AT&T Connected Life Review: Three Platforms Combined into One Smart Home Security System
Nowadays, people are more concerned about protecting their homes than ever before, and smart home security kits make it easier to keep an eye on what’s happening inside your home. While most of today’s home security kits are expandable, knowing which devices to choose and where to start can be overwhelming for homeowners. From smart cameras and video doorbells to motion sensors and smart locks, there are plenty of options to consider, but not every home needs every device. A smart home security kit gives homeowners a convenient starting point with essential security devices that can be expanded as their needs change, helping them create a safer and smarter home. For a smart home security kit that delivers reliable monitoring at an affordable cost, go with AT&T Connected Life.
AT&T Connected Life is an all-in-one smart home security solution combining AT&T’s cellular network, Google Nest devices and Google Home’s platform, plus Abode’s professional monitoring. Customers can choose between three different equipment kits, including the Starter, Starter+, and Advanced kits, letting you build your own smart home security package based on your personal needs, and two flexible monitoring plans, including Essential for monitoring alarms yourself and Professional, which adds 24/7 professional monitoring from Abode. All kits feature an easy set up and the entire system can be easily managed through the Connected Life app.
Designed to deliver professional monitoring, this all-in-one smart home security solution gives homeowners peace of mind even if the power or internet is out, helping you protect what matters most.
Our review examines AT&T Connected Life’s hardware, monitoring plans, connectivity, smart features, practical value for everyday households, and pricing.
Equipment Kits: Hardware and Specifications
AT&T offers three equipment kits, starting with the basics to secure a small home or apartment all the way to whole-home coverage with Google cameras for a large space.
The Starter kit includes a security hub, two door/window sensors, and one interior motion sensor. This is a great place to start if you already have Google Nest cameras or smart devices and want a smarter, more secure home.
Then there’s the Starter+ kit, which adds a Google Nest Doorbell. This kit provides the ideal mix of sensors and front-door protection for small homes or apartments, while the included Google Nest Doorbell shows people and packages in full view.
The Advanced kit expands coverage considerably, adding even more security devices. It includes a security hub, four door/window sensors, two motion sensors, a key fob, a Google Nest Doorbell, a battery-powered Google Nest Cam, and a wall-mounted keypad. This kit is designed for full-home coverage, thus making more sense for larger homes with several entrances or monitoring zones.
It’s also worth mentioning that all the equipment kits work with any additional Google Nest devices you already own or want to add later. That includes additional Google Nest cameras, smart locks, smart lights, and thermostats. Everything connects through Google Home and shows up in the Connected Life app.
Easy DIY Installation
Unlike older systems that require a technician visit and a long-term commitment, Connected Life is a DIY home security system that you can set up yourself in about 30 minutes. As such, setup can be done pretty much by yourself. AT&T guides users through setting up the kit’s hub, sensors, monitoring service, and Google Nest hardware. However, setup uses both the Connected Life and Google Home apps. For less tech-savvy homeowners, optional third-party professional installation is also available at extra cost.
Two Monitoring Plans with No Contract Required
The monitoring plans AT&T offers is what sets the Connected Life apart from competitors that lock you into long-term contracts. Both plans are month-to-month, meaning you can cancel at any time and there are also no penalties or hidden fees.
The Essential Plan gives you smart self-monitoring, 30-day event video history, for your Google Nest cameras, Google Home’s intelligent alerts (which can differentiate between a person, an animal, and a vehicle), real-time camera access through the app, and AT&T cellular backup.
The Professional Plan adds 24/7 professional monitoring from Abode with emergency response capabilities for police and medical situations. It provides continuous protection by having trained security professionals monitor your home’s alarm system around the clock. When an alarm triggers, Abode’s UL-listed monitoring center verifies the event and can dispatch police, firefighters, or EMS to your home.
Monitoring and AT&T Cellular Backup
One of the system’s major advantages is that it integrates AT&T’s cellular backup on both plans. Unlike home security systems from competitor brands that rely solely on Wi-Fi, the AT&T Connected Life system can remain connected through AT&T’s cellular network. The security hub has a built-in AT&T cellular radio and battery backup, so even if your power and internet go out simultaneously, the system stays online and your monitoring stays active. This allows the system to stay online and your monitoring active at all times, giving homeowners an added layer of protection and peace of mind.
Google Home Intelligence Integrated with Smart Home Security
Another key feature of AT&T Connected Life is the system’s software layer. Since the system is built natively on Google Home and not as a third-party integration, it will work seamlessly with any Google Nest cameras, a Nest doorbell, smart lights, or smart locks you already own.
Google Home also provides intelligent event detection that can distinguish between people, animals, packages, and vehicles. That matters because useful security requires context, not just in-app notifications. Knowing that a camera detected a person rather than movement caused by something else like an animal can help reduce false alarms dramatically.
The Connected Life App
You can manage the entire system through the Connected Life app, which acts as the central security interface. Users can arm or disarm the system, check cameras, verify alarms, and manage security functions from their phones. Automations can also coordinate cameras, lights, thermostats, and security routines.
Things to Consider
AT&T Connected Life offers a smart approach to home security, bringing AT&T’s cellular backup, Abode’s professional monitoring, and Google Nest hardware together in one connected system. Its strongest advantage comes from integration. Existing AT&T customers can build a system around familiar Nest cameras while adding door sensors, motion detection, automations, cellular backup, and optional 24/7 monitoring.
However, the system does come with one major eligibility requirement. You need AT&T wireless or internet service to subscribe. That makes this ecosystem far more compelling for existing AT&T households than everyone else.
Apple households should also note that Connected Life security sensors do not support Apple HomeKit. In addition, features including remote control, notifications, streaming, and video recording require working internet and Wi-Fi.
The trade-off comes from combining several ecosystems. AT&T, Abode, and Google each contribute valuable technology, but setup involves multiple accounts and apps rather than one completely independent platform. So that’s also something to keep in mind.
All in all, this system will not fit every smart home, especially Apple HomeKit users or households without AT&T service. For the right customer, though, it offers an unusually practical middle ground between DIY smart-home gear and conventional monitored security.
Pricing and Availability
If you’re interested in purchasing AT&T Connected Life, know the Starter kit starts at $199. Alternatively, you can go with the Starter+ kit, which costs $399, or ultimately the Advanced kit, which goes for $699.
As for the available monitoring plans, the Essential Monitoring plan costs $10.99/month, while the Professional Monitoring plan costs $21.99/month.
You can purchase your preferred configuration from AT&T’s official shopping page.
