ADT vs eufy 2026: Professional Monitoring Giant vs Local Storage Budget Cameras
ADT is the largest home security provider in the US with professional monitoring, installation, and a 150-year brand. eufy (by Anker) makes budget-friendly cameras and a newer security system focused on local storage with no monthly fees. They represent completely different approaches to home security — and your choice depends on what you value most.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | ADT | eufy |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Full security system + monitoring | Cameras + optional alarm system |
| Monthly Cost | $28.99–$59.99/mo | $0 (optional $7.99/mo cloud) |
| Contract | No contract (Self Setup) / 36 months (Pro Install) | No contract |
| Professional Monitoring | Yes (24/7) | No |
| Video Storage | Cloud (Google Nest partnership) | Local (HomeBase) + optional cloud |
| Installation | DIY (Self Setup) or pro install | DIY only |
| Cameras | Google Nest cameras (Self Setup) | eufy cameras (S330, E340, SoloCam, etc.) |
| Smart Home | Google Home, Alexa | Alexa, Google Home (limited) |
| HomeKit | No | Some cameras only (not security system) |
| Crash & Smash | Yes | No |
| Environmental Sensors | Smoke, CO, water, temperature | Limited (motion, contact only) |
| Company | ADT Inc. (est. 1874, 6M+ customers) | Anker/eufy (Chinese parent company) |
ADT Plans & Pricing
ADT offers two paths: Self Setup (DIY, no contract) and Pro Install (professional installation, 36-month contract).
| Path | Plan | Monthly | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self Setup | Self Setup+ | $28.99/mo | None |
| Self Setup | Smart Home | $32.99/mo | None |
| Pro Install | Home | $28.99/mo | 36 months |
| Pro Install | Smart Home | $34.99/mo | 36 months |
| Pro Install | Smart Home+ | $39.99/mo | 36 months |
| Pro Install | Complete | $59.99/mo | 36 months |
eufy Pricing
| Product | Equipment Cost | Monthly Fee |
|---|---|---|
| eufyCam S330 2-Pack + HomeBase 3 | $349 | $0 |
| eufy Security System (5-piece) | $199 | $0 |
| SoloCam S340 (standalone) | $129 | $0 |
| Video Doorbell S330 | $179 | $0 |
| Optional cloud storage | — | $2.99–$9.99/mo |
3-Year Total Cost Comparison
| Setup | Equipment | 3-Year Monitoring | 3-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADT Self Setup+ | $249 | $1,044 | $1,293 |
| ADT Smart Home (Self Setup) | $249 | $1,188 | $1,437 |
| ADT Pro Install Home | $0–$299 | $1,044 | $1,044–$1,343 |
| ADT Complete (Pro Install) | $0–$299 | $2,160 | $2,160–$2,459 |
| eufy S330 2-Pack (no fee) | $349 | $0 | $349 |
| eufy Security System (no fee) | $199 | $0 | $199 |
| eufy + Cloud Storage | $349 | $108–$360 | $457–$709 |
| Abode Smart Security Kit | $199 | $0–$720 | $199–$919 |
The Privacy Tradeoff
eufy’s biggest selling point is local storage — your video stays on the HomeBase in your house, not on company servers. This is genuinely appealing for privacy-conscious users. However, eufy had a significant privacy scandal in late 2022 when security researchers discovered that camera feeds could be accessed remotely despite eufy’s “local storage only” marketing claims. Anker eventually admitted to the issue and made fixes, but trust was damaged.
ADT uses Google Nest cameras for its Self Setup path, meaning your video goes through Google’s cloud. You’re trusting both ADT and Google with your footage. For ADT Pro Install, video goes through ADT’s own cloud infrastructure.
| Privacy Factor | ADT | eufy | Abode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Storage | Cloud (Google/ADT) | Local (HomeBase) | Cloud + HKSV local option |
| End-to-End Encryption | No (Google cloud) | Claimed (post-scandal fixes) | Yes (via HomeKit Secure Video) |
| Data Shared With | ADT + Google | Anker (Chinese parent) | Abode only (or Apple via HKSV) |
| Privacy Scandals | ADT technician scandal (2020) | Remote access scandal (2022) | None known |
| Law Enforcement Access | Yes (with warrant) | Local = harder to access | HKSV = Apple controls access |
Security System Capabilities
This is where ADT dominates. eufy is primarily a camera company that added a basic alarm system. ADT is a full security provider with decades of monitoring infrastructure.
| Capability | ADT | eufy | Abode |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Professional Monitoring | Yes | No | Yes ($20/mo) |
| Police/Fire Dispatch | Yes (automatic) | No | Yes |
| Cellular Backup | Yes | No | Yes |
| Crash & Smash Protection | Yes | No | Yes |
| Smoke/CO Detection | Yes (monitored) | No | Yes (monitored) |
| Water Leak Detection | Yes | No | Yes |
| Glass Break Sensor | Yes | No | Yes |
| Panic Button | Yes | No | Yes |
| Medical Alert | Yes | No | Yes (with Pro) |
| Video Verification | Yes (some plans) | No | No |
| Geofencing Auto-Arm | Yes | Basic (app-only) | Yes (CUE automations) |
Who Should Choose ADT
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Need professional monitoring | ADT Self Setup works — but Abode Pro is half the price |
| Want pro installation | ADT Pro Install is the best option for hands-off setup |
| Large home needing full coverage | ADT Pro Install scales well with technician support |
| Google Home ecosystem | ADT Self Setup integrates natively with Nest |
| Need fire/CO/water monitoring | ADT covers all environmental sensors |
Who Should Choose eufy
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Zero monthly fees is priority | eufy delivers — but Abode’s free plan adds a real alarm system |
| Privacy/local storage matters | eufy is strong here — Abode + HKSV is even better |
| Camera-only setup | eufy cameras are excellent value |
| Budget under $350 total | eufy can cover a small home with cameras |
| Need actual security (monitoring, sensors) | Skip eufy — it’s cameras, not security. Choose Abode or ADT |
The Better Alternative: Abode
ADT gives you full security at premium prices. eufy gives you budget cameras without real security. Abode gives you both — a complete security system with cameras, monitoring, smart home control, and HomeKit privacy — starting at $199 with a free plan.
| Feature | ADT | eufy | Abode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Self-Monitoring | No | Yes (cameras only) | Yes (full system) |
| Pro Monitoring | $28.99/mo+ | No | $20/mo |
| No Contract | Self Setup only | Yes | Yes |
| HomeKit | No | Some cameras | Full system |
| Z-Wave/Zigbee | No | No | Both built-in |
| Environmental Sensors | Yes ($$$) | No | Yes |
| Local + Cloud Video | Cloud only | Local + optional cloud | Cloud + HKSV local |
| 3-Year Cost (with monitoring) | $1,293–$2,459 | $199–$709 | $199–$919 |
Bottom line: eufy cameras are great for the price, but they don’t replace a security system. ADT is a real security system, but costs 3–5x more than Abode. For most homes, Abode delivers ADT-level security at closer to eufy prices — with privacy features neither can match.
Related Comparisons & Reviews
More ADT Comparisons
- ADT Full Review 2026 — plans, contracts, equipment, and true costs
- Ring vs ADT 2026 — Amazon DIY cameras vs legacy pro-install
- Vivint vs ADT 2026 — two premium brands compared
- Brinks vs ADT 2026 — two legacy brands head-to-head
- ADT vs Wyze 2026 — pro monitoring vs budget cameras
More eufy Comparisons
- eufy vs Wyze 2026 — two budget camera brands compared
- Ring vs eufy 2026 — Amazon ecosystem vs local storage cameras
- eufy vs SimpliSafe — cameras vs alarm system
Guides & Rankings
- Abode Review 2026 — the best alternative to both ADT and eufy
- Best Home Security Systems 2026 — full rankings
- DIY Home Security Guide — why DIY beats pro-install for most buyers
- Security Camera Laws 2026 — what you can and cannot record
- How to Cancel a Security Contract — escape ADT contracts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can eufy cameras work with ADT?
No. ADT Self Setup uses Google Nest cameras exclusively. ADT Pro Install uses ADT-branded cameras. eufy cameras operate independently and cannot integrate with ADT’s monitoring system.
Does eufy have professional monitoring?
No. eufy’s security system offers self-monitoring only with app notifications. There is no option for 24/7 professional monitoring or emergency dispatch. If your alarm triggers while you’re asleep or without your phone, no one is called.
Is eufy’s local storage actually private?
After the 2022 scandal, eufy made improvements including verified end-to-end encryption. However, Anker (eufy’s parent company) is based in China, which concerns some users regarding data jurisdiction. For maximum camera privacy, Apple HomeKit Secure Video (supported by Abode) stores encrypted footage in your iCloud with end-to-end encryption that even Apple can’t access.
Which is better for renters?
eufy cameras are renter-friendly (wireless, no damage). But if you want actual security with door/window sensors and an alarm, Abode is the better renter choice — wireless, no contract, free plan, and easy to move.
Can I pair eufy cameras with a real security system?
eufy cameras don’t integrate with third-party security systems (no Z-Wave/Zigbee/Alarm.com). You’d run them as a separate camera system alongside your alarm. Abode’s own cameras integrate directly with the security system for a unified experience.
Is ADT worth the monthly cost?
For hands-off professional installation with 24/7 monitoring, ADT delivers. But the Self Setup path at $28.99+/mo is expensive compared to Abode Pro at $20/mo with equivalent monitoring, more smart home features, and HomeKit support. See our full ADT review.
With over 20 years of experience evaluating home security technologies, Andrew is a trusted home security expert. He specializes in DIY home security systems, indoor and outdoor security cameras, doorbell cameras, and safety software such as password managers. Andrew uses in-depth research to provide accurate and actionable insights. His work helps you make better decisions to protect your home.
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