Rob Gabriele https://www.safehome.org/author/rob-gabriele/

Learn More About ADT & SimpliSafe

ADT Brand Image
SecureScore™: 9.2/10
Call ADT: 877-959-7762
View Packages Links to ADT

SimpliSafe Brand Image
SecureScore™: 9.2/10

Note: Google has discontinued Nest Secure. So, we recommend checking out our list of the best home security systems to explore your options.

What do you do now that Nest Secure has joined the likes of Google Hangouts and Google Buzz? You could sign up with our top pick, ADT, which integrates the latest Nest Cams and thermostats. But, it’s not the only replacement worth considering.

SimpliSafe shares many similarities with Nest Secure and improves upon it with innovative professional monitoring features like Intruder Intervention. Frontpoint is also a great alternative if smart home automation is what you’ll miss most about Nest Secure. Let's break down each brand and help you choose the right one.

Nest Secure

The last components of our Nest Secure security system.

Best Google-Friendly Alternative: ADT

If you have the latest Google Nest equipment, you might be able to integrate it with an ADT security system. Even some Nest Aware features are included in ADT subscriptions, including facial recognition and cloud storage.

In fact, we believe ADT is better overall than Nest Secure ever was, especially when it comes to professional monitoring. ADT has 12 fully redundant monitoring centers across North America that are ready to respond if your alarm is activated. Even during its peak, Nest Secure never had its own monitoring centers; it piggybacked with Brinks Home for monitoring.

Unboxing the Nest Cam Indoor_Outdoor battery-powered camera

The Nest Cam (indoor/outdoor, battery) we ordered for our ADT security system.

Similarities

The closest replacement for Nest Secure is ADT. Nest Cams and thermostats are compatible with ADT. And, the rest of ADT’s equipment — from entry sensors to hazard detectors — blends perfectly with Google’s product lineup.

>> Check Out: ADT 2025 Review

ADT’s professional monitoring plans also build upon Nest subscriptions. You can still use features like Familiar Faces. However, this feature works even better with ADT’s Trusted Neighbor. You can disarm smart locks and the security system when registered guests approach the house. It’s perfect for dog walkers who take your pooch out while you’re at work or if you don’t feel like getting off the couch to let people in.

Differences

ADT isn’t identical to Nest Secure. ADT has upgraded its sensors for a modern look, but these devices don’t offer the same functionality as Google’s equivalent. For example, the sensors can’t detect pets or allow selective arming.

ADT entryway sensors with quarter for scale

ADT’s entry sensors are a little larger than the old Nest sensors, but they are just as reliable.

However, ADT has a more extensive range of devices to secure your home. In addition to entry sensors, you can get:

  • Motion detectors
  • Glass break sensors
  • Smart locks
  • Keychain remotes
  • Water and temperature sensors
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
  • Heat detectors

FYI: Not sure what devices you need for a home security system? ADT offers free in-home consultations. An expert will assess your home and recommend the best equipment to secure the property.

Another difference is that ADT works best with a professional monitoring plan. You can choose to monitor the system yourself, like Nest Secure, but only after paying one month of any ADT plan. We always recommend paying extra for a subscription so you don’t need to call for help when you need it.

>> Compare: The Best Monitored Home Security Systems in 2025

Pricing

Another difference between ADT and Nest Secure is the pricing. The good news is that Nest products cost the same with ADT as through the Google store. Some of the products you can buy include:

  • Google Nest Doorbell (battery): $179.99
  • Google Nest Cam (indoor, wired): $99.99
  • Google Nest Cam (outdoor or indoor, battery): $179.99
  • Google Nest Cam with Floodlight: $279.99

The bad news is that ADT monitoring plans are more expensive than Nest Secure. But, you are getting more bang for your buck with ADT. For starters, you get 24/7 professional monitoring, and not just for home security. If you have smoke detectors, ADT will contact the fire department. Or, if you have an emergency pendant, ADT can organize medical assistance. Here’s an overview of ADT’s professional monitoring plans:

Secure Smart Complete
24/7 Intrusion, Hazard, and Environmental Monitoring Yes Yes Yes
Cellular Backup Yes Yes Yes
Voice Control Yes Yes Yes
Smart Home Automations No Yes Yes
Camera Support No No Yes
Monthly Cost With DIY Installation $24.99 $29.99 $39.99
Monthly Cost With Professional Installation $34.99 $39.99 $49.99

ADT is as close as you can get to replicating a Nest Secure system. However, we consider it an upgrade with the broader equipment range and professional monitoring service. But, if you decide it’s not a good fit, you can take advantage of ADT’s six-month money-back guarantee and try another Nest Secure alternative on our list.

Best DIY Alternative: SimpliSafe

Touted as the best DIY home security system, SimpliSafe promises affordable and simple home security right out-of-the-box. They offer more package and pricing options than Nest, and their lineup of equipment is easier to use (and install).

SimpliSafe offers add-ons galore, from smoke detectors and panic buttons to glass-break and temperature sensors. Not looking for all the bells and whistles? Basic setups (that won’t break the bank) are also available, and you can customize each system to your heart’s content.

SimpliSafe Equipment

A simple SimpliSafe system we bought for testing — but we might add some more devices later.

Similarities

After testing and reviewing SimpliSafe, we found that their system was pretty comparable to its Nest counterpart. Along with competitive pricing, both SimpliSafe and Nest Secure are DIY setups complete with reliable equipment, such as indoor and outdoor cameras, and more. SimpliSafe offers professional installation services if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself or want an expert to choose the best places to set up your devices.

Did You Know? Installing a home security system is easier than you think, especially with SimpliSafe. Most of the equipment is wireless or plugs into an outlet. The most challenging device is the video doorbell because it needs access to your existing electrical wiring.

>> Learn: How Easy Is It to Install SimpliSafe?

Like Nest Secure, SimpliSafe doesn’t require any contracts. This fact may be crucial in your decision-making process, especially if you’re renting or just now beginning to figure out what you need from a home security system. SimpliSafe offers an easy way out should you decide to “break up.”

SimpiSafe’s Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Camera

We sat SimpliSafe’s Wireless Indoor Camera on the mantle so it had the best view of our living room.

Differences

Between the two systems, there are several differences worth noting. Nest Secure natively integrated with Google Assistant for voice control and automation features. While smart home integration is limited with SimpliSafe, don’t count them out SimpliSafe offers smart home components like smart locks, and it can connect to Amazon’s Alexa, the Apple Watch, and more.

Versatility is another key difference you’ll find between the two systems. SimpliSafe offers more package and equipment options to choose from, as well as several different monitoring plans to boot. This will grant you the ability (and freedom) to pick and choose the package options that are ideal for you, as opposed to getting stuck with those pre-built setups that offer very little wiggle room.

Testing out SimpliSafe's keypad.

Installing our SimpliSafe as close to the door as possible so we can disarm the system quickly.

Pricing

So, how do these two leading DIY systems match up in terms of price? To start, both Nest Secure and SimpliSafe offer(ed) several options. Nest Secure equipment packages started from $399 and included the Nest Guard hub, two entry sensors, and two keychain fobs. SimpliSafe’s The Foundation package is $250 and comes with an entry sensor, motion detector, keypad, and hub.

Like Nest Secure, SimpliSafe lets you add extra equipment at any time. Nest equipment ranges from $99.99 for the Nest Cam (indoor, wired) to $279.99 for the Nest Cam with Floodlight. It’s on par with SimpliSafe, which charges $249.99 for the Wireless Indoor Camera and $199.99 for the Outdoor Camera. However, SimpliSafe doesn’t offer as much variety as Nest.

FYI: SimpliSafe runs sales almost year-round. The SimpliSafe Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals are the best times to find a home security system.

SimpliSafe monitoring plans have more flexibility. You can choose between self-monitoring packages similar to Nest Secure’s former options and professional monitoring. Here’s an overview of what SimpliSafe has to offer:

Unmonitored Self-Monitoring With Camera Recordings Standard Core Pro Pro Plus
Monitoring Type Self-Monitored Self-Monitored Professional Monitoring Professional Monitoring Professional Monitoring Professional Monitoring
Cloud Storage No Unlimited for 30 Days No Unlimited for 30 Days Unlimited for 30 Days Unlimited for 30 Days
Intruder Intervention No No No Yes Yes Yes
Active Guard Outdoor Protection No No No No 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. 24/7
Price Per Month Free $9.99 $21.99 $31.99 $49.99 $79.99

In comparison, Nest Secure’s subscriptions started at $8 per month or $80 per year. These self-monitoring plans included advanced features like facial recognition and sound detection. SimpliSafe’s professional monitoring plans take advanced features to the next level with Intruder Intervention and Active Guard Outdoor Protection.

When the Wireless Indoor Camera or Outdoor Camera detects something suspicious, SimpliSafe monitoring agents will intervene and use the two-way audio speaker to scare them off. While SimpliSafe’s plans are more expensive than Nest Secure, they are still some of the most affordable options on the market.

>> Compare: Most Affordable Home Security Systems in 2025

If you’re not happy with the system after purchase, Simplisafe offers you a money-back guarantee that applies for the first 60 days after the date of purchase. Plus, you won’t have to pay shipping costs for returning the equipment. This may relieve you of some of the stress and pressure of the purchase price.

Best Home Automation Alternative: Frontpoint

Next up on our list of possibilities is the Frontpoint home security system. Frontpoint offers several perks that aid in their successful competition with Nest Secure, the least of which may be their 100 -percent cellular technology (meaning your system stays online during internet and power outages).

Frontpoint packages include a power supply battery that can last up to 24 hours, which is helpful in the event of a power outage. They also offer fire, water, and carbon monoxide monitoring, as well as smash-proof technology that ensures the system will continue to work even when smashed (accidentally or purposefully).

Another attractive feature of Frontpoint is its pre-programmed capability to work right out of the box and its compatibility with both Alexa and Google Home.

FYI: All Frontpoint equipment comes with a three-year warranty, which is one of the best on the market. In comparison, Nest cameras only have a 12-month warranty.

Last but not least, Frontpoint offers professional security monitoring (24/7/365) that includes an automatic check of every sensor at every hour to make sure your system is working correctly. To top things off, the monitoring system works even if an intruder destroys your alarm system.

Frontpoint Equipment

Our Frontpoint equipment doesn’t look as sleek as Nest devices, but it’s more reliable since we love internet access and power.

Similarities

We recently tested and reviewed Frontpoint for ourselves and were impressed with not only their system as a whole, but also with the amount of overlap Frontpoint shares with similar setups, including Nest Secure.

For starters, both offer and encourage “do it yourself” installation, which is likely a plus if you're tech savvy. But, if DIY projects are not really your thing, you do have the option to hire a professional to install either system.

Our favorite Frontpoint feature is home automation. We created a series of automations for certain scenarios. For example, when we go to bed, Frontpoint will check the smart lock on the front door, switch off the lights, and arm some of the equipment, like entry sensors, to catch intruders in the act.

Did You Know? Another standout Frontpoint feature is geofencing, which allows you to put up a wireless “fence” around your abode using your smartphone’s GPS. Basically, should you leave your house unarmed, you’ll get a reminder the minute you cross that virtual perimeter. Pretty cool, right?

Frontpoint App

A view of the Frontpoint app and some of the “Scenes” or automation we created.

Differences

The biggest differences between Frontpoint and Nest Secure are the customization features and web app interface. While using Frontpoint, we were impressed with the number of automations available. And the overall feel of the mobile app and web app was really something else. It’s all so user-friendly and easy on the eyes.

The other big difference is that Frontpoint requires professional monitoring to work. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. It means you won’t need to keep checking your phone for updates or call for help if an alarm is triggered — Frontpoint has you covered.

>> Check Out: The Best Monitored Home Security Systems in 2025

Frontpoint - Outdoor Camera

Our Frontpoint Outdoor Camera was as easy to install as a Nest Cam.

Pricing

Frontpoint equipment packages start at $386.93, which is on par with what a Nest Secure basic kit went for. However, Frontpoint offers a wider range of add-on equipment including smoke and heat detectors, garage sensors, and display hubs. Frontpoint’s wired indoor camera and wired outdoor camera are more expensive than the equivalent Nest Cams.

Did You Know? Frontpoint only advertises one professional monitoring plan on its website — and it’s $49.99 per month. But, if you look at the fine print, you’ll see the option to call and discuss plans from $14.99 per month.

Keep in mind, as with any à la carte situation, your costs can add up quickly, so research is your friend when determining which components you really need. The last thing you (or we) want is to break your budget and cause an entirely new set of worries.

Final Thoughts on Nest Secure Alternatives

As you can see, there are alternatives to Nest Secure out there, each similar and different in their own way. The key to making your choice is determining what features you need, what equipment is nonnegotiable, and how much you want to spend.

There are systems that cater to every security need. From the equipment quality and smart home automation features to the price and ease of installation. If you’re still unsure, we recommend making the most of money-back guarantees until you find the right fit.

FAQs


Our Pick
Our pick is ADT
8467 Logo
SecureScore™: 9.2 / 10 This rating is derived from our editorial team's research, hands-on product testing, and customer surveys.
View Packages Links to ADT