Security Cameras

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

ADT Doorbell Cameras

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 DoorbellSkyBell
Multiple Mounting OptionsGreen checkmark 
Notifications When Motion Detected Or Doorbell RingsGreen checkmarkGreen checkmark
Watch Live & Stored VideoGreen checkmarkGreen checkmark
Motion Detection Up To 25 FeetGreen checkmark 
Replaces The Doorbell If Stolen (Theft Guarantee) Green checkmark
Can Turn Doorbell Off So It Doesn’t Wake A Baby (Quiet Mode) Green checkmark
Holds Charge Better Green checkmark
Works Better In Cold Climates Green checkmark

Pricing

Technical Specifications

 ADT DoorbellSkyBell
Dimensions4.5″H x 1.5″W4.8″H x 1.44″W x 1.13″D
Operating Temperature-4°F to 122°F-40°F to 140°F
Field Of View180°180°
Video Quality720p1080p
HardwiredGreen checkmarkGreen checkmark
Two-Way AudioGreen checkmarkGreen checkmark
Noise ReductionGreen checkmark 
Infrared LED Night VisionGreen checkmark 
Color Night Vision Green checkmark

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.

  1. Power up and check the LED status
    1. Turn on the switch on the back side and wait 20 seconds for the LED to flash red.
      1. If the doorbell camera won’t power up, charge the doorbell camera via micro USB cable for 2 hours.
      2. If the LED doesn’t flash red, hold the reset button for 15 seconds, then attempt it again.
  2. Enroll the doorbell camera in ADT Pulse
    1. Launch an internet browser and log in to the Pulse portal.
    2. Select the Systems tab and click Manage Devices.
    3. Click Cameras -> Add Using WPS button at the bottom of the screen.
    4. Enter the PIN (located on the camera) in the WPS PIN field.
    5. 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.)
    6. Click Continue to initiate the WPS process.
    7. 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.
  3. Mount the doorbell cameraADT doorbell camera equipment
    1. Turn off the breaker circuit.
    2. Unscrew the traditional doorbell. You will find two AC wires. (The recommended installation height of the doorbell camera is 47 to 59 inches.)
    3. Choose the mounting bracket to cover the hole of the traditional doorbell button.
    4. Use the AC wires from the traditional doorbell and connect the AC wires to screw terminals of the bracket.
    5. Secure the bracket with screws (use anchors if necessary).
    6. Attach the doorbell camera to the mounting bracket horizontally.
    7. Turn on the breaker circuit.
    8. 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.

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Kimberly Alt

Kimberly received her Bachelor of Arts from Simpson College with a major in multimedia journalism and a minor in marketing. She has been writing about business solutions since 2014, covering subjects such as tax software, email marketing, office equipment and more. Her work has appeared in many notable brands, including The New York Times' Wirecutter, Reader's Digest, Forbes, People, Woman's World, and Huffington Post. In 2015, she started her own business and continues to learn how to run it more efficiently thanks to her work on We Rock Your Web. Her natural curiosity helps her research as she seeks the truth when learning about, comparing and personally testing products and services. With every piece she writes, her goal is to help our readers find the best fit for their unique needs.
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