What are the Best SimpliSafe Alternatives?

SimpliSafe has earned its reputation as a solid DIY home security system, but it's not the right fit for everyone. Maybe you're frustrated with SimpliSafe's limited smart home integrations, or perhaps you're looking for more advanced equipment like touchscreens instead of keypads. Whatever your reason for exploring alternative home security systems, you're making a smart move by doing your research.

We still believe SimpliSafe is one of the best home security systems on the market. SimpliSafe offers some compelling features, including Intruder Intervention for indoor cameras and Active Guard Outdoor Protection for outdoor use. However, SimpliSafe's competitors have been stepping up their game. In this article, we'll walk through three strong alternatives that might actually suit your needs better, whether that's installation ease, affordability, or intruder deterrence technology.

Like SimpliSafe, ADT Self Setup doesn’t offer a touchscreen panel, but it’s not the only reason why it’s our top SimpliSafe alternative.

Best SimpliSafe Alternatives

1. ADT Self Setup: Best Alternative for Easy DIY Installation
2. Cove: Best Alternative Affordable Option
3. Vivint: Best Alternative for Proactive Deterrence

Quick Comparison: The Best SimpliSafe Alternatives

1. ADT Self Setup: Best Alternative for Easy DIY Installation

ADT Self Setup brings the trusted ADT name to the DIY security market. During our testing, we found ADT nailed the balance between professional-grade protection and user-friendly installation. The highlight is the Google Nest Cams that seamlessly integrate with ADT equipment and unlock home automation features like Trusted Neighbor.

Another reason ADT Self Setup is a strong SimpliSafe alternative is its professional monitoring service. It’s the same award-winning service as the professionally installed setups. ADT has 12 interconnected monitoring centers across North America to ensure someone is always available, even during natural disasters or regional outages.

Pros

• No contract required, with month-to-month monitoring plans available
• Professional installation option available if you prefer a hands-off setup
• Six-month money-back guarantee offers a substantially longer trial period than competitors
• Compatible with Z-Wave and Matter

Cons

• Higher monthly monitoring costs compared to budget alternatives
• Limited self-monitoring features
• Professional installation is only available with contracted systems
• Video support only available on most expensive plan

Installation Experience

One of the easiest devices for us to install was the Nest Cam (outdoor or indoor, battery)

It took us about 45 minutes to set up our basic ADT Self Setup system with five sensors and a Google Nest Cam (outdoor or indoor, battery). We used the ADT+ app whenever we got stuck, but it was also nice to know that we could organize an appointment with an ADT technician to walk us through the process.

We found the adhesive backing on the sensors stronger than that of SimpliSafe's. There was no crash in the middle of the night, as we experienced with a SimpliSafe motion detector. For renters or people who move frequently, this matters. Some of the wired equipment, like the Nest Doorbell Cam (wired, 3rd gen) and Google Nest Cam with floodlight, is a little trickier. If you’re not comfortable playing around with internal wiring, you might need to organize a professional installation.

>> Keep Reading: The Best Professionally Installed Home Security Systems of 2026

Monitoring and Response

ADT's monitoring is more comprehensive than most competitors, but it comes at a cost. Prices start at $24.99 per month. If you’re like us and need video support, you’ll need the top plan at $39.99 per month. That’s more expensive than SimpliSafe’s Core plan at $32.99 a month.

We still believe you’re getting a good bang for your buck with ADT. When we triggered test alarms, we received a text message instantly, and monitoring agents called within 30 seconds if there was no response. They asked us security questions to confirm we needed help before dispatching emergency services. We like that ADT doesn't just call the primary contact and give up. They'll work through your entire contact list to verify the emergency, reducing false alarm dispatches that can result in fines from local police departments.

2. Cove: Best Alternative Affordable Option

Cove makes financial sense for homeowners who want reliable protection without premium pricing. Professional monitoring starts at $19.99 per month, but like ADT, you’ll need Cove’s most expensive plan for video support. It’s still cheaper than ADT and SimpliSafe at $29.99 a month.

We found the equipment straightforward but functional. Motion detectors are slightly bulkier than SimpliSafe's, but they're more affordable to expand your system over time. The touchscreen panel is modern and responsive, though it doesn’t feel as premium as our next pick, Vivint. For most people, that's a reasonable trade-off when you're saving $20 to $30 monthly on monitoring fees.

Pros

• Low monthly monitoring costs starting at $19.99
• Lifetime equipment warranty on Cove+ eliminates long-term replacement costs
• 60-day money-back trial period, double the industry standard
• Regularly runs sales throughout the year up to 70 percent off

Cons

• Video support only available with most expensive monitoring plan
• Fewer third-party integrations than competitors
• No self-monitoring option
• Some of the equipment is bulkier than SimpliSafe

Value Proposition

Every time we visit Cove’s website, they seem to be running a sale with discounts up to 70 percent off. We’ve bought door sensors for less than $5 and a flood sensor for just $37.50. The lifetime warranty included in the Cove+ plan means you won't face unexpected replacement costs if sensors fail after the standard warranty period expires. Plus, it’s easy to add new devices to your system over time if you move or need more coverage.

Cove’s professional monitoring plans are just as affordable, starting at $19.99 per month. As we mentioned earlier, if you need video support, you’ll have to go with Cove+, which is $29.99 per month. We think it’s worth it, since it also includes voice support with Google Assistant and Alexa and a $5-per-month equipment reward. We used this to get some more entry sensors for our windows upstairs.

Equipment and Features

We used Cove’s touchscreen panel to pair our equipment and check the alarms.

Cove's equipment lineup covers all the essentials: door/window sensors, motion detectors, glass break sensors, environmental monitors, and cameras. The touchscreen panel acts as your system hub, using a cellular connection for monitoring communication. Battery backup lasts 24 hours during power outages, which is the same for ADT’s base and Vivint’s touchscreen panel.

One underrated feature: Cove's medical alert integration. Older family members or individuals with medical conditions can use the panic button to connect directly to monitoring services. It's not a full medical alert system replacement, but it’s one of the reasons why Cove is on our list of the best security systems for seniors.

>> Check Out: Medical Alert Costs, Pricing, Packages, and Monthly Plans

3. Vivint: Best Alternative Proactive Deterrence

Like SimpliSafe, Vivint focuses on prevention rather than just reaction. Vivint’s Smart Deter technology uses artificial intelligence to analyze activity around your property and actively deter potential intruders before they attempt entry. While ADT and Cove sound alarms after someone breaks in, Vivint aims to stop break-ins from happening in the first place.

Professional installation is required, and we’re glad it is. Technicians assess your home's vulnerabilities, recommend optimal sensor placement, and ensure everything connects properly before leaving. Our technician spent about 4 hours installing devices and answering our questions throughout the process. For anyone who values expertise over DIY installation, this approach fully addresses installation concerns.

>> Keep Reading: Vivint Home Security System Cost and Pricing

Pros

• AI-powered Smart Deter technology provides proactive threat detection and deterrence
• Professional installation ensures everything is set up correctly
• Compatible with Z-Wave and Zigbee smart home devices
• High-resolution cameras with advanced analytics and person detection

Cons

• Expensive equipment costs
• Contracts typically required, though month-to-month options exist at higher prices
• Only a three-day money-back guarantee
• Camera support only available on $50 monitoring plan

Smart Deter Technology

Vivint’s Outdoor Camera looks tiny, but it packs a lot of punch with its deterrence features.

We found Vivint's Smart Deter option more advanced than SimpliSafe’s Active Guard Outdoor Protection service. Outdoor cameras use AI to distinguish between people, vehicles, and animals. When the system detects a person loitering near entry points or approaching windows during unusual hours, it automatically triggers bright LED lights, sound deterrent tones, and warning lights that you can customize. Monitoring agents can also intervene through two-way audio to verbally warn potential intruders that they're being recorded and that police will be contacted.

Research shows that visible security cameras and alarms can deter criminals by up to 46 percent.2 Vivint’s Outdoor Cameras’ deterrence features ensure that if they decide to go through with it, they change their mind quickly.

Smart Home Integration

Vivint's smart home ecosystem controls security, door locks, thermostats, lights, garage doors, and cameras through the Vivint app with unified automation. You can create scenes like “Goodnight” that arm security, lock doors, adjust the thermostat, and turn off lights with one command.

We found the integration works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, but functionality is richer within Vivint's native ecosystem. The touchscreen panel became our smart home hub, displaying camera feeds, controlling devices, and managing security settings from a central interface. If you’re into smart home automation rather than basic security monitoring, Vivint's approach justifies the premium pricing.

Is SimpliSafe Still Worth It?

SimpliSafe is a solid choice despite strong competition, particularly for renters or homeowners who prioritize simplicity and moderate pricing. Their Intruder Intervention and Active Guard Outdoor Protection features provide monitoring agent intervention capabilities that compete directly with Vivint's deterrence technology at lower price points. The Standard plan at $22.99 monthly offers basic professional monitoring, while the Pro Plus plan at $79.99 includes 24/7 Active Guard protection that actively deters intruders through two-way talk, sirens, and lights on outdoor cameras.

SimpliSafe’s equipment, starting at approximately $250, is significantly cheaper than Vivint’s while offering more features than Cove’s budget packages. We installed our SimpliSafe system in 30 minutes without any issues. However, limited smart home integrations and less sophisticated automation may restrict tech-savvy users compared with higher-end alternatives.

Vivint’s automation features are easy to use and are helpful if you have a tendency to forget critical tasks, like closing garage doors

Our Testing Methodology

We believe the best way to provide reliable home security recommendations is by testing the security systems ourselves. That means we buy the systems, set them up in our own homes, and live with them for several months. We’ve found this approach helps us best compare equipment, service quality, and overall price-to-feature ratios.

Our Testing Setup

To keep our comparisons fair, we test all security systems in the same environment: a two-story, 2,200-square-foot house. We even install the devices in roughly the same locations. In our experience, testing security equipment in an actual home setup produces the most accurate results.

For this particular guide, our experts designed a testing rubric that takes into account the three highest factors to prioritize:

• Equipment (40%): Security cameras, sensors, and detectors must be of high quality so they do not need to be replaced shortly after the warranty expires.
• Monitoring (30%): We always recommend professional monitoring, and the response should align with the industry average of 45 seconds.
• Features (30%): We consider features that reduce false alarms, speed up police response, and deter intruders.

Why You Can Trust Us

Unlike other review sites critiquing everything from footwear to lawnmowers, our experts only focus on home security and personal safety topics. The experts who worked on this guide include:

• Rob Gabriele, Editorial Director & Home Security Expert
• Jaime Fraze, Security Camera & Video Doorbell Expert
• Derek Prall, Home Security Expert & Testing Coordinator
• Joshua Lee, Former patrol officer and detective for a police department in Arizona.

Our team is the most experienced home security team on the internet. We have been testing security systems since 2016, and our work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and dozens of other major outlets. Collectively, our experts bring to the table:

• 10,000+ research hours on security topics
• 60+ security system reviews
• 40+ industry research pieces
• Dozens of security and safety guides

Every recommendation comes from firsthand product experience and a deep understanding of the home security industry. With that, let’s look at the best SimpliSafe alternatives.

Verdict: Should You Stick With SimpliSafe?

SimpliSafe remains competitive with its Intruder Intervention and Active Guard features, providing monitoring agent support at moderate price points that fall between budget and premium options. Choosing the right SimpliSafe alternative depends on your specific priorities and budget constraints.

We believe ADT Self Setup delivers the easiest DIY installation experience backed by industry-leading monitoring infrastructure. Cove offers the most affordable long-term ownership costs with lifetime equipment warranties that eliminate replacement expenses. Vivint has the most sophisticated proactive deterrence technology with comprehensive smart home integration.

Your choice ultimately depends on whether you prioritize installation simplicity, affordability, advanced deterrence technology, or balanced features at mid-range pricing. Keep in mind that home security is too important to choose based solely on marketing materials. Real-world testing in your home will reveal whether a system truly meets your needs or just looks good on paper.

Frequently Asked Questions