SimpliSafe vs. ADT

We tested ADT and SimpliSafe cameras, evaluated their apps, and researched their offerings.
No-contract pick
SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
Starts at$21.99/mo
  • pro
    DIY and pro installation
  • pro
    Affordability
Most well-known
SafeStreets
ADT
4 out of 5 stars
4
Starts at$45.99/mo
  • pro
    Professional installation
  • pro
    Smart home compatibility

Original SafeWise safety & security research featured in:

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For over 11 years, SafeWise experts have conducted independent research and testing to create unbiased, human reviews. Learn how we test and review.

A 12-year multimedia reporter, Katie tests and reviews security and smart home tech. She’s also featured on outlets like AARP, Forbes, and TechGuySmartBuy.

Because they’re so different, determining whether ADT or SimpliSafe is the best home security system depends on how much you want to spend and whether you want to DIY your installation and monitoring. Here’s the gist:

SimpliSafe is like paying cash for a small house. It's all yours, and you might not have much in the way of monthly fees, but it requires a little more work, it costs more up front, and if anything breaks, it's on you to fix it.

ADT is like signing a mortgage for a nice condo. You get high-end appliances, and you don't have to worry about maintenance, but you pay a hefty fee every month—and technically you don't own any of it.

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This week's SimpliSafe Sale

🔥 SimpliSafe is offering 70% off + FREE outdoor camera on any new system with professional monitoring.

*With new system purchase. Info current as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. 



SimpliSafe pros and cons

pro
SimpliSafe pros
pro Easy DIY installation
pro Free app
pro Alarm confirmation
pro No-pressure shopping
pro Optional monthly fee
con
SimpliSafe cons
con Mediocre video
con High up-front costs
con Limited home automation

SimpliSafe is best for affordability

SimpliSafe is a solid choice for affordable home security. Its equipment quality isn't as high as ADT's, but its monthly monitoring plans are a lot more flexible.

Plus, step-by-step instructions make it so easy to install (and uninstall) your system that you can pack it up and take it with you if you move. Finally, you don't have to worry about calling the company and setting up an appointment every time you want to buy SimpliSafe sensors or devices.

With SimpliSafe, you'll pay more for your equipment and install and maintain it yourself. But the monthly monitoring fees are half of what you'd pay with ADT, and it's also one of the best self-monitored home security systems.

Read our SimpliSafe review to learn more.

ADT pros and cons

pro
ADT pros
pro Professional installation
pro Low up-front costs
pro Home automation equipment
pro Maintenance contract
pro Quality video
con
ADT cons
con High monitoring fees
con App fees

ADT is best for professional installation and home automation

If you want reliable, reputable home security protection and the convenience of smart home gadgets—and you're not comfortable with figuring out the technology on your own—ADT is a good option.

While your monthly fees will be higher than what DIYers pay with SimpliSafe, you'll basically be paying someone else to worry about your system while you just enjoy its benefits. ADT is also great for larger homes, as its mesh network means that you can add unlimited security products and smart devices.

ADT leases its equipment for a lower up-front cost, but it has higher monthly monitoring fees than SimpliSafe. Your ADT monitored system is professionally installed and maintained, and you have more home automation options.

Read our ADT review to learn more.

Check out ADT's DIY option, ADT Self Setup.

How SimpliSafe and ADT compare

Company
Best for
Star rating
Lowest monitoring price
Smart home compatibility
Learn more
No-contract pick
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
Amazon, Google
Most well-known
4 out of 5 stars
4
Amazon, Google, Z-Wave

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.
Full ADT disclaimer

SimpliSafe vs. ADT similarities

Monitoring: Both SimpliSafe and ADT offer professional monitoring, and both monitoring companies have redundant monitoring centers so there’s never a problem getting help. (ADT has nine while SimpliSafe's monitoring service has six.)

SimpliSafe outsources to COPS Monitoring, while ADT monitoring is done in-house. Both systems have crash and smash protection and cellular backup.

Mobile app access: Both companies have smartphone apps that allow you to access your system remotely and receive text notifications and email alerts when door and window sensors get tripped or if there's an alarm event. And with both companies, you'll have to pay for a higher tier package to get access to the mobile app.

Standard equipment selection: ADT and SimpliSafe systems offer similar standard security equipment, like a wireless keypad, key fob, contact sensors, motion sensors, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors.

SimpliSafe vs. ADT differences

Shopping experience: ADT offers pretty much every security device available, while SimpliSafe's system excludes things like garage door controls and robust outdoor video surveillance.

Installation: ADT systems are professionally installed, but you can install your SimpliSafe system yourself. ADT offers a DIY option through ADT Self Setup.

Connection type: SimpliSafe systems work off your home's Wi-Fi network, while ADT systems use a combination of Wi-Fi and Z-Wave technology. We found ADT's devices to be more reliable than SimpliSafe's, with more consistent connectivity.  ADT’s Google Nest cameras also have a smoother feed and better night vision.

System maintenance: For a little extra each month, ADT will ensure that your devices continue to work flawlessly. This is a perk you don't get with a no-contract company like SimpliSafe.

Smart home integration: Both ADT’s and SimpliSafe’s wireless security systems work with Amazon Alexa voice commands. But ADT has expanded its smart home capabilities through its partnership with Google Nest* so you can also control your system through Google Assistant and have ADT technicians install Nest products alongside your security system.

Thumbs Up
Get a pro installation

While we love SimpliSafe as a DIY security system, if installing gadgets isn't for you, no problem. They also have a professional installation option starting at $99.99.

SimpliSafe's pricing and plans

No-contract pick
SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
Starts at$21.99/mo

SimpliSafe's equipment packages start around $250 and go up to about $730. Because the company sells only its own products, its equipment offerings are pretty basic, with no home automation equipment like thermostats or smart bulbs. But every security device is simple enough for the average homeowner to install.

If you want professional monitoring, you can choose from four plans, with the Standard plan at $21.99.

The higher-tier packages include mobile app access and alarm verification, which allows the COPS monitoring center to access your home security cameras in the event of an alarm to confirm that an emergency is taking place. You can cancel monitoring at any time or even choose to opt in only during months when you'll be out of town for long stretches.

You also get a lifetime hardware warranty and a 10% discount on equipment purchases with the three top-tier plans. (Yay for upgrades!)

ADT's pricing and plans

Most well-known
SafeStreets
ADT
4 out of 5 stars
4
Starts at$45.99/mo

The ADT installation fee varies depending on the number and type of devices you have installed. Don't be afraid to ask for discounts.

Because you're technically leasing the equipment—not purchasing it—you'll pay only the installation fee and one month of alarm monitoring up front. And since ADT monitors both homes and businesses, it has pretty much every home security device you might ever need and can fully cover any home, regardless of size.

As soon as your security system is activated, ADT will start monitoring it, and you'll be charged a base fee of $45.99 (or more) each month depending on additional equipment and services you choose.

SimpliSafe vs. ADT extended warranties

SimpliSafe offers a 60-day money-back guarantee if you're not satisfied with your system, and they'll even pay for return shipping. Every SimpliSafe product comes with a three-year limited warranty.

While ADT doesn't technically have a warranty, its Quality Service Plan (QSP) will cover any maintenance and comes included with most plans. ADT also offers a six-month money-back guarantee, but you'll get your money back only if ADT can't get your system operating properly.

Most of the stress points in ADT’s customer service have to do with long wait times on the company's 24/7 customer support line. The good news is that, from what we've seen in reviews, most customer complaints do eventually get resolved, even if it takes awhile.

SimpliSafe vs. ADT home automation

One of ADT's biggest advantages over SimpliSafe is its smart home integration capabilities. ADT wireless security devices run on Z-Wave technology, so they can communicate with a whole host of other Z-Wave devices, like smart lightbulbs, thermostats, plugs, and more.

Plus, ADT's partnership with Google expands its offerings to Google Nest products.

You can use the Google Home app to create routines that allow your ADT security system and smart devices to work together—like having your thermostat lower your home's temperature when your system is armed in "Away" mode to conserve energy in the wintertime.

SimpliSafe's home automation options are currently limited to voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and integration with August smart door locks. Using the SimpliSafe web app, you can have your August smart lock automatically lock or unlock when you arm or disarm your SimpliSafe security system.

We've heard that SimpliSafe is working to improve its home automation features for added compatibility, but ADT's the clear winner here for now.

Winner: SimpliSafe beats ADT by a hair

It's not often that we put the final verdict in our readers' hands, but with SimpliSafe vs. ADT, the decision mostly comes down to personal preference. But if you twist our arm, we'll say SimpliSafe is ultimately the better pick with satisfactory security at an affordable price—especially if you need to keep monthly payments low (and you want a little more freedom). If your lifestyle and budget allow for a pricier long-term commitment, then ADT's quality and device options are solid.

SimpliSafe

  • Easy DIY and pro installation
  • Low monthly monitoring fees

ADT

  • Low up-front costs
  • Home automation

How we decided: ADT vs. SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe keypad

Image: SafeWise, Alina Bradford

I evaluated ADT as both a long-time customer and an objective security expert. I also tested SimpliSafe's cameras, used its app, and conducted thorough research on its security system offerings.

SimpliSafe's evaluation was based on my experience testing its cameras and using its app along with thorough research into its security system offerings. Every SafeWise review is different, but our full methodology explains more about our most common methods for rating and reviewing products.

Related articles on SafeWise

Disclaimers

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided "as is" and is subject to change or removal at any time.

†Google, Google Nest Secure, Google Home, Google Nest Protect, and other related marks are trademarks of Google LLC.

ADT: $99.00-$199.00 Customer Installation Charge. 36-Month Monitoring Agreement required starting at $59.99 per month ($2,159.64). 24-Month Monitoring Agreement required starting at $59.99 per month ($1,439.76) for California. Form of payment must be by credit card or electronic charge to your checking or savings account. Offer applies to homeowners only. Local permit fees may be required. Satisfactory credit history required. Certain restrictions may apply. Offer valid for new ADT Authorized Dealer customers only and not on purchases from ADT LLC. Other rate plans available. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Smoke Detectors not available in all states. Services not available in all states.

Google Nest is a trademark of Google LLC. The Nest Hub Max requires a Wi-Fi network, a nearby electrical socket, and a compatible (Android, iOS) mobile device. A Google Account is required for full access to features. Minimum OS requirements are available at: Requirements for Google Nest and Chromecast devices - Android - Google Nest Help . iOS is a trademark of Cisco and is used under license.

Money back service guarantee only applies after ADT has made attempts to resolve a system related issue and has not been able to resolve that issue within the first 6 months of your contract. Equipment must be fully removed before a refund will be processed. Conditions preventing normal system operation cannot be caused by the customer.

Katie McEntire
Written by
As a renter, pet-owner, and woman living alone, Katie McEntire takes safety seriously. She’s tested devices like pet cameras, home security systems, and GPS trackers in her own home and devices in the name of safety. In addition to testing, writing, and reviewing for SafeWise, she also makes videos for the site’s YouTube channel. She’s been featured on publications like TechGuySmartBuy, Forbes, Healthy Moms, and Digital Care. Katie has a Bachelor’s degree in Technical Writing from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. She’s held previous writing positions at Overstock.com and Top Ten Reviews.

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