SimpliSafe vs. ADT

According to our survey of 2,500 home security users, ADT and SimpliSafe are among the most popular security systems of 2025. They're both high-quality, trusted brands, but they cater to different groups of people.

• ADT is a partially hardwired, professionally installed security system that's better for homeowners who want high-end cameras and smart home devices. It requires a 36-month contract.
• SimpliSafe is a completely wireless home security system with month-to-month monitoring contracts. You can install and monitor it yourself if desired, but SimpliSafe doesn't offer quite as much equipment as ADT.

We've tested the equipment, surveyed real users, read customer reviews, and interviewed brand reps to learn the ins and outs of both brands. In our ADT vs. SimpliSafe review, we'll explain the major differences and help you decide which one is best for you. 

Contracts and cancellation: SimpliSafe contracts renew every month, so it's easy to cancel without penalty. ADT requires at least a 36-month contract, and you may have to pay up to 75% of your remaining balance if you want to end the contract early.

For financial advice around long-term security system contracts, check out Consumerfinance.gov's cancellation resources.

Upfront fees: ADT bundles its equipment and monitoring fees into one monthly payment. With SimpliSafe, you can pay for equipment upfront or finance it with a third-party service like Affirm.

Monthly fees: SimpliSafe has more affordable starting fees for professional monitoring. However, if you want all the bells and whistles, ADT ends up being $15 cheaper each month. 

Equipment selection: ADT offers pretty much every security device available, while SimpliSafe's system excludes things like garage door sensors and touchscreen panels.

Installation: ADT systems are professionally installed by local dealers with ADT installation costs from $99 to $199, but you can install your SimpliSafe system yourself (we did, and it's really easy) or pay for pro installation. ADT technically offers a DIY option through ADT Self Setup, but it's a completely different set of security equipment.

Power source: SimpliSafe equipment runs off batteries or are plugged into a standard wall outlet. ADT's control panel plugs into a standard wall outlet, and some of its equipment (like the Google Nest Cam and Google Nest Thermostat) can be hardwired into your home's electrical system. The wired devices include backup batteries for continuous protection.

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. All ADT plans include cellular backup, whereas SimpliSafe only offers cellular backup with its pro monitoring plans. ADT also offers a landline option for areas with poor connectivity.

Reliability: We found ADT's devices to be more reliable than SimpliSafe's, with more consistent connectivity.  ADT’s Google Nest 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 contract-free security systems like SimpliSafe.

Smart home integration: Both ADT’s and SimpliSafe’s security systems work with Amazon Alexa for voice control. But ADT has expanded its smart home capabilities through its partnership with Google Nest* so you can also control your system through Google Assistant and have ADT technicians install Nest products alongside your security system. ADT also integrates with tons of Z-Wave products for convenient smart home automation.

Monitoring plans: A monitoring plan comparison pitting ADT vs Simplisafe monitoring plans shows the flexibility of SimpliSafe's options. You can monitor the system yourself for free with no-contract home security, buy a few days' worth of pro monitoring when you go on vacation, or go all-in with pro monitoring. ADT only offers continuous professional monitoring. 

Monitoring centers: ADT owns and operates six fully redundant monitoring centers in the U.S., which means something like a natural disaster or a blackout won't compromise your system. SimpliSafe currently owns and operates one monitoring center, which leaves it more vulnerable. 

Live video monitoring: SimpliSafe monitoring agents  can talk to people through the Outdoor Camera Series 2 after AI detects a threat, which may help prevent a break-in. ADT monitors can also check live video footage to verify an alarm, but they can't intervene to scare away trespassers. 

Money-back guarantee: ADT offers a 6-month money-back guarantee, which is three times longer than SimpliSafe's 60-day guarantee.

Theft protection guarantee: ADT will pay up to $500 toward your insurance deductible if your home is burgled while the ADT system is armed. SimpliSafe doesn't offer this perk.

Warranty: Every SimpliSafe product comes with a three-year limited warranty. While ADT doesn't technically have a warranty, its Quality Service Plan (QSP) will cover any maintenance and comes included with most plans. 

Monitoring centers: Neither SimpliSafe nor ADT outsources their professional monitoring services. Both companies own and operate monitoring centers that have earned the rare ANSI/TMA Alarm Validation Scoring Standard (AVS-01) UL-Listed Certification. 

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.

Duress PINs: Both ADT and SimpliSafe allow you to set up a code that you can use to disarm the system while sending a secret distress call to the monitoring center. If you were ever threatened by an intruder to turn off the alarm or give up the code, using the duress PIN would silence the system for your safety while the monitoring center calls the police behind the scenes. 

Mobile app: Both companies have highly rated 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. Although you used to have to pay extra to get mobile app access, both companies now offer it with all plans.

Guest app access: If you have house guests or want your neighbor to let themselves in to water the plants while you're away, you can grant them guest access to your ADT or SimpliSafe app. ADT goes a step further with its Trusted Neighbor system, which uses facial recognition to let people into the house.

SimpliSafe is a solid choice for flexible home security. If you're not sure whether you want monitor the system yourself or leave it to the pros, SimpliSafe can help you test the waters. And if you ever need to start pinching pennies, it's nice to be able to pause SimpliSafe's monthly fees at any time. 

You also get flexibility with installation. SimpliSafe's easy step-by-step instructions are designed for DIY installation, but you can have the system professionally installed if you prefer.

We also love SimpliSafe's Active Guard monitoring feature. SimpliSafe's professional monitors can tell a would-be burglar that they've already been spotted poking around your property, which can prevent a burglary from taking place. ADT doesn't offer this feature.

Active Guard monitoring does make SimpliSafe more expensive than ADT, but you can choose to pay for it only at night, only when you go on vacation, or any other time you think you need it.

Read our SimpliSafe review to learn more.

ADT smart home compatibility is strong, so if you like the idea of installing hardwired cameras for a reliable connection and you're interested in smart home automation, ADT is a good option.

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 for a lower up-front cost, but its monthly professional monitoring fees end up costing the same (or even a little less) than SimpliSafe's. Your ADT monitored system is also professionally installed and maintained, which can be great for busy people. 

Be ready for a commitment with ADT. If you're not sure you can afford the system for three to five years, SimpliSafe may be the better option. 

Read our ADT review to learn more. Or, check out ADT's DIY option, ADT Self Setup.

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.

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. 

Our 2025 survey shows that 55% of home security buyers prefer to self-monitor their systems, and 50% also want to install the system themselves. Add-ons like smart home devices don't appeal to the majority of buyers, and most folks choose contracts that last two years or less.

With all of this in mind, we think SimpliSafe is ultimately the better option for most people. But there's nothing wrong with ADT if you're drawn to its equipment, prestige, guarantees, and pricing structure. Both brands are top of the line.