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LifeShield Home Security Review
If you’re researching “LifeShield,” it helps to know the brand’s path: ADT acquired LifeShield, reintroduced it as Blue by ADT, and later replaced that DIY line with ADT Self Setup, a modern, self-installed system built around Google Nest devices (overview). So while the questions about platforms, hubs, and whether to prioritize automation or safety still apply — including which voice assistant you prefer — today’s LifeShield equivalent is ADT’s Self Setup DIY system or its professionally installed ADT Smart Home packages.
ADT’s current DIY path emphasizes security-first features and a unified app experience via ADT+, while remaining friendly to common smart home ecosystems. Many new devices now interoperate locally across platforms via Matter and Thread, though “security system” itself isn’t a Matter device type as of Matter 1.4. If your goal is a security foundation with room to automate lighting, climate, and more, ADT Self Setup aligns with that approach and dovetails with broader ecosystem trends, while ADT’s pro-installed packages deliver technician setup and expanded device options.
The Claim
Easy, DIY home security for ultimate peace of mind.
Is it true?
Yes — with an update. New LifeShield kits aren’t sold, but ADT’s successor, ADT Self Setup, is designed for self-installation with optional 24/7 professional monitoring starting at $24.99 per month. If you prefer technician install and broader equipment options, ADT’s professionally installed Google Nest–based plans list monitoring at $45.99 per month (Smart Home) and $59.99 per month (Video & Smart Home). These offerings replace the former LifeShield/Blue DIY line while keeping the core promise of simple setup plus pro monitoring when you want it.
Product Overview
Best for
Homeowners and renters who want a DIY system with optional, month-to-month professional monitoring and tight Google Nest integration via the ADT+ app (ADT Self Setup). Those wanting a turnkey experience and in-person guidance should consider ADT’s professionally installed Smart Home packages.
Not for
Households committed to non-Google ecosystems (e.g., Apple Home–only) or those who want to mix proprietary security hardware from multiple brands under one monitoring plan. Also note that “security system” isn’t a Matter device type yet (CSA), so cross-ecosystem control remains vendor-specific.
Features
| Price | ADT Self Setup monitoring from $24.99/mo (source); ADT Smart Home $45.99/mo and Video & Smart Home $59.99/mo (source) |
| Standout features | ADT+ app with Google Nest integration; optional SMART Monitoring with video verification and Alarm Messenger to help reduce false alarms; Self Setup has no long-term monitoring contract |
| States served | Nationwide |
| Fees | Equipment purchased upfront (DIY); professional installation fees may apply for pro-installed plans |
| Terms | Self Setup: month-to-month monitoring; Pro install: commonly a 36-month agreement (CNET) |
Control entire house
The ADT+ app is now the hub for ADT’s DIY path, ADT Self Setup, with devices centered on Google Nest. For broader smart-home control, platforms increasingly support local, multi‑platform control through Matter and Thread; Matter 1.3 added standardized energy/power management and expanded appliance categories (CSA), and Matter 1.4 focused on reliability and automation improvements (CSA). Google underscored these updates with reliability enhancements across Google Home (Google I/O). Note that while many devices now work locally, full “security system” control is still outside Matter’s current scope.
Good for larger homes
Coverage and reliability depend on using the right mix of local radios and network design. ADT Self Setup and compatible devices use local radios such as Wi‑Fi, Z‑Wave, or Thread (device‑dependent), plus mesh Wi‑Fi for cameras and optional cellular backup for continuity. If you have long runs or outbuildings, Z‑Wave Long Range can dramatically extend range and device counts when deployed via a supporting hub (Z-Wave Alliance). In practice, a combination of strong Wi‑Fi, appropriate sensor radios, and strategic placement yields solid performance in larger layouts.
Impressive back-up system
ADT’s modern platforms emphasize dual‑path connectivity (internet with cellular backup) and battery backups to keep systems online. Monitoring has evolved, too: ADT SMART Monitoring adds tools such as video verification and Alarm Messenger designed to reduce false alarms and speed response. Integrations with Google Nest bring richer event data and benefit from Google account protections (e.g., built‑in 2FA), a privacy/security step up from many older cloud models.
A Breakdown of LifeShield Home Security Plans
| Systems | | | | | |
| Doorbell camera | x2 | Legacy video doorbell | |||
| Shield | x4 | ||||
| Secure | x6 | x2 | Legacy indoor camera | ||
| Build Your Own | a la carte (legacy) | a la carte (legacy) | a la carte (legacy) | a la carte (legacy) |
Possible Drawbacks
Credit inquiry
General wisdom dictates that you want as few inquiries into your credit report as possible. While an inquiry here or there shouldn’t make a noticeable reduction in your credit score, most consumers see less than a five‑point drop from a single hard inquiry (myFICO), and soft inquiries don’t affect scores at all (CFPB). If you opt for a professionally installed ADT plan, a credit check and a multi‑year agreement are common (CNET); ADT Self Setup focuses on DIY install with month‑to‑month monitoring, which you can cancel at any time.
LifeShield devices
LifeShield was founded by a techie inventor, but new LifeShield/Blue kits are no longer sold. ADT rebranded LifeShield as Blue by ADT and subsequently sunset that line; today’s DIY path is ADT Self Setup built around Google Nest devices (The Verge) with professional monitoring via ADT. PCMag confirms Blue by ADT is discontinued. Existing legacy systems may continue under ADT support, but new buyers should evaluate ADT Self Setup or ADT’s pro-installed packages.
The Competition
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LifeShield Home Security vs. ADT
LifeShield, according to Security Systems News, helped usher in the wireless DIY era. ADT formally acquired LifeShield and ultimately replaced its DIY lineage with ADT Self Setup. If you’re weighing ADT’s DIY route against its pro-installed systems, consider price and commitment: Self Setup monitoring starts at $24.99 per month with no long-term monitoring contract, while pro-installed ADT Google Nest packages are listed at $45.99 and $59.99 per month and commonly use a 36‑month agreement (CNET). ADT’s brand remains a deterrent — the ADT sign is a proven deterrent to burglars — and today’s platform adds SMART Monitoring with video verification to help reduce false alarms.
LifeShield Home Security vs. SimpliSafe
The practical DIY comparison today is ADT Self Setup vs. SimpliSafe. ADT Self Setup pairs Google Nest hardware with ADT monitoring from $24.99 per month. SimpliSafe publishes month‑to‑month plans — Standard Monitoring at $19.99 per month, Fast Protect Monitoring at $29.99 per month, and a Self Monitoring with Camera Recordings plan at $9.99 per month (SimpliSafe) — with Fast Protect adding video verification aimed at speeding emergency response (SimpliSafe Support). Preference often comes down to ecosystem (Google Nest + ADT monitoring) versus lower published DIY monitoring prices and self‑monitoring options. Note: With ADT Self Setup you can self‑monitor basic alerts in the ADT+ app; for camera video history, Google Nest Aware subscriptions are offered separately via Google’s ecosystem.
LifeShield Home Security FAQ
How much does LifeShield Home Security cost?
There are no new LifeShield‑branded plans for sale. The current equivalents are ADT’s DIY and pro‑installed offerings: ADT Self Setup professional monitoring starts at $24.99 per month, and ADT’s professionally installed Google Nest plans are listed at $45.99 and $59.99 per month. PCMag notes Blue by ADT (the LifeShield successor) is discontinued; for legacy account specifics, contact ADT as public pricing for older plans isn’t listed.
How do you cancel LifeShield Home Security?
For new buyers using ADT Self Setup, monitoring is month-to-month and can be canceled anytime. For professionally installed ADT plans, contracts commonly run 36 months and early termination fees can apply; review your service agreement (CNET). If you’re a legacy LifeShield/Blue customer, terms vary by agreement; check your paperwork or contact ADT support for your options.
Can you take LifeShield Home Security with you when you move?
Legacy LifeShield/Blue systems were designed for DIY installation and can typically be moved. For new buyers, ADT Self Setup is likewise built for self‑install and portability, and ADT’s professional monitoring operates nationwide. While you can switch between DIY and pro‑installed ADT offerings, LifeShield/Blue hardware isn’t designed to be monitored by third‑party providers (PCMag).
The Bottom Line
LifeShield is no longer sold, but ADT’s lineup covers the same needs. Choose ADT Self Setup if you want a DIY, Google Nest–centric system with professional monitoring from $24.99 per month and no long‑term monitoring contract. Consider ADT’s professionally installed Smart Home packages if you prefer a turnkey setup and don’t mind a 36‑month agreement (CNET). Market trends point to rising DIY satisfaction and month‑to‑month preference (J.D. Power), and consumers increasingly weigh recent, verified reviews when choosing providers (BrightLocal; Bazaarvoice). Whichever path you pick, look for modern verification features (like video‑assisted SMART Monitoring) that help reduce false alarms and speed response.
