Alternatives to ADT Home Security Systems (2026)

Looking for the best home security system — but not sure ADT is right for you? We’ve tested and compared top-rated systems that offer lower costs, flexible contracts, and smart home features without the long-term commitments.

We compared the top home security systems based on pricing, contracts, equipment, customer service, installation, and monitoring — so you can find the right fit for your home.

ADT is one of the most established names in home security — but it’s not always the most flexible. Long-term contracts, required professional installation, and dealer-based availability can make it harder to customize your system or switch providers later on. That’s why many people consider newer alternatives with simpler setups and more control.

Here's a roundup of the top things people look for when they switch from ADT.

• No long-term contracts
• Lower monthly monitoring costs
• Easier DIY installation options
• More flexible plans and equipment

Unlike ADT, you don't have to get your SimpliSafe equipment in a pre-configured bundle. 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 support Zigbee or Z-Wave protocols, so compared to ADT and Vivint, you won't get as many options for smart home automation.

One thing SimpliSafe has that the others don't is Active Guard Outdoor Protection. When combined with SimpliSafe's outdoor cameras, this advanced monitoring service puts live guards on the job either overnight or 24/7, depending on the plan you choose. When your system is triggered, the guards can see what's happening in real time, interact with suspicious characters, and call for help immediately. It's the definition of proactive home security. 

• Why we picked it: SimpliSafe does things very differently from ADT, so it's a great choice if you want a system you can install and monitor yourself with as-needed pro monitoring.  And if you want the highest level of professional monitoring, SimpliSafe's Active Guard can't be beat. 

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

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

Vivint offers more equipment than ADT, including an extra panic button and a smart light. 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.

Both ADT and Vivint offer standard contracts, but Vivint lets you skip one if you buy your equipment outright. That's a big advantage when you're looking at a contract that could last anywhere from three to five years — especially when you consider termination penalties. You're expected to pay 100% of your remaining balance if you cancel Vivint, but ADT gives a slight break at 75%.

• Why we picked it: Vivint mirrors ADT's business model with professional installation and an owned-and-operated monitoring center, so it's a natural alternative for people who like ADT but want smart home equipment options and the chance to skip a contract.

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

A big reason people want an alternative to ADT to protect their home is a reputation for unhappy customers. ADT's contracts have a lot of fine print, and if you don't read it all before you commit, it can be frustrating (and costly) later on. This is where Cove really outshines ADT. Cove is known for listening to customers and customer-first policies like no-hassle cancellation, a 60-day trial period, and a monthly $5 credit toward new or upgraded equipment. 

Cove hits a lot of other high points compared to ADT, including no mandatory contract and easy DIY installation. The biggest drawback of this no-contract system is the required professional monitoring. There's no option to monitor your system yourself.

That's not enough to discourage Cove's fans. It has the highest customer ratings of any security system we've reviewed. Customers praise the easy setup, friendly customer service support, and transparent pricing. 

• Why we picked it: Cove has the one thing that might be kryptonite to ADT's legacy in the home security world — Cove customers love their systems, and the company that operates them. With a bevy of customer-first policies, Cove is a great pick if you feel once bitten and twice shy after ADT.

Read our complete Cove review.

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.

Long contracts, a complicated moving policy, and high termination fees are big sources of 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. You'll need to pay upfront for equipment, whereas ADT provides free equipment in exchange for a three-year monitoring contract.

Getting a security system for free may seem tempting, but 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.

To help, we made a comparison chart below based on the minimum monthly fees and the cost of a basic equipment package. Consider making your own chart based on the exact equipment and monitoring packages you would choose from each company to get the most accurate result. 

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. If you're not sure where to put cameras or motion sensors for maximum coverage, for example, a professional installation team might give you extra peace of mind. 

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 type of monitoring feels right to you before you start shopping around.

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.

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, it's not right for everyone. SimpliSafe, Vivint, and Cove are solid alternatives.

• SimpliSafe is great if you want flexible monitoring options: self-monitoring, video-only, or Active Guard, with simple equipment you can install yourself.
• Vivint offers professionally installed equipment at a lower rate, including state-of-the-art smart home cameras with theft-deterrent technology. 
• Cove has a legion of loyal fans, low monthly monitoring fees, and fast emergency response.

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.