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SimpliSafe vs. ADT Security Review
Choosing a home security system today hinges on how you want to install, monitor, and automate your home. Full-service providers like ADT emphasize professional installation, bundled smart-home features, and higher-tier monitoring, while DIY-first brands focus on upfront equipment, month-to-month monitoring, and quick self-install. Key differences show up in pricing, contract length, installation options, add-ons, monitoring, and smart home automation. For current plan specifics, see SimpliSafe’s monitoring plans and ADT plan comparisons.
SimpliSafe stands out for no long-term contracts, straightforward equipment bundles, and flexible monitoring tiers, while ADT offers two tracks: professionally installed Smart Home systems with multi-year contracts and a DIY Self Setup option with month-to-month monitoring. Below, we break down the key differences using current pricing, contract terms, and integration details from official sources and recent independent reviews (SimpliSafe plans; U.S. News SimpliSafe review; ADT pro-install plans; ADT Self Setup; U.S. News ADT review).
SimpliSafe vs ADT Overview
| Cost of basic plan | $19.99 (Standard) or $29.99 (Fast Protect) / month; $9.99 self-monitoring available (source) | Pro install Smart Home from ~$45.99+ / month; ADT Self Setup (DIY) from about $24.99 (plan-dependent) (source; DIY) |
| 24/7 professional monitoring | Yes; optional self-monitoring ($9.99) | Yes (pro install and DIY plans available) |
| Terms | No long-term contract; month-to-month (terms) | Typically 36-month contract for pro install (24 in CA); DIY is month-to-month (packages; DIY) |
| Theft protection | No advertised theft-protection guarantee | Theft Protection Guarantee: up to $500 toward insurance deductible; conditions apply (ADT guarantee) |
| Money-back guarantee | 60-day equipment return window (policy) | 6-month Money-Back Guarantee (conditional; see terms) (policy) |
Monitoring
There are two types of home security systems to choose from: DIY and professional. With a DIY home security system, you can self-monitor (alerts to your phone) or add professional monitoring. With professional monitoring, trained agents at a central station handle alarm events and dispatch according to protocol. SimpliSafe offers three clear tiers: $9.99/month Self Monitoring with Camera Recordings, $19.99/month Standard Monitoring, and $29.99/month Fast Protect Monitoring with enhanced verification features (SimpliSafe plans; U.S. News). ADT’s professionally installed Smart Home monitoring typically starts around $45.99+/month, with higher tiers for smart-home control and video; its DIY Self Setup monitoring commonly starts around $24.99/month (ADT plans; ADT Self Setup; U.S. News). For reliability, look for UL 827–listed central stations and modern dispatch practices like TMA‑AVS‑01 alarm validation scoring (UL 827; TMA‑AVS‑01).
Contracts
SimpliSafe does not require a long-term monitoring contract; service is month-to-month and cancellable anytime. Equipment bought direct includes a 60‑day money‑back return window (SimpliSafe monitoring terms; return policy). ADT’s professionally installed Smart Home systems typically require a fixed‑term contract (generally 36 months; 24 months in California) with an early‑termination fee up to 75% of remaining monthly charges if you cancel early (ADT packages; ADT terms). Prefer flexibility? ADT’s Self Setup (DIY) is month‑to‑month with no long‑term contract (ADT Self Setup).
Home Automation
Today’s top systems connect to popular smart-home platforms. With ADT Pulse, ADT’s current experience centers on the ADT+ app and deep Google Nest integration for unified security, video, and thermostat control; ADT also supports voice via Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, including PIN‑gated disarming on supported systems (ADT + Google; ADT Alexa support). SimpliSafe supports Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Watch for arming and status; disarming by voice is not supported and integrations generally require an eligible plan (SimpliSafe Works With; Alexa; Google Assistant). These tools deliver real-time alerts, remote arming/disarming (via app or keypad), and live video where supported.
Installation
SimpliSafe defaults to DIY installation (no activation fee) and offers optional professional installation in select markets for an added charge (plan details). ADT’s professional installation is handled by technicians for its Smart Home systems and typically includes an installation fee that varies by promotion and system complexity (ADT plans). If you prefer to install yourself, ADT Self Setup is a DIY path without a long-term contract (ADT Self Setup).
So Which Is Right For Me?
| If you… | Then you should go with: | Here’s why: |
| Want theft protection guarantee | ADT | ADT offers a Theft Protection Guarantee of up to $500 toward your insurance deductible if a burglary occurs while your system is armed (conditions apply; see ADT guarantee page). |
| Want a no-fuss, simple security system | SimpliSafe | No long-term contracts; choose $9.99 self-monitoring or $19.99/ $29.99 professional monitoring tiers and cancel anytime. |
| Want professional installation | ADT | ADT Smart Home systems are installed by technicians; installation fees typically apply and vary by promotion and system complexity. DIY option available with ADT Self Setup. |
| No contracts | SimpliSafe | Monitoring is month-to-month with SimpliSafe (cancel anytime). ADT also offers DIY Self Setup without a long-term contract. |
| Remote control over your entire home security system | ADT | The ADT+ app unifies security with Google Nest video and thermostats; supports Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, with PIN-based voice disarm on supported systems. |
Points to consider
Price
Everyone has a different budget and preferences when it comes to home security, which is why the best companies offer multiple packages of various prices and sizes. SimpliSafe offers six different packages with add-ons available; typical core kit MSRPs cluster around a few hundred dollars (roughly $250–$520) before frequent sitewide discounts, and you can also build your own system (SimpliSafe packages). ADT offers three packages for professionally installed Smart Home service, with monitoring commonly starting around $45.99+/month and higher tiers adding smart-home and video features; ADT Self Setup (DIY) monitoring typically starts from about $24.99/month (ADT plans; ADT Self Setup).
DIY vs Professional Home Security
If you’re looking for a DIY home security option, SimpliSafe is designed for self-install and contract-free monitoring. Typical DIY professional monitoring runs about $15–$30/month on a cancel‑anytime basis, while traditional pro‑installed plans often cost roughly $40–$60+/month with multi‑year contracts (Wirecutter; Consumer Reports). Professional monitoring centers are usually UL 827–listed for redundancy and disaster recovery, and many providers are adopting alarm validation standards (TMA‑AVS‑01) and automated 911 data exchange to improve response (UL 827; TMA‑AVS‑01; ASAP-to-PSAP). When comparing providers, also consider current customer experience benchmarks—speed, ease, and proactive communication remain leading drivers of satisfaction and switching (ACSI; Qualtrics; Zendesk; Salesforce).
FAQ
What’s the difference between ADT monitoring and SimpliSafe monitoring?
SimpliSafe offers month‑to‑month plans—$9.99 self‑monitoring with camera recordings, $19.99 Standard, and $29.99 Fast Protect with enhanced verification—no long‑term contract (plans). ADT’s professionally installed Smart Home monitoring typically starts around $45.99+/month with a standard fixed‑term agreement (often 36 months; 24 months in CA), while ADT Self Setup (DIY) monitoring starts around $24.99/month without a long‑term contract (ADT plans; DIY; contract details).
Do both companies offer smart home integration?
Yes. SimpliSafe supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for arming and status (no voice disarm) and Apple Watch controls; integrations generally require an eligible plan (Works With; Alexa; Google Assistant). ADT’s ADT+ app integrates Google Nest devices and supports Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, including optional PIN‑based disarming on supported systems (ADT + Google; ADT Alexa support).
Can I move with my home security system?
DIY systems like SimpliSafe are easy to relocate—peel, move, and reinstall—without starting a new monitoring contract (SimpliSafe monitoring terms). For ADT’s professionally installed systems, the ADT Mover’s Program helps transfer service to a new address; new agreements or fees may apply depending on the offer. Always review your ADT Residential Services Agreement for move, cancellation, and notice requirements (ADT terms).
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