ADT Self Setup Outdoor Camera Review

Let’s be honest: this camera has some glitches.

Blue by ADT Outdoor Camera
ADT Self Setup outdoor camera
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.75
  • pro
    Facial recognition
  • pro
    Siren detectors
  • con
    Glitchy connection
Brianne Sandorf
Feb 13, 2023
Icon Time To Read6 min read

The ADT Self Setup outdoor camera is reasonably priced yet offers facial recognition and siren detectors in addition to night vision, motion detection, and two-way audio. Unfortunately, this camera had some connectivity issues when we tested it, which seems to be a common theme with the device.

Still, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy this security camera. You just have to be realistic about its limitations.

ADT Self Setup outdoor camera price and details
Product
Price
Storage plan price range
Automation
Learn more

ADT Self Setup outdoor camera

$199.99

$2.99–$12.99/mo.

Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT

Data effective 10/17/2022. Offers subject to change.

ADT Self Setup outdoor camera features

This camera offers not only the basics but a few extras.
Blue by ADT Outdoor Camera in box

Image source: Reviews.org

ADT’s other system has fairly generic, run-of-the-mill cameras that are about as exciting as dry toast. This camera is a lot more intriguing and has more features. And it’s proprietary, so you can’t get it anywhere else.

ADT Self Setup outdoor camera features:

  • 1080p resolution
  • 130° field of view
  • Two-way audio
  • Night vision
  • Motion detection
  • Facial recognition
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide siren detector
  • Push notifications
  • Rechargeable battery
  • Local video storage
  • 24 hours of free cloud storage
  • Two color options

Unfortunately, this camera was pretty glitchy for us. We tested an ADT Self Setup indoor camera at the same time and using the same settings. While the indoor camera worked almost flawlessly, the outdoor camera had connection issues with both the Wi-Fi and the app itself. Because of this, some features wouldn’t work.

ADT Self Setup outdoor camera problems
Heads Up

When we were testing it, the outdoor camera disconnected from the internet for several hours. Even when it was connected, it never sent notifications to the phone we used. (As a comparison point, we didn’t have a problem with the indoor camera notifications.)

We aren’t the only reviewers who’ve run into this problem, so it’s something ADT may want to look into. But in the meantime, let’s talk about some of the features that still worked for us.

Motion detection

ADT Self Setup lets you customize your motion detection zones and sensitivity.

We dialed the sensitivity up to the highest setting and captured such riveting things as the sun moving across the sky and a plastic bag blowing in the wind. If getting notifications for such minute movements sounds like a bother to you, we suggest using a lower motion setting or changing the detection to “People” mode.

As far as the motion zones go, you’re pretty limited in the customization. You can only choose a square or rectangular area, whereas other cameras (such as the Vivint Doorbell Pro and Ring video doorbells) allow you to create triangular zones. So if you want your zone to cover an extremely specific area, you may not be able to get the outline how you want it.

Facial recognition

ADT Self Setup’s facial recognition settings are unique compared to some of the other cameras we’ve reviewed. You don’t just toggle the mode on and off. You choose whether the camera will identify people it already knows, pick out people it’s never seen before, or both.

To get the camera to recognize you, upload several photos of yourself into your user profile. That will (theoretically) help the camera identify your facial structure.

Unfortunately, it looks like the camera can only recognize individuals with user profiles on your ADT Self Setup account. It won’t recognize your neighbor or your toddler unless you give them access to your mobile app.

When a stranger appears, the ADT Self Setup camera tells you that it “recognizes someone it doesn’t know.” Regardless of the paradoxical wording, we liked knowing when someone unfamiliar popped up.

Fire/CO detector siren detection

We didn’t get a chance to test this detection feature, but we really like the concept. If you don’t have smart environmental devices, this is one way to get push notifications from your detectors without buying new devices.

When a detector goes off, the camera can pick up on the sound waves and notify you. (We aren’t sure of the range on this, so if the camera is far from your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, it may not work.)

ADT Self Setup pricing

You won’t spend too much money on this.

This camera costs $199.99. Considering all that it offers, that’s a good deal. Typically, cameras with any features beyond the basics can reach up to the $400 price range. For instance, Google Nest charges serious money for its facial recognition cameras.

With an ADT Self Setup system
Price Tag

You can buy this camera on its own or alongside a ADT Self Setup system. The cameras aren’t part of the system security packages, so you won’t save any money. But you’ll get other useful security devices, like a base station/hub with a keypad, door and window sensors, and motion sensors.

If you don’t want to use an SD card, the camera comes with 24 hours of free cloud storage, which is nice. But if you want more, it will cost you extra.

ADT Self Setup outdoor camera plans
Plan
Price
Storage
Learn more

Basic subscription plan

$6.00/mo.

30 days

Data effective 10/17/2022. Offers subject to change.

This plan is per location, not per camera.

Overall, though, this is not a terrible deal, especially when compared to other camera plans. Sixty days of storage is higher than the typical 30 days, to the point where most of the time, it’s probably unnecessary. But if you need to rewatch some footage two months down the line, well, you can.

ADT Self Setup outdoor camera home automation

The home automation is fairly average; the app could be better.
Blue by ADT camera feed

This camera works with a ADT Self Setup security system, but it also works as a standalone device. That’s pretty standard for DIY systems, but we have to say, we love it. It’s so nice not to be forced to buy a system when a camera is all you want.

Apart from other ADT Self Setup products, your camera will connect with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and the IFTTT protocol.

While we usually like to see a little bit more automation, you’ll be able to set up most basic smart home functions with this level of compatibility. You just won’t be able to directly control your smart devices from your ADT Self Setup app.

ADT Self Setup app

Getting the camera set up in the app wasn’t difficult (we’ll talk more about that momentarily).

But after we got the camera added to our account, we found the rest of the app a little confusing. Not every feature is located in the most intuitive place, and there are several spots where the app redirects you to sign in to the ADT Self Setup website instead. What’s the point in having an app if you frequently have to jump to the website?

ADT Self Setup outdoor camera installation

The camera installation is easy.

ADT Self Setup is ADT’s first DIY offering, which means you have to install it without technicians. Luckily, the outdoor camera isn’t too difficult to set up.

ADT Self Setup outdoor camera installation steps:

  1. Download the ADT Self Setup app.
  2. Create a ADT Self Setup account.
  3. Charge the camera battery.
  4. Detach the mounting plate.
  5. Drill the mounting plate into the desired location.
  6. Reattach the mounting stand to the installed mounting plate.
  7. Select Settings > Devices > Add Device.
  8. Select the outdoor camera.
  9. Follow the app instructions to connect your camera to your Wi-Fi or ADT Self Setup extender.
You can also set the camera atop a flat surface instead of installing the mounting plate.

Immediately after connecting to the internet, our camera updated its firmware, which took about an hour. (The delay may have been from the overall connection issues we experienced with the camera.) Apart from that, the process was quick and easy.

Recap: Is the ADT Self Setup outdoor camera good?

It’s not bad, but it’s not our first choice.

If you’re planning to get a ADT Self Setup system, then it would make sense to get this camera. That way, your whole security suite can live in one mobile app, and you’ll get all the camera’s benefits.

Features: The facial recognition and siren detection make the ADT Self Setup camera stand out.

Pricing: For what this camera offers, the price is reasonable.

Home automation: You can’t do everything with this camera’s home automation, but you can do a lot.

Installation: Installation is pretty easy as long as everything goes smoothly.

But if you’re not getting a system, this wouldn’t be our first recommendation to you. This camera had a hard time staying connected. We’ve seen a few other reviewers with the same problem, which suggests this is a bigger problem than just a single faulty camera.

If you’re prepared to assume the security risk of a camera with connection problems, then this camera will serve you just fine. Especially if you have other ADT Self Setup devices you’d like to connect to it.

But if you want something that stays connected (and we don’t blame you if you do), there are lots of other outdoor cameras to choose from. Also, if you don’t need an outdoor camera, the ADT Self Setup indoor camera worked just fine for us and would be a good alternative.

Or, if you want more information before making a decision, feel free to check out our ADT Self Setup system and ADT Self Setup video doorbell reviews. And be sure to watch this video about ADT Self Setup tips and tricks.

ADT Self Setup outdoor camera FAQ

According to the specs ADT has shared, this camera is not an IP (internet protocol) camera. It doesn’t use its own IP address to share videos over a Wi-Fi network.

No. You can get professional monitoring for your ADT Self Setup home security system, but as far as we know, that doesn’t include video monitoring.

Compared to the Google Nest facial recognition (the only other version we’ve tried), the ADT Self Setup recognition isn’t as good.

Even once we uploaded the required images, the facial recognition couldn’t identify us. And half the time, it didn’t seem to pick up on our faces at all. We also didn’t love that it’s seemingly limited to recognizing account users.

For the record, the Nest facial recognition isn’t all that and a bag of chips either. But it was better at picking out faces. It also wasn’t limited to recognizing users. And the Nest face software is supposed to learn and get better at its job as time goes on.

Brianne Sandorf
Written by
Brianne has a degree in English and creative writing from Westminster College. She's spent the last 10+ years writing professional, research-based content about technology, luxury retail brands, chicken sandwiches, and everything in between. Before joining Reviews.org, Brianne wrote safety and security content for ASecureLife.com. Her pieces and quotes are published across the web, including on MSN.com, Social Catfish, and Parents.com. Brianne loves to read, write, travel, cook, and spend time with her family. Contact her at brianne@reviews.org.

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