Blue by ADT is an affordable DIY solution that lets you take self-monitoring into your own hands while also giving you the option to use ADT’s professional monitoring services—all without ever needing a credit check or long-term contract.

Even with the self-monitoring option, you can still receive mobile alerts, view live and recorded footage, and know your home is protected by one of the most trusted brands in the security industry.

In this article, we go over the features of this home security system and do a quick comparison with a few other self-monitored home security systems. 

Read more to find out if Blue by ADT is suitable for you.

 

Do you need a home security system?                                       

 

It’s true, crime is lower, according to the FBI. But that isn’t stopping people from purchasing up to $14.1 billion per year in home security. So do you need a home security system?

Despite the decreasing crime rate, a home burglary still happens once every 25.7 seconds. And owning an alarm system helps keep you and your home safe. These days, security systems not only monitor your backyard but also help keep an eye on your front door. They can even allow you to communicate without having to leave the couch.

Integrate alarms and sensors with intelligent lights, locks, or security cameras, creating a seamless experience between smart home automation and affordable home security for the new era.

In the smart home sector, millennials are one of the fastest-growing participants in both self-monitoring and homeownership. They enjoy the ease of use smart home automation offers and the knowledge that a smart home system can help save time and money.

Other benefits of a security system include:

  • Peace of mind knowing your home is better protected.

  • Smart home integration with lights, thermostats, and more.

  • Possible savings on homeowners insurance.

  • As a potential burglar deterrent.

  • Gives you the ability to capture footage if a burglary happens that you can give to the police.

  • Allows you to keep an eye on the inside and outside of your property as well as your car.

  • The system lets you know when your kids’ tutors or a pet sitter is coming and going.

  • Helps you keep an eye on package arrivals.

  • You can speak to someone via a doorbell camera’s 2-way audio system.

Blue by ADT offers a wide array of security options to help protect your home, whether you need sensors for your windows or a complete video surveillance network. 

Blue by ADT is Z-Wave and IFTTT compatible, too, so you can integrate your system into other third-party sensors and devices.

 

System Components

 

Blue by ADT is the perfect option if you want to self-monitor your security system. And, best of all, you’re able to monitor the system from virtually anywhere you are at any time of day or night!

  • Arm and disarm your system via a mobile app or through Nest Hub Max.

  • Lock and unlock doors remotely.

  • View live videos and receive instant alerts.

  • Get notified when someone or something triggers your motion sensor.

  • Use 2-way audio to talk directly to people from your camera or doorbell.

  • Self-monitor or choose professional 24/7 monitoring from ADT and get emergency alerts sent to you and the police.

  • Home security you can easily set up yourself.

 

Key System Components

Pet-friendly motion sensors, an easy-to-use app, and other robust system components make Blue by ADT an excellent option if you’re looking for a home security system. 

 


ADT Self-Monitoring Solutions

App Blue by ADT
Keypad Keypad integrated into the base station or standalone keypad
Alarm duress code with pro monitoring Yes
Siren decibel level 85dB
Pet-friendly motion sensors Yes
Remote Viewing Yes
Cloud storage available Yes
Video surveillance Yes

 

 

Monthly Monitoring Options

 

Do you want to self-monitor your system without any additional fees? Blue by ADT makes it easy to do that, and they also offer an option to let the pros monitor the sensors. All at a low, no long-term contract, month-to-month rate.


Blue by ADT

App Blue by ADT
Self-Monitoring $0.00
Month-to-Month Monitoring $19.99
36-Month Monitoring $14.99
60-Day Video Storage $2.99/camera
Unlimited Cameras $12.99/month

 

 

Blue by ADT provides affordable home security services with easy DIY installation for any home or apartment. Pre-created packages are available depending on home size, and you can even customize the home security system options to suit your individual needs, too.

Starter System: This package is perfect for keeping an eye on the main entryways in a small apartment or home. You can also add additional cameras and sensors to boost this package.

  • Cost: $219.99
  • Includes: Base station, door and window sensors, mobile app, ADT yard sign, ADT window stickers

Starter Plus System: Perfect for a mid-sized home, help protect everything from your windows to your doors. Adding additional sensors and cameras is easy, boosting the surveillance reach even more. 

  • Cost: $299.99
  • Includes: Base station, door and window sensors, motion sensors, mobile app, ADT yard sign, ADT window stickers

Premium System: This premium package includes useful home security sensors and is perfect for a larger home. And if you want even more protection, simply add more cameras and sensors for the perfect package for your home or apartment.

  • Cost: $419.99
  • Includes: Base station, door and window sensors, motion sensors, keypad, mobile app, ADT yard signs, ADT window stickers

Build-Your-Own System: You start with the ADT Smart Home Hub and build a custom DIY smart security package based on your needs. Add window or door sensors, flood and temperature sensors, motion sensors, and choose from ADT’s line of outdoor, indoor, or doorbell cameras. Or one of each!

  • Starts at: $179.99
  • Includes: Base station, mobile app; you customize your additional sensors and cameras
 

6 Reasons to Get a Self-Monitored Home Security System:

 

Self-monitoring a security system comes with some risks, like always being responsible for calling in any alarm notifications you receive and potentially having limited access to your system when you are in an area with low cell service.

But a self-monitored system has plenty of benefits, too! Self-monitored plans are very flexible and easy to use. They’re also a great option if you:

  1. Want added flexibility. Many self-monitored systems can go wherever you go.

  2. Don’t want to pay additional monthly fees. Unless you opt-in for professional monitoring or cloud services, some self-monitoring systems don’t require other payments.

  3. Are technologically savvy. If you enjoy tinkering with gadgets, you may like the DIY setup option that many self-monitored systems offer.

  4. Want affordability. Self-monitored systems tend to be more affordable.

  5. Want to own your security alarms and equipment. Some self-monitored security systems lease their equipment, but many also offer the option for you to buy it at the time of purchase outright.

Desire to have a flexible plan based on your specific needs. You choose how much protection you want and the sensors or camera coverage for an entirely customized alarm system for your home.

 

 

Smart Home Components

Smart home integration can make your life easier, safer, and more comfortable. Control your thermostat, automatically heat or cool down the house before you get home. Or unlock the front door for an overnight guest--all from your mobile phone. 

 


Blue by ADT

Smart Home Integration Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa
IFTTT-compatible Yes
Z-Wave-Compatible Yes
Remote Arming and Disarming Yes
Video Doorbell Yes
Indoor and Outdoor Security Cameras Yes

 

Compatible with IFTTT

 

IFTTT means If This, Then That and it’s a platform that integrates Blue by ADT with other devices in your home. IFTTT helps you build a smarter home, creating automations that make your life easier. Remotely arm or disarm your system, view live footage, and control your smart locks and lights with easy app integration.

These systems are comprised of:

  • A trigger that tells an applet to start

  • A query that asks a question

  • And an action that is the result

IFTTT allows you to integrate other smart devices into your home security system.

  • Shut off your Sonos speakers when you arm the system in Away Mode.

  • Run your iRobot every time you arm your home security system.

 

Z-Wave Compatibility

 

Blue by ADT rules help automate your home security system and other Z-Wave compatible smart devices. Schedule different lights to turn on and off, lock your doors, and adjust your thermostat using custom rules.

These rules can be placed on various work or hobby schedules, on arming or disarming your system, or based on specific device triggers to customize your smart home experience to fit your busy schedule.

These rule components include:

Triggers: “When this happens”

Common triggers include

  • Specific time of day

  • Sunrise/sunset

  • Device action

  • System armed state

Conditions: “Under these conditions”

Set conditions to include something that only happens:

  • During a time range

  • During the daytime or nighttime

  • Specific days of the week

  • When your system is Armed, Disarmed, or Alarming

Actions: “My system should”

The most important part of your rules, actions determine what you want your rule to do. You can set up multiple actions, too.

  • Set your Z-Wave thermostat to lower the temperature every time you arm the system.

  • Activate your smart lights when an alarm goes off, or motion is detected.

  • Create custom alarms that arm your security system only on the days of the week when you aren’t working from home.

  • Automatically open your garage door at certain times when you’re coming back from school practices with the kids.

  • Make sure your home automatically locks when you go to bed or locks and unlocks every time the pet sitter comes by to walk your pup.

 

 

Self-Monitoring Quick Comparisons

 

Blue by ADT, Ring Alarm, and SimpliSafe offer smart home compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Each system also features DIY installation for the flexibility to set up the system yourself and take it with you to each new home or rental.


Quick Self-Monitoring Security Solution Comparison

  Base Price Monthly Fees Money-Back Guarantee Z-Wave Compatible
Blue by ADT Starter System: $219+

$6/month with self-monitoring for all cameras per location

$19.99/month with pro-monitoring and 24-hour video storage; extended video storage available for an additional fee

30-day Yes
Ring Alarm

Alarm Security Kit: $199.99+

$3+/month for self-monitoring and cloud video storage for one camera

$20/month for pro-monitoring and cloud storage for an unlimited number of cameras at one location

30-day

Yes
SimpliSafe The Foundation: $229.96

$14.99/mo. for professional monitoring without camera recording or mobile app control

$24.99/mo. for professional monitoring with camera recording and mobile app control

60-day

No


ADT’s world-class protection and flexible self-monitoring packages make it easier than ever to help protect your home.

 

The DIY installation and portable nature of Blue by ADT make it an excellent choice for rental properties or people who move a lot. 

Backed by ADT’s award-winning home security system, Blue by ADT offers tailored security plans that fit your lifestyle and can grow, move, and adapt to your ever-evolving needs wherever you are in life.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Best Self-Monitored Home Security Systems

Does having a home security system help increase your home’s value?

You may save on homeowners insurance premiums when you have a security system in your home.


And if you want to resell your home, many prospective homeowners find pre-installed security features appealing, with motion sensors that trigger lights being one of the most popular.

 

How long does it take to install a Blue by ADT security system?

The Blue by ADT DIY system can easily be set up and doesn’t require any heavy-duty tools.

 

How is Blue by ADT monitored?

You can self-monitor, choose a month-to-month monitoring option for $19.99 per month, or choose a 36-month option for $14.99 per month.

 

Who does the professional monitoring for Blue by ADT?

ADT-owned monitoring centers also do the monitoring for Blue by ADT, so you have the same level of protection as the monitoring centers trusted by ADT.

 

What should I do with my Blue by ADT system if I’m moving?

You should take a few simple steps to ensure your security system transitions seamlessly to your new home. Contact Blue by ADT at least one week before the move, with your new address, the township, county, closest cross streets, and emergency contacts.

When you’re ready to move, contact Blue by ADT so your system is changed to “move status.” This prevents the alarm system from sending any alarms during the move. Collect your sensors and cameras and take them to your new home. Set the system up again, and contact Blue by ADT once you’ve connected the base and router to Wi-Fi.

Once the permits are observed (if applicable), your system will enter into monitoring status again.

 

Are Blue by ADT and ADT cameras compatible with each other?

The Blue by ADT Smart Home Security System sensors are only compatible with the Smart Home Hub. LifeShield sensors are only compatible with their corresponding LifeShield S30 base. However, both Blue by ADT and LifeShield cameras work with the Smart Home Hub.

 

Self-monitored security systems give you the freedom to monitor the system yourself or opt into professional monitoring. No matter what you choose, a home security system helps keep your home safe.

 

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