ADT vs SimpliSafe: Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare ADT and SimpliSafe plans, pricing, internet speeds, and available services to find the best home service provider for your area.
ADT vs SimpliSafe: Our Verdict
ADT and SimpliSafe are two of the most recognized names in home security, but they serve very different customer profiles. ADT is the industry's oldest and most established professional monitoring company, requiring professional installation and typically locking customers into 36-month contracts with monitoring starting at $24.99/month. SimpliSafe disrupts that model with easy DIY installation, no long-term contracts, and monitoring starting at $22.99/month — cheaper than ADT while offering comparable 24/7 professional monitoring. ADT's edge is its massive 200+ monitoring center network and 150-year brand reputation; SimpliSafe's edge is flexibility, lower upfront cost, and no commitment.
Our Pick
SimpliSafe
Recommendation
SimpliSafe is the better choice for most homeowners — it costs less, requires no contract, installs in minutes without a technician, and delivers professional monitoring comparable to ADT. Choose ADT if you want the absolute longest-standing brand in home security, need professional installation for a complex property, or if your insurance company specifically offers discounts for ADT monitoring.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | ADT | SimpliSafe |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $24.99/mo | $22.99/mo |
| Max Internet Speed | — | — |
| Available Plans | 3 plans | 4 plans |
| Home Security | ||
| View ADT Plans | View SimpliSafe Plans |
Featured Plans
ADT
ADT Smart
SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe Core
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ADT or SimpliSafe better for professional monitoring?
Both ADT and SimpliSafe offer UL-listed 24/7 professional monitoring centers that can dispatch police, fire, and medical responders. ADT operates 9 monitoring centers across North America with redundant systems for maximum uptime, while SimpliSafe uses Fast Protect monitoring with an average response time under 10 seconds. In real-world performance, both are highly reliable — the practical difference for most customers is negligible. SimpliSafe's Pro plan adds video verification, which can reduce police response times by giving dispatchers visual confirmation of an intrusion.
Does ADT require a long-term contract?
Yes, ADT typically requires a 36-month monitoring contract. Breaking the contract early usually results in an early termination fee of up to 75% of your remaining balance. SimpliSafe operates on a month-to-month basis with no contracts on any plan — you can cancel anytime with no penalty. For renters, frequent movers, or anyone who values flexibility, SimpliSafe's contract-free model is a major advantage over ADT.
Which is cheaper, ADT or SimpliSafe?
SimpliSafe is cheaper across the board. SimpliSafe's Standard monitoring plan starts at $22.99/month, while ADT starts at $24.99/month — a modest monthly difference. However, the bigger gap is in equipment and installation: ADT requires a professional installation visit that typically costs $99-$199, while SimpliSafe equipment is DIY and starter kits start around $200-$250. Over a 36-month ADT contract, the total cost including equipment and monitoring often reaches $1,500-$2,500 versus SimpliSafe's $1,000-$1,600 over the same period.
Can I move my ADT or SimpliSafe system to a new home?
SimpliSafe is significantly more move-friendly. Because it uses wireless sensors and cellular monitoring, you simply unplug the base station, pack your sensors, and reinstall at your new address — no technician needed. ADT requires a service visit to transfer service, which may involve new installation fees and can extend your contract term. For renters or those who expect to move, SimpliSafe's portability is a major practical advantage.
Which system works better without professional monitoring?
SimpliSafe works well in self-monitoring mode: the app provides real-time alerts, camera access, and the ability to trigger alarms manually. You can run SimpliSafe entirely without a monitoring plan and still get intrusion alerts on your phone. ADT's systems are primarily designed around professional monitoring and offer limited functionality without an active plan. If you travel frequently and want to self-manage, SimpliSafe is the more capable choice.