With Google’s Nest Secure shutting down, here are some alternative security systems to consider

As we warned you, on April 8, Google Discontinuing support For its once-excellent Google Nest Secure home security system. This means that, starting today, your Nest Secure won't be connected to the internet, and you won't be able to control it from the Nest app or receive notifications from the alarm system. It's basically a paperweight (albeit so can be recycled,

Google announced it is discontinuing Nest Secure in 2020, so you have plenty of time to shop for an alternative. But if you've been putting off the enormous pain of turning off your home security system until the last moment, that final moment has come.

So what are your options? When it announced it was spinning off Nest Secure, Google, a large investor in ADT, offered its users a free ADT Self Setup System (valued at up to $485) or a $200 credit in the Google Store. According to ADT, that free system offer is valid until May 7, 2024, which is less than a month away.

The ADT Self Setup System was launched in March 2023 and is ADT's second DIY security system (the first was the short-lived ADT Blue). It has the option of professional monitoring through ADT, or you can monitor it yourself. It integrates with most Nest hardware (including the Nest Battery Doorbell, Nest Hub, and Nest Cam) and works with Google Home. but it's too far away Directly from Nest Secure SwapAnd Its integration with Google Home This is largely similar to what other third-party security systems offer (more on them in a bit).

ADT's Wayne Thorson told me that the Self Setup system “is scalable and will continue to receive new software updates, enhancements, and benefits from the ADT/Google partnership.” So, we may see better integration with Google Home in the future.

However, there are rumors of a new ADT smart home security system from ADT/Google that includes first-party hardware developed with direct input from Google, including many of the features we love about Nest Secure.

Although there has been no official announcement from Google or ADT, it appears that the launch is imminent. Last year, the verge ADT published several details about smart home security that were hidden on ADT's site; Earlier this year, a setup video surfaced, and now too, Support page for the new system Are searchable on ADT's site.

For Nest Secure users who haven't already opted into ADT Self Setup, the question is whether this new system will launch before the free offer ends on May 7, less than a month away. Keeping in mind that ADT probably has a bunch of its own self setup systems that it needs to unload before it can launch the new one, my guess is that ADT Smart Home Security won't arrive until those vouchers expire, in which case You may want to consider non-ADT options.

I've tested several DIY security systems, and if you want something you can control through Google Home and integrate with your Google devices, like Nest cameras, thermostats, and smart home hubs, I'd recommend Arlo or Abode. Recommend any one of these.

Arlo Home Security System ($199.99) It's probably the closest alternative to Nest Secure, which offers sleek multifunctional sensors instead of lots of little white plastic boxes. Its door/window sensors also double as motion sensors, like Secure Nest detects. But they don't have a neat touch-to-disarm feature. However, they also serve as leakage, temperature, light and tilt sensors, and hear smoke and CO alarms.

Arlo has announced that it is launching an NFC tag that can disarm the system, similar to how Secure's tags used to work. You can control the Arlo security system through the Google Home app, but you can't control Google devices through the Arlo app, and Arlo's cameras are required for features like video verification for professional monitoring And it doesn't work with Nest Cam. (The Arlo Secure package with professional monitoring costs $24.99 per month).

Dham is a more traditional DIY smart home security system that has lots of options for single-purpose sensors like motion, door/window, glass break, etc. But it can integrate with Z-Wave and Zigbee smart home sensors, lights, and locks. dozens of Other smart home devices, which makes it a good choice for a more robust smart home setup. Pricing starts at $139.99, and the Abode integrates well with Google Home, allowing you to control it from the Google Home app.

Google Nest products can be controlled from the Abode app, including live feeds from Nest cameras. You can also set up automations that do things like arm the system when your Nest thermostat is switched to Away. However, you have to pay for it residence plan To run these, that starts at $7 per month and goes up to $23 per month (for the professionally monitored option).

I'm a big fan of people who are completely familiar with Google Ecobee's new security system, It has the same simplicity as the Nest Secure, with multifunctional door/window sensors that also function as occupancy sensors. The system, which starts at $269.99 and includes an Ecobee thermostat, can be controlled from the keypad built into the thermostat. It can also be integrated with Ecobee's indoor cameras and doorbell cameras. It only costs $10 per month, which is a great price for professional motoring. But there is no Google Home support.

Although there's still no direct swap for Google's Nest Secure system, there are some good options for a simpler, easier-to-use alternative that works with Google Home. And while Google and ADT are working on whatever It is possible Be a worthy successor to Secure, it looks like it won't be here in time to help those Nest Secure users whose ADT offer expires next month.