ADT’s New Blu Kit Falls Far Behind the DIY Competition - CNET

Our gifting experts are obsessively searching for holiday gifts that are unique, thoughtful and suitable for any budget. Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. I found missing features, a malfunctioning app, and more showing the 2026 system wasn't even ready to be released, much less compete with other DIY security. Senior Editor / Home Security and Smart Home Senior Editor / Home Security and Smart Home Article updated on July 21, 2026, 1:16 pm EDT ADT Blu is the 150-year-old security company’s latest DIY system, available for self-installation with sensors, cameras and the 2026 version of the ADT Plus app. I tested the Starter Kit ($249), a Blu Outdoor Camera ($89) and a Blu Video Doorbell ($109) to see what’s new. In theory, I like seeing more affordable security kits from ADT that don’t require professional setup. In practice, it’s a disaster, especially compared to the remarkable DIY security devices I’ve tested this year. The problem isn’t really that ADT Blu is competing against Matter-supported, budget-friendly innovations, like Ikea’s new smart