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ADT Self Setup In-Depth Review
In a nutshell: ADT Self Setup offers high-quality, affordable, and personalized security for your home with advanced technology. Their mobile app is great for streaming live footage from your camera, however, many customers complain that the app often experiences glitches. From cameras to sensors, Self Setup offers full coverage with extra special features.
ADT Self Setup In-Depth Review
In a nutshell: ADT Self Setup offers high-quality, affordable, and personalized security for your home with advanced technology. Their mobile app is great for streaming live footage from your camera, however, many customers complain that the app often experiences glitches. From cameras to sensors, Self Setup offers full coverage with extra special features.
ADT Self Setup In-Depth Review

Overview

ADT Self Setup presents modern, yet affordable, home security technology that helps protect your home from burglars or intruders. With a range of security cameras and sensors, Self Setup has got you covered when it comes to home safety. Customers can choose from 3 inclusive packages with optional add-ons that create the ultimate personalized security.

All products are easy to operate and can be set up within minutes with DIY installation. ADT Self Setup has introduced a mobile app that allows customers to monitor their home security system on the go. Now you can check in on your home from the convenience of your smartphone, a milestone for home security!

Features

Self Monitoring

Professional Monitoring

24/7 emergency alerts to you & authorities

X

24/7 police, fire, and medical response

X

24/7 fire, CO, and flood monitoring

X

3 layers of backup: WiFi, cellular signal & cellular text

X

Panic button to alert the monitoring center in emergencies

X

Alert the monitoring center silently if you feel threatened

X

No long-term contracts

X

Custom alerts

X

App functionality

X

Remote arm/disarm

X

Plans & Pricing

Whether you want to go all out and opt for a total coverage of your home or if you would rather start with the basics, ADT Self Setup offers a variety of different packages to please each customer’s needs. All plans include access to the ADT mobile app and one free month of pro monitoring*. Customers have the choice to add additional sensors or cameras to each plan. Here is an outline of the plans available:

8-Piece Doorbell Camera System

Monitor your home activity on the go with 2-way talk, night vision, and instant notifications for just $349.99. This package includes a base, doorbell camera, monitor sensor, entry keypad, 2x door/window sensors, and a yard sign. Customers will also have access to the ADT mobile app and receive one free month of pro monitoring.

15-Piece Camera System

Secure all your home entry points with extra sensors for just $295.12. This package includes a base, entry keypad, indoor camera, fire safety sensor, keychain remote, 2x motion sensors, 6x door/window sensors, 4x window stickers, and a yard sign.

11-Piece System

Help protect your home with the basics to get you started that offers just the right amount of security for your home. For just $199.15 this package includes a base, entry keypad, fire safety sensor, keychain remote, motion sensor, 4x door/window sensors, 4x window stickers, and a yard sign.

What Sets Them Apart?

So what makes ADT Self Setup stand out from the others on the market? Let’s take a closer look at each special feature:

Two-way talk

Unlike other home security systems, ADT Self Setup has included an audio feature on their products that allows individuals to communicate with their guests, kids, or even pets when they are not at home or in the same room. So not only can you keep an eye on them or check-in but you can also have a chat with them to see how they are doing. This feature adds a more personal touch to home security.

Motion-activated recording

Rather than record hours of meaningless content and use up storage space on your system, ADT Self Setup has installed a motion-activated recording feature that only begins recording when the equipment detects any movement.

Personalized security

Not all home security systems allow you to customize your alerts. With ADT Self Setup, you can build your own system which allows you to choose only the products you think you need. You can also choose how many users have access to your account, the type of alerts you get, and how you receive them. Now that’s what we call personalization.

Customer Support

ADT Self Setup has devoted an entire ‘Help’ section on the official website for their customers to access at any time for the answers to any common issues. If for any reason you can not find what you are looking for or wish to speak with one of their experts, you can reach them by email or phone. Their staff are professional, kind, and will be able to assist you with any questions you may have.

Word on the Street

ADT Self Setup is a BBB-accredited business with an A+ rating. Here are some reviews on what others have to say about the company:

Business Insider

“This (ADT Self Setup) looks like a top-notch DIY system, and it’s backed by a security company that knows exactly what it’s doing.”

iMore.com

“The [ADT Self Setup] Outdoor Camera offers the same 1080p HD video, local storage, and two-way audio as its indoor sibling, but adds in IP65 weather resistance to the mix.”

Safety.com

“[ADT Self Setup] takes privacy and security up a notch by securing live camera activity on an encrypted network.”

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Pros
  • Professional 24/7 monitoring
  • No long-term contracts
  • DIY installation
Cons
  • Limited WiFi range
  • Professional monitoring requires paid plan
Our Top 3 Picks
ADT SelfSetup at a Glance
7.4 Editorial Score
Installation and ease of use
7.0
Aimed at DIY markets, this option offers the ADT experience but with less straightforward installation instructions
Monitoring services
7.0
Offers reliability of ADT’s technology,but DIY nature may lead to lapses
Cost and value
8.0
More cost-effective DIY option within ADT, industry-standard pricing and features with clear upfront costs
User reviews
8.0
DIY option from ADT so good technology but users have some trouble with installation
Customer service
7.0
Support hours are more limited, and staff may not always be able to resolve complex issues effectively
Most Commonly Asked Questions About Home Security Systems
Buying a home security system is the best way to protect your home, your family, and your possessions. Got a question about home security? We've got answers! Read up on how home security systems work and shield your home today.
What is a home security system?
A home security system is designed to protect your entire home by securing different entry and exit points such as your doors and windows. It also goes beyond this and works to secure interior or open spaces where you keep all of your valuables. Home security systems are made up of a number of devices including cameras, motion sensors, and alarms that work with a central control panel in order to prevent intruders from entering your home.
How does a home security camera system work?
A home security system generally functions by installing a camera either indoors or outside and can detect motion in the area in which it is surveilling. The video is typically sent to a built-in storage device or through cloud storage, and you can access all of your images and video clips through your monitor or receiver. Many cameras are outfitted with motion detectors, which will start recording any time they sense movement in range. If you get a camera with pan-and-tilt capabilities, the camera lens will point itself automatically in the direction it senses motion and start recording.
What are the different types of home security camera systems?
There are a range of different types of home security camera systems that are worth looking into. It is important to first identify what type of camera you want and the purpose of this camera. Do you want an outdoor camera to survey the perimeter of your house, a doorbell camera to see who is at your front door and when you get deliveries, or an indoor camera to keep an eye on the inside of your house when you are not there? When looking for the perfect camera for your needs, you should also consider the tilt and pan range of the camera to ensure it is capturing the entire area you want to see.
Should I opt for a wired or wireless home security camera system?
Generally, wireless home security camera systems are more advanced due to their flexibility and customization. They allow you to easily connect different devices to your home security system via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, so you can watch the footage from any device anywhere you are. Wireless home alarm cameras also tend to be more discrete since there are no visible wires. However, it has often been said that wired camera systems are more reliable as they are not dependent on internet or cellular connectivity.
What are the different features to look for in a home security camera system?
Durability & Design
When you're looking at outdoor cameras, it's important to think about the weather in the area you live in. If it rains or snows where you live, you'll need a waterproof/water-resistant outdoor camera that will withstand the elements. In areas where there is a lot of dirt, you'll want an outdoor camera with a dust-tight design. For indoor cameras, you might want a camera that is more discrete and not as obvious whereas your outdoor camera should be more visible to scare off potential burglars.

Video Quality
Most security cameras have a 1080p HD resolution, however, some might have 720p HD resolution. You'll want a camera with a high-definition resolution, especially for areas with varying levels of lighting to avoid glares or shadows from getting in the way of an otherwise clear picture and making it look more like reality.

Field of View
The field of view refers to how wide the camera's lens is. You'll want a field of view of at least 120 degrees with 180 degrees being the maximum which shows everything in front and to the sides of the camera. Another option is to get a camera that pans all the way around to have a larger field of view.

Night Vision
If you get a camera, you obviously want to see footage 24/7 because anything can happen any time of the day or night. Night vision can either be in the form of infrared via LED sensors or from a bright white spotlight. LED sensors to produce black-and-white footage at night, which might be preferable for indoor cameras to avoid shining a bright white spotlight in your home, whereas the spotlight might be helpful for outdoor cameras to ward off burglars and raise awareness of the area.

Audio
Cameras with speakers and built-in microphones allow for two-way communication via the mobile app, so that you can talk to your kids, or someone at your door, or to even tell a deliveryman where to hide your packages.
Is it worth investing in a home security camera system?
The short answer, yes. In recent years there has been a significant increase in the number of burglaries taking place meaning that more and more people have started to look into purchasing home security systems. Although they can be pricey to install, in the long term, having a home security camera system can actually save you money by helping to reduce your homeowners insurance. It is certainly safe to say that home alarm cameras are the most effective way to deter intruders from entering your home.
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