ADT Doorbell Camera Reviews: Pulse vs Skybell – Are They Better Than Ring?
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The ADT experience is quite confusing when it comes to their cameras. Some of their website pages show ADT branded cameras, and others show Nest or Skybell branded ones. So what will you get if you order a doorbell camera from ADT, and how do they compare to the competition? Our experts dig in.
ADT Command Vs Control Vs Pulse
You’ll come across these three terms often when researching ADT products and services. So what’s the difference? Essentially Command is the name for the new ADT smart home security system. The system is run through an app interface called Control, which is replacing Pulse. Learn more in Command vs Control vs Pulse.
If you’re getting a new ADT system you’ll be on the Control interface, whereas if you’re an existing customer you’re likely on Pulse or an older ADT interface.
Doorbell Cameras Compatible With ADT Command & Control
If you’re on ADT’s new Command system using the Control interface, you’ll have a large selection of Nest security cameras to choose from including the Nest doorbell camera.
Doorbell Cameras Compatible With ADT Pulse
If you’re on Pulse and paying for ADT’s video package, you’ll be given the option to use the ADT doorbell camera. You also have the option of paring Ring doorbell cameras or the SkyBell Trim Plus. SkyBell doorbell cameras can be integrated with many home security companies, including Frontpoint, Nest and Link Interactive.
ADT security systems are sold through authorized resellers. This means the company you use to get your ADT system could be different than someone who lives in the neighboring county. Therefore, your costs and customer service will vary, even when the equipment, contracts and general installation tend to be similar.
ADT Doorbell Vs Skybell
ADT Doorbell | SkyBell | |
---|---|---|
Multiple Mounting Options | ||
Notifications When Motion Detected Or Doorbell Rings | ||
Watch Live & Stored Video | ||
Motion Detection Up To 25 Feet | ||
Replaces The Doorbell If Stolen (Theft Guarantee) | ||
Can Turn Doorbell Off So It Doesn’t Wake A Baby (Quiet Mode) | ||
Holds Charge Better | ||
Works Better In Cold Climates |
Pricing
- ADT Pulse Doorbell Camera: $149.99
- SkyBell Trim Plus: Check Amazon for availability
Technical Specifications
ADT Doorbell | SkyBell | |
---|---|---|
Dimensions | 4.5″H x 1.5″W | 4.8″H x 1.44″W x 1.13″D |
Operating Temperature | -4°F to 122°F | -40°F to 140°F |
Field Of View | 180° | 180° |
Video Quality | 720p | 1080p |
Hardwired | ||
Two-Way Audio | ||
Noise Reduction | ||
Infrared LED Night Vision | ||
Color Night Vision |
Installation
If you already have ADT, you can add the ADT Pulse Doorbell Camera to your system without a professional. If you don’t, sign up with one of our recommended providers. Below is a summary of how to install the ADT doorbell camera.
- Power up and check the LED status
- Turn on the switch on the back side and wait 20 seconds for the LED to flash red.
- If the doorbell camera won’t power up, charge the doorbell camera via micro USB cable for 2 hours.
- If the LED doesn’t flash red, hold the reset button for 15 seconds, then attempt it again.
- Turn on the switch on the back side and wait 20 seconds for the LED to flash red.
- Enroll the doorbell camera in ADT Pulse
- Launch an internet browser and log in to the Pulse portal.
- Select the Systems tab and click Manage Devices.
- Click Cameras -> Add Using WPS button at the bottom of the screen.
- Enter the PIN (located on the camera) in the WPS PIN field.
- Press the Ring button, the LED should turn to blinking green for WPS process. (Be sure to complete the WPS connection within 2 minutes, or it will time out.)
- Click Continue to initiate the WPS process.
- If the doorbell camera is enrolled, the camera details screen will be displayed. Name the device and select the bandwidth and chimer type. Click Save.
- Mount the doorbell camera
- Turn off the breaker circuit.
- Unscrew the traditional doorbell. You will find two AC wires. (The recommended installation height of the doorbell camera is 47 to 59 inches.)
- Choose the mounting bracket to cover the hole of the traditional doorbell button.
- Use the AC wires from the traditional doorbell and connect the AC wires to screw terminals of the bracket.
- Secure the bracket with screws (use anchors if necessary).
- Attach the doorbell camera to the mounting bracket horizontally.
- Turn on the breaker circuit.
- Push the Ring button. If AC wires are not connected properly, the red LED will blink every 5 seconds.
Here’s a link to the quick installation guide for the ADT Pulse doorbell camera, and here’s a short video showing everything we’ve laid out above.
ADT vs Ring
If your primary focus in choosing a home security system revolves around the doorbell camera, we’d suggest you consider Ring. Ring offers a variety of doorbells and has a top-notch security system with reasonable equipment prices and the least expensive professional monitoring plan we’ve seen.
However, if you already have ADT and want to integrate a doorbell camera, you could use a Ring doorbell. The Ring doorbell pairs with ADT Pulse home security systems, but it doesn’t work with ADT Command & Control.
If you want to compare other doorbell cameras against one another, read our doorbell camera reviews.
Is ADT The Best Home Security Company?
Visit ADT’s Website | 833-276-1428
ADT is arguably the most well-known home security company. However, that doesn’t mean it’s your only option. Many other home security companies offer doorbell cameras.
You can learn more about ADT’s home security features. And if you want to explore other options, we recommend reading about the best home security systems, where we review more than a dozen companies and compare prices, equipment, features and more.