ADT vs SimpliSafe
Legacy monitored security vs the DIY upstart that changed home security pricing.
ADT has been the name in home security for over 145 years. SimpliSafe launched in 2006 to prove that professional monitoring doesn't require contracts, installers, or high monthly fees. Both protect your home, but the experience of buying, installing, and paying for each system couldn't be more different.
ADT
Always there -- for over 145 years
Advantages
- Largest professional monitoring network with 6 monitoring centers
- Professional installation ensures every sensor is optimally placed
- Google Nest integration for smart home devices and cameras
- 24/7 professional monitoring with police, fire, and medical dispatch
- Longest track record and brand recognition in home security
Drawbacks
- 3-year contract required with early termination fees
- Monthly monitoring costs are significantly higher than SimpliSafe
- Equipment costs are high upfront or rolled into financing
- Installation scheduling adds days or weeks to setup
- Customer complaints about cancellation difficulty are common
SimpliSafe
Whole home security. Made simple.
Advantages
- No contracts -- month-to-month monitoring with cancel anytime
- Easy DIY installation in under an hour with peel-and-stick sensors
- Professional monitoring at roughly half ADT's monthly cost
- Equipment can be taken with you when you move
- 24/7 professional monitoring with police and fire dispatch
Drawbacks
- Self-installation means sensor placement is on you
- Camera quality trails some premium competitors
- Smart home integrations are more limited than ADT's Google Nest ecosystem
- No local storage -- requires cloud subscription for camera recordings
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ADT | SimpliSafe |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Monitoring Cost | $28-$60/mo depending on package | $17-$28/mo (or self-monitoring free) |
| Equipment Cost | $200-$1,000+ upfront or financed | $200-$500 for typical system |
| Installation | Professional (included or fee-based) | DIY peel-and-stick; professional install available for $79 |
| Contract Requirements | 3-year contract with early termination fee | No contract -- month-to-month |
| Monitoring Infrastructure | 6 redundant monitoring centers, 24/7 | COPS Monitoring center, 24/7 |
| Smart Home Integration | Google Nest integration, Z-Wave devices | Alexa, Google Home; limited Z-Wave |
| Camera Options | Indoor, outdoor, doorbell cameras available | Indoor, outdoor, doorbell, with AI detection |
| Mobile App | ADT+ app for control and monitoring | SimpliSafe app for control, alerts, camera viewing |
SimpliSafe Wins
SimpliSafe wins for most homeowners with lower costs, no contracts, and easy DIY setup -- all with genuine professional monitoring.
ADT's 3-year contract and higher monthly costs are hard to justify when SimpliSafe offers legitimate 24/7 professional monitoring at $17-$28/mo with no commitment. SimpliSafe's DIY installation takes under an hour, and the equipment moves with you -- a huge advantage for renters or anyone who might relocate. ADT's professional installation and Google Nest ecosystem are genuinely valuable if you want a fully integrated smart home with cameras, locks, and thermostats all controlled through one app. But for pure security monitoring at the best value, SimpliSafe delivers more for less.