SimpliSafe vs ADT Comparison

ADT and SimpliSafe occupy the top two positions on our list of best home security systems. While they’re both great systems with top-tier equipment and monitoring, they do things differently. Ultimately, we feel like ADT has the edge, but SimpliSafe has a lot of positives of its own, and for many homeowners, it’s going to work best.

In the past, ADT exclusively offered white-glove service from installation to monitoring, whereas SimpliSafe offered full DIY security. Things have changed recently, though. ADT now offers DIY installation and self-monitoring. Ironically, SimpliSafe now offers professional installation and advanced monitoring options.

The good news is that you really can’t go wrong in terms of safety and security with either. Both companies are among our favorite security systems. If you really care about your home security, though, you want to pick the system that’s exactly right for you. The only way to do that is to compare them side-by-side.

We were able to fully protect the interior of our home with our six-piece SimpliSafe security system.

SimpliSafe vs ADT: An Overview of Two Top Home Security Systems

Before we go any further, let’s get one thing out of the way: ADT and SimpliSafe both offer great home security systems. They’re two of our favorite providers, so you really can’t go wrong with either. That said, they take two different approaches to home security, although they’ve grown more similar in recent years.

ADT’s strengths start with its 150 year history leading the industry. They still offer the best professional installation and monitoring. Plus, they offer an industry-best six-month money-back guarantee. All that hasn’t stopped them from continuing to innovate. Most recently, they partnered with Google to integrate with Nest devices.

SimpliSafe hasn’t been around as long as ADT, but they made a splash on the industry with the first DIY system for renters. They’ve expanded their offerings since, and can now protect everything from a studio apartment to a mansion. They even offer advanced monitoring with active deterrence that give advanced systems like Vivint a run for their money.

And just like that, a serious rivalry was born.

For more targeted information on each brand, you might start with our hands-on SimpliSafe review, which includes a look at their newest equipment. To learn more about ADT, have a look at our in-depth ADT review.

But enough about these two companies in isolation. Let’s talk about how they compare to one another.

A Quick Point-by-point Comparison of ADT and SimpliSafe

ADT and SimpliSafe are different systems. They offer different equipment, different monitoring plans, and they operate on different philosophies. Even so, there are a number of striking similarities – more and more all the time.

Before we dig into their differences, let’s cover what they have in common.

• Quality Hardware – Both ADT and SimpliSafe offer reliable, wireless equipment. SimpliSafe manufactures their own equipment which keeps their costs low. ADT uses GE and Google Nest equipment which is the highest quality we’ve tested, but it comes with a higher price.
• Smart Home Automation – Both SimpliSafe and ADT equipment work well with Alexa and Google Home. They also both work with a few other third-party smart products like August smart locks. As a Google partner, though, ADT has a slight edge with Google devices.
• Monitoring Services – ADT and SimpliSafe offer some of the best professional monitoring services in the industry. ADT operates 12 redundant monitoring centers with average response times of under 30 seconds during our tests. Meanwhile, SimpliSafe offers active monitoring where their agents can use your cameras’ two-way talk to deter crime.
• Smartphone Controls – Both companies offer responsive mobile apps that let you access and manage your system remotely using your smartphone. ADT's newly redesigned ADT+ app beats SimpliSafe’s by a hair. That said, we still found SimpliSafe's app well-designed and easy to use.

Here’s a look at the ADT+ app from when we tested an ADT Self Setup system in our home.

• Environmental Protection – While both of these brands provide outstanding protection from break-ins and burglaries, they also offer features that can keep you safe from environmental dangers, like smoke, fire, carbon monoxide, and flooding.
• Cellular Monitoring – To ensure a fast connection, both systems now use 4G LTE cellular backup. This ensures your system stays connected during internet outages with fast enough speeds to stream footage from your cameras.
• Installation – Both ADT and SimpliSafe let you choose between self-installation and professional installation. There’s no question, ADT wins when it comes to professional installation. It’s hard to beat 150 years of experience. For self-installation, we like SimpliSafe slightly more, although we were impressed when we tested ADT Self Setup.
• Costs & Fees – SimpliSafe used to be a lot more affordable than ADT, and generally, it is still slightly more affordable for comparable systems. However, their prices have become so similar that if ADT’s running a good sale, it can end up costing less.
• Contracts – ADT used to require contracts, but their Self Setup systems are available with a month-to-month plan. In contrast, SimpliSafe never requires a contract. In contrast, SimpliSafe doesn’t require you to sign a contract at all. With SimpliSafe, you just pay for your equipment and then month-to-month for any monitoring services. However, keep in mind that SimpliSafe lets you finance equipment. Do that, and you’ll wind up with a contract through Affirm, their third-party financing partner.

• Money-Back Guarantee – Both companies offer a money-back guarantee that gives you a good amount of time to test your system out before committing. Most companies offer 30 days. SimpliSafe offers double that number – 60. Impressive. But no one outdoes ADT. They offer an industry-best six month money-back guarantee.

The command strips on the back of SimpliSafe’s sensors made them easy to install.

SimpliSafe vs ADT: In-Depth Comparison of Home Security Systems

Now that we’ve established the basic parameters for comparing these two systems, let’s dig deeper and talk about some of their more substantive similarities and differences, starting with costs.

ADT’s Costs

ADT's features seven pre-configured packages. That includes a build-your-own package that starts at $269. It’s a barebones package that includes the base station, one entry sensor, one yard sign, and a pack of yard signs. More comprehensive packages range in price from $349 to $1,593.95.

Life Safety Package

ADT's Life Safety package ($404) focuses on comprehensive protection with environmental monitoring. The complete package comes with:

• 1 Base Station
• 2 Entry Sensors
• 1 Smoke/ CO2 Detector
• 1 Yard Sign
• 1 Pack of 4 Window Stickers

Outdoor Video Package

The Outdoor Video Package ($649) features a Google Nest Cam and Google Nest Doorbell. This enables ADT’s Trusted Neighbor feature if you subscribe to their Complete monitoring plan.

• 1 Base Station
• 2 Entry Sensors
• 1 Google Nest Video Doorbell
• 1 Google Nest Cam (Indoor or Outdoor)
• 1 Yard Sign
• 1 Pack of 4 Window Stickers

Front Door Protection Package

The Front Door Protection Package ($739) includes a Google Nest Doorbell and Yale Smart Lock to keep your main entryway safe.

• 1 Base Station
• 3 Entry Sensors
• 1 Motion Detector
• 1 Google Nest Doorbell
• 1 Yale Smart Lock
• 1 Yard Sign
• 1 Pack of 4 Window Stickers

Security Starter

The Security Starter Package ($349) makes use of sensors rather than cameras. In addition to three entry sensors, it includes a motion detector.

• 1 Base Station
• 3 Entry Sensors
• 1 Motion Detector
• 1 Yard Sign
• 1 Pack of 4 Window Stickers

Video Essentials Package

The Video Essential Package ($709) adds a Google Nest Cam and Google Nest Doorbell to the Security Starter package.

• 1 Base Station
• 3 Entry Sensors
• 1 Motion Sensor
• 1 Google Nest Doorbell
• 1 Yard Sign
• 1 Pack of 4 Window Stickers

Total Safety Package

The Total Safety Package ($1,594) represents ADT's most comprehensive pre-made package.

• 1 Base Station
• 3 Entry Sensors
• 1 Motion Detector
• 1 Smoke/ Carbon Monoxide Detector
• 1 Google Nest Cam (indoor, wired)
• 1 Google Nest Cam with floodlight
• 1 Yale Smart Lock
• 1 Google Nest Cam (outdoor or indoor, battery)
• 1 Google Nest Doorbell
• 1 Pack of 4 Window Stickers

This past year, ADT lowered their monitoring prices. Now, 24/7 professional monitoring for Self Setup systems starts at $24.99 per month. The $39.99 per month Complete Plan adds smart home controls, video verifications, and all camera-based features. If you get your system professionally installed, monitoring prices are $10 more.

You can get even more details in our full ADT pricing guide.

>> Check Out: The Best Home Security Cameras of 2025

SimpliSafe Costs

If we look at regular retail prices, SimpliSafe’s pricing is on par with ADT. The most expensive package, the “The Beacon” package, costs $729. But the thing is, SimpliSafe packages are always on sale. You’re almost guaranteed to find discounts at least 20 percent (but sometimes up to 70 percent). And with these discounts, SimpliSafe is way more affordable than ADT.

It’s also true that SimpliSafe offers more affordable monitoring options than ADT. Basic professional monitoring, SimpliSafe’s Standard plan, costs around $22 a month, $3 cheaper than ADT’s basic plan. SimpliSafe’s Core plan, which includes access to camera storage, costs $32 a month, or $8 cheaper than what ADT charges.

However, SimpliSafe’s monitoring plans range up to $79.99 per month. The top-tier plans include SimpliSafe’s groundbreaking Active Guard Outdoor Protection. It allows SimpliSafe’s agents to scare off potential intruders using the outdoor camera’s built-in spotlight, two-way audio, and siren when the camera’s AI detects a threat. That’s something not offered in any ADT plan.

We wanted to make sure the privacy screen on our SimpliSafe Wireless Indoor Camera was closed.

SimpliSafe Security System Packages

SimpliSafe offers seven separate equipment packages in addition to the build-your-own option. Below, we list both the MSRP prices and the average 50 percent off sale. On top of a discount, SimpliSafe also regularly includes free cameras in their sales. To explore SimpliSafe’s packages and pricing further, check out our SimpliSafe packages and cost guide.

The Beacon

Costing $733.90 (sale-priced at $367), The Beacon represents SimpliSafe's flagship offering for comprehensive property protection.It includes:

• 1-base station
• 1-keypad
• 4-door sensors
• 2-motion detectors
• 2-outdoor security cameras

The Lighthouse

The Lighthouse package at $482.93 (sale-priced at $241) provides balanced protection for average-sized homes.

• 1-base station
• 1-keypad
• 3-door sensors
• 1-motion detector
• 1-outdoor security camera

The Haven

The Haven package at $558.86 (sale-priced at $279) excels at comprehensive environmental monitoring alongside security.

• 1-base station
• 1-keypad
• 1-key fob
• 4-door sensors
• 2-motion detectors
• 1-alarm siren
• 1-temperature sensor
• 1-water sensor
• 1-panic button
• 1-smoke detector

The Knox

At $520.87 (sale-priced at $260), The Knox delivers robust perimeter security with environmental safeguards.

• 1-base station
• 1-keypad
• 1-key fob
• 6-door sensors
• 2-motion detectors
• 1-alarm siren
• 1-smoke detector

The Hearth

The Hearth package at $437.91 (sale-priced at $219) suits smaller homes needing core protection.

• 1-base station
• 1-keypad
• 1-key fob
• 3-door sensors
• 1-motion detector
• 1-alarm siren
• 1-smoke detector

The Starter

The redesigned Starter package at $282.94 (sale-priced at $141) provides essential security for apartments and condos.

• 1-base station
• 1-keypad
• 3-door sensors
• 1-motion detector

The Foundation

SimpliSafe's Foundation kit starts at $250.96 (sale-priced at $125), offering an entry point into professional monitoring.

• 1-base station
• 1-keypad
• 1-door sensor
• 1-motion detector

Contracts & Warranties

ADT’s Policies and Contracts

• Contract – ADT now offers flexible contract options: no-contract for Self Setup systems, 24-month contracts for professionally installed systems, or traditional 36-month contracts with equipment financing.
• Money-Back Service Guarantee – To help cushion the blow of that 36-month contract, ADT offers one of the longest money-back guarantees in the business. There are no penalties if you cancel your ADT contract within the first six months for a qualified reason.
• Theft Protection Guarantee – ADT’s so confident about the protection they offer that they’ll refund you up to $500 of your insurance deductible if an intruder robs your home.
• Warranty – ADT includes a standard 90-day warranty on all equipment, with extended coverage available through their Quality Service Plan.

SimpliSafe’s Contracts and Policies

• Contract – SimpliSafe does not require any contracts or credit checks. Their Core Monitoring costs $31.99 per month.
• Warranty – SimpliSafe offers a 3-year warranty from the date of purchase if you sign up for Standard Monitoring. For a lifetime warranty, you’ll need to sign up for Core Monitoring or above before your current warranty expires. The warranty covers defective material and workmanship under normal use.
• Money-Back Guarantee – SimpliSafe has a pretty generous 60-day money-back guarantee.

Main Features & Tech

Over the past two years, ADT and SimpliSafe have both significantly upgraded their technology. ADT now leverages Google's AI capabilities and SimpliSafe introduced proprietary machine learning algorithms for threat detection.

The Google Nest Cam that came with our ADT system kept an eye on our front yard and driveway.

ADT Features

ADT's current feature set emphasizes AI-powered automation and predictive security:

• Home automation available
• Custom alerts
• Z-Wave technology
• Smartphone access & control
• Video monitoring with live footage
• Recorded video clips
• Facial recognition-powered automation
• Indoor and outdoor cameras available
• Environmental protection sensors
• 24/7 monitoring
• 6-month guarantee
• Theft protection guarantee

SimpliSafe Features