SimpliSafe vs. ADT: Which home security system is better?
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SimpliSafe and ADT are two of the most recognizable names in home security. On one hand, SimpliSafe is a DIY home security system that lets you tailor your protection. What’s more, you’ll be able to monitor your home even when you’re on the go, as you can install the native mobile app.
On the other hand, ADT provides advanced equipment and professional monitoring options. Plus, you’ll enjoy the smart home automation benefits thanks to its Alexa and Google Assistant integrations.
In order to help you find the best security system, I worked together with the Cybernews research team and analyzed SimpliSafe and ADT in depth. So, let’s find out more about SimpliSafe vs ADT cost, features, and ease of installation.
SimpliSafe vs ADT comparison table
Comparing ADT vs SimpliSafe can be tough because they’re both reliable home security companies. However, I found that ADT shines in professional services and monitoring, while SimpliSafe is great at affordability and offers contract-free home security.
| SimpliSafe | ADT | |
| ⭐️Rating | ||
| 💵Price | Starts from $112.50/month | Starts from $199.00/month |
| ⚖️Overall rank | #3 out of #9 | #6 out of #9 |
| 🛠️Installation | DIY and optional professional install | Professional (DIY option available with ADT Self-Setup) |
| 👁️Monitoring | Free self-monitoring or optional professional monitoring | Self-monitoring (free) or professional with tiered plans |
| 💲Equipment cost | One-time purchase, lower up-front costs | Leased or purchased, high up-front costs |
| 🧾Contract | No contract required, month-to-month plans available, cancel anytime | 36-month required contract (24 in California), early cancellation fees |
| 📱App control | The SimpliSafe mobile app, requires a higher-tier plan for full access | ADT+ and Control apps require higher-tier plans for full access |
| 🏠Smart home features | Basic integration with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and more | Advanced integration with Google Nest, Z-Wave devices, and more |
| 📞Customer support | Phone, chat, email (hours vary) | 24/7 support via phone, online chat, Facetime, online resources |
SimpliSafe vs. ADT similarities
SimpliSafe and ADT cater to different uses, though both provide high-quality home security. Here are a few ADT vs SimpliSafe similarities:
- High-quality equipment. Both companies offer specialist security hardware to secure entry points and detect threats. For instance, both offer door and window sensors, motion detectors, and high-definition indoor or outdoor cameras with night vision.
- Installation options. SimpliSafe and ADT both offer professional and DIY setup options. This is a pragmatic approach since it fits various customer installation preferences and needs.
- 24/7 monitoring. ADT offers 24/7 monitoring by default, while it is a paid add-on option with SimpliSafe. Both offer priority dispatch and video verification in higher-tier plans.
- Smart home integration. Both companies support smart home automation with integrations for Alexa, Google Assistant, and other smart home technologies.
- Mobile app control. Both setups allow you to control systems remotely, view live footage, and receive notifications via their proprietary apps. However, full app functionality (remote arming/disarming and more) comes with the higher tiers in both cases.
- Customer support. Both companies focus on customer satisfaction. They both offer support via phone, chat, and online resources.
SimpliSafe vs. ADT differences
Let's look at the differences between the two. Generally speaking, SimpliSafe is geared toward flexible home security essentials, while ADT is a premium, fully managed service.
Here are some more specific differences:
- Service and support. ADT is traditionally known for its 24/7 professionally monitored solutions via multiple company-operated centers. Simplisafe, on the other hand, is handled by a third-party provider, and its service hours may vary.
- Contract obligations. Generally, you will enter a 36-month contract with ADT, plus early cancellation fees. Conversely, SimpliSafe does not require a contract to set up. You can cancel the month-to-month plans anytime without penalties.
- Pricing structure. The ADT home system generally follows a leasing model with higher upfront equipment prices and recurring monthly fees from leasing costs and professional monitoring costs. SimpliSafe has an upfront purchase model where you own the equipment, and monitoring plans are month-to-month (or you can self-monitor for free).
- Smart home features. ADT integrates more deeply than SimpliSafe. It integrates with Google Nest products and Z-Wave devices and offers more advanced smart home features like automation via Google Assistant and third-party smart devices. SimpliSafe focuses on basic home integrations, supporting Alexa, Google Assistant, and some smart locks, but with fewer automation options.
ADT vs. SimpliSafe What’s included?
My table below is a quick-reference guide to what SimpliSafe and ADT home security packages offer. Keep in mind that this table focuses on the equipment, services, and features you get right out of the box with a standard subscription. So, you might need to upgrade your plan for additional functionalities. But let’s have a look:
| What’s included | SimpliSafe | ADT |
| Base station/Hub | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Keypad | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Mobile app access | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| DIY installation | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Professional installation | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| 24/7 professional monitoring (default) | ❌ No (add-on) | ✅ Yes |
| Free self-monitoring | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (DIY only) |
| Contract required | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Entry sensors | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Motion sensor | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Glass break sensor | ❌ No (add-on) | ❌ No (add-on) |
| Smoke/CO sensor | ❌ No (add-on) | ❌ No (add-on) |
| Indoor camera | ❌ No (add-on) | ❌ No (add-on) |
| Outdoor camera | ❌ No (add-on) | ❌ No (add-on) |
| Smart home integration | ✅ Basic | ✅ Advanced |
| Full app features (with subscription) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Video verification (with subscription) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Priority dispatch (with subscription) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Lifetime warranty (with subscription) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Hardware discounts (with subscription) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| 24/7 customer support | ❌ No (hours vary) | ✅ Yes |
Now that you’re more familiar with the SimpliSafe and ADT security packages, you should know what you’ll get with the base package. SimpliSafe and ADT include a base station, keypad, mobile app access, DIY installation, and professional installation in their starter plans.
Other things that both home security systems provide are full app features, video verification, and priority dispatch. Plus, you’ll get free self-monitoring, entry sensors, and motion sensors.
What’s more, the entry-level price of ADT offers a default 24/7 professional monitoring. SimpliSafe’s basic package lacks such a feature. Instead, it has contract-free plans with optional monitoring.
However, the initial SimpliSafe cost also includes a lifetime warranty and hardware discounts with certain subscriptions, which is something that ADT lacks.
Still, there are a few features you won’t get regardless of whether you choose SimpliSafe or ADT. To enjoy the benefits of glass break sensors, smoke/CO sensors, and indoor and outdoor cameras, you’ll need to pay extra.
ADT vs. SimpliSafe: features and tech
Next, I have compared several specific features and technologies that ADT and SimpliSafe offer for their home security systems. I have focused on security cameras, monitoring, installation, and apps.
Security Cameras
Although both SimpliSafe and ADT are offering security cameras, there are still some crucial differences between the two companies.
Starting off with ADT, you’ll enjoy higher-end features like facial recognition, continuous recording, and wider fields of view, with seamless smart home integration. That’s because of its partnership with Google Nest.
When it comes to SimpliSafe, you can be sure that its cameras are easy to install, provide reliable HD video, and are more budget-friendly. Still, they lack some advanced smart features.
So, let’s briefly go over my ADT vs SimpliSafe comparison table to get the whole image:
| Feature | SimpliSafe cameras | ADT cameras |
| Resolution | 1080p HD (new models) | 1080p HD (all models) |
| Field of view | 120° (indoor) | 130° (outdoor), 135° (indoor) |
| Night vision | Basic IR | Advanced IR, HDR (Nest) |
| Smart detection | Motion | Person/pet/vehicle, facial recognition |
| Continuous recording | No | Yes (Nest Aware) |
| Facial recognition | No | Yes (Nest Aware) |
| Integration | SimpliSafe system/app | ADT + Google Nest ecosystem |
| Installation | DIY | Professional or DIY |
| Price | More affordable | Higher, premium features |
As you can see, both brands offer 1080p HD resolution and night vision. However, ADT’s Nest cameras have more advanced smart detection and integration options.
But if you’re interested in video verification and continuous recording, you can get them with ADT’s higher-tier plans. Compared to it, SimpliSafe’s advanced camera features require a subscription.
Monitoring
ADT and SimpliSafe have different approaches in the way they offer security monitoring to homeowners.
One thing that sets ADT apart is its 24/7 professional monitoring as a standard feature in all of its plans. Due to this, you’ll be connected to the robust ADT network of monitoring centers across the whole country.
On top of it, its redundancy is crucial because even if one monitoring center goes offline, another one takes over, ensuring uninterrupted service. That said, ADT’s main monitoring plans are:
- Secure Monitoring: You’ll enjoy basic intrusion and life safety monitoring.
- Smart Monitoring: You can benefit from the smart home controls.
- Complete Monitoring: You’ll get faster emergency response due to ADT’s video verification functionalities.
The initial cost of ADT security monitoring plans is $29.99/month. However, they all require a long-term contract. Plus, its video verification and smart home integration are only available in higher-tier plans.
In contrast, SimpliSafe focuses on flexibility. Due to this, you can choose free self-monitoring (with limited notifications) or go for professional monitoring on a month-to-month, no-contract basis.
However, if you want professional monitoring, you need to pay the SimpliSafe cost of at least $21.99/month. Keep in mind that the price may go up to $79.99/month for the plans with advanced features like video verification, Live Guard Protection (two-way camera intervention), and secret alarms.
Ultimately, if you want to upgrade to some of the professional SimpliSafe plans, you’ll enjoy cellular backup and environmental monitoring. The best part is that you’re able to upgrade or downgrade anytime.
Now, let me compare the monitoring plans of SimpliSafe and ADT side-by-side, so you can make an informed decision:
| Feature | SimpliSafe | ADT |
| Free self-monitoring | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (except limited DIY option) |
| Professional monitoring required | ❌ No (optional, month-to-month) | ✅ Yes (required, contract-based) |
| Contract required | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (36 months typical) |
| Network reliability | Third-party monitoring, hours vary | Multi-center ADT-owned, 24/7 redundancy |
| Video-verified alarms | ✅ Yes (higher-tier plans) | ✅ Yes (higher-tier plans) |
| Live agent intervention via camera | ✅ Yes (higher-tier plans) | ❌ No |
| Cancel anytime | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (early-cancellation fees) |
| Monthly monitoring cost | $21.99-71.99 (no contract) | $29.99-44.99 (contract required) |
| Smart home integration | Basic (Alexa, Google Assistant) | Advanced (Google Nest, Z Wave, more) |
Based on my review, I can say that ADT’s monitoring plans have a few more features, such as professional monitoring and advanced smart home integration. But if you’re looking for a no-contract home security solution, then SimpliSafe can be your perfect option.
Installation
You can primarily install SimpliSafe DIY. Still, it offers professional installation. On the other hand, ADT focuses on professional installation, but you can benefit from its DIY option. But don’t worry. I’ve got your back. Let’s go into more detail.
SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe’s installation is a breeze. You just need to place the base station, position the entry sensors, install the motion sensors, and activate the system. The best part is that the SimpliSafe sensors don’t require drilling. Most of them are peel-and-stick, making your installation even easier.
ADT
When it comes to ADT, you don’t need to do anything. Their crew will arrive at your home and install everything. Also, they’ll explain to you how everything works, which is great if you don’t have any technical expertise.
Both SimpliSafe and ADT have simple installations. The only difference is that SimpliSafe focuses on flexibility and customization, while ADT is better for non-technical users.
App
SimpliSafe and ADT also have mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices. Each app has all the features you need for remote system control and monitoring.
SimpliSafe app
The SimpliSafe Home Security app allows you to arm/disarm the system, view live video, and receive notifications, including access to a timeline of events. Many users highlight the app’s ease of use, which has earned it a 3.8-star rating on the App Store and 4.5 on Google Play. However, some users report camera connectivity issues and frustration over the inability to delete video timelines manually.
ADT Pulse app
ADT’s app offers similar functionality with added integration for smart lights, locks, and thermostats. Due to this, you can have a more integrated smart home experience.
ADT’s app also supports custom scenes and scheduling, which enrich automation options for home or business security. This expanded functionality may have contributed to its high ratings – 4.8 on the App Store and 4.7 on Google Play – although some users have expressed dissatisfaction with notification delays and occasional connectivity issues.
| Features | SimpliSafe app | ADT app |
| Arm/disarm system | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Live camera view | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Push notifications | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Download/save video clips | ✅ Yes (with subscription) | ✅ Yes (with subscription) |
| Smart home integration | Basic (Alexa, Google Assistant) | Advanced (Google Nest, Z-Wave, Alexa, more) |
| Remote device control | Limited (with subscription) | Full (lights, locks, thermostats, scenes, etc.) |
| App store ratings (iOS/Android) | 4.8/4.4 | 4.8/4.4 |
| Apple Watch support | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Location-based automation | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Customer support via app | ✅ Yes (chat, email, phone; hours vary) | ✅ Yes (24/7, includes FaceTime) |
| Full features require a higher-tier plan | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
As you can see, both mobile apps of these home security systems offer a wide range of features. However, ADT sets itself apart because it has location-based automation and Apple Watch support.
Plans and pricing (+ comparison table)
Now, I’d like to provide you with a clear breakdown of the key costs, so here’s a quick comparison table for SimpliSafe and ADT’s plans. This table covers monitoring, equipment, contract terms, and installation fees.
| SimpliSafe | ADT | |
| Monitoring cost | Starts at $21.99/month for Standard Plan, up to $31.00/month for Fast Protect™ Plan (no-contract) | Starts at $24.99/month for Secure Monitoring, up to $44.99/month for Complete Monitoring (36-month contract) |
| Equipment cost |
|
|
| Contract | Month to month with no contract | 36-month minimum (early cancellation fees apply) |
| Installation fee | Free for DIY, or optional $99–$124.99 for professional setup | $99–$199 for professional installation (mandatory for ADT Command) |
The two systems vary widely in pricing. However, what you get is also quite different in each case. In my view, SimpliSafe is perfect for users looking for a budget-friendly and flexible option with contract-free monitoring plans and DIY installation.
On the other hand, ADT comes with a higher upfront cost and long-term commitment in exchange for an extensive suite of features. These features include professional installation and advanced smart home integration.
Other home security systems you might be interested in:
SimpliSafe vs. Ring: Which home security system is better?
ADT vs. Ring: Which home security system is a better choice?
Arlo vs. Ring: Which security system is better for you?
Vivint vs. ADT: Which security system wins the competition?
Final word on the SimpliSafe vs. ADT comparison
SimpliSafe and ADT are two of the best home security systems. Although they have differences, they cater to various user needs. SimpliSafe is ideal if you’re looking for customization and DIY options, while ADT has a comprehensive suite of features and professional installation.
In terms of plans, SimpliSafe is the better option. There are no long-term contracts, and it’s pretty affordable. You can also control your setup and minimize the monthly costs.
Compared to it, ADT is a more premium home security system, which requires a 36-month contract. However, you’ll get additional and more advanced features by going for ADT, such as advanced smart home functionalities.
Still, the choice depends on your needs and preferences, so pick wisely.
FAQ
How does ADT self-setup work?
ADT’s Self-Setup option lets you install the security system by yourself. You can choose from several pre-paired devices (cameras, sensors, devices) and set them up through the ADT app. It begins with account creation via the app, followed by smart home hub setup.
Can I self-monitor with ADT?
Yes, ADT’s Self-Setup allows self-monitoring. You can control the system via the ADT app, receiving alerts and managing devices. However, ADT will not contact emergency services for you during an alarm event. You will not get 24/7 oversight with this option.
What is the downside of SimpliSafe?
One downside is limited smart home compatibility compared to ADT.
SimpliSafe offers basic integration with Alexa and Google Assistant but lacks ADT's advanced automation features.
Some users reported occasional camera connectivity issues, while some did not appreciate the video quality.
Which security system is better for renters?
SimpliSafe is the better security system for renters because of its practicality, flexibility, and costs.
SimpliSafe is significantly cheaper than ADT and offers a quick setup with peel-and-stick elements. SimpliSafe is also contract-free, meaning renters can relocate their system without penalties.
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