How Much Does It Cost to Add a Camera with ADT in 2026?

Adding a camera to your ADT system doesn’t just mean buying a device-it means signing up for a long-term financial commitment. Many people see the $99.99 price tag on an ADT Nest Cam Indoor and think they’re getting a deal. But that’s only the start. The real cost hits when you realize you can’t use the camera without paying $39.99 to $49.99 every month, plus installation fees that often top $200. If you’re thinking about adding a camera to your ADT system, here’s what you’re actually paying for-and whether it’s worth it.

Hardware Costs: What You Pay Up Front

ADT doesn’t sell its own cameras. Since 2022, it has partnered exclusively with Google Nest. That means every camera you add comes from Nest’s lineup, priced by ADT at a markup. As of January 2026, here’s what you’ll pay for each model:

• Nest Cam Indoor (wired, 3rd gen): $99.99
• Nest Cam Outdoor (wired, 2nd gen): $149.99
• Nest Cam (battery, indoor or outdoor): $179.99
• Nest Doorbell (battery or wired, 3rd gen): $179.99
• Nest Cam with Floodlight: $279.99

These prices look competitive at first glance-until you compare them to buying the same cameras directly from Google or Amazon. A Nest Cam Indoor costs $99.99 from ADT, but you can get it for $79.99 from Amazon with no strings attached. The Nest Doorbell? ADT charges $179.99. Ring sells a similar model for $49.99. The difference isn’t just in the hardware-it’s in the lock-in.

Installation Fees: The Hidden Charge

ADT doesn’t let you just plug in a camera and go. Even if you’re tech-savvy, professional installation is required if you want full monitoring features. The minimum installation fee is $99, but adding a camera typically bumps it to $200 or more. Why? Because ADT technicians need to connect the camera to your system, test the Wi-Fi signal, adjust the angle for optimal coverage, and sync it with your ADT+ app. They also verify that the camera is properly linked to their 24/7 monitoring center.

One user in Ohio reported paying $215 just to install a single outdoor camera. Another in Texas was charged $250 after ADT said their home’s wiring required extra cabling. These aren’t rare cases-they’re standard. If you try to install it yourself, you’ll lose access to professional monitoring. That means no police dispatch, no emergency response, and no insurance discounts tied to ADT’s certified installation.

Monitoring Fees: The Real Cost Killer

This is where most people get blindsided. ADT doesn’t offer a free or self-monitoring option for cameras. Even if you buy a camera outright, you must subscribe to the Complete Monitoring plan. There are two tiers:

• Complete Monitoring (self-setup): $39.99/month
• Complete Monitoring (professional install): $49.99/month

That’s $479.88 to $599.88 per year-just for monitoring. Compare that to Ring Protect, which charges $19.99/month for cloud storage and alerts on multiple cameras. Or Arlo’s $14.99/month plan that includes 30 days of video history. ADT’s fee is nearly double. And unlike Ring or Arlo, you can’t opt out. No camera, no monitoring plan. No exceptions.

According to SafeHome.org’s January 2026 analysis, the true first-year cost of a single Nest Cam Indoor with ADT is $579.87: $99.99 for the camera, $200 for installation, and $279.88 in monitoring fees. A standalone Nest Cam with basic cloud storage? $199.88. You’re paying $380 more just to have ADT’s name on the system.

Why ADT Charges So Much

ADT isn’t trying to compete on price. It’s competing on response. If your camera detects motion and you’re not home, ADT’s monitoring center calls you. If you don’t answer, they call your emergency contacts. If no one responds, they dispatch police. That service costs money-real money. ADT operates 12 monitoring centers across the U.S., staffed 24/7 by trained operators. They’re legally liable if they fail to respond. That’s why they can’t offer cheap plans.

Consumer Reports found that professionally installed ADT cameras reduce false alarms by 47% compared to DIY setups. That’s because technicians place cameras where they matter most-facing driveways, not backyards-and adjust sensitivity to ignore passing cars or swaying trees. For homes in high-crime areas or with elderly residents, that reliability can be worth the cost.

But for most households? It’s overkill. If you just want to see who’s at the door or check on your kids after school, a Ring or Arlo camera with self-monitoring does the job just fine. You get the same video quality, same app, same alerts-without the monthly fee.

What You’re Really Buying

When you pay ADT for a camera, you’re not buying a security device. You’re buying a service contract. You’re paying for:

• Professional installation (and the guarantee that it’s done right)
• 24/7 monitoring with police dispatch
• Integration with your existing ADT alarm system
• Customer support that actually answers the phone

That’s valuable-if you need it. But if you’re okay with checking your phone for alerts, or if you live in a quiet neighborhood, you’re paying for a luxury you don’t need.

How to Save Money on ADT Cameras

ADT runs promotions year-round. Security.org verified that the Outdoor Video package-normally $649-drops to $199 during sales. That’s a 60% discount. The catch? You still pay $49.99/month for monitoring. But if you’re planning to add multiple cameras, bundling during a sale can cut your upfront cost by hundreds.

Here’s how to save:

1. Wait for seasonal promotions (spring and fall are the biggest)
2. Bundle 2+ cameras to get better per-unit pricing
3. Ask for a free installation upgrade-many reps have discretion to waive fees
4. Use ADT’s 0% APR financing if you qualify (up to 60 months on systems over $599)

But remember: financing doesn’t make it cheaper. It just spreads the cost. You’re still paying the same total amount-plus interest if you don’t pay it off in time.

Alternatives That Cost Less

If you’re not tied to ADT’s monitoring, here are better options:

• Ring Cameras: Start at $49.99. $19.99/month for cloud storage. No installation fee. Works with Alexa.
• Arlo Cameras: Start at $39.99. $14.99/month for 30-day cloud storage. Battery-powered, no wiring needed.
• SimpliSafe: $14.99/month for professional monitoring. Compatible with third-party cameras.
• Google Nest (standalone): Buy directly from Google. $99.99 for Indoor Cam. $11.99/month for 10-day cloud history.

None of these offer police dispatch. But most don’t need to. In 2026, 82% of home break-ins happen through forced entry-not stealthy approaches. A visible camera and loud alarm are often enough to scare off intruders.

Who Should Still Choose ADT?

ADT makes sense if:

• You live in a high-crime area with frequent break-ins
• You have elderly family members who can’t respond to alerts
• You want insurance discounts (some providers offer up to 20% off for ADT systems)
• You’ve had bad experiences with DIY systems failing during emergencies

For everyone else? You’re overpaying.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

ADT cameras aren’t bad. They’re reliable. They work. But they’re expensive. The $99.99 price tag is a trap. The real cost is the monthly fee-and it adds up fast. After 8 months, you’ve paid more for monitoring than the camera itself. After a year, you’ve doubled your investment.

If you need professional monitoring and police dispatch, ADT is still the best in the business. But if you just want to see who’s at the door, or check on your dog while you’re at work, there are far cheaper ways to do it. Don’t let the upfront price fool you. Look at the full picture. Because in the end, you’re not buying a camera. You’re buying a subscription-and that’s the real cost.