SimpliSafe vs ADT Comparison

The rivalry between these two titans of the industry started out due to their differences. ADT used to require professional installation and monitoring, while SimpliSafe was predominantly a DIY system. But as years have gone by, SimpliSafe and ADT started to look increasingly similar. We tested both systems side-by-side, and here’s what we think.

Picking between SimpliSafe and ADT would have been easy a few years ago. They were so different that if you wanted a DIY system, SimpliSafe would have been the easy pick for you, and if you wanted a full-service system with strong professional monitoring, ADT would have been perfect. But like we said, these two security systems are looking a lot more similar now.

SimpliSafe, while still DIY, added advanced monitoring features to its offering. Its monitoring centers can now keep watch over indoor and outdoor security cameras. Meanwhile, ADT has become a lot more flexible, offering DIY systems under the ADT Self Setup brand and lowering its monitoring prices.

So…what does all this mean? It means that now more than ever you need a handy guide to help you tell these two apart. We’ve been reviewing systems from both ADT and SimpliSafe for years. We’ve watched as each company has stuck to their respective niche, but also taken their cues from one another. But more importantly, we’ve lived with the current versions of each system in our homes, allowing us to get a sense of how they work day-to-day.

SimpliSafe Equipment

SimpliSafe vs ADT: An Overview of Two Top Home Security Systems

We should say up-front that ADT and SimpliSafe are two of the best home security systems. We love them for different reasons, but it’s clear that they both do one thing well, protecting homes from criminals, thieves, burglars, and home invaders.

ADT has been in business for over 150 years, and while we only started testing it in the mid-2010s, we are well aware of its reputation. It’s a brand built on customer service, offering top-notch professional installation and monitoring and an industry-best six-month money-back guarantee. And to prove that customer satisfaction is a priority, ADT listened to the market and started offering DIY security systems as well.

SimpliSafe, on the other hand, started out as a contract-free, DIY security system for apartments and renters, but we watched it blossom into one of the most well-rounded security systems. It’s still mostly DIY, but the professional monitoring options and equipment available can now go toe-to-toe with more advanced systems such as Vivint. And yes, it rivals even ADT now.

For more targeted information on each brand, you might start with our hands-on SimpliSafe review, which includes a look at their newest equipment. To learn more about ADT, have a look at our in-depth ADT review.

But enough about these two companies in isolation. Let’s talk about how they compare to one another.

A Quick Point-by-point Comparison of ADT and SimpliSafe

We stand by our claim that these two systems are quite different from one another. We admit, though, that they now have a remarkable number of surface similarities. So just to provide a context for thinking about them, let’s start by talking about those similarities before their more fundamental differences. Here’s a quick list of what they have in common.

• Equipment and Hardware – Both ADT and SimpliSafe offer wireless home security equipment as their bread and butter. The truth is that wireless is where the entire industry is focused these days. It is worth noting that if wired security is your thing, ADT is one of the few companies that offers this option. Another important point: SimpliSafe manufactures all of its own equipment, while ADT sources its equipment through companies like GE and Google Nest. Both offer solid, reliable devices, but this difference does mean SimpliSafe can offer packages at a lower price point.
• Smart Home Automation – Both SimpliSafe and ADT provide integration with Alexa and Google Home, and both systems are compatible with other third-party smart home devices, from Phillips Hue lightbulbs to Schlage smart locks. ADT, however, has partnered with Google, which, as you might expect, means it has a slight edge when it comes to Google Home functionality.
• Monitoring Services – ADT and SimpliSafe both offer some of the best round-the-clock monitoring services in the industry. ADT, for instance, has 12 monitoring centers with built-in redundancy, so you can be sure to get quick help any time of the day or night. Meanwhile, SimpliSafe offers a Fast Protect service that uses video verification to get emergency personnel on-site fast. Plus, SimpliSafe monitors are trained to talk you through an emergency or talk down a potential burglar when necessary. As of six months ago, both companies now offer self-monitoring options. SimpliSafe began life as a DIY company, so it has an edge here, but we expect ADT to be up to speed quickly.
• Smartphone Controls – These companies each have a mobile app that allows you to access and manage your system remotely using your smartphone. We have to give the nod to ADT for functionality here; their app offers more custom capabilities. That said, SimpliSafe’s app is well-designed and easy to use.

ADT App Controls

• Environmental Protection – Both brands offer environmental protection features such as fire and smoke detection, and water/flood monitoring.
• Cellular Monitoring – ADT and SimpliSafe both offer cellular backup, one reason why they’re both more reliable than other systems on the market. While primarily connected to the internet via Wi-Fi, both systems can use cellular signals to send alerts any time the internet fails.
• Installation – This used to be the most notable difference between these two companies, and it’s still probably more of a difference than a similarity, but things are definitely changing. ADT used to require professional installation on all its systems, at a cost between $100 and $200. SimpliSafe, on the other hand, has always been a DIY-installed system. You do all the work yourself, but on the plus side, there are no extra fees. Now, SimpliSafe offers professional installation starting at $125, and about a year ago ADT began offering its own ADT Self Setup Systems. We tested one ourselves, and while we weren’t impressed enough to put ADT on our list of Best DIY security systems, we can’t emphasize enough what a big change this is for the company.
• Costs & Fees – This is a tricky one. ADT used to require professional monitoring for a fee. SimpliSafe offers professional monitoring but has never required it. That’s a big difference. It means you can save on monthly fees if you go with SimpliSafe. But when it comes to equipment, the two currently offer comparable options ranging from $200 to $1,000. Both also let you finance these costs, though that locks you into a longer contract. If you are planning to use SimpliSafe’s professional monitoring, that price is, again, comparable to ADT’s. For example, the most basic SimpliSafe plan is about $7 cheaper per month than the cheapest ADT plan.
• Contracts – We mentioned this already, but ADT requires a three-year monitoring contract, minimum, for most systems. In contrast, SimpliSafe doesn’t require you to sign a contract at all. With SimpliSafe, you just pay for your equipment and then month-to-month for any monitoring services. However, keep in mind that SimpliSafe lets you finance equipment. Do that, and you’ll wind up with a contract through Affirm, their third-party financing partner.

• Money-Back Guarantee – All right, we have to give it to ADT on this one. Simply put, ADT has one of the best money-back guarantees in the industry. They give you up to six months to return your equipment and cancel your contract, risk-free. SimpliSafe’s guarantee isn’t bad — 60 days, or double the industry average of 30 days. Still, it’s shorter than 180 days.

SimpliSafe Packaging

SimpliSafe vs ADT: In-Depth Comparison of Home Security Systems

Now that we’ve established the basic parameters for comparing these two systems, let’s dig deeper and talk about some of their more substantive similarities and differences.

Equipment and Pricing

Let’s not beat around the bush. SimpliSafe is the more affordable of these two systems. Sometimes the bottom line can be deceptive, though. A lot goes into a system’s value, and talking about the raw prices isn’t always as straightforward as you might think. For instance, ADT doesn’t require a steep upfront fee, which might change the way you think about system costs. What will you pay for these two systems, and what do you get for your money?

ADT’s Costs

ADT’s monthly monitoring fee ranges from $29.99 to $44.99. That doesn’t include equipment financing which can range from $7.47 to $22.89 and up. Also, ADT charges an installation fee of about $99 to $199 unless you DIY the installation. Remember, you’ll be paying for monthly monitoring for 36 months if you sign a contract, which most systems require, so be sure you have it in your budget. To learn more, read our in-depth ADT pricing guide.

Build Your Own Package

ADT’s most basic package is its Build Your Own Package which starts at $37.46 per month for equipment financing and monitoring. In comparison to other security companies, the package is pricey, but you’re mostly paying for the monitoring service. Here is what you get with this package:

• 24/7 professional monitoring
• Cellular connection
• 1 window/door sensor
• System base
• ADT Secure Monitoring

Front Door Protection Package

The Front Door Protection Package starts at $64.96 per month and is an upgrade to the Build Your Own package, and it includes the Complete Monitoring plan that supports video. This package includes:

• 24/7 professional monitoring
• Cellular connection
• System base
• 3 window/door sensors
• 1 motion detector
• 1 smart door lock
• 1 Google Nest Doorbell (battery)
• ADT Complete Monitoring with Nest Aware

Total Safety Package

Starting at $78.71 monthly for monitoring and equipment, the main feature of the Total Safety Package is the wide range of cameras included in the package. It features everything you could need to protect a large home or medium-sized business with eyes in and out of your property. Here is what the Video and Smart Home Package includes:

• 24/7 professional monitoring
• Cellular connection
• 3 door/window sensors
• 1 motion detector
• 1 Google Nest Cam (outdoor or indoor, battery)
• 1 Google Nest Cam (indoor, wired)
• 1 smoke and carbon monoxide detector
• 1 Google Nest Cam with floodlight
• 3 water/temperature sensors
• 1 smart door lock
• 1 Google Nest Doorbell (battery)

SimpliSafe Costs

In contrast to ADT, with SimpliSafe you purchase equipment upfront, though you can finance this purchase through Affirm (with purchases of at least $150). Ultimately, though, you own all your equipment. That’s good news if you ever want to move.

Like ADT, SimpliSafe lets you build your own package. This option starts at $80. Or you can choose from pre-packaged systems — several more, in fact, than ADT offers. Pre-packaged systems start at $249.96, $150 less than the industry average of $400+. But you can also go with a more robust 10-piece system for $729.90. Keep in mind, as well, that these are retail prices, and SimpliSafe is almost always running a sale.

As for monitoring, SimpliSafe’s prices are more affordable than ADT. Full professional monitoring video verification is $32 a month, and you can get a basic monitoring plan for $22 a month. SimpliSafe also offers a true self-monitoring plan that’s entirely free, though you don’t get any video storage with that plan.

SimpliSafe SimpliCam Indoor

SimpliSafe Security System Packages

SimpliSafe offers seven separate equipment packages in addition to the build-you-own option. Below, we list both the MSRP prices and the 70 percent off sale prices from the 2024 Black Friday sale. To explore SimpliSafe’s packages and pricing further, check out our SimpliSafe packages and cost guide.

The Beacon

Costing $729.90 (sale priced at $219.00), The Beacon is the big daddy of SimpliSafe’s security systems. It is for people who want the total inside and outside home security. It includes:

• 1-base station
• 1-keypad
• 4-door sensors
• 2-motion detectors
• 1-outdoor security camera

The Lighthouse

The Lighthouse has a smaller footprint than The Beacon, so it is suitable for someone with a smaller home or who desires relatively less protection at the lower price point of $479.93 (sale-priced at $144.00).

• 1-base station
• 1-keypad
• 3-door sensors
• 1-motion detector
• 1-outdoor security camera
• 1-free wired indoor camera with professional monitoring

The Haven

The Haven package costs $529.86 (sale-priced at $159.00) and is great for people who want both home security and environmental protection.

• 1-base station
• 1-keypad
• 1-key fob
• 4-door sensors
• 2-motion detectors
• 1-alarm siren
• 1-temperature sensor
• 1-water sensor
• 1-panic button
• 1-smoke detector
• 1-outdoor security camera

The Knox

At $489.87 (sale-priced at $147.00), The Knox is a step down from the Haven, but it still offers whole home protection with some environmental monitoring.

• 1-base station
• 1-keypad
• 1-key fob
• 6-door sensors
• 2-motion detectors
• 1-alarm siren
• 1-smoke detector
• 1-outdoor security camera

The Hearth

For slightly smaller homes, The Hearth package packs a pretty good punch with entryway sensors and basic environmental protections for just $409.91 (sale-priced for $123.00).

• 1-base station
• 1-keypad
• 1-key fob
• 3-door sensors
• 1-motion detector
• 1-alarm siren
• 1-smoke detector
• 1-outdoor security camera

The Starter

If you’re looking for something basic and affordable, the $279.94 (sale-priced at $84.00) Starter package is a no-brainer. It’s ideal for very small homes and apartments.

• 1-base station
• 1-keypad
• 3-door sensors
• 1-motion detector
• 1-outdoor security camera

The Foundation

With SimpliSafe’s Foundation kit, you’ll get a lean home security setup for only $249.96 (sale-priced at $75.00). Just note that you’ll probably need to buy a couple of extra entry sensors a la carte.

• 1-base station
• 1-keypad
• 1-door sensor
• 1-motion detector
• 1-outdoor security camera

Contracts & Warranties

ADT’s Policies and Contracts

• Contract – Most ADT systems require a 36-month contract, though the company is making changes to this policy in line with its recent moves towards more DIY monitoring options.
• Money-Back Service Guarantee – To help cushion the blow of that 36-month contract, ADT offers one of the longer money-back guarantees in the business. There are no penalties if you cancel your ADT contract within the first six months. ADT will refund you the remaining monitoring expenses.
• Theft Protection Guarantee – If an intruder breaks-in or robs your home, ADT refunds you $500 of your insurance deductible.
• Warranty – For an extra fee, ADT offers its Extended Limited Warranty/Quality Service Plan (QSP). The warranty covers repair or replacement costs of equipment malfunction.
• Money-Back Service Guarantee – There are no penalties if you cancel your ADT contract within the first six months. Also, ADT will refund you the remaining monitoring expenses.

SimpliSafe’s Contracts and Policies

• Contract – SimpliSafe does not require any contracts or credit checks. However, their Core Monitoring costs $29.99 per month.
• Warranty – SimpliSafe offers a 3-year warranty from the date of purchase if you sign up for Standard Monitoring. For a lifetime warranty, you’ll need to sign up for Core Monitoring or above before your current warranty expires. The warranty covers defective material and workmanship under normal use.
• Money-Back Guarantee – SimpliSafe has a pretty generous 60-day money-back guarantee.

Main Features & Tech

If you want to really get down to brass tacks, here are the different features offered by SimpliSafe and ADT. Note that ADT is more advanced, but it’s also much more expensive.