ADT Blu DIY Home Security Review: No Contracts, No Installation Fees, Starts At $249

ADT is rolling out a new line of security products targeted toward DIYers, without its infamous professional installation fees and contracts. The system is called ADT Blu and will work with the latest version of ADT’s app, ADT Plus. ADT Blu will offer a selection of packages, including the Security Starter Kit at $249 and the Outdoor Video Kit at $389, among others depending on your needs. While these kits offer professional home monitoring plans, a subscription is not required to use the system or to receive alerts on your phone with the ADT Plus app. Blu devices include access sensors, motion sensors, indoor and outdoor cameras, fire and carbon monoxide detectors, and more.

What Is ADT Blu

ADT Blu is the company’s latest attempt at a DIY home security line. The system is designed to be installed by the homeowner without professional help, eliminating the installation fees and long term contracts that ADT is historically known for. Blu devices connect to the ADT Plus app, which allows you to arm and disarm the system, receive alerts when sensors are triggered, and view camera feeds.

The product lineup includes a Security Starter Kit with a hub, access sensors, and motion sensors. There is also an Outdoor Video Kit that adds outdoor cameras. Additional devices include indoor cameras, fire detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and a doorbell camera. Many Blu purchases require a $10 one month monitoring plan, but you should be able to drop the plan after that.

Confusion With Previous ADT DIY Lines

While the move toward fewer fees and more self install options is positive, there is a problem. ADT has released several DIY lines in the past, and they are all jumbled together, making it difficult to find the right ADT product unless you go to the exact right page.

Several years ago, there was the almost identically named Blue by ADT, which still has support pages up on ADT’s website that will confuse new visitors. ADT canceled that line and started calling its new DIY offerings self install and Self Setup instead. This new rebranding comes with different packages, device options, and the Blu name, making it difficult to tell exactly what is available.

If you are an existing ADT customer or have used previous DIY products, you will need to be careful to ensure you are purchasing the correct system for your needs.

What Is Different From Older ADT Self Install Security

ADT’s Blu devices look very similar to the self install models that were tested a couple of years ago, but there are notable upgrades since the Blue by ADT era. New users will sign in and set up using the ADT Plus app, which is a more advanced version of ADT’s older app. The ADT Plus app allows customization of arm and disarm settings, the alerts you receive when sensors go off, geofencing, and more.

ADT is also adding a couple of new products to Blu, notably a doorbell camera and an outdoor camera. These new devices follow ADT’s cessation of auto unlock features using other smart home devices earlier this year, but ADT continues to support those cameras in addition to these Blu devices.

AI Video Features

ADT says that ADT Blu users will be able to take advantage of AI video features. The details are light, but the doorbell product page states that the model will detect people, animals, vehicles, and packages. Those detection capabilities have been around for a long time before today’s AI craze, but it looks like ADT is offering them for free rather than requiring a subscription.

This is a notable differentiator from competitors who often lock advanced video detection behind monthly fees. However, without more specific information about what the AI features actually do, it is difficult to evaluate how they compare to other systems on the market.

ADT Plus App

The ADT Plus app is the central control hub for the Blu system. It allows you to view camera feeds, arm and disarm the system, customize alert settings, and manage geofencing. Geofencing uses your phone’s location to automatically arm or disarm the system when you leave or return home.

The app is more advanced than ADT’s older app, offering greater customization and a more modern interface. However, as with any security system, the app experience can make or break the user experience. A clunky or unreliable app can turn a good security system into a frustrating one.

Pricing And Packages

ADT Blu offers several packages to fit different needs and budgets:

  • Security Starter Kit: $249, includes hub, access sensors, and motion sensors
  • Outdoor Video Kit: $389, includes outdoor cameras
  • Additional devices including indoor cameras, doorbell camera, fire detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors are available separately

Many Blu purchases require a $10 one month monitoring plan, but you can drop the plan after that. Professional monitoring is optional, not required, which is a significant shift from ADT’s traditional contract based model.

Pros And Cons

Pros

  • No professional installation fees, fully DIY setup
  • No long term contracts required
  • Subscription is optional for professional monitoring
  • ADT Plus app offers geofencing and customizable alerts
  • AI video detection for people, animals, vehicles, and packages is free, no subscription needed
  • Includes fire and carbon monoxide detectors in the ecosystem
  • Doorbell camera and outdoor camera are new additions to the lineup
  • Security Starter Kit starts at $249, affordable entry point

Cons

  • Confusing product naming with Blue by ADT and ADT Self Setup still active
  • Support pages for old products may confuse new customers
  • AI video features are vaguely described, details are lacking
  • Many purchases require a $10 one month monitoring plan, even if you cancel later
  • No clear comparison chart showing how Blu differs from older DIY lines
  • ADT has a history of discontinuing DIY lines, raising questions about long term support
  • Professional monitoring is optional, but may be the best reason to choose ADT

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is ADT Blu?
ADT Blu is a new line of DIY home security products from ADT that does not require professional installation fees or long term contracts.

2. How much does ADT Blu cost?
The Security Starter Kit costs $249. The Outdoor Video Kit costs $389. Individual devices are available separately.

3. Do I need a subscription for ADT Blu?
No, a subscription is not required to use the system or receive alerts on your phone. Professional monitoring is optional.

4. Is ADT Blu the same as Blue by ADT?
No, Blue by ADT was an older DIY line that has been discontinued. ADT Blu is a new line with different devices and the ADT Plus app.

5. What AI features does ADT Blu have?
ADT Blu offers video detection for people, animals, vehicles, and packages through its doorbell and outdoor cameras. These features are free, not locked behind a subscription.

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