About Blue by ADT (now ADT Self Setup)
ADT Self Setup, formerly Blue by ADT, offers security system equipment that you can install completely yourself. There are two equipment bundles, or you can make your own bundle. All bundles come with do-it-yourself installation instructions, or you can work with a local ADT installer. Monitoring services start at $24.99 per month at the time of publishing, or systems can be self-monitored. All systems give access to the ADT+ mobile app and include a 90-day, limited warranty.
Overall Satisfaction Rating
- 5 stars
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Pros
- Upfront pricing
- DIY installation
- Professional monitoring
- Customizable
Cons
- Limited warranty
- Upfront equipment cost
Bottom Line
ADT Self Setup is a completely DIY security system option. Choose from prepackaged equipment online, or build your own bundle with several customization options. ADT Self Setup packages are designed to be self-installed. Systems are monitored professionally, with rates starting at $24.99 per month. Free self-monitoring is also an option.
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... I self-installed. The rep was amazing. She single-handedly walked me through the entire process. It took longer than she thought it would take for me to get it done but she wa...
Read full reviewMy experience was great. The customer service person was informative about what I would get when I get ADT, so he's a good person. The system is great. It's very easy to install. ...
Read full reviewWhat is ADT Self Setup?
ADT Self Setup is a DIY-install home or business security system. You can customize your own security hardware system or choose from one of ADT’s bundles. Once you’ve chosen a system, ADT Self Setup ships the hardware for free and includes an installation guide to make setup as simple as possible. If you decide not to self-install, you can work with a local, vetted ADT partner technician to install and set up your system.
Once your system is installed, you can choose to self-monitor or pay for professional monitoring services. You can monitor and control your security system through the ADT app and compatible smart-home devices.
How does ADT Self Setup work?
To get started with an ADT Self Setup system, you can choose from prepackaged hardware bundles or customize your own system by mixing and matching equipment like cameras, sensors, keypads and smoke detectors. ADT Self Setup systems integrate with some smart-home devices, like Google Nest cameras and hubs.
After choosing a package and ordering, ADT Self Setup ships all of your equipment for free. An installation guide for each product and the system is included. Installation can be done yourself, or you can choose to work with a professional local technician. Once your equipment is up and running, you can see and monitor your system from anywhere with the ADT+ app.
The ADT+ app syncs your security system every time you log in. This provides real-time updates and device history. Through the app, you can arm and disarm your security system, stream live video from security cameras, check sensors and see smart integrations, depending on what security equipment you have installed. You can also customize your alert preferences. You can choose to self-monitor your ADT Self Setup system; however, professional monitoring is available and can alert emergency services more quickly during a break-in.
ADT Self Setup packages
ADT Self Setup offers two equipment packages and a build-your-own option. Self-monitoring is free, or you can have ADT professionally monitor your security system for around $24.99 to $34.99 per month.
Starter
The starter package is put together for intrusion detection and front door protection. It includes a Smart Home Hub, Google Nest Doorbell (battery), four door/window sensors, two motion sensors and access to the ADT+ mobile app. It also includes a yard sign and a pack of four window stickers. Customization is available for doorbell color options and equipment add-ons.
Premium
The Premium package includes a Smart Home Hub, Google Nest Hub, Google Nest Doorbell, four door/window sensors, two motion sensors and access to the ADT+ mobile app. A yard sign and window stickers are also included. Customization is available for doorbell color options and equipment add-ons.
Build-your-own
Build-your-own packages are an easy way to customize your home security system. The base package includes a Smart Home Hub and access to the ADT+ mobile app. Then you can choose equipment based on your needs. Available equipment options include indoor/outdoor cameras, doorbell cameras, door/window sensors, motion sensors, keypads and home automation. Life safety devices like smoke and flood/temperature sensors are also available.
ADT Self Setup products
On top of the packages, you can buy add-on equipment to further customize your system. Additional equipment includes:
- Cameras
- Indoor and outdoor cameras are available and are battery-operated or hard-wired.
- Outdoor or indoor battery: $179.99
- Indoor hard-wired: $99.99
- Video doorbell
- Video doorbells are available in multiple colors and are battery-operated. The Google Nest Doorbell is $179.99.
- Sensors
- Sensors protect entryways, rooms and windows.
- Door/window sensor: $14.99 (four included)
- Motion sensor: $24.99 (two included)
- Keypad
- Keypads cost $89.99 and are installed near an entry point or other room to arm and disarm the system.
- Life safety devices
- ADT Self Setup also sells safety devices, including smoke and flood detectors.
- Smoke detector: $39.99
- Flood and temperature sensor: $34.99
- Home automation
- Automated smart devices are available for security system integration.
- Google Nest Wi-Fi router: $269.99
- Google Nest Mini (2nd generation): $49.99
- Google Nest Hub (2nd generation): $99.99
- Google Nest Hub Max: $229
- Google Nest thermostat: $129.99
- Accessories
- There are also several security accessories available for purchase.
- Keychain remote: $19.99
- Weatherproof battery camera cable: $34.99 to $39.99
- Door/window sensor spacers (pack of four): $7.99
- Thermostat Trim Kit: $14.99
All prices are accurate as of the time of publishing.
How much does ADT Self Setup cost?
ADT Self Setup has three equipment options, with starting prices ranging from $179.99 to $579.99 at the time of publishing. This includes the build-your-own, Starter and Premium packages and equipment. Add-on equipment is available for each package. Self-install and self-monitoring are free, or you can choose professional monitoring for $24.99 to $34.99 per month. Packages are highly customizable and include self-setup installation guides.
ADT Self Setup FAQ
Does ADT Self Setup have professional monitoring?
Each ADT Self Setup package offers professional monitoring. Price ranges from $24.99 to $34.99 per month for monitoring services.
Does ADT Self Setup have a contract?
You can get an ADT Self Setup plan without a contract. This offers flexible cancellation and ease if you're moving.
Does ADT Self Setup have a warranty?
ADT Self Setup includes a 90-day limited warranty. This covers defective alarm system parts, including wiring, and mechanical adjustments.
Is ADT Self Setup the same as Blue by ADT?
ADT Self Setup is the former Blue by ADT. Both are set up the same way, with easy DIY-install security systems and professional and self-monitoring options.
Is ADT Self Setup good?
ADT Self Setup is a good option if you’re looking for a simple way to put in a security system. With bundled equipment packages and an option to build your own, systems are highly customizable to your wants and budget.
ADT Self Setup is designed to be easy enough for you to install on your own, or you can work with a local, vetted professional installer if you want extra help. Added benefits include free self-monitoring or professional monitoring starting at $24.99 per month. Packages include a limited 90-day warranty after installation.
Blue by ADT (now ADT Self Setup) Reviews
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I spoke with ADT over the phone and I told them what I needed and wanted. They let me know what they had that would accommodate me. It seemed like it did and I chose to try it. I haven't had many issues with it. There was a little glitch, but overall, everything’s fine. My husband installed the system, and it was easy to install. If anything goes wrong with it, it's easy to replace or troubleshoot. I can also call ADT and then they take me through everything, step by step. If it’s anything that they can't resolve over the phone, they would simply ship me another camera and I ship them my old one.
I feel more secure having the system because it lets me know when anyone is on my property. It lets me know if the wind is blowing too hard. It lets me know everything I need to know. It lets me know in advance so I have the opportunity to look, answer my door, or ignore or go out and see what's going on. It's been very helpful for me. The sensors lets me know if I forget and leave the door cracked. Sometimes, I’ll let my dog out and I'll get busy. I forget that I even got my backdoor and my side patio door open. The camera also lets me zoom in. The app is really great. It'll let you know if your door is closed or open. So it's been really helpful.
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The sales rep helped fulfill my needs and got me the best rate possible. When I was struggling with my payment, he told me, "We can do a credit check, and that will help," and my down payment wasn't high at all. He was awesome. He also told me installation would be easy. He said it was gonna come with instructions, to follow them, and if I needed help, to contact tech support.
The home security system has been good. Notifications pop up on my phone instantly if there's any type of movement around my house. Even if it's a car just passing by my street, it picks it up. I feel more secure, and I'm able to see everything, so that makes me feel good. When I'm not at home, I can still monitor what's going on in my home. Blue by ADT is a good company to go to, and I've already been bragging about it to my sister.
With Blue by ADT, I can have my Bluetooth device on my ear. They can call me and tell me somebody is at my house. The camera itself with the mounting on where they had mounted it, it’s hard to take the back off. I had to send the camera back the first time. Then the second time they sent me a camera, I had to pry it open with a little bit of screwdriver to get it to pop open. So, it's not easy to access the mounting system. It’s very hard to do. You gotta be strong to get the back off. I actually cut my hands trying to get the back off the first time.
I'm just getting into the system and learning about it. I've got to read my book that they put in for the instructions. I'm not really the instructions type of person. I like to kinda figure it out myself but when you get something like this, you have to read on how to work this and operate this particular device. For the most part, I'm enjoying it because it's secure. The only thing is I stuck the motion detector on the door. You can't drill holes in it because it's like a steel door. So, since I've had it, that device had come loose a couple of times. If you push the door too hard, then that device will bounce off. So, they're sending me some sticky stuff that I paid for about $3 online. Overall, I’m satisfied with the part of me having a system in my house where I know that I can set the alarm even while I'm sleeping. If somebody comes in, it'll trigger right away.
The setup was real easy. The instructions were very easy to follow, and if we needed assistance, it was easy to call in. The Blue by ADT reps helped us very quick and sufficient. We love everything about the system. We have the option to be able to set it from when we're home and when we're away. We also have the option to get as many cameras or sensors that we need to cover the house. It's really great. Everything works wonderfully, and we are very satisfied with it.
However, I noticed that it was seven days of practice mode. We tried to come out of that practice mode since then, but it still shows Practice Mode in the app. Whenever we leave the house and we set it for Away, it always arms as Stay. I called one day about this Stay and Away issue and the guy said that he could change it on his end. However, it's still showing that it's just in test mode.
In terms of customer service, the two people that I spoke to were good. The purchase was good, and when I called in, the guy that helped me with the setup was very informative. He walked me through it so that I could do it independently. He took care of me, and he asked me if I had everything set up, and I thought I did. I had trouble trying to figure everything out, and I don't think it's done right because it's still telling me I'm on my seven-day trial.
I thought the system was gonna be like a home security system that I didn't have to hardwire, and that was the reason I bought it. I also thought that I was gonna be able to have a doorbell, like the Ring doorbell, that I would be able to communicate with someone with, but I didn't get that. Blue by ADT told me that it only came with the motion sensor, and I don't understand how that works. I thought that stay means you're not leaving the house, but you can move within the house, but when I put the system on stay and the motion detector senses something, it sets off the alarm every time. I am still trying to figure it out.
ADT Blue is worthless. (ADT is excellent.) ADT Blue have Cheap equipments. Cameras half the time do not work. Smoke detectors go off for no reason. Alarm goes off for no reason. Police is not impressed. No installer. Bad Customer service. On the phone forever. Then you get hung up on with no return phone call. If you do get someone on the phone they troubleshoot the issue till the cows come home and ADT blue is still not working correctly. Don’t mistake ADT Blue with ADT. We are switching to ADT. Their service and safety standards are very impressive. Do not get ADT Blue. We have a ADT installer coming out to our home now. The Company has updated us about safety safety and more safety and so much more. ADT Blue never has.
Hello Gabriela. Thank you for taking the time to send us this review. We're sorry to learn of the unsettling experiences you've had with the Blue by ADT system. We're happy to learn that you have received assistance from ADT Corporate. Take care and stay safe!
I like the ADT system. The camera shows up very well. It's also very prompt for the motion. The installation also wasn't hard, except for the camera on the front. That was because it was brick up under where you drill it at. We couldn't drill it at first because we had to have a bit for cement. Once that happened, it was easy. We had to contact them because it wasn't live yet after seven days and they did it in 24 hours after we called them.
The thing that I love about Blue by ADT is it's not complex. It's simple to set up and I enjoy it. With their sales representative, there's no pressure to buy more than what you need.
I recommend Blue by ADT. Their customer service people are extraordinary. Working with them was very good. They know what my requirements are.
I installed the product myself and it was easy. I have the outdoor camera, the indoor camera, the sensor, the key fob, and the panel to push my code into. I monitor it through my phone, which is a functionality I like.
Blue by ADT (now ADT Self Setup) Company Information
- Company Name:
- ADT Self Setup
- Company Type:
- Public
- Year Founded:
- 1874
- Formerly Named:
- Blue by ADT
- Website:
- www.adt.com