SimpliSafe vs ADT Comparison

ADT and SimpliSafe consistently rank among the top home security systems available today. 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 in the industry. The company continues to offer exceptional professional installation and monitoring services, backed by an industry-best six-month money-back guarantee. ADT has also expanded its partnership with Google, integrating even more Nest devices and incorporating enhanced AI capabilities for smarter home protection.

SimpliSafe hasn't been around as long as ADT, but they revolutionized the industry with the first DIY system designed for renters. Since then, they've expanded their offerings to protect everything from studio apartments to mansions. They even offer advanced monitoring with active deterrence—SimpliSafe's Intruder Intervention feature responds to threats in under 10 seconds on average, giving advanced systems like Vivint and ADT serious competition.

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 down. ADT uses premium Google Nest and Yale equipment, which delivers the highest quality we've tested, but comes at a price.
• Smart Home Automation – Both SimpliSafe and ADT equipment work well with Alexa and Google Home. They also both integrate with some third-party smart products like August smart locks and Philips Hue lights. As a Google partner, ADT has deeper integration with the entire Google ecosystem.
• Monitoring Services – ADT and SimpliSafe offer some of the best professional monitoring services in the industry. ADT operates multiple redundant monitoring centers with rapid response times. SimpliSafe's premium monitoring plans include Intruder Intervention, an active deterrence feature where SimpliSafe agents can use your cameras' two-way talk and sirens to scare off intruders before they break in.
• Smartphone Controls – Both companies offer responsive mobile apps that let you access and manage your system remotely using your smartphone. As of the time of writing, both ADT's redesigned ADT+ app and SimpliSafe's app maintain strong ratings across iOS and Android platforms, making remote monitoring effortless.

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 – Both systems now use LTE cellular backup to ensure a steady connection with monitoring centers, even during Wi-Fi or modem failures.
• 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 and ADT’s prices have become increasingly similar. Both companies regularly run promotions that can include discounted equipment bundles, free devices, and a free month of monitoring.
• 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 offers seven pre-configured packages, including a build-your-own option that starts at $299.99. This basic package includes the base station, one entry sensor, one yard sign, and a pack of window stickers. More comprehensive packages range from $399.99 to $1,699.99, depending on the level of protection you need.

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

ADT monitoring prices start at $24.99 per month. The $39.99 per month Complete Plan adds smart home controls, video verification, and all camera-based features including Google's enhanced AI detection. If you get your system professionally installed, monitoring prices are typically $10 more per month.

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 competitive with ADT. The most expensive package, ‘The Beacon,' costs $749.99 at full price. However, SimpliSafe packages are almost always on sale. You're practically guaranteed to find discounts of at least 20 percent (and sometimes up to 70 percent during major sales events like Black Friday). With these discounts, SimpliSafe is more affordable than ADT.

SimpliSafe also offers more affordable entry-level monitoring options. Basic professional monitoring costs $22.99 per month. We recommend SimpliSafe's Core plan, which includes unlimited camera storage and only costs $32.99 a month.

However, SimpliSafe's monitoring plans range up to $49.99 per month for Pro plan with Active Guard Outdoor Protection. This feature allows SimpliSafe's agents to actively deter potential intruders using the outdoor camera's built-in spotlight, two-way audio, and 95dB siren when the camera's AI detects a threat. ADT doesn't offer a comparable feature.

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

SimpliSafe Security System Packages

SimpliSafe has seven equipment packages in addition to the build-your-own option. Below, we list both the MSRP prices and the current sale prices. SimpliSafe is also throwing in a free outdoor camera valued at $200. To explore SimpliSafe’s packages and pricing further, check out our SimpliSafe packages and cost guide.

The Beacon

Costing $733.90 (on sale for $220.20), 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 (on sale for $144.90) 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 (on sale for $167.70) 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 (on sale for $156.30), 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 (on sale for $131.40) 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 (on sale for $84.90) 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 (on sale for $75.30), offering an affordable 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 offers flexible contract options. No contract is required for Self Setup systems with month-to-month monitoring available. For professionally installed systems, 24-month contracts are required.
• 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. Extended coverage is available through their Quality Service Plan, which provides ongoing equipment replacement and maintenance for a monthly fee.

SimpliSafe’s Contracts and Policies

• Contract – SimpliSafe doesn’t require any contracts or credit checks. Professional monitoring plans range from $22.99 to $79.99 per month with no commitment required.
• 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

ADT leverages Google's advanced AI capabilities including enhanced object detection and facial recognition. SimpliSafe introduced proprietary machine learning algorithms that can distinguish between people, pets, and vehicles.

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