for equipment plus $28-52/month for monitoring. You’re paying for the cameras through your monthly bill and contract.
ADT Camera Plans & True Costs
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Cameras Included | Video Storage | Smart Features | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADT Self Setup (Basic) | $6/mo | Buy separately | ❌ None | Basic alerts | None |
| ADT Self Setup (Plus) | $15/mo | Buy separately | 30 days (1 cam) | Smart detection | None |
| ADT Smart Home | $28/mo | 1-2 cameras | 30 days | Google integration | 36 months |
| ADT Smart Home + Video | $35/mo | 2-4 cameras | 30 days | Video verification | 36 months |
| ADT Premium | $52/mo | 4+ cameras | 30 days | Full smart home + video | 36 months |
The Real Problem: Total Cost of Ownership
| What You Pay | ADT Professional | ADT Self Setup | Abode | Ring |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment (alarm + 2 cameras) | “Included” ($0 upfront) | $500 | $220 | $360 |
| Installation | $100-200 | $0 (DIY) | $0 (DIY) | $0 (DIY) |
| Monthly (with video) | $35/mo | $15/mo | $0/mo | $10/mo |
| Contract | 36 months | None | None | None |
| Early termination | 75% of remaining | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| 3-year total | $1,460-2,072 | $1,040 | $220 | $720 |
ADT’s 3-year cost is 6-9x higher than Abode for equivalent functionality. Even ADT Self Setup costs nearly 5x more.
ADT Camera Strengths
| Strength | Details | But… |
|---|---|---|
| Professional installation | Tech installs and optimizes placement | You pay $100-200 for what takes 15 minutes DIY |
| Google Home integration | ADT + Google partnership for smart home | Abode works with Google + Alexa + HomeKit |
| Video verification | Monitoring center views camera during alarm | Costs $35-52/month for this feature |
| Brand trust | 150+ year history, household name | Trust doesn’t improve camera hardware |
| Yard sign deterrence | ADT sign is one of the most recognized | Even fake signs work — yard sign value is overstated |
ADT Camera Problems
| Problem | How Bad | Better Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p only | Competitors offer 2K-4K at lower prices | eufy (2K), Arlo (4K), Reolink (4K) — all cheaper |
| Cloud-only storage | No local storage option, subscription required | eufy (local free), Reolink (NVR), Abode Cam 2 ($35) |
| 36-month contract | Locked in even if cameras underperform | All DIY systems: no contract |
| ADT+ app quality | 3.2 Android rating — worst major security app | Every other app is better |
| No HomeKit | Apple users locked out of ecosystem | Abode: only major system with HomeKit |
| No local processing | Everything goes through ADT’s cloud | Ring Alarm Pro (edge), Frigate (DIY) |
| Proprietary ecosystem | Can’t mix ADT cameras with other brands | Abode: works with any IP camera + Z-Wave/Zigbee |
| Cancellation nightmare | 75% of remaining contract, pushy retention | See our ADT cancellation guide |
ADT Cameras vs DIY: Head-to-Head
| Feature | ADT Cameras | Abode Cam 2 | Ring Cameras | eufy Cameras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max resolution | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p-4K | 2K-4K |
| Indoor camera price | $100 (+ $15-35/mo) | $35 | $60 (+ $4-10/mo) | $30 |
| Video storage | Cloud ($15-35/mo) | Cloud ($6/mo+) | Cloud ($4-10/mo) | Local (free) |
| Local storage | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ HomeBase |
| Alarm integration | ✅ ADT system | ✅ Abode system | ✅ Ring Alarm | ⚠️ Basic |
| Smart home | Google only | HomeKit + Alexa + Google | Alexa | HomeKit + Alexa + Google |
| Contract | 36 months | None | None | None |
| Pro monitoring | ✅ Required ($28-52/mo) | ✅ Optional ($20/mo) | ✅ Optional ($20/mo) | ❌ |
| Cellular backup | ✅ | ✅ (free) | ⚠️ ($10/mo+) | ❌ |
Who Should Buy ADT Cameras (and Who Shouldn’t)
| Situation | ADT? | Better Option |
|---|---|---|
| Want professional installation | Maybe | Local installer + Abode (cheaper long-term) |
| Want lowest total cost | No | Abode ($220 vs $1,460+ over 3 years) |
| Want best camera quality | No | eufy or Arlo (2K-4K vs ADT’s 1080p) |
| Want no monthly fees | No | eufy (free local storage) + Abode alarm (free tier) |
| Want HomeKit/Apple ecosystem | No | Abode (only major system with HomeKit) |
| Elderly parent wants “the brand” | Maybe | ADT Self Setup (no contract) if brand trust matters |
| Commercial property | Yes | ADT Commercial is legitimate for business |
| Already locked in ADT contract | Stuck | Our ADT cancellation guide — switch when contract ends |
Switching From ADT Cameras to DIY
- Check your contract end date — early termination = 75% of remaining months
- Don’t remove ADT equipment yourself — some contracts require professional removal
- Set up new system before canceling — never leave your home unprotected
- Recommended replacement: Abode Smart Security Kit ($150) + Abode Cam 2 ($35 each) — same monitoring capability, no contract, $0/month option
- Cancel ADT in writing — phone cancellation often gets “lost.” Send certified mail
- Return leased equipment — ADT may charge for unreturned devices
- Update insurance — notify insurer of new monitoring provider
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ADT cameras any good?
The hardware is decent but not exceptional — 1080p when competitors offer 2K-4K at lower prices. The real issue is the business model: 36-month contracts, $28-52/month monitoring required, and a poorly-rated app (3.2 on Android). You’re paying a premium for the ADT brand, not the camera quality.
Can I use ADT cameras without ADT monitoring?
ADT Self Setup cameras can work with basic plans ($6-15/month), but professional-install cameras are tied to ADT’s monitoring service. If you cancel monitoring, most professional-install cameras become paperweights.
Why is the ADT+ app so bad?
ADT has historically underinvested in software while spending billions on TV advertising. The 3.2 Android rating reflects slow loading, frequent crashes, and connection issues. Compare to Abode (4.3), Ring (4.3), or SimpliSafe (4.5) — all better apps at lower prices.
Is ADT Self Setup worth it?
It’s ADT’s best option — no contract, lower monthly costs, DIY install. But even ADT Self Setup costs more than Abode or Ring for equivalent features. The only reason to choose it is if ADT brand trust matters to you or your insurance company.
Can I cancel ADT early to switch cameras?
Yes, but expect to pay 75% of your remaining contract balance. For a $35/month plan with 24 months left, that’s $630 in termination fees. See our complete ADT cancellation guide for strategies to minimize costs.
What’s the best ADT camera alternative?
For an all-in-one replacement: Abode Smart Security Kit ($150) + Abode Cam 2 ($35). Total: $185 + $0/month — versus ADT’s $1,460+ over 3 years. You get alarm + camera + cellular backup + HomeKit + no contract.
William is a tech buff and former corporate security officer turned cybercrime analyst. Computers have few secrets left for him, but home security and alarm systems… Well, those have plenty of secrets for their users, which William is now uncovering and explaining. His articles on home security helped many people take the matter seriously, invest in highly performing systems, and avoid becoming victims of burglaries.
Freddie says
Quality Products. Your healthcare needs are personal.
Joe Sewell says
I realize this is an old topic but I’m at wit’s end. Last year, I upgraded to an ADT Pulse Home Security System with multiple cameras. The ADT Pulse Gateway Router PGZ NG1 is ‘proprietary'(?) and I’m not allowed to have access to the ‘preference pane’ or the camera ‘preference panes’.
I had the system installed due to repeated burglaries (unauthorized entries) and vandalism. Interesting is whenever any one of a group of about four(?) people are close to my property my cameras won’t record them, even though they are clearly within range. The entire camera system shut down for 10 days while I was out of town – ADT stated ‘everything is working properly’. A few weeks back, there was a large gathering next door and the entire camera system went down for about 6 hours.
I’ve noticed the camera live ‘views’ often appear to be jumping back and forth in time as people, vehicles and outdoor lighting will ‘flash frame’. One of my vehicles was vandalized a few weeks back, well within range of two cameras and nothing was recorded. The ‘ringleader’ of this group taunts me about their ‘activities’ on a regular basis. System seems to work fine otherwise and ADT service people tell me there’s nothing wrong with the system.
To add insult to injury, the ‘ringleader’ was standing a few doors away in his yard with a person who appeared to be wearing an ADT uniform. This took place yesterday and happened about two hours before the ADT Service Person showed up for my appointment – different person.
Hoping someone will steer me in the right direction.
Damon says
I feel that this is some thing that’s frequently
overlooked in my opinion. Thanks for the post and I’ll be certain to follow your progress
Harlan says
Great knowledge, many thanks for posting it
I must say I have received a whole lot of understanding from this content, carry on the good
work, thank you so much.
Lori says
Well – after being an ADT customer for 5 years and really never having an issue with one exception. when we bought the newest indoor infared camera I was not excited about the fact that it doesn’t work in total darkness like they say. That is usually not an issue because we have a light turn on if it senses motion. The issue came when the light bulb burned out and the camera did sense motion but all we got was a clip of total blackness. Also the 4 minute reset is definetly an issue. When will ADT fix this? I am considering a nest camera because of these issues.
Evelina Walter says
I will be calling tomorrow for them to come and remove or change the cameras. I’m paying all this money to have a cat trip the camera for 30 seconds and after that you can stab me right in front of my door and there will not be any footage of it.
Scott Lane says
My problem is the cameras keep failing when trying to take video after motion was detected. What good does it do to have cameras if it only shows the foot prints after someone tries to break into your vehicle. Should be able to make them record 24/7
Ca potanka says
I have been a loyal ADT customer for thirty years. I had decided to upgrade my security in November of 2017 by adding security cameras. I had it in my mind to buy the DVR system before my security sales associate came out to my home to evaluate my very specific needs. She came and I showed her my Verizon flaw that put us at risk with our system. Explained to her that the hard wire for the telephone could easily be cut and our old system would not be able to communicate with adt monitoring.
We agreed to upgrade to a wireless system equipment to solve this problem. I paid for this to be done.I also told her we wanted to purchase a camera system and relayed all the reasons why and what specifically we needed. She made the recomendation to purchase from ADT the pulse camera system. We were told about the thirty second clips with two details left out. The detail about the camera going offline after EVERY thirty second clip for FOUR MINUTES, that at times is actually NINE MINUTES of no recording. The camera is asleep missing anything that happens. Any person on earth can google ADT REVIEWS and learn of this FLAW.
YES that includes the burglars, murderers and rapists.
It is not a secret.
I did not look at the reviews until I noticed this flaw until I actually was missing an event. I trusted ADT.
My sales associate told me that the camera would record each event as long as there was motion. She did not tell me about the sleepy time camera ever.
So I’ll back up to the actual install day.
So install day comes and the guy puts up the first camera and I notice that the housing of the base of the camera does not cover up the wire. It is completely exposed and can be cut by anyone. I told him this was unacceptable and he called the office and informed me that I needed the dome cameras instead. Now I have to say that I don’t understand why this sales person sold me these cameras in the first place. I took her outside and showed her the exposed verzion wire and told her how upset I was that anyone could cut this and my system would no longer communicate with adt monitoring. At this point, the tech made a new appointment for a tech to come out and switch out, to the dome cameras where the wire is protected under a housing and can not be easily cut if installed in the eve of a one story house. He finished up the install wiring and the install of my ring front door camera. He closed up the closet where he had been working and said goodbye and left. Next day we go out and set our alarm. We come back and our alarm code no longer was accepted. Alarm goes off. We could not get it to respond. When I opened up the closet to look at my alarm panel the door was unlocked and open with wires hanging loose all over the place. A computer device was attached to these wires and for the life of me I thought we had been robbed by the mission impossible crew. We called ADT and a lady had to walk me thru removing the battery from the alarm system to get it to stop the alarm. I’ll also mention that they did not receive a signal at all for this alarm event. So service day comes and the technician arrives and opens up the door to the system and could not believe what he was seeing. He asked why the previous tecnitiins test equipment was there still. He said he had changed our alarm code and had left our system in test mode.
Great…….. I fall safe already…. not!
After he corrected all that mess and the replacement dome cameras were installed, One of the dome cameras was malfunctioning the very next day and we had to make another appointment to have that one replaced. Now they are working. The visibility is great. The night vision is great. BUT the thirty second clip is for the birds. That thirty second clip turns into a twenty five second clip when you notice that the camera actually backs up each clip a few seconds and shows you at first nothing and then includes the nothing in the thirty second clock. So basically if you have a slow murderer or robber you will only get a clip of them for twenty five seconds and then the recording will stop and you will actually get nothing of the crime. It’s POiNTLESS with a THREE YEAR CONTRACT and if you don’t figure it out before three days that you’ve been sold a piontless camera system that was intentionally designed and manufactured this way, you are up the creek without a paddle or in this case no video footage of the actual crime.
Needless to say I’m very dissatisfied with my security sales consultant recommended system purchase. Based on the fact that she knew ahead of time what events were happening around my property and why I needed a camera system in the first place. This Pulse system has alot of bells and whistles but I did not opt for those for automating my house. I only wanted the cameras to capture crime events. Not partially and not on a time clock.
I would also like to add that she also sold me a ring front door bell system. This system opened my eyes to the fact that technology exists that does not hobble you into a pointless purchase of a disfunctional system
Ring captures every motion activated event without delay with clips. It stores them in the cloud for only thirty dollars a year.
WITH SOUND
It also has a free app for your phone, your computer, your iPad, your husbands phone. It notifies you every time someone rings your doorbell or moves I front of it with controllable zones. Way to go RING!
You can answer that call on your device of choice and talk to that person while recording the video and conversation before and after you answer the ring.
So I have to say, what’s the point in buying ADT’s cameras at all.
Just install RING flood motion lights with cameras built in and doorbells front and back and be done with it.
No contract.
No SLeepy TIME missing events
No lies by omission, or missing facts.
No lack of customer satisfaction or attempts to make it right.
Loyal customer no longer loyal!
Juanita says
So glad I read your review because I have been going back and forth what cameras should I get. Really didn’t want an adt camera because my contract start all over again locked in for 36 months again and what if I didn’t like the cameras then I just stuck with it or pay a very high break contract fee. I think I will try some stand alone security cameras for now.
Tricia W says
Really disappointed in these cameras. We had outdoor cameras installed and a few weeks later that they record 30 second clips, but after each 30 sec clip the camera is UNABLE TO RECORD for 4 minutes?? So, a bad guy pulls into my property. There’s a 30 sec recording of them and then at a critical time there’s no recording for 4 minutes? Why is this and how does this make sense??
Tricia W says
*few weeks later we found out….
lee says
Same Problem Here, by the time they get out of the car you never even see them, then they are gone with no video clips. This is so stupid.
Jean says
Thought it was great until, it failed to capture an vital incident on camera because it occurred after the 30secs of filming begun and it did not reboot until after the incident was over! What’s the freaking point of having cameras if they aren’t going to freaking record when you need them most
Alarm Reviews says
Hey Jean.,
We suggest always testing them after getting them setup. Playback previous days data and make sure you can pinpoint certain times. Not sure this was so much the ADT Camera’s fault as it was not ensuring everything was hooked up and recording from the git go. You should do this with any security camera / home security system you get. There is also a testing phase you can request where for 3 days they won’t call the police if the alarm is set so you can go through and test all of the aspects (motion, window sensors and more).
Marcus says
Actually, Jean’s concerns are valid. I had spoken with ADT about this recently after purchasing their cameras. Apparently, the cameras are motion-activated and will only record for 30 seconds. Afterwards, the camera goes through a 4-minute resetting period before it can record again.
Technically, an intruder can walk into a camera’s view (thus activating the camera) then walk away and wait 30 seconds for it to finish recording. Afterwards, the intruder will have 4 full minutes to do whatever they want before the camera starts to record again. That’s plenty of time to break in and out, and the only clues you’ll have is footage of someone walking by.
I ran this scenario by an ADT rep and they were stumped. The rep than told me that ADT does, allegedly, offer cameras that record constantly, but they require additional equipment and cost upwards of $350 per camera. Sorry, not gonna happen. For $350, I can buy 4 cameras at Home Depot and have them stream to an external hard drive.
Don’t get me wrong, I love ADT’s window and door monitors, but the cameras are for the birds. I’ll be replacing my ADT cameras with third party cameras that actually record 24/7.
Alarm Reviews says
Good insight. A criminal would have to be one very well researched guy to know that tip about ADT cameras. My guess is the burglar would move on to the next home if they saw cameras but still good information to know. You’re right, there aren’t too many cameras that go hand in hand with a security system yet. Getting Swann or other DVR systems that record 24/7 is a good idea. Also Vivint has good integration with their cameras (probably the best out of all security companies currently).
Tricia W says
I hate Comcast’s customer service and as far as the alarm system goes, I do feel more secure with adt, but they nailed it when it comes to their outdoor video surveillance. No 4 minute pause in recording. That system works really great.
Lynn says
Jean, same here. There have been so many things NOT caught on the ADT security camera because it was outside of the 30 second recording and has to wait 4 to 5 minutes for a reset. So I had no proof the person actually did what they did even though I personally witnessed it myself. Still since it’s not on camera, I have no proof as they will definitely deny it which is the reason for me getting the security camera in the first place.. I’m finding more time lapses as well, such as 30 minute gaps when there was clearly motion going on outside. Guess when that happens, it’ll get blamed on the Wifi signal. There are even instances when I have a clip and/or picture, yet nothing is in view; figured the sensor caught it but it was outside of the actual viewing. So I agree with you.
Daryl says
ADT is one of the companies that is on top for a reason. They can charge more because of it but I don’t mind paying. Their cameras are outstanding just like their all around security. I have the cameras, the panel, and the door bells. I am so secure that not even a fly can get in my house unnoticed!
Melissa Farve says
I have a question… Wouldn’t it be cheaper and more affordable to just get my own security cams online and run those instead of adding these to my ADT contract? My husband brought this up because his brother in law has security cameras around the house and they run off the wifi and there is no monthly bill for them. I think it is like $10 a month for the app, that is it.
Alarm Reviews says
Yes and no. You’re paying that monthly for storage but you have no monitoring setup. No guarantees and other things unique to ADT as well. Security cameras don’t act as a full home security system; the two are actually usually bought and used separately. Most people add security camera systems as an added measure of security on top of their monitoring provider. You could go with the basic ADT plan for the alarm system and then add your own camera system (different brand) rather then paying the higher Pulse tier fee. This would be ideal for most people looking to both and still save money in your situation.
Gemma says
I have been using ADT security Cameras for a while now and it has been really efficient. Haven’t noticed it malfunctioned. I feel more secured in my house. Simply the best security camera.