SimpliSafe vs. ADT

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.

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.

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

Monitoring: Both SimpliSafe and ADT offer professional monitoring, and both monitoring companies have six redundant monitoring centers so there’s never a problem getting help.

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. But with ADT, 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, and motion sensors.

Smart home integration: Both ADT’s and SimpliSafe’s wireless security systems work with Amazon Alexa voice commands.

Shopping experience: The differences between SimpliSafe and ADT start with the shopping experience. With ADT, you'll be paired with a sales rep who will help you figure out what you need over the phone or arrange a home visit. You can get everything you need from SimpliSafe online—just click and buy. ADT has a professional installer help you determine what equipment you need to secure your home.

ADT offers pretty much every security device available, while SimpliSafe's system excludes things like carbon monoxide detectors, garage door controls, and outdoor video surveillance.

Contracts: ADT requires a lengthy three-year contract, while SimpliSafe is entirely contract-free. With ADT, you'll pay a minimum of $36.99 a month for professional monitoring for all three years you're in your contract.

Installation: ADT systems are professionally installed by a licensed technician authorized by a third-party provider, but you can install your SimpliSafe system yourself.

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. ADT’s video cameras also have a smoother feed and better night vision.

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.

SimpliSafe's equipment packages start at $196 and go up to $499. Because the company sells only its own products, its equipment offerings are pretty basic, with no outdoor cameras (except the video doorbell) and no home automation equipment like thermostats or smart bulbs. But every security device is simple enough for the average homeowner to install.

If you want professional monitoring, you can choose from one of two plans: the Standard plan at $14.99 a month or the Interactive plan at $24.99 a month.

The Interactive package includes mobile app access and alarm verification, which allows the COPS monitoring center to access your home security cameras in the event of an alarm to confirm that an emergency is taking place. You can cancel monitoring at any time or even choose to opt in only during months when you'll be out of town for long stretches.

SimpliSafe also offers cloud storage plans starting at $5 a month for video recordings.

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.

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.

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.

Check out SimpliSafe to see which packages and monitoring plans might work for you—and read more in our SimpliSafe review.

ADT's base installation fee is $99, but an ADT home security insider told us that customers rarely pay that much. Don't be afraid to ask for discounts. The installation fee varies depending on the number and type of devices you have installed.

Because you're technically leasing the equipment—not purchasing it—you'll pay only the installation fee and one month of alarm monitoring up front. And since ADT monitors both homes and businesses, it has pretty much every home security device you might ever need and can fully cover any home, regardless of size.

As soon as your security system is activated, ADT will start monitoring it, and you'll be charged a base fee of $36.99 (or more) each month depending on additional services you choose.

Extras like app access, home automation, video recording, and a maintenance plan raise your monthly fees. Just to give you an idea, a home automation plan including an Echo Dot, a video doorbell, and two smartbulbs costs $62.99 a month.

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.

While ADT doesn't technically have a warranty, its Quality Service Plan (QSP) will cover any maintenance and costs just $5 more per month. 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 the ADT app to create scenes that allow your 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.

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.

Find out more in our full ADT Security review or visit ADT.

It's not often that we put the final verdict in our readers' hands, but with SimpliSafe vs. ADT, the decision really comes down to personal preference. If your lifestyle and budget allow for a pricier long-term commitment, then ADT's quality and device options are solid. But if you need to keep monthly payments low (and you want a little more freedom), SimpliSafe will still give you satisfactory security at an affordable price.

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 methoology explains more about our most common methods for rating and reviewing products.

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