ADT ‘Blu’ is a confusing new DIY security system that ditches Google Nest integration

Ben Schoon | May 20 2026 - 7:00 am PT

ADT is today launching Blu, a new DIY security system that’s a tiny bit more affordable, but also a very confusing companion to the existing ADT+ system.

The ADT+ system is a DIY or professionally-installed security offering that includes sensors, alarms, and more, all with Google Nest integration to round out a smarter security system that, as we explained in our review, is a pretty great option – and one that just keeps being updated with great new features too.

ADT+ starts at just $269 for a base package, which is pretty affordable.

That’s what makes the new ADT Blu launch so confusing.

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ADT Blu – not to be confused with “Blue by ADT,” which launched in 2020 and technically still operates today – is a DIY home security system that is designed to work with the same ADT+ app, but with a slightly different experience and a more affordable price.

ADT pitches this new system as a way to “eliminate the long-standing tradeoffs” of DIY security systems, with Blu delivering simplicity and reliability – two things I’d personally say you’re already getting from the standard ADT+ setup, which you can install on your own.

The biggest change here seems to be the hardware you’re using. ADT doesn’t say it explicitly, but there’s absolutely no mention of Google Nest integration with Blu, which was a huge selling point of ADT+. We found support pages for “Blu Doorbell Camera” as well as indoor and outdoor cameras – and they all look a lot like similar doorbell, outdoor, and indoor camera models sold by Arlo, just with an ADT label on the side. There are also Blu-specific variants of ADT’s Base, sensors, and more.

Speaking to 9to5Google, ADT confirmed that Nest integration is exclusive to its ADT+ system and will not be supported in ADT Blu.

While these two systems share the same ADT+ app – and apparently certain integrations, like door lock support, a light-up ADT sign, and “My Safety” – they seem to be wholly separate offerings.

ADT Blu is available starting today with packages starting at $249. Unlike other ADT systems, this one will also be available for purchase from Amazon, and Blu cameras will start at $69. A basic starter kit comes in at $249 with the hardware pictured at the top of this article, while a video-integrated system will run $339.

9to5Google’s Take

After a couple of years building out a Google Nest-integrated system, I’m very confused by ADT Blu.

Mainly, by its positioning as an “affordable” DIY alternative. You can already buy an ADT+ system as a DIY install, and the pricing isn’t all that different. If the base package is $249, that’s only $20 less than the existing ADT+ setup. If you factor in the requirement to buy ADT’s camera hardware – you can use your existing Google hardware with ADT+ – that just adds on to the cost.

It’s a pretty hard sell, at least in my eyes, especially as it seems you also lose access to powerful features like ADT’s Trusted Neighbor, which, yes, has added cost, but is at least an optional add-on if you want to tack it onto a cheaper base system later down the road.

The more I look at the details of ADT Blu, the more I just ask “why?”