SimpliSafe vs. ADT

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.

If you know that a three-year contract is just too big of a commitment for you—and you don't feel the need for fancy home automation features—then SimpliSafe is a solid choice for 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, though SimpliSafe’s home automation choices are more limited.

Read our SimpliSafe review to learn more.

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 (and you'll be tied to a contract), 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 and requires long-term contracts 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, Blue by ADT.

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.

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.

Contracts: ADT requires a  three-year contract, while SimpliSafe is entirely contract-free. 

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

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.

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 smart speakers like Amazon Echo. Each system also has options for smarter security with equipment like smart locks and smart thermostat integration.

As we mentioned, SimpliSafe is contract-free. SimpliSafe also 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.

ADT has a minimum contract length of 36 months, and it isn't easy to get out of. If you decide to cancel before your contract is up, you're required to pay 75% of your remaining monthly fees. (Restrictions apply.)

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.

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.

You can use a mobile 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.

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.

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.

• The Best Home Security Systems
• SimpliSafe vs. Frontpoint Home Security
• Frontpoint Home Security Review
• Vivint Smart Home Security Review
• Best DIY Install Alarm Systems