SimpliSafe vs ADT: Which Home Security System is Right for You?

SimpliSafe and American District Telegraph (ADT) readily come to mind when considering a reputable home security company, and it’s easy to see why. 

ADT has been a force to reckon with in home security for over 140 years. Since its inception in 1874, the company has undergone many changes and now offers one of the most advanced home security systems on the market. 

SimpliSafe is relatively new compared to ADT. Founded in 2006 for renters and homeowners alike, this security provider specializes in DIY wireless home security systems with Wi-Fi connectivity. 

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or want to switch to a different provider, this comparison of SimpliSafe and ADT will give you the knowledge you need to make the right choice between these two industry leaders. 

SimpliSafe vs ADT Home Security System Components 

Let’s see what you’ll get if you purchase these home security systems.

SimpliSafe Components

The packages Simplisafe offers include:

The Foundation ($244.96): 

• A base station 
• One keypad 
• One entry sensor 
• A motion detector 

The Essentials ($274.95) includes everything in The Foundation plan plus

• One wired indoor camera. 

The Hearth ($394.91) includes everything in The Foundation plan plus:

• Two extra entry sensors 
• A keyfob 
• One siren 
• One smoke detector 

The Lighthouse ($464.93) includes everything in The Foundation plan plus:

• Two extra entry sensors 
• One wireless outdoor camera 

The Knox ($469.87) includes everything in The Hearth plan plus:

• Three extra entry sensors 
• One extra motion sensor 

The Haven ($509.86) includes everything in The Hearth plan plus:

• One extra entry sensor 
• One extra motion sensor 
• One panic button 
• A temperature sensor 
• One water sensor 

The Beacon ($699.90): 

• A base station 
• One keypad 
• Four entry sensors 
• Two motion sensors 
• Two wireless outdoor cameras  

You can customize your package with:  

• An extra keypad 
• Entry sensors 
• Motion sensors
• Glassbreak sensors 
• Indoor cameras  
• Outdoor cameras 
• Water sensors 
• Smoke detectors 
• CO detectors
• Temperature sensors 
• Panic buttons 
• Key fobs 
• Sirens 

ADT Components 

ADT offers three customizable home security packages:

Build Your Own ($599):

• A touchscreen control panel 
• Three door and window sensors 
• A motion detector 

Smart Home ($849): includes everything in the Build Your Own plan plus

• One smart door lock. 

Video & Smart Home ($1,387) includes everything in the Smart Home plan plus: 

• One Google Nest Cam (outdoor, indoor)
• One Nest doorbell 

You can customize your package with: 

• Security cameras
• Video doorbells
• Door and window sensors 
• Motion detectors
• Smoke detectors 
• CO detectors 
• Flood detectors  
• Smart door locks  

You can also purchase these smart home devices to use with your system: 

• Google Nest Wi-Fi router and point 
• Google Nest Mini (2nd gen) 
• Google Nest Hub (2nd gen)
• Google Nest Hub Max 
• Google Nest Thermostat 

SimpliSafe vs ADT Installation Process 

Installing a SimpliSafe home security system is straightforward, as most of their sensors are peel-and-stick. Screws are provided in case you want a more permanent installation. 

SimpliSafe also offers professional installation starting at $124.99. 

On the other hand, you need qualified technicians to install ADT home security systems. The installation fee varies depending on your package, but most packages cost around $150. 

SimpliSafe vs ADT Smart Home Capabilities 

SimpliSafe is compatible with several smart home devices like Amazon Echo and Google Home Assistant. For safety purposes, you can only arm your security system using voice commands. 

ADT works well with Amazon Echo, Google Home, and Google Nest Hub devices. Their systems use the Z-wave protocol and are compatible with hundreds of smart devices that use the same technology. 

SimpliSafe vs ADT Surveillance Cameras 

SimpliSafe Surveillance Cameras 

You can choose from three 1080p high-definition (HD) surveillance cameras:

• Wireless indoor cameras
• Wired indoor cameras 
• Wireless outdoor cameras 

All Simplisafe cameras have night vision, motion detection, and two-way audio. Recorded video footage is stored in the cloud, and you need a monitoring plan to access it. 

The wireless indoor and outdoor cameras have motion-triggered built-in sirens to scare away criminals. Both cameras also have smart detection to distinguish humans from pets. 

You can pair the battery-powered outdoor camera with accessories like a charger or solar panel for continuous power. This feature is handy if you plan to mount it in a high-traffic area like a busy street. 

ADT Surveillance Cameras 

ADT ditched its proprietary cameras in 2021 after partnering with Google in favor of Google Nest Cameras. 

The cameras offered are: 

• Google Nest Cam (outdoor or indoor, battery)
• Google Nest Cam with Floodlight 
• Google Nest Doorbell (battery)
• Google Nest Cam (indoor, wired) 

These cameras record in HD and have night vision. They also have two-way audio and built-in intelligence to differentiate between people, animals, and vehicles. 

You get a free Nest Aware subscription when you purchase a Nest Cam through ADT. The subscription allows you to teach your camera to recognize familiar faces and unlocks 30 days of cloud storage for recorded footage. It also allows you to monitor specific activity zones. 

If you want to upgrade to Nest Aware Plus for even more cloud storage and ten days of 24/7 video recording history, you’ll pay $6 monthly instead of $12.   

SimpliSafe vs ADT Monitoring Plans 

SimpliSafe Monitoring Plans

SimpliSafe offers two professional monitoring plans—Standard and Fast Protect. Standard monitoring costs $19.99 per month, while Fast Protect is $29.99 per month. 

There’s also a plan if you want to self-monitor called Self Monitoring with Camera Recordings, which costs $9.99/month. 

ADT Monitoring Plans 

Professional monitoring is compulsory with ADT. Monitoring starts at $45.99 monthly for the basic package and increases as you add more items to your home security system. 

ADT requires a 36-month monitoring contract for each package you choose. 

SimpliSafe vs ADT Price Comparison

SimpliSafe Pricing 

The price of SimpliSafe’s packages ranges from $244.96 to $699.90.

If you pay with Affirm, you can pay for the equipment upfront or spread your payment across 3–12 months. There’s no interest fee when you pay in installments.  

If, for any reason, you’re not satisfied with your purchase, you can return your home security equipment within 60 days and get a refund. 

ADT Pricing

The price of ADT systems includes the installation cost. ADT’s Build Your Own Package—the least expensive—costs $599, while their premium package costs $1,387. 

If you can’t afford to pay upfront or don’t want to, you can spread your payment for up to 60 months. Choosing this option will extend your monitoring contract to cover the payment duration. 

ADT offers a six-month money-back guarantee, but they’ll refund you only if it’s a system-related issue the company cannot resolve. 

SimpliSafe vs ADT Customer Service 

You can contact SimpliSafe customer support via phone call or SMS from 8 am to midnight (ET) daily. 

For ADT, you can chat with a digital assistant or a live agent on their website. Live agents are available from 7am to midnight (ET). You can also call ADT’s 24/7 support line if you prefer. 

Reviews and Ratings for SimpliSafe and ADT

SimpliSafe Reviews and Ratings 

On Trustpilot, SimpliSafe has an outstanding rating of 4.7 out of 5. CNET, a reputable tech review website, scores SimpliSafe 8.5 out of 10. 

SimpliSafe’s customizability, easy-to-install products, and exceptional customer service are why people love it.

ADT Reviews and Ratings 

ADT USA has an abysmal rating of 1.3 out of 5 on Trustpilot, and a CNET review gave the company a score of 6 out of 10. 

Customers' major complaints about the company are the long time it takes to get connected to a service representative on the phone and the unhelpful nature of service representatives. 

Key Differences between SimpliSafe and ADT 

SimpliSafe and ADT differ significantly in areas like:

Cost: A basic ADT package costs only $100 less than SimpliSafe’s most expensive package. However, you may not feel the effect on your pocket because ADT offers long-term interest-free payment plans. 

Installation: With SimpliSafe, you can install your security system yourself or leave it to a professional. On the other hand, ADT systems require professional installation. 

Professional monitoring: SimpliSafe offers month-to-month monitoring contracts, while ADT’s monitoring contracts run for 36 months. Asides from the contract length, ADT monitoring costs way more. 

Smart home integration: ADT systems are more compatible with smart home devices than SimpliSafe systems. This is mainly due to the Z-wave technology that ADT systems use. 

Customer service: According to online reviews, SimpliSafe’s customer service representatives are more courteous and helpful than those at ADT. 

SimpliSafe or ADT: Which One Is Right for You? 

SimpliSafe and ADT are great home security solutions, and it all boils down to where you live, your budget, and how much you value smart home integration. 

If you rent, SimpliSafe is the way to go. You can easily install your home security system without drilling holes into the walls and take it with you when you move. 

SimpliSafe is also a great option if you don’t like long-term commitments. Their monthly monitoring contracts allow you to cancel anytime without penalties. 

However, if you value smart home integration and want to get your hands on Google’s superior security cameras, it’s best to go for an ADT system.