SimpliSafe vs ADT Comparison

The rivalry between these two titans of the industry has grown more intense over the last few years as they’ve begun to encroach on one another’s territory. Lately, SimpiSafe has started looking more like a full-service traditional home security company, while ADT is suddenly offering DIY installation and even self-monitoring options. We tested these two side-by-side, and here’s what we think.

Picking between SimpliSafe and ADT would have been easy a few years ago. They were almost entirely different. If you wanted a DIY system, SimpliSafe would have been the easy pick for you. ADT didn’t even offer DIY installation and monitoring. If you wanted a full-service system with strong professional monitoring, ADT was the obvious choice. But like we said, these two security systems are looking a lot more similar now.

SimpliSafe now offers advanced monitoring options. Its monitoring centers don’t just keep watch over indoor and outdoor security cameras. They provide new unique services like video verification of emergencies. 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 – protect 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’re well aware of the company’s legendary reputation. This is a brand built on customer service, offering top-notch professional installation and monitoring and an industry-best six-month money-back guarantee. It’s also a company that knows how to change with the times. The current home security market is all about DIY options, and to its credit, ADT has revamped its entire sales model to meet this new demand.

In contrast, SimpliSafe began life as a contract-free, DIY security system primarily aimed at apartment-dwellers and renters. Over the last several years, though, we’ve watched it blossom into a major force in the professional monitoring segment of the industry. Ultimately, this is a system that offers the best of all possible worlds. It remains DIY focused, but its professional monitoring and high-quality equipment can go toe-to-toe with more advanced systems such as Vivint. And just like that, a serious rivalry is born.

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 – While both of these brands provide outstanding protection from break-ins and burglaries, they also offer features that can keep you safe from environmental dangers, like smoke, fire, carbon monoxide, and flooding.
• 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. 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 – Here’s another area where these two have drawn closer together. SimpliSafe’s base systems are a little cheaper than ADT’s, but at the higher end, both offer packages that top out at about $750. SimpliSafe remains just a bit cheaper when it comes to monitoring if you’re comparing apples to apples. Both now allow customers to self-monitor, which can save additional money. And both give you installation options at similar prices. DIY for free, or pay between $100 and $200 for a professional to do it.
• 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

Bottom line, 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 raw price data isn’t always as straightforward as you might think. For instance, ADT generally charges more up front for equipment. That will affect some homeowner’s decisions. So what do these two systems cost, 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 up. Many ADT systems require you sign up for a 36-month contract, and financing can add even more time to your obligations. You want to be sure you’re ready to make that kind of long-term commitment before you invest. Finally, there’s the ADT installation fee to consider. Typically, the company charges between $99 to $199 for professional installation, but, of course, these days you can go the DIY route with ADT and pay nothing. You can get even more details in our full 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+, and $100 less than ADT’s cheapest package. 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 generally more affordable than ADT’s. A basic monitoring plan costs just $22 a month, $7 cheaper than ADT’s lowest-priced plan. Full professional monitoring with video verification is $32, and that’s also cheaper than ADT’s $44.99 a-month Complete Plan. SimpliSafe does offer an outdoor monitoring system that costs over $80 a month, but it features footage review through Active Guard. It’s also worth noting that SimpliSafe offers a true self-monitoring plan that’s entirely free, though if you want to record footage you’ll pay a nominal monthly fee for cloud storage.

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.