AT&T Connected Life: The Smart Home Security System Built With Google, AT&T & Abode

When AT&T decided to re-enter the home security market, they wanted Abode’s UL-listed professional monitoring at the core of a new kind of system — one that combines Google Home’s smart platform, Google Nest hardware, and AT&T’s cellular network into something no one else has built before.

The result is AT&T Connected Life — the first smart home security system to bring together all three: Google’s intelligence, AT&T’s reliability, and Abode’s monitoring expertise. No contract. Plans from $10.99 a month.

We’re proud to power the monitoring behind this system. Here’s a look at how it works, what’s included, and who it’s built for.

What Is AT&T Connected Life?

AT&T Connected Life is a smart home security system that brings together three things that have never been combined before: the intelligence of Google Home, the reliability of AT&T’s cellular network, and UL-listed professional monitoring from Abode.

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. Every device is wireless. Every sensor uses adhesive. And the entire system is managed through the Connected Life app on your phone.

It’s built on Google Nest hardware — the same cameras, doorbells, and sensors that millions of people already trust — but with a critical addition: actual professional security monitoring that can dispatch police, fire, or medical responders when an alarm triggers. That’s something Google Home alone can’t do.

What’s in the Box

AT&T offers two equipment kits, both available for upfront purchase or Affirm financing starting at about $25/month:

Both kits work with any additional Google Nest devices you already own or want to add later — Nest cameras, smart locks, smart lights, thermostats. Everything connects through Google Home and shows up in the Connected Life app.

Two Monitoring Plans, No Contract

This is where AT&T Connected Life stands apart from competitors that lock you into contracts. Both plans are month-to-month. Cancel anytime. No penalties, no fine print.

Essential Plan — $10.99/mo

The Essential Plan gives you smart self-monitoring with AT&T cellular backup. You get 30 days of event video history for your Nest cameras, Google Home’s intelligent alerts (which can tell the difference between a person, an animal, and a vehicle), real-time camera access through the app, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your system stays connected even if your internet goes down.

Professional Plan — $21.99/mo

The Professional Plan adds 24/7 professional monitoring from Abode. When an alarm triggers, our UL-listed monitoring center verifies the event and can dispatch police, fire, or EMS to your home. This is the same monitoring infrastructure trusted by hundreds of thousands of Abode customers, now extended to AT&T Connected Life.

The AT&T Cellular Backup Advantage

Here’s a detail that most people overlook when comparing smart home security systems: what happens when your Wi-Fi goes down?

With most competitors, the answer is nothing good. Your cameras go offline. Your sensors can’t communicate. Your monitoring service can’t reach your system. You’re effectively unprotected during the exact moments when you’re most vulnerable — a power outage, a storm, or an intruder who cuts your internet line.

AT&T Connected Life includes cellular backup on both plans. The security hub has a built-in AT&T cellular radio and battery backup, so even if your power and internet go out simultaneously, your system stays online and your monitoring stays active. This isn’t an add-on. It’s not an upgrade. It’s included.

Google Home Integration: Why It Matters

If you already have Google Nest cameras, a Nest doorbell, smart lights, or smart locks, AT&T Connected Life works with what you already own. That’s because the system is built natively on Google Home — not as a third-party integration, but as a core part of the platform.

What that means in practice:

• Google Nest cameras provide intelligent alerts that distinguish between people, animals, packages, and vehicles — reducing false alarms dramatically
• Your existing Google Home routines keep working (lights, locks, thermostat) and now integrate with your security system
• You can use voice commands through Google Nest speakers and displays to arm/disarm, check camera feeds, or lock doors
• 30 days of event video history is included with both monitoring plans — no extra cloud storage fees

For anyone already invested in the Google ecosystem, this eliminates the fragmentation problem that plagues most security setups. One app. One ecosystem. One system that actually talks to everything in your home.

How It Stacks Up Against Other Systems

We work across the home security industry, so we know what’s out there. Here’s how AT&T Connected Life compares to the most common alternatives for people evaluating their options:

vs. ADT: ADT requires a 36-month contract with early termination fees that can exceed $1,000. Professional monitoring starts at $28.99/mo (before equipment costs). AT&T Connected Life has no contract, and professional monitoring is $21.99/mo with cellular backup included — not a paid add-on.

vs. SimpliSafe: SimpliSafe offers affordable entry-level hardware, but professional monitoring is $19.99 to $29.99/mo and camera features are limited without the top-tier plan. SimpliSafe doesn’t integrate with Google Home natively. Connected Life includes Google Nest cameras with 30-day video history on every plan.

vs. Ring: Ring is tied to Amazon’s Alexa ecosystem. If your home runs on Google Home, you’d be managing two separate apps and ecosystems. Ring’s professional monitoring (Ring Protect Pro) is $20/mo but doesn’t include cellular backup on all devices. Connected Life is Google-native with AT&T cellular backup built into the hub.

vs. Vivint: Vivint requires professional installation (typically $99 to $199) and a long-term financing agreement. Monthly monitoring is $29.99 to $44.99. AT&T Connected Life is fully DIY, sets up in 30 minutes, and costs less than half per month.

Who Is AT&T Connected Life Built For?

Based on what we’ve seen from early adopters, Connected Life is the strongest fit for a few specific groups:

Google Home users who want to add professional security to their existing smart home without switching ecosystems. If you already have Nest cameras and smart speakers, this is the most seamless way to add 24/7 professional monitoring.

People shopping for their first home security system who want something modern, contract-free, and backed by brands they trust. AT&T Connected Life has no long-term contract and sets up in about 30 minutes.

New homeowners who are setting up their first home and want home security that’s easy to install, easy to move, and doesn’t require a technician appointment during the chaos of unpacking.

AT&T customers who already trust the network and want their home security connected to the same reliable infrastructure their phone and internet run on.

Rental property owners who need a wireless, portable system they can install between tenants and manage remotely from anywhere through the app.

Setting It Up: What to Expect

We hear from a lot of people who assume “DIY” means complicated. It doesn’t. Here’s what setting up AT&T Connected Life actually looks like:

1. Unbox and plug in the hub. It connects to your Wi-Fi and activates AT&T cellular backup automatically.
2. Open the Connected Life app. It walks you through pairing each device step by step.
3. Place your sensors. Peel, stick, done. Door/window sensors and motion sensors are all adhesive-mounted. No drilling.
4. Mount your cameras. The Nest Doorbell replaces your existing doorbell. The Nest Cam is magnetic or screw-mounted.
5. Activate monitoring. Choose Essential ($10.99/mo) or Professional ($21.99/mo) and you’re live.

Most people are fully operational in under 30 minutes. If you’ve ever set up a Google Nest camera or a smart speaker, the experience is nearly identical.

Frequently Asked Questions