Smarterhome.org may earn a commission when you click on our affiliate links and this may impact the placement of listings. Learn more.
Smarterhome.org may earn a commission when you click on our affiliate links and this may impact the placement of listings. Learn more.
ADT and SimpliSafe provide families and individuals with home security systems designed to protect against intruders. Both companies offer customization and professional monitoring options but differ in a few key areas.
When comparing ADT vs SimpliSafe, you’ll notice many differences in pricing, products, installation options, and contract requirements. Overall, the comparison of SimpliSafe security vs ADT highlights two different approaches to home security.
| Starting price | Monitoring price | Installation type | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Varies | $45.99+/mo | Professional | View packages |
 | $244.96+ | $24.99+/mo | Professional/DIY | View packages |
To compare the pricing of ADT vs SimpliSafe, consider both the price of equipment and the cost of their monthly monitoring. Both ADT and SimpliSafe offer customization options, which means the price you pay varies depending on the specific products you choose. This means the more products you choose to buy in addition to your base package, the more you’ll pay. However, when looking at the base packages available for both brands, SimpliSafe’s security packages and monitoring plans are less expensive than ADT overall.
ADT offers three home security system packages. Their basic package includes a digital touchscreen control panel, 24/7 monitoring, and professional installation. The other packages include additional features such as remote access via the ADT mobile app, smart door lock, smart plug, outdoor HD camera, video doorbell, and stored video clips.
SimpliSafe offers five home security system packages and a “Build Your Own” option. Their basic system includes their Base system, keypad, entry sensor, and motion sensor. Their most comprehensive package includes various sensors and life safety detectors.
When comparing the equipment costs of ADT vs SimpliSafe, SimpliSafe is less expensive, but ADT offers more high-tech products and a greater variety of product and feature options.
Both ADT and SimpliSafe offer professional monitoring plans. ADT’s monitoring costs depend on the products you purchase. SimpliSafe offers two monitoring plans that can be applied to any of their packages: a professional monitoring plan with 24/7 emergency response, and a personal monitoring plan with stored video recordings.
| Starting price | Monitoring price | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varies | $45.99+/mo | View packages |
| $244.96+ | $24.99+/mo | View packages |
A significant difference between a SimpliSafe home security system vs ADT is the installation process. Almost all ADT systems require professional installation, and installation costs depend on the system you choose and the size/layout of your home. ADT Blue does offer DIY options, but is best suited for renters.
SimpliSafe, on the other hand, is first and foremost a DIY home security solution. All products are DIY-friendly so that you can install them yourself at no cost. Should you want your SimpliSafe system professionally installed, you can purchase installation at a fee.
| Installation type | Installation cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Professional | Varies |
| Professional/DIY | $99 |
Both ADT and SimpliSafe provide professional monitoring plans, but their options are very different. You can use SimpliSafe products without monitoring, although you’ll miss out on certain features. ADT products can also be used without monitoring, as long as your system is not locked into a contract.
ADT monthly monitoring plans are determined by the security equipment used. This service includes 24/7 monitoring by 9 centers, intrusion detection, voice control ability, and fire, carbon monoxide, and flood monitoring. When applicable, it also provides video surveillance and home automation services. ADT’s monthly monitoring is typically tied to a 36-month contract.
plans are the same for all systems and are not tied to a contract so that you can cancel at any time. SimpliSafe’s professional monitoring includes video recording, alarm and secret alerts, notifications, and 24/7 monitoring and emergency response by six centers. SimpliSafe also offers self-monitoring that includes camera recordings.
When you use ADT’s monthly monitoring plan, you also have access to 24/7 customer support. ADT also offers an online Help Center that potential and current customers can use to learn more about ADT systems, access account information, or chat with a customer support team member.
SimpliSafe has a customer support line open every day from 8:00 AM to Midnight (ET). They also have an online Help Center that customers can use to find more information about their products or chat with a customer support team member between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM (ET).
Overall, SimpliSafe ranks higher when comparing ADT vs SimpliSafe customer support. Although both provide customers with 24/7 Help Centers and chat support, SimpliSafe receives more positive customer support reviews. Positive SimpliSafe reviews mention knowledgeable and professional customer service team members, although some mention issues regarding fixing damaged products.
ADT also receives some positive customer service reviews, although most past and current customers find ADT’s customer support frustrating and more trouble than it’s worth. When comparing SimpliSafe security vs ADT security in terms of customer service, SimpliSafe ranks higher.
The comparison between a SimpliSafe home security system vs ADT home security system shows each company provides solutions to home security but offers different products, features, pricing, and plans. ADT is a professionally-installed home security system starting at over $500, whereas SimpliSafe is a DIY home security system with their most expensive package costing just over $500. ADT offers more robust monthly monitoring, although SimpliSafe’s plans are less costly and not tied to a lengthy contract.
The SimpliSafe security vs ADT security costs reflect the types and number of products in each package. So although ADT is more expensive, they have a more extensive selection of products and smart home automation features. Both ADT and SimpliSafe provide customers the opportunity to customize a system, which adjusts costs accordingly and can make your SimpliSafe system just as expensive as an ADT system.
Lastly, when comparing ADT vs SimpliSafe customer satisfaction and support reviews, both companies receive a mix of positive and negative reviews. However, SimpliSafe ranks much higher in terms of customer satisfaction, generally receiving a 4-star ranking, compared to ADT’s less than 2-star average.
While both ADT and SimpliSafe offer great options for families looking to protect their home, we can’t recommend either brand to everyone.
ADT will be the better choice if you are looking for a professionally installed and monitored system backed by over 140 years of experience. It is also the better option for robust security features and smart home functionality.
SimpliSafe is the better option if you are looking for a flexible DIY solution with plenty of options for system customization, monitoring plans, and installation options. It’s also a better choice if excellent customer service is essential for you or if you have a tighter budget.
Smarter Home was created to help you make an informed decision when choosing a home security system.
Powered by Soleo Communications, Inc. 2024. All rights reserved.
Requires 36-month monitoring contract starting at $38.99/mo. without QSP (24-month monitoring contract in California, total fees from $935.76) and minimum installation amount of $599 for professionally installed systems OR month-to-month monitoring contract for ADT Self Setup systems starting at $24.99 without QSP (one month minimum) and minimum purchase amount of $194.98. Professional monitoring required for ADT to notify emergency contacts or services on your behalf. Service and installation charges vary depending on system configuration, equipment and services selected. For reactivations of professionally installed systems, a $99 test and inspect fee applies . Upon early termination by Customer, ADT may charge 75% of the monthly service charges due for the balance of the initial contract term. Quality Service Plan (QSP) is ADT’s Extended Limited Warranty and is available for additional fee. Additional charges may apply in areas that require guard response service for municipal alarm verification. Professionally installed system remains property of ADT. Local permit fees may be required. Prices and offers subject to change and may vary by market. Additional taxes and fees may apply. Satisfactory credit required. A security deposit may be required. Simulated screen images and photos are for illustrative purposes only. For Self-Setup Systems, cancel by calling 888-392-2039 or by following the instructions in your order confirmation email. To avoid contract termination charges, cancellation must occur no later than 30 days after the contract date. Contract termination charges may be applied for cancellation after the initial 30-day period. Equipment must be fully removed and returned before a refund will be processed. Any shipping costs previously paid are non-refundable. Google and Nest Doorbell are trademarks of Google LLC. Some features, including mobile notifications, remote control, video streaming and video recording, require working internet and Wi-Fi. Minimum OS requirements are available at g.co/home/req. iOS is a trademark of Cisco and is used under license. Google Nest products and services featured are designed to make life easier and to build a helpful home and were not designed specifically for life-sustaining or safety-critical use cases. These products and services are compatible with the ADT Self Setup System, and depend upon working internet, Wi-Fi, and, in some cases, the service availability from ADT and/or Google. To learn more, please visit http://g.co/nest/TOS.
Money-back guarantee only applies after ADT has made attempts to resolve a system-related issue and has not been able to resolve that issue within the first six (6) months of your original activation. ADT Money-Back Guarantee is not transferable. Equipment must be returned before a refund will be processed. Conditions preventing normal system operation cannot be caused by the customer. For professionally installed systems only.
Customer may receive reimbursement of up to five hundred dollars ($500) of Customer’s homeowner’s insurance deductible (if any) if, and only if, ALL requirements for Theft Protection Guarantee are met to ADT’s reasonable satisfaction. Customer must request reimbursement within 60 days of property loss. Request must be mailed to ADT and include: Theft Protection Guarantee certificate signed by Customer, a letter from Customer requesting reimbursement, a copy of the police report, and a copy of the accepted insurance claim. ADT reserves the right to reject any application for reimbursement that does not comply with all of the requirements. For professionally installed systems only.