SimpliSafe and ADT are the two most-searched home security brands in America — but they couldn’t be more different. SimpliSafe built its reputation on affordable, no-contract DIY security. ADT has been the name in professional monitoring since 1874. This 2026 comparison covers every detail: equipment, monitoring plans, cameras, smart home, total costs, and which type of homeowner each system actually serves.
SimpliSafe vs ADT at a Glance
| Feature | SimpliSafe | ADT Self Setup | ADT Pro Install |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2006 (Harvard dorm room) | 1874 (oldest US security co.) | |
| Installation | DIY, 30 min | DIY | Professional tech |
| Contract | None — cancel anytime | None | 36 months required |
| Equipment cost | $199–$509 (kits) | $199–$399 | $0–$250 (subsidized) |
| Cheapest monitoring | Free (self-monitor) | $5.99/mo | $28.99/mo |
| Pro monitoring | $17.99/mo (Fast Protect) | $24.99/mo | $28.99–$59.99/mo |
| Cameras | SimpliCam + Outdoor Cam | Google Nest cams | ADT proprietary |
| Video verification | Yes — Live Guard agent views cam | No | Yes (ADT+ plans) |
| Smart home | Alexa, Google (limited) | Google Home native | Alexa, Google, Z-Wave, Zigbee |
| Apple HomeKit | No | No | No |
| Cellular backup | Yes (all plans) | Yes | Yes |
| Battery backup | 24 hours | 24 hours | 24 hours |
| Customer rating | ~4.4/5 (Amazon avg.) | ~2.5/5 (mixed reviews) | ~2.5/5 (contract complaints) |
The headline: SimpliSafe gives you solid protection at roughly half the monthly cost with zero commitment. ADT gives you the most recognized name in security and optional professional installation — but at a premium, and often locked into a 3-year contract.
Monitoring Plans Compared
Monitoring is where the real cost difference lives. Here’s every plan from both companies in 2026:
SimpliSafe Plans
| Plan | Price | Pro monitoring | Camera recording | Live Guard | Smart home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Self-Monitor | Free | No | No | No | No |
| Fast Protect | $17.99/mo | Yes — 24/7 | Yes (30 days) | No | Alexa/Google |
| Fast Protect+ | $27.99/mo | Yes — 24/7 | Yes (30 days) | Yes | Alexa/Google |
ADT Plans
| Plan | Price | Pro monitoring | Cameras | Video verify | Smart home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Self Setup — Home | $5.99/mo | No (self only) | No | No | Google Home |
| Self Setup — Plus | $14.99/mo | Yes | No | No | Google Home |
| Self Setup — Premium | $24.99/mo | Yes | Nest cams included | No | Google Home |
| Pro Install — Secure | $28.99/mo | Yes | No | No | Full (Z-Wave) |
| Pro Install — Smart | $34.99/mo | Yes | 1 camera | No | Full |
| Pro Install — Complete | $59.99/mo | Yes | Unlimited | Yes | Full + automation |
Key difference: SimpliSafe’s best plan ($27.99) costs less than ADT’s cheapest pro-install plan ($28.99) — and includes Live Guard camera verification, which ADT only offers at $59.99/mo.
3-Year Total Cost Comparison
Security is a long-term commitment. Here’s what each option actually costs over 3 years — equipment plus monitoring:
| Setup | Equipment | Monthly | 3-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| SimpliSafe — Self-Monitor | $299 (Essentials kit) | $0 | $299 |
| SimpliSafe — Fast Protect | $299 | $17.99 | $947 |
| SimpliSafe — Fast Protect+ | $299 | $27.99 | $1,307 |
| ADT Self Setup — Premium | $199 | $24.99 | $1,099 |
| ADT Pro Install — Secure | $0–$250 | $28.99 | $1,044–$1,294 |
| ADT Pro Install — Complete | $0–$250 | $59.99 | $2,160–$2,410 |
| Abode — Self-Monitor | $199 (Smart Kit) | $0 | $199 |
| Abode — Connect+ | $199 | $20/mo | $919 |
Abode undercuts both on total cost — $199 for a complete kit with free self-monitoring, or $919 over 3 years with pro monitoring. No contract either.
Equipment & Hardware
What’s in the Box
| Component | SimpliSafe | ADT Self Setup | ADT Pro Install |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base station | Wi-Fi + cellular hub | ADT Self Setup hub | ADT Command panel (touchscreen) |
| Keypad | Wireless PIN pad | In-app only | Touchscreen panel |
| Entry sensors | 3–10 (varies by kit) | 2–6 | Customized by tech |
| Motion sensor | 1–2 | 1 | 1–2 |
| Key fob | Optional | No | Optional |
| Siren | Built into base (95 dB) | Built-in | External (110 dB) |
| Outdoor camera | $169.99 add-on | Google Nest (Premium plan) | Included in Smart+ plans |
| Video doorbell | $169.99 add-on | Google Nest Doorbell | ADT doorbell |
SimpliSafe’s hardware is proprietary — you can only use SimpliSafe sensors. ADT Pro Install uses industry-standard equipment but you don’t own it if you cancel. ADT Self Setup uses Google Nest ecosystem, which is solid hardware but limited to Google’s ecosystem.
Camera Comparison
| Spec | SimpliCam Indoor | SimpliSafe Outdoor | Google Nest Cam (ADT) | ADT Pro Camera |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p | 1080p (wide-angle) | 1080p HDR | 1080p |
| Night vision | Yes | Yes + spotlight | Yes + HDR | Yes |
| Two-way audio | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Local storage | No | No | Yes (3 hrs free) | No |
| Cloud storage | 30 days (paid plan) | 30 days (paid plan) | 60 days (Nest Aware+) | Included in plan |
| Person detection | Yes | Yes | Yes + face recognition | Yes |
Google Nest cameras (ADT Self Setup path) are genuinely excellent hardware — better than SimpliSafe’s cameras. But you need a Nest Aware subscription on top of your ADT plan for full features, which adds cost.
Smart Home Integration
| Platform | SimpliSafe | ADT Self Setup | ADT Pro Install | Abode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Alexa | Yes (arm/disarm) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Google Home | Yes (arm/disarm) | Yes (native) | Yes | Yes |
| Apple HomeKit | No | No | No | Yes |
| Z-Wave | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Zigbee | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| IFTTT | No | No | No | Yes |
| Smart locks | August (limited) | Google/Yale | Yale/Kwikset/Schlage | Z-Wave locks |
| Smart lights | No direct | Google/Hue | Z-Wave switches | Z-Wave/Zigbee |
This is where both SimpliSafe and ADT Self Setup fall short. SimpliSafe is essentially a closed ecosystem — basic voice assistant support but no home automation protocols. ADT Self Setup is locked to Google. Only ADT Pro Install (at $28.99+/mo) or Abode gives you real Z-Wave/Zigbee smart home control. And Abode is the only major security system with Apple HomeKit support.
Who Should Choose SimpliSafe
| You want… | Why SimpliSafe works |
|---|---|
| Affordable pro monitoring | $17.99/mo — cheapest 24/7 monitoring from a major brand |
| Zero commitment | No contract, cancel online anytime |
| Quick DIY setup | 30 minutes, peel-and-stick sensors |
| Live Guard video verification | Unique feature — agent views camera on alarm |
| Renters | No drilling, take it when you move |
Who Should Choose ADT
| You want… | Why ADT works |
|---|---|
| Brand recognition | ADT yard sign is a proven deterrent |
| Professional installation | Tech handles everything — ideal if not handy |
| Google Nest ecosystem | ADT Self Setup integrates natively with Google |
| Complex home (10+ zones) | Pro install techs customize large systems |
| Insurance discounts | ADT certificate widely accepted for homeowner discounts |
Why Some Buyers Choose Neither
Both SimpliSafe and ADT have real limitations. SimpliSafe’s closed ecosystem means no real smart home automation. ADT’s contracts and pricing put off budget-conscious buyers. And neither supports Apple HomeKit.
Abode fills the gap: DIY installation, no contract, free self-monitoring, pro monitoring from $6/mo, and the only major system with HomeKit, Z-Wave, Zigbee, Alexa, and Google all built in. The Smart Security Kit starts at $199 — less than SimpliSafe’s mid-tier kit and a fraction of ADT’s 3-year commitment.
If smart home matters to you, read our full Abode review before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SimpliSafe better than ADT?
For most DIY buyers, yes. SimpliSafe costs less monthly ($17.99 vs $28.99+), requires no contract, and includes features like Live Guard that ADT charges $59.99/mo for. ADT’s advantage is professional installation and brand recognition.
Can I self-monitor with ADT?
Only with ADT Self Setup ($5.99/mo minimum). ADT’s traditional pro-install plans require professional monitoring — there’s no free self-monitor option like SimpliSafe or Abode offer.
Does SimpliSafe work with HomeKit?
No. Neither SimpliSafe nor ADT supports Apple HomeKit. If you’re in the Apple ecosystem, Abode is the only major security system with native HomeKit support.
Can I cancel ADT without a penalty?
ADT Self Setup has no contract — cancel anytime. ADT pro-install contracts are 36 months; early termination costs 75% of remaining payments. That can be $700+ if you cancel in year one.
Which has better cameras?
ADT Self Setup uses Google Nest cameras, which are superior to SimpliSafe’s cameras in image quality, HDR, and AI detection. However, you need both an ADT plan and Nest Aware subscription for full features.
Is there a better option than both?
If smart home integration is important, Abode offers more platform support (HomeKit, Z-Wave, Zigbee) at a lower total cost than either. If cameras are your priority, Ring offers excellent camera integration through Amazon’s ecosystem. See our SimpliSafe vs Ring and ADT vs Frontpoint comparisons for more options.
William is a tech buff and former corporate security officer turned cybercrime analyst. Computers have few secrets left for him, but home security and alarm systems… Well, those have plenty of secrets for their users, which William is now uncovering and explaining. His articles on home security helped many people take the matter seriously, invest in highly performing systems, and avoid becoming victims of burglaries.
Jimmy Walker says
I am finally nearing my 3 year contract date with ADT, and already have on my calendar the reminder to cancel. I can see the savings with SimpliSafe. My total install package for ADT when they put it in 35 months ago was just a click over $1500, to get the same items with SimpliSafe is going to cost me about $850. Not to mention with the continued cost increases by ADT, and I am now pay $72 a month, the new monthly rate for SimpliSafe of $25 will be wonderful! I see absolutely no reason to stay with ADT, being the biggest doesn’t mean it is the best!! I even spoke with my insurance agent and asked about my discount for homeowners and she said we would be getting the same discount, and she has had several customers making the switch from ADT to Simplisafe!
Richard Webb says
I see all these reviews are about 3 to 4 years old. Review Simplisafe now. I just put in Simplisafe with the ability to arm and disarm with our two cell phones. We get a text message when our system is turned off, put in home mode or away mode to verify. Look at what they have now. As far as cheap equipment, I don’t see it, Simplisafe is plastic and metal and so is ADT. Live camera feed to your phone and record from your phone. In the event our home is broken into and the system fails us, then we will know. Bottom line, both have pros and cons as with any company, pick what best suits you. So far I have not seen a company that did not get a bad review.
Debbie Slaughter says
ADT can have upfront charges depending on the type of security system you get. No matter what you should expect $99-199 for installation and more if you get an upper tier Pulse package.
Jenna j says
I know this is late.. but how can you ‘splurge’ on protecting your family/home/business?? ADT all the way.
Alan says
ADT changed cell phone providers in the area where i have a cabin as a second home. For months ADT told me that I needed to be there to get the system checked all while charging the monthly fee. Several times while I was there and had appointments that ADT cancelled the appointment while the monthly fees continued. After nearly a year one technician let the cat out of the bag, that the cabin was in a dead spot for the new cell provider. ADT still required 30 day cancellation notice and then did not cancel until the second go. All in all ADT charged more than $400 when they knew that they could not provide any service. If this kind of service is acceptable, ADT is your company.
Sean says
when you compare ADT to simplisafe it’s like comparing a Saturn to a BMW. If you want to make a true long lasting investment with a legit company that is going stand by you go with ADT. Simplisafe uses the oldest and cheapest equipment out there. Put it this way ADT has more employees monitoring your home then simplisafe has in there whole entire corporation, ADT has 6 monitoring centers how many does simplisafe have maybe 2.
Centaur says
Simply Safe outsources monitoring to a well-known and long established monitoring network that is every bit as good as ADT.
William says
I’d love to know your thoughts on ADT Authorized dealers vs ADT employees. I had a quote ffrom an ADT sales guy that included a $1500 set up. When I showed him a flyer I received in the mail offering a $99 set-up fee for an ADT system, he showed me where it came from an ADT authorized dealer and gave me a laundry list of downsides using an authorized dealer vs an actual ADT employee. In my eyes, both systems are ADT and that’s what I really care about. Thoughts??
Alarm Reviews says
Hey William, ADT authorized dealers sell the contracts to ADT, so you are right both are ADT. Usually you can get a better deal through the dealers as they are more ‘eager’ for the sale and more competitive against other dealers. They have to follow strict guidelines for installation and customer service.
Addison says
Simplisafe will always be cheaper because they rely on the user installing the system, keeping up on it and adding any more equipment down the road. Unprofessional in my mind, I’m okay with paying a bit extra to have a professional take care of everything for me and my family.
T.A says
Installation by a trained personnel should matter a lot, chances of doing it wrong or breaking something and the cost of replacing makes installation by trained personnel a better choice. while Simplisafe may offer a cheaper monitoring plan. Utilizing ADT pulse proofs ADT is worth every penny it cost. Definitely a better choice to Simplisafe.
Halina Williams says
This comparison cracked me up a few times while reading. It does seem an uneven match comparing a 100 years old security firm that is tested and trusted to a new kid in the security system block. I use ADT alarm system, though the monitoring cost is higher than SimpliSafe, I am confident that they offer me value for my money.
Ashton says
My family saved thousands by using SImplisafe. I was quoted $2,700 for instalation in my pre-wired home by ADT in 2014. I was able to install SimpliSafe’s Master Package in less than 15 minutes. The equipment is installed using command strips which is very useful and non-damaging. We just moved to a new home and moving our system was a breeze. Our alarm has been set off two separate times. Once, by a family memeber’s dog that set off the motion sensors. The police were on their way within 60 sec. Another time, I accidently hit my panic button (located behind my nightstand) while cleaning and it was within 5 seconds my phone was ringing with a representive from SimpliSafe letting me know she had dispatched the police. I haven’t regretted getting Simplisafe once and would recommend it to anyone shopping for a security system.
Alarm Reviews says
Thanks Ashton for your feedback. Whoever quotes $2,700 for installation for an ADT system is WAY off. Even if you get the highest Pulse package it won’t cost more than $199 for installation. Call 866-511-5762 for the best deals on ADT in future. For now sounds like you are setup and safe!
RD says
Adt monitoring started at 39.99 per month then 44.99 now 54.99 per month for basic monitoring…one year with simplisafe will pay for itself. That is why I am switching to Simplisafe but I agree their equipment is not up to par or mobile control. I’m not the kind of guy that needs that stuff so I am going without it for now.
PR says
I started with ADT at 44.99 around 1.5 years back, and now my total bill is 60.99. I am repenting my mistake of signing a 3 year contract with ADT.
Cathy says
Thanks for sharing this comparison! ADT is definitely the company I’ve heard more about and see signs in neighborhoods for. I do like the fact that you don’t have to do the installation yourself for ADT. I like that SimpliSafe doesn’t require a contract though but as long as you can move around the country within your agreement which I know you can then really 3 years isn’t that big of a deal unless you don’t think you’ll have a house 3 years from now.
Gregory says
Why in the world are SimpliSafe’s starting costs so high? I guess this is to compensate for the positives as no contracts and no early termination fee, right? I have no problems in installing the system myself and the $15+ difference in monthly plans between the two is enough for me to give SimpliSafe a chance. If they don’t work out I will switch to ADT immediately. That’s why I love the “no early termination fee” feature; it gives me the chance to test them out and see for myself.
Dianne Saunders says
Yes this is the case with anything where there is no contract. They have to charge you outright for the devices and such because they can’t trust to get them back. Think of how cell phone companies are. It is not much different. I personally love the option even though I pay more.
Fred says
Simplisafe at $20/mo for three years is $720. Plus the $650+/- for equipment brings you around $1400. I would rather get ADT who will install it professionally for $99 starting costs and after 3 years you only end up paying around $199 for a better company. You can then always switch your monitoring and have better Pulse equipment over the Simplisafe cheap security system.
Jared says
Regardless of any other argument, Simplisafe is definitely much cheaper in the long run but only by a couple hundred dollars and you are giving up quality of equipment and customer service for that. If you get the lowest monitoring package and starting package you will save around $350 over 3 years over ADT, although these packages are not preferred. Comparing medium packages to one another, Simplisafe is eventually cheaper at around 4 years, but most don’t keep the same security provider for that long as they want new gadgets that come out. My vote is either is a good choice, if you want less of a headache then ADT would be recommended.
Ashley says
Nice line of reason, I think I would do same. But trying both would mean dishing out almost $1000 for both security system. A costly experiment indeed.
Brody says
Great comparison. Yeah seen those over the top reviews and ads of Simplisafe everywhere. Can’t blame them, they have to get those customers.
I have an ADT setup at my house I don’t remember since when, which will tell you the story about how satisfied I’m with them. That being said, my friend has a Simplisafe system at his house and barring few hiccups, he said the system is working good. So, it’s all about individual experiences at the end of the day. Though, nothing to beat ADT… obviously.
Jennifer says
As I was looking for a home security system service for my new house, I contacted several companies and told them about my requirements. Calls from various companies came and I finalized between Simplisafe and ADT. As I was on a budget, I was drifting more towards Simplisafe because of the lower monthly cost. But after reading this comparison review between both, I have finally made up my mind on ADT. Thank god, I came to your site and read this review before making the final decision. In the end, I prefer peace of mind over any other thing. I will manage paying a little more to ADT but can’t compromise on overall quality and comfort.
Ray says
Have had ADT for years but will admit, the monthly monitoring cost continues to rise. It is now @ $45.33. You would think they would give long time customers better rates but not always the case. That cost does include cellular monitoring at least, I’m on the fence about switching to Simplisafe, their start up costs are close to $500 and not sure if the hassle really pays off. Thank you for the review!
Chett says
Thanks for the analysis of this company. So you don’t think that Simplisafe is worth the upfront costs? I’ve been seriously considering it but I’m not too sure about the rise in cost as you said.
Jamez says
Had ADT in the past and then Xfinity Home most recently until I got fed up with their customer servcie which is the same reason why I left ADT.
I am now using Simplisafe. I was skeptical at first but after reading reviews, I gave it a shot. I would say I really like Simplisafe because of the low monthly cost (you pay higher up front) and so far their customer service has been very helpful.
Some may be turned away because it is a DIY product but it is sooo easy to install.
The only negative so far for me is that their door sensors are so bulky and they do not offer cameras.
Wendy Magierski says
Recently, there were a few break-ins within my area and yes it made my whole family worried, but ever since installing SimpliSafe my family has no worries about security. Setup is very simple, you can do it by yourself and the phone app is properly designed and easy to navigate.
Marcos says
Although they (Simplisafe) try very hard to get noticed but frankly no one I know knows about them and I’m sure even if some people know about them, they won’t risk spending their hard earned money on a company who has average equipment and questionable business tactics. And honestly comparing them with a beast like ADT is not fair. Great synopsis though!
Dan says
I am one of the ones who had no idea they even were around. I think places like ADT are so far a head of companies like this that many people (including myself) would rather use a well established company over one that is basically new. I enjoyed these reviews but I have to agree with Marcos here on this one.
Peter says
I guess I don’t understand SimpliSafe’s ultimate plan in the home security niche. Do they still offer monitoring or are they a stand alone alarm product?
Alarm Reviews says
Hey Peter,
Good question and easy confusion. They still are a monitoring station albeit less a month than most other companies ($14.99+). This comes with a hefty start up cost of $200+ and you rely on your own expertise to install it.
Hector says
This company has a lot of other critics behind it. Your review is very thorough which is nice. I think I might put them on my short list. Thanks!
Mary Kress says
Its amazing how much you hear about ADT due to all of the commercials and such. I have never heard of SimpliSafe before I came here to read the comparisons. I’m not sure which to give a try but it’s good to learn about a new blue alternative.
Rayna says
Do you have information on whether Simplisafe services renters? I’m trying to figure out which companies do and this info was included in another of your great reviews. It would seem that they should because of the no contract stipulation, but I’m not finding it easily on their website. I can’t use Vivint because they don’t work with renters. Thanks for any info you can provide.
Alarm Reviews says
Hey Rayna.,
If we have done the research for you and have a guide where you can see who the best company is with renters, click on our ‘Tools’ tab and go to ‘Help Me Choose’ page.
Richard Webb says
I think you can put Simplisafe in the rental, just call Simplisafe and find out and if so, of course you will also need to check with your landlord to install it.
chris says
I have had ADT and Simplisafe. The only thing ADT has on them is a bigger name. It does cost more to get started with Simplisafe but the monitoring is cheaper than ADT.
Martin says
Thanks for sharing this, Chris! I’m on the edge between these two and was considering splurging on ADT but now I think I’ll go with SimpliSafe. Not having to sign a contract is a huge plus for me, I like knowing that I can cancel at any moment if I want to.