Alternatives to ADT in 2025

We spent over 4k hours testing 25+ security systems and evaluating over 20 data points, and we found that Vivint, SimpliSafe, and Frontpoint are top alternatives to ADT. Here’s why.
Best for smart homes
Vivint
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
Starting from$29.99/mo
  • pro
    More affordable pro installation
  • pro
    Optional contract
  • pro
    Comprehensive equipment
Best for on a budget
SimpliSafe
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
Starting from$21.99/mo
  • pro
    DIY or pro installation
  • pro
    No contract
  • con
    Limited equipment
Best for doing it yourself
Frontpoint
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
Starting from$24.99/mo
  • pro
    DIY installation
  • pro
    No contract
  • pro
    Comprehensive equipment

For over 11 years, SafeWise experts have conducted independent research and testing to write unbiased, human reviews (not robots). Learn more.

Why you can trust SafeWise
products considered
250+
research hours in 25+ in-home tests
10k+
years of combined experience
176+
homes and people protected
10M+

With 20+ years in tech journalism, Alina blends safety expertise with her passion for simplifying technology. Alina is also trained as a first responder and worked as a volunteer firefighter. Kasey is a trained Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member, expert writer in emergency preparedness and security, and the mother of four kids.

Vivint is the best professionally-installed ADT alternative

Long contracts, high monitoring fees, frustrating sales reps—we get it. We've spent a lot of time over the years reviewing ADT-monitored home security, and despite its longstanding reputation as a leading home security provider, it's definitely not for everyone. 

The good news is that there are several quality home security alternatives to ADT, and we've rounded them up for you after dozens of hours of research.

We'll show you how these systems compare when it comes to pricing, contracts, equipment, customer service, installation, and monitoring.

Quick info: How to pick an ADT alternative

ADT alternatives: Vivint, Frontpoint, and SimpliSafe
  • If you still want a professionally installed and monitored system with high-tech equipment, Vivint is the best alternative to ADT.
  • If you're looking to switch to a basic system you can install yourself, with a self-monitoring option, then SimpliSafe is the best option.
  • If you want more equipment options with do-it-yourself installation and professional monitoring, then choose Frontpoint.

Compare ADT with these alternatives

Here are four strong alternatives to ADT and the main differences between each security company and the leading home security giant.

Brand
Starting monthly monitoring fee
Installation
Starting package price
Contract length
Smart home compatibility Icon Tooltip  Dark
Read review
Professional $0.003 years Amazon, Google,
Z-Wave
Professional$599.00None * Amazon, Google,
Z-Wave
Professional or DIY $249.96None Amazon, Google
DIY $129.00NoneAmazon, 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


Best alternative to ADT

1. Vivint: Best for smart homes

Cheapest professional installation
Vivint home security
SafeWise rating
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
Pro monitoring costs
Starts at$29.99/mo
Equipment costs
Starts at $599.00
Installation
Professional
Self monitoring?
No
  • Contract length: 3.5 to 5 years; no contract if equipment purchased upfront
  • Pro installation cost: $49.00
  • Pro monitoring cost: $29.99–$44.99
  • Financing available: Yes
  • Credit check required: Yes
  • Trial period: None
  • Equipment warranty: 4 months
  • Warranty plan cost: Included
  • Cancellation fee: 100% of remaining contract/equipment balance
  • Mobile app: Available with all plans
  • Smart home compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Z-Wave, Vivint smart devices
  • Smoke/CO monitoring: Available with entry-level plans
  • Medical alert: Available with all plans
  • Emergency dispatch: Video verification

When it comes to ADT alternatives, Vivint is probably ADT's top contender. Like ADT, Vivint offers professional alarm system installation, home automation, and professional monitoring through its in-house Five Diamond certified center, but it does all that for a lot less than the cost of ADT.

Vivint offers far more equipment than ADT, including an extra panic button, a smart light, a smart thermostat, and a unique Car Guard. Vivint's cameras also have a unique "smart deter" feature that sends potential porch pirates running. We're also big fans of the Vivint app, which makes smart home automation a snap.

ADT does pull ahead of Vivint in terms of experience and customer policies. ADT boasts over 150 years in the home security industry, whereas Vivint's been on the scene for around 20. Vivint's warranty is the shortest in the industry at just four months, whereas ADT offers a lifetime warranty.

You're expected to pay 100% of your remaining balance if you cancel Vivint, but ADT gives a slight break at 75%.

Read our Vivint vs. ADT review for our full head-to-head analysis, or check out our Vivint review.

Hide Caret Down  Light
SimpliSafe
  • pro
    Best overall home security system

2. SimpliSafe: Best for on a budget

Best overall security system
A SimpliSafe home security system displayed on a white surface, including a base station, keypad, entry sensor, and motion detector.
SimpliSafe home security
SafeWise rating
4.8 out of 5 stars
4.75
Pro monitoring costs
Starts at$21.99/mo
Equipment costs
Starts at $249.96
Installation
DIY or Professional
Self monitoring?
Yes
  • Contract length: None; month-to-month
  • Pro installation cost: Starts at $124.99
  • Active Guard Outdoor Protection cost: Starts at $50.00/mo.
  • Self-monitoring with camera recordings cost: Starts at $9.99/mo.
  • Financing available: Yes
  • Credit check required: No
  • Trial period: 60 days for equipment; 30 days for pro monitoring
  • Equipment warranty: 1 year standard; Lifetime with top-tier monitoring plans
  • Warranty plan cost: Included with monitoring plan
  • Cancellation fee: None
  • Mobile app: Available with all plans
  • Smart home compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Watch, Google Nest
  • Smoke/CO monitoring: Available with entry-level plans
  • Medical alert: Not available
  • Emergency dispatch: Rapid SOS, Active Guard monitoring, Video verification

SimpliSafe won our Best of CES award for 2025.

Image: SafeWise

SimpliSafe's main appeal is affordable monitoring, which is half the price of ADT's. There are no contracts, no cancellation fees, and you can choose to either install the system yourself, or get professional installation.

If you don't want your equipment bundled into a package like ADT, SimpliSafe's Build My System tool can help you choose only the devices you need. But selection is limited—while it includes the basics like sensors and security cameras, its devices don’t include protocol for Zigbee or Z-Wave devices, so compared to ADT you won't get as many options for smart home automation.

Luckily, there are SimpliSafe outdoor cameras and the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro now. Plus, its systems are compatible with August smart door locks, Amazon Alexa, and Nest.

Read our SimpliSafe vs. ADT review for our full head-to-head analysis, or check out our SimpliSafe review.

3. Frontpoint: Best for doing it yourself

Best do-it-yourself equipment options
A Frontpoint home security setup that includes a control panel, motion detectors, and a smart camera on a desk.
Frontpoint home security
SafeWise rating
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.75
Pro monitoring costs
Starts at$24.99/mo
Equipment costs
$386.93*
Installation
DIY
Self monitoring?
No

*Starter equipment package valued at $386.93 starts at $69 with contract.

  • Contract length: Month-to-month with upfront equipment purchase; 3 years
  • Pro installation cost: Starts around $129.99
  • Financing available: Yes
  • Credit check required: Yes, with third-party financing
  • Trial period: 30 days 
  • Equipment warranty: 3 years
  • Warranty plan cost: Included with monitoring plan
  • Cancellation fee: None if month-to-month; 80% of remaining contract
  • Mobile app: Available with all plans
  • Smart home compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Z-Wave, Frontpoint equipment
  • Smoke/CO monitoring: Available with all plans
  • Medical alert: Available with all plans
  • Emergency dispatch: Video verification, Rapid Response

It's hard to pin down Frontpoint as the best of any single category, but it offers a nice blend of equipment and customer-friendly policies. Plus, every single Frontpoint package comes with identity theft protection services, so it's really a two-in-one deal. 

With Frontpoint, you get a full suite of Frontpoint equipment (it's just missing an extra siren) that you install yourself. There's an option for no contract, in which case, there's no cancellation fee. Frontpoint's equipment is covered under a three-year warranty, which is as good as it gets besides ADT's lifetime offering.

Read our Frontpoint vs. ADT review for our full head-to-head analysis, or check out our Frontpoint review.

5 things to consider as you shop around

You're pretty sure ADT-monitored home security system isn't a good fit for you, but the number of other home alarm system options is overwhelming. Where to start? Here are some things to consider as you shop around for an alternative to ADT.

1. Contracts. How long do you expect to live in your current home?

Long contracts, a complicated moving policy, and high termination fees, are a big frustration for ADT customers, especially when an unexpected move hits.

If you think you might relocate within the next three years or you just don't want to be locked into a contract, look for a home security company with a portable security alarm system or no contracts or termination fees.

2. Cost. How much do you want to pay?

Getting a security system for free may seem tempting, but those systems are very basic, and they come with the burden of a three-year contract. Adding in extras like cameras and smart home control will cost you more in equipment, installation fees, and monthly monitoring fees.

It all adds up, and to get what you want, you may end up paying a lot more in the long run. Take the time to compare the costs over the course of three years before you decide which alarm system is right for you.

Image: SafeWise

3. Installation. Do you want professional or DIY installation?

One of the strengths of an ADT-monitored system is its fleet of experienced technicians who can get your alarm system up and running for you without you having to do a thing.

But that installation comes with an extra fee, and many companies are now offering systems that require little to no technical expertise to install so you can do it yourself.

ADT alternatives include both DIY and professionally installed alarm systems, so it's important to consider which you'd be more comfortable with.

4. Monitoring. Do you want professional or self-monitoring?

Just like with installation, you can go with a professional or a DIY option when it comes to monitoring your alarm system. ADT's mandatory professional monitoring with redundant security monitoring centers is great, but it definitely ups your monthly fees. If you want the reassurance of the ADT name without higher monthly costs, check out ADT Self Setup, the company's DIY option. 

There are companies out there offering a choice between professional monitoring through a monitoring center, self monitoring through an alarm app, or some combination of the two. It's a good idea to decide which feels right to you before you start shopping around.

Image: Google home mini smart speaker device with connected app on phone.

5. Smart home integration. Do you already own smart devices that may be incorporated into your new security system?

If you've already invested in smart home devices like a Nest thermostat, Amazon Echo, or Ring doorbell, you’ll probably want to find an alarm system that works with what you have so you can operate everything from one place.

While few alarm systems out there are compatible with everything, many are increasing their integrations every day, so it's a good idea to check and see what's compatible with your favorite devices.

Thumbs Down
What is the lawsuit against ADT?

There have been quite a few ADT lawsuits. Here are just a few:

How we reviewed alternatives to ADT

Box full of SimpliSafe equipment.

Image: The SimpliSafe box we received with all the equipment for testing.

We used our years of knowledge and hands-on testing to determine the best home security alternatives to ADT. We also considered hundreds of user reviews and reviews from other security professionals.

To put the cherry on top of this multi-layered research cake, we spoke one-on-one with brand representatives to learn everything we could about the security systems.

For more on how we review services and products, take a look at our Safewise methodology page.

Is there a better system than ADT?

ADT is kind of like a home security grandpa: it's old and wise, but it also holds on to some outdated notions like lengthy contracts, mandatory professional installation, and the idea that you have to be a homeowner to use their service. (Renters are referred to ADT Self Setup).

While we think ADT is a great security system, Vivint, SimpliSafe, and Frontpoint are solid alternatives.

  • Vivint offers professionally installed equipment at a lower rate, with state-of-the-art smart home cameras, including theft deterrent technology. 
  • SimpliSafe is great if you want lower monthly costs with simple equipment you can install yourself.
  • Frontpoint has a comprehensive equipment selection, getting you everything from smoke alarms to window sensors, all in a wireless security system you can install yourself.

To see how ADT stacks up to all the competitors, check out Safewise's expert review on residential security systems.

Newer companies might not have the experience of ADT, but they have a lighter touch and are more in tune with what many of today's consumers are looking for with more flexible, budget-friendly, DIY systems. They're definitely worth a look if you're ready for something different.

ADT alternatives FAQ

Most home security systems will come with an alarm panel, keypad (which may be included on the panel), two or more door and window sensors, a motion sensor, and a remote/key fob. Alarm systems that don’t have a keypad are usually controlled with an app. Once you have your basic system, you can purchase additional items like cameras, glass break sensors, and smoke detectors. Some companies offer lower prices by bundling these items together in discounted packages. 

No, not all home security companies operation their own monitoring stations like ADT. Many, like SimpliSafe, contract out their alarm monitoring to established monitoring companies. Vivint and Brinks have their own monitoring centers, while SimpliSafe uses a monitoring company called COPS and Frontpoint uses Rapid Response. 

ADT’s outdoor cameras are some of the best on the market. Its indoor cameras are high quality, but they don’t have the two-way talk like cameras offered by Vivint and Frontpoint. SimpliSafe cameras have microphones to pick up audio but no speaker for you to communicate with someone in your home through your phone. 

As someone who’s had a security system since long before apps were even a thing, I can tell you that app control makes life a whole lot easier.

Rather than calling a neighbor to check on an alarm when I’m not home, I can do it myself from the app on my phone. (Half the time it’s just a sensor going off because I need to replace the batteries.)

And instead of giving my mother the code to disarm the system and hoping she’ll be able to figure it out, I can unlock the door for her and turn off the system from anywhere using the app. It’s also nice to be able to check security cameras for reassurance when I’m not around.

Basically, when you’re out, apps give you the kind of control over your system you would have if you were home.

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.

Alina Bradford
Written by
Alina is a safety and security expert with over 25 years of experience. She has contributed her insights to CNET, CBS, Digital Trends, MTV, Top Ten Reviews, and many others. After testing thousands of devices, apps, services, and more, her goal is to make safety and security gadgets less mystifying one article at a time. In the early 2000s, Alina worked as a volunteer firefighter, earning her first responder certification and paving the way to her current career. Plus, she has tested hundreds of pieces of security and safety equipment over the years. Places published: CBS, MTV, CVS, Rachael Ray, eBay, Reader’s Digest, ConsumerAffairs, and more. Certifications: Fire Service Training, Oklahoma State University. Awards: Received the Experience Leader certificate from Authority, putting her “in the top 25% among the thousands of professional content creators analyzed by Authory for the Fall 2023 audit.” You can view more of Alina's work at alinabradford.com.

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