Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- SimpliSafe at a Glance
- ADT at a Glance
- Key Differences Between SimpliSafe and ADT
- Key Similarities Between SimpliSafe and ADT
- SimpliSafe vs. ADT Comparison
- SimpliSafe vs. ADT Equipment and Sensors
- SimpliSafe vs. ADT Packages and Pricing
- SimpliSafe vs. ADT Installation
- SimpliSafe vs. ADT Professional Monitoring
- SimpliSafe vs. ADT Customer Support
- SimpliSafe vs. ADT Customer Reviews
- SimpliSafe vs. ADT Home Automation and App
- SimpliSafe vs. ADT Contracts
- SimpliSafe vs. ADT Verdict
- Methodology: How We Selected Home Security Companies
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When it comes to choosing the best home security system, you don’t want to take any chances. We did a deep dive into SimpliSafe vs. ADT—two popular yet pretty contrasting companies in the game. We’ll explain who would enjoy each company the most and where each company struggles. Get to know the top names before requesting a free consultation or signing any contracts.
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Key Takeaways
- SimpliSafe is a popular no-contract option with DIY and professional installation.
- ADT has been in the industry far longer and offers a longer list of home automation systems.
- Both companies receive strong reviews from customers and struggle with customer support.
SimpliSafe at a Glance
SimpliSafe is a leader in the industry and made our list of the best security systems of 2024. The DIY-friendly installation and range of monitoring plans offer plenty of choices for those looking to tailor their system to their budgets. A base station and keypad come with each package, though customers can add on an entry, motion and glass break sensor as well as an extensive list of additional hardware.
Compared to some products on the market, however, product selection is a bit low, and they do not commonly connect with all smart home technology. On the other hand, SimpliSafe is a comparatively low-risk investment since it has a 60-day money-back plan and options to monitor your own home for free without a contract. Customers can also choose to bundle their packages together for easier DIY design and at a discounted overall price.
ADT at a Glance
ADT has a long history in the industry, going back 150 years. Quite differently than SimpliSafe, ADT only offers professionally monitored plans and does not have a DIY monitoring element. However, the company recently launched its ADT Self Self Setup and Self Setup by ADT, its self-monitoring program. ADT also has an extensive warranty program and money-back guarantee for up to six months should a burglary happen during an activated monitoring plan.
Due to their extensive and highly regarded professional monitoring plan, ADT earned a 4.8 out of 5 against our methodology. It came in second in our list of best home security systems and includes an impressive list of hardware and smart home add-ons. Basic equipment includes motion detectors, a digital control panel, door alarms, window alarms and a motion detector. Customers can upgrade to Google Nest integration as well.
Key Differences Between SimpliSafe and ADT
- SimpliSafe offers more flexible DIY options than ADT
- ADT has been in the industry more than 100 years longer than Simplisafe
- ADT offers more advanced smart home integration options
Key Similarities Between SimpliSafe and ADT
- Both companies offer DIY installation options
- Customers can finance their systems with either company
- Both offer 24/7 monitoring options
- There is an app for both companies
SimpliSafe vs. ADT Comparison
So, what happens when you place SimpliSafe and ADT side-by-side? The two companies offer rather contrasting approaches to home security, but there are plenty of crossovers as well.
| FACTORS | SIMPLISAFE | ADT |
|---|---|---|
| Forbes Home Score |    | |
| Best For | DIY Installation and Flexibility | Professional Installation and Experience |
| Trial or Return Period | 60 days | 6 months |
| Base Station | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | Yes | Yes |
| Contract Length | N/A | 36 months (N/A for Self Setup) |
| 24/7 Monitoring | Optional | Optional |
| Free Consultation | No | Yes |
| Professional Installation | Optional | Yes |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Cameras and Sensors | Yes | Yes |
| Learn More | Read Forbes' Review | Read Forbes' Review |
SimpliSafe vs. ADT Equipment and Sensors
SimpliSafe and ADT both have rather extensive equipment options, the primary difference being their home automation options.
SimpliSafe Equipment and Sensors
A basic package with SimpliSafe includes their DIY-setup base station, which comes ready to go out of the box. The base uses a Wi-Fi connection but can connect to cellular networks as a backup. It can also connect to up to 100 sensors, respond to voice commands and includes a built-in battery in the event of a power outage. The SimpliSafe touchpad does not require hardwire installation and can go anywhere in your home.
Add-on equipment to the SimpliSafe system includes window, door and motion sensors as well as indoor, outdoor and doorbell camera options. You can also include hazard sensors for water damage, smoke and carbon monoxide detection as well as additional sirens, key fobs and a panic button.
ADT Equipment and Sensors
The ADT control panel is the heart of the system. It is also wireless and can be easily mounted on a wall or moved throughout your home like a tablet. You can also add keypads throughout your home. Similar to the SimpliSafe base station, ADT also offers the Home Hub, a small station used to regulate your home security equipment.
Additional equipment includes glass, window, motion and door sensors as well as varieties of Google Nest Cameras. Keychain remotes, a panic button (included in the control panel) and multiple Google Nest add-ons can round off your system.
SimpliSafe vs. ADT Packages and Pricing
Both companies include “build-you-own” customization options, as well as preset packages for their equipment. You can also choose DIY installation or professional installation for nearly all equipment for both companies. The option is relatively new for ADT, and you can still contact a representative for assistance during setup. SimpliSafe and ADT also both offer professional monitoring packages with different levels of monitoring, recording, and cloud storage.
SimpliSafe Packages
Let’s begin by breaking down the SimpliSafe packages a bit more closely. In addition to the build-your-own option, SimpliSafe offers five packages with catchy names such as The Beacon, The Lighthouse, The Haven and more. Plans vary based on the size of your home and the extent of monitoring and tailored equipment you prefer.
| FEATURE | THE BEACON | THE LIGHTHOUSE | THE HAVEN | THE KNOX | THE HEARTH | THE STARTER | THE FOUNDATION |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Station | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Keypad | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Entry Sensor | Four | Three | Four | Six | Three | Three | One |
| Motion Sensors | Two | One | Two | Two | One | One | One |
| Outdoor Cameras | Two | One | No | No | No | No | No |
| Panic Button | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Temperature Sensor | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Water Sensor | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Key Fob | No | No | One | One | One | No | No |
| 105 dB Siren | No | No | One | One | One | No | No |
| Smoke Detector | No | No | One | One | One | No | No |
SimpliSafe Pricing
When separated into the packages above, SimpliSafe prices vary widely depending on specific needs. The company frequently offers seasonal discounts and one month free on monitoring plans.
Each equipment package includes the same variations of monitoring options. These plans include a self-monitoring option without recording for free or a more advanced self-monitoring plan for $9.99. The latter of the two includes unlimited camera recordings that can be stored for up to 30 days. Standard professional monitoring jumps to $21.99 and the Fast Protect plan offers 24/7 professional monitoring as well as unlimited camera recordings and costs $31.99 a month. Both plans feature arm and disarm as well as lock and unlock features in the app. Also, neither plan requires a long-term contract.
| PRICING | THE BEACON | THE LIGHTHOUSE | THE HAVEN | THE KNOX | THE HEARTH | THE STARTER | THE FOUNDATION |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Equipment (Total) | $729.90 | $479.93 | $529.86 | $489.87 | $409.91 | $279.95 | $249.96 |
| Self Monitoring w/Recordings (Monthly) | $9.99 | $9.99 | $9.99 | $9.99 | $9.99 | $9.99 | $9.99 |
| Standard Monitoring (Monthly) | $21.99 | $21.9 | $21.9 | $21.9 | $21.9 | $21.9 | $21.9 |
| Fast Protect Monitoring (Monthly) | $31.99 | $31.99 | $31.99 | $31.99 | $31.99 | $31.99 | $31.99 |
ADT Packages
| FEATURE | BUILD YOUR OWN | OUTDOOR VIDEO | FRONT DOOR PROTECTION | TOTAL SAFETY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Station | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Door/Window Motion Sensors | One | Two | Two | Three |
| Indoor Cameras | Optional | Optional | Optional | One |
| Smart Lock | Optional | Optional | One | One |
| Nest Doorbell | Optional | One | One | One |
| Outdoor Cameras | Optional | Optional | Optional | One |
| Smoke Detector | Optional | Optional | Optional | One |
| Water/Temperature Sensors | Optional | Optional | Optional | Three |
| ADT Motion Detector | Optional | Optional | Optional | One |
| Yard Signs/Stickers | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The ADT packages focus on customizations and add-ons. While there is a starter and premium plan, be sure to add the right number of cameras and sensors for your home before considering your bottom line. There are far more smart home options with ADT, but fewer preset packages that incorporate price breaks.
ADT Pricing
| PRICING | BUILD YOUR OWN | OUTDOOR VIDEO | FRONT DOOR PROTECTION | TOTAL SAFETY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Equipment | $269 | $648.88 | $658.98 | $1,573.95 |
| Secure Home | $29.99/month | $29.99/month | $29.99/month | $29.99/month |
| Smart Home | $34.99/month | $34.99/month | $34.99/month | $34.99/month |
| Complete Home | $44.99/month | $44.99/month | $44.99/month | $44.99/month |
ADT breaks down its pricing model into two options. Customers pay either a flat or monthly fee for the equipment and then an additional monthly fee for professional monitoring. You can then choose between either DIY or professional installation, those restrictions apply for the DIY option depending on the equipment.
SimpliSafe vs. ADT Installation
With the new DIY ADT Self Setup program in play, the installation offers for the two companies are quite similar. SimpliSafe leans toward DIY installation, with many of its products ready to plug in and connect as soon as they arrive. That being said, they do not incorporate as well with popular smart home systems. If you require professional installation help, SimpliSafe’s fee starts at $125.
You can take a similar approach with ADT, but there is a set package of products for a DIY-friendly setup. Most equipment still benefits from their popular professional installation, which starts at $150. That being said, professionally installed systems get a six-month money-back guarantee.
SimpliSafe vs. ADT Professional Monitoring
The DIY-conscious SimpliSafe offers a self-monitoring plan and a professional plan with 24/7 monitoring. You can also upgrade to plans with unlimited recording and 30 days of cloud storage. Professional monitoring also includes alerts for floods, high temperatures and provides intruder deterrence.
There are three main levels of ADT monitoring and a self-monitoring option. Each pro plan includes 24/7 monitoring, alarm cellular backup, and voice control. The higher tiers include greater smart home automation controls, video verification, stored video clips, and Nest subscriptions.
SimpliSafe vs. ADT Customer Support
SimpleSafe has a help center, a live chat and a customer phone number. While the response times vary according to past customers, we were impressed with the multiple ways to reach a customer representative. ADT also offers direct chat on their app and website, by phone and by email. Their site includes a help center with common troubleshooting topics, how-to videos and user manuals readily available.
SimpliSafe vs. ADT Customer Reviews
SimpliSafe and ADT earned an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau, but ADT pulled ahead of the race on several popular review platforms. For example, it earned an impressive 4.5 star rating on Consumer Affairs while SimpliSafe only holds a 2.1. Keep in mind, however, that ADT is a much larger and older company with far more reviews to support a solid score.
Overall, customers generally find the ADT product easy to use and consistently reliable over time. There are also many glowing reviews for the installation team. On the other hand, customers complain about reaching customer service, particularly online and through the app. When issues occur several months after installation, reviewers have issues reaching a representative to resolve them.
SimpliSafe users rave about the ease of installation and the system’s great value. On the other hand, long-term customers report connectivity issues with the app and products failing after several years. Complaints also address difficulty reaching customer service and receiving refunds.
SimpliSafe vs. ADT Home Automation and App
Customers now expect home systems to connect with smart home integration apps such as Google Home, Alexa, and Apple HomeKit. ADT surpasses SimpliSafe when it comes to smart home compatibility, but both offer simple setup depending on the extent of the products. Additionally, the SimpliSafe and ADT apps are quite similar when it comes to functionality and customer reviews. Both apps come with basic plans and can arm or disarm the system from afar.
Home Automation Compatibility
| SYSTEMS | SIMPLISAFE | ADT |
|---|---|---|
| Google Home | Yes | Yes |
| Alexa | Yes | Yes |
| Apple HomeKit | No | No |
| IFTTT (If this then that) | No | Yes |
| Z-Wave/Zigbee | No | Yes |
ADT’s products automate using Google Assistant and Alexa and many elements of its system use familiar Google systems. For example, the higher of the two ADT monitoring plans includes a free Google Nest Doorbell. There is also an extensive list of smart home items linking to the ADT app, including smart lights, thermostats and smart plugs. SimpliSafe also connects to Alexa and Google Assistant, but the company does not offer Google products directly. That being said, its automation simplifies DIY setup even further and receives positive reviews.
SimpliSafe App
The SimpliSafe App is the primary way self-monitored customers can view their camera feeds from home. You’ll need to upgrade to keep recordings from your videos on the cloud, but all plans allow the app to assist with setup and smart home automation.
ADT App
Similarly to SimpleSafe, ADT Control allows all customers to view their cameras and arm or disarm their systems from afar. The app grows in functionality as customers add on monitoring plans and more products. You can control smart locks, thermostats and home status alarms through the app as well.
SimpliSafe vs. ADT Contracts
Our favorite thing about the SimpliSafe program is the lack of a required contract. Every contract is month-to-month and has no termination fee. ADT, while more established in the industry and offering more services, limits its customers to three- to five-year contracts for most of its plans. Cancellation fees can be quite hefty, equalling up to 75% of the remaining service charges for professionally monitored services.
SimpliSafe vs. ADT Verdict
SimpleSafe and ADT are both trusted companies and are ideal for different types of customers. SimpliSafe, for example, may be more ideal for the DIYer or renter who prefers to try out systems month to month. The system’s simple design always makes it a great pick for apartment security systems. Those who own their homes and intend to integrate a complex system into their home may prefer the industry leader ADT. Not only does the company have more home automation options, but there are extensive monitoring options as well.
What We Like About SimpliSafe
- Customers can get started without signing a contract
- There is a free self-monitoring option and a low-cost entry package
- Setup is quick and easy right out of the box
What We Like About ADT
- ADT has over 150 years of experience in the industry
- Customers can choose for extensive home integration with a range of smart systems
- Professional installation comes with a six-month guarantee
Methodology: How We Selected Home Security Companies
To determine the best home security companies ranking, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed 22 companies and 133 systems across 68 different attributes including app reviews, customer reviews, pricing and contracts and more.
You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates home security companies and products on our detailed methodology page.
*Google officially discounted support for its Nest Secure systems as of April 2024. All facts and figures were correct at the time of ranking. You can find other options on our best home security systems list.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is ADT as good as SimpliSafe?
ADT surpasses SimpliSafe when it comes to home automation and its extent of products. However, SimpliSafe has lower-priced packages and no-contract options, while most of ADT’s contracts run for at least three years and come with a large cancellation fee after 72 hours.
Does ADT provide professional installation services?
Yes, ADT provides professional installation services as well as a free in-home consultation to build a plan ideal for your home. While ADT recently added a DIY setup and monitoring plan to its options, most customers opt for the guaranteed professional installation.
Does SimpliSafe have a warranty?
SimpliSafe offers a one-year warranty on all of its products that can extend to a lifetime warranty with the Fast Protect plan. The warranties apply to systems purchased directly from the company and from authorized retail partners.
Is ADT worth the money?
The cost of ADT may be higher than other systems, but its 150 years in the industry and positive customer reviews make it a great deal for some customers. That being said, it’s important to note that ADT has long contracts for some programs, typically a minimum of three years, so it’s important to clarify whether you will need the system for that duration.
Do SimpliSafe and ADT have a trial or free return period?
Yes, both programs offer some form of return period. SimpliSafe has a 60-day money-back return window for its products and includes free shipping. ADT has a 30-day return policy on some of its products as well as a six-month money-back plan for professionally installed systems. You can also receive up to $500 of theft protection while the system is armed.
