ADT has introduced Blu, a new do-it-yourself home security system that undercuts ADT+ slightly on price but creates an odd overlap with ADT’s existing offerings.
ADT+ is a flexible security platform that can be installed by the homeowner or professionally. It includes sensors, cameras, alarms, and Google Nest integration, creating a more connected smart-home security experience. ADT+ has proven popular in part because of that Nest support and the regular feature updates ADT adds to the platform.
- Review: ADT+ is the best security system for Nest users, but Google holds back the future
- ADT ‘My Safety’ turns your phone into an always-ready, portable security system [Gallery]
ADT+ base kits start at $269, which already positions that product as an affordable option in the DIY security market.
That is why the launch of ADT Blu feels confusing: it’s presented as a lower-cost DIY alternative but sits very close to ADT+ on price and capabilities.
Despite the similar name, ADT Blu is not the same as Blue by ADT, the DIY platform ADT introduced in 2020. Blu is a new product line that uses the same ADT+ mobile app, but it offers a different hardware and feature mix and a slightly lower entry price.
ADT’s messaging for Blu emphasizes simplicity and reliability, aiming to remove common trade-offs for DIY systems. Those are worthwhile goals, but many of the same benefits are already available through ADT+ when customers choose the DIY installation option.
The most notable difference between Blu and ADT+ appears to be the hardware. ADT does not promote Google Nest integration for Blu, and the company has confirmed to 9to5Google that Nest support remains exclusive to ADT+. Blu’s cameras and doorbells resemble other mainstream third-party devices and appear to be ADT-branded variants of common camera designs rather than Nest hardware. ADT also offers Blu-specific versions of its Base hub, door and window sensors, and other accessories.
Technically, Blu and ADT+ share the ADT+ app and will support a handful of the same integrations, such as certain smart locks, an illuminated ADT sign, and the “My Safety” mobile features. However, beyond the shared app and a few integrations, Blu and ADT+ operate as separate product families with distinct hardware choices and different integration sets.
ADT Blu is available now with starter packages from $249. Unlike some ADT-branded systems that are sold exclusively through ADT channels, Blu hardware will be sold through additional retailers including Amazon. Individual Blu cameras start at $69, and a video-capable starter bundle is priced at $339. Those price points bring Blu close to ADT+ pricing, which adds to the confusion about how ADT expects users to choose between the two lines.
9to5Google’s Take
After watching ADT build a Nest-integrated platform over the past few years, Blu raises questions about strategy and positioning. The product is marketed as a simpler, more affordable DIY option, but the price difference versus ADT+ is modest and the lack of Nest integration removes an important differentiator for many buyers.
For customers who already use Nest devices, ADT+ remains the more attractive option because it supports that ecosystem. For buyers seeking a lower-cost ADT-branded system and who do not care about Nest, Blu may be a reasonable choice—especially given its broader retail availability. But the marginal savings and hardware differences make it harder to clearly recommend Blu over ADT+ for many typical buyers.
Blu also appears to omit or restrict access to some higher-end ADT features. Services like Trusted Neighbor and other optional add-ons that integrate deeply with ADT+ may not be available or may cost extra, so buyers should compare feature availability closely before choosing a platform.
Ultimately, ADT Blu makes sense as an additional entry point to the ADT ecosystem, but its similarity to ADT+—paired with the removal of Nest integration—means its advantages are niche rather than broad. If you value tight Google Nest compatibility and the fullest set of ADT features, ADT+ remains the clearer choice. If you want an ADT-branded kit sold through mainstream retailers at a slightly lower price and you don’t need Nest support, Blu could be worth considering.
More on ADT:
- This fingerprint lock takes my ADT & Nest security system another step into the future
- Gemini for Google Home features coming to ADT later
- ADT ‘My Safety’ turns your phone into an always-ready, portable security system [Gallery]
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