We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.
So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners.
Nest Secure Discontinued: Alternatives, What to Know
Google’s Nest Secure alarm systems were deactivated on April 8, 2024. Here’s what that means for Nest users.
Dalia Ramirez Writer | Estate planning, home security
Dalia Ramirez writes about home services and estate planning for NerdWallet. She has a Bachelor of Arts in science and technology studies and critical theory from Wesleyan University. Her work has appeared in publications including The Washington Post, Bloomberg and The Associated Press. She is based in New York City.
Claire Tsosie Assigning Editor | Home services, Social Security, estate planning, credit cards, crypto, business software
Claire Tsosie is an assigning editor for the team responsible for expanding NerdWallet content to additional topics within personal finance. She has edited articles on a variety of topics, including home improvement, Social Security, estate planning, Medicare, crypto and business software. Previously, she was a credit cards writer at NerdWallet. Her work was featured by Forbes, USA Today and The Associated Press.
Some or all of the mortgage lenders featured on our site are advertising partners of NerdWallet, but this does not influence our evaluations, lender star ratings or the order in which lenders are listed on the page. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners.
You’re following this writer Visit your My NerdWallet Settings page to see all the writers you're following.
On April 8, 2024, Google stopped supporting Nest Secure, an install-it-yourself home security system that hit the market in 2017, effectively making it non-functional.
Former Nest Secure users can no longer control their equipment, including Nest’s keypad hub, sensors and key fobs, through the Nest app, and the products can no longer connect to the internet or send alerts.
Google stopped selling Nest Secure products in October 2020, shortly after announcing the brand’s partnership with longtime home security provider ADT.
Before it was discontinued, a Nest Secure starter kit — which included a Nest Guard hub, two Nest Detect sensors and two Nest Tag key fobs — used to cost around $400. Users could self-monitor their system for free or pay for professional monitoring through Nest partner Brinks Home. The system could also integrate with other Google smart home products, such as Nest cameras and video doorbells.
What alternatives are available?
In an April 2023 blog post, Google announced that existing Nest Secure users would receive an email from Google with a coupon code to purchase a Self-Setup System from ADT at up to a $485 value. The closest ADT package to this price is the “Starter” package at $389.96, which includes a Smart home hub, two door/window sensors, a Google Nest doorbell, and access to the ADT app. ADT’s monthly monitoring costs start at $24.99.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$194.98
Base kit comes with 1 ADT Smart Home Hub and 1 ADT Door/Window Sensor.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$24.99 and up
$34.99 with cameras. A monitoring plan is required with equipment purchase (1 month minimum for self setup and a several-year contract with professional installation), but you can arm and disarm a self-setup system for free after the first month.
Hazard detection
Add-on CO detector, smoke detector and water/temperature sensor.
View details
Key facts
ADT is the most established home security provider, with well-reviewed professional monitoring services.
Pros
Owns 6 U.S.-based professional monitoring centers.
Integrates with Google Nest cameras.
Has been operating for over 150 years.
Cons
Has had a security breach.
Required monthly monitoring fees for all plans, ranging from one month to 3-5 years.
Monitoring fees are high compared to other providers.
Switching to ADT may be a more seamless option for former Nest Secure users. However, an ADT system may not integrate with all Nest equipment, especially older models, and monthly monitoring costs are pricier than those of some other home security providers.
If you plan to move to a different system completely, here are NerdWallet’s top home security system picks.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$249.96
Base kit includes one base station, one keypad, one entry sensor and one motion sensor. Sometimes you can get a free Smart Alarm wireless indoor security camera and a free trial of professional monitoring if they're running a promotion.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$19.99
Self monitoring available for $9.99 per month. You can also access basic features with no plan.
Hazard detection
Add-on smoke/CO detector, water and temperature sensor.
View details
Key facts
SimpliSafe offers comprehensive packages at affordable prices with both self- and pro-monitoring subscription options.
Pros
Offers affordable packages with add-ons and a build-your-own-system option.
No record of security breaches.
Can be self-monitored for free.
Cons
Only integrates with Alexa, Google and Apple Watch for smart home automation, which requires a paid monthly plan.
Doesn’t offer facial recognition like some other providers, such as Ring.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$244.95
Base kit includes alarm base station, keypad, door/window contact sensor, motion detector, alarm range extender and free 30-day trial of Ring Protect professional monitoring. Pro starter kit comes with a Wifi router.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$20
Other features/self monitoring available with plans starting at $4.99 per month. You'll need at least the basic plan to arm and disarm your system remotely.
Hazard detection
Add-on smoke/CO detector and listener, flood and freeze sensor.
View details
Key facts
Ring offers affordable professional monitoring and a DIY system with high-quality cameras.
Pros
Lowest-priced professional monitoring service among competitors.
Offers a self-monitoring option with rich video features.
Pro system includes a Wi-Fi router that can replace or extend your existing coverage
Cons
Has had a security breach.
Can only integrate with Alexa, not Google, unless you use a third-party app.
Requires a paid monthly subscription starting at $4.99 if you want to arm and disarm the alarm system from your phone.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$159.99
Base kit includes security hub, key fob and mini sensor for door/window.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$24.99
Self monitoring with extra features is $7.99 per month, but you can also use basic features for free.
Hazard detection
Add-on smoke alarm monitor and leak detector.
No actual smoke/CO detector.
View details
Key facts
Abode's security system is compatible with the widest range of smart home products including Amazon Echo, Google Home and Nest.
Pros
Can be self-monitored for free.
No record of security breaches.
The alarm system can be connected directly to an ethernet cable or work wirelessly with your Wi-Fi network.
Cons
Smart detection requires a paid subscription starting at $6.99 per month.
Doesn’t offer an actual smoke alarm, just a smoke alarm monitor.
View details
Changes made on April 8, 2024
In an April 2023 blog post, Google confirmed:
Nest Secure (Guard, Detect and Tag) would stop connecting to the internet on April 8, 2024, and would no longer be functional or controllable through the Nest app.
Dropcam, an earlier version of Google’s smart camera, would no longer be supported on April 8, 2024. Users would have had to download videos before this date to save them.
Nest x Yale Lock would no longer connect to Wi-Fi through the Nest Guard hub, so you won’t be able to lock and unlock your door through the Nest app (you’ll still be able to use the keypad). The lock will only connect to Wi-Fi with a Nest Connect device, which Google will send to eligible users for free as a replacement.
Nest cameras, video doorbells and life safety alert products still available for purchase on the Google store will still function normally and connect to the Nest app.
How do these changes affect new customers?
Nest Secure products haven’t been available for purchase since 2020; they’re not an option for new customers.
If you’re shopping for a home security system, Nest still offers high-quality cameras, doorbells and life safety alert equipment but does not offer alarm sensors.
To purchase a comprehensive alarm system that includes Nest products, you’ll need to choose an ADT alarm system package with Nest cameras.
If you want your individual Nest cameras professionally monitored, you’ll need to call ADT to set up the service.
