I’m currently in the middle of testing out ADT’s latest DIY security offering, ADT Blu, and it’s turning out to be a very viable, all-in-one security kit that you can install yourself with none of ADT’s infamous contracts required. Plus, all the Blu kits are 40% off for Prime Day, making this one of the best times to get a full security system without paying hundreds of dollars.
When ADT announced Blu, my first thought was, “Again?” ADT already had a now-defunct DIY line called Blue by ADT. But this new version, returned with a slimmed-down name, has improvements. It uses the newest ADT hub, which I enjoy for its design, LED light and built-in features like cellular backups if you want to pay for it. The access sensors are smaller than ever, too, and everything is budget-friendly compared to similar self-install options.
While ADT once had a partnership with Google for Nest cameras, it now has its own camera line for indoor and outdoor cams, as well as a video doorbell. They work more seamlessly with the ADT Plus app, which I also like, although it’s a beast of a platform that will take a bit of time to learn all of its features, including a wide variety of arming/disarming settings to tailor to your home life.
You can find the Doorbell Camera kit that includes two door/window access sensors and doorbell for $180, as well as the Indoor camera kit with an access sensor and a motion sensor for $161 and an outdoor camera kit with two door/window sensors for $167.
All wireless camera models come with a 2K resolution, the ADT hub and the useful ability to detect people, pets and packages to send you alerts.
You will need to start this self-install system with a monitoring plan that’s free for 30 days. There’s a self-protect plan for $15 per month and a professional monitoring plan for $35 per month. You can cancel these plans after the month is up to save money, but in this case, I wouldn’t advise it: The self-protect plan at a minimum is needed for viewing live video, storing video clips in the cloud, and remotely arming/disarming the system.
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Expect some long-term costs to go along with these DIY savings — but fortunately, no contract or cancellation fees to worry about.
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