SimpliSafe vs. ADT: How These Home Security Systems Compare

We'll take a closer look at these popular security system options and how they stack up to each other.

The SimpliSafe vs. ADT comparison is something you'll come across eventually if you're looking into different types of home security systems.

Even though they are made for different types of users, they both provide the same service with very similar features.

So which option is the best for you? Let's find out.

All About SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe is an affordable DIY home security system that is easy to install and requires no commitments or contracts.

With SimpliSafe, you can avoid the hassle of wires and drill machines. All of the parts come with removable sticky pads on them.

You can pull them out and stick them where you see fit. As for the connection, you have to pair all your devices to its base station and connect the base station with your Wi-Fi.

If you’re still unsure about the installation process, you can get it professionally installed for a fee.

SimpliSafe Features

Before diving into the gadgets you can get from SimpliSafe, let’s go through the plans it offers.

Monitoring Plans

SimpliSafe offers two plans: Self Monitoring and Interactive Monitoring.

If you select Self Monitoring, you get unlimited camera recording, a one-year warranty, and alerts for every sensor.

The Interactive Monitoring plan gives you 24/7 high-priority police, medical, and fire dispatch. Additionally, you get temperature and flood monitoring, video verification, and unlimited camera recording. The interactive plan also features a lifetime warranty on all parts of the system.

Now that we've covered the services, let's move on to the systems, products, and devices you can buy from SimpliSafe.

Devices

To understand SimpliSafe’s security systems and the available options, you must know all that’s on the table. That means we should get to know all the devices.

• Base Station: It's the brains of your entire security system and probably the only device you have to plug in. Base Station has a built-in battery for backup in case of a power outage. It is included in all the security systems offered by SimpliSafe.
• Wireless Keypad: A keypad is included in all the SimpliSafe security systems. It helps you set passwords for different family members, arm and disarm the system, and set off the alarm when necessary.
• Temperature Sensor: Alerts you when the temperature drops below 41 degrees in your home.
• Panic Button: The panic button triggers your alarm and alerts the monitoring center.
• Glass Break Sensor: It is designed to ignore the sound of any plates breaking.

SimpliSafe also offers a plethora of optional sensors, detectors, and wireless outdoor and indoor cameras.

Security Systems

We know the devices and tools SimpliSafe has to offer, and we know the plans, now let’s talk about the whole security systems available.

SimpliSafe offers five different systems.

1. The Haven

Haven contains a total of 10 sets of devices, and it leaves little to no need for add-ons if you live in an apartment or a single-story house.

You get a Base Station, a Keypad, four entry sensors, two motion sensors, a panic button, a smoke detector, a temperature sensor, a water sensor, a key fob, and a wireless siren.

2. The Knox

Knox offers seven sets of devices which include a base station, keypad, six entry sensors, two motion sensors, a smoke detector, a key fob, and a wireless siren.

3. The Hearth

If there’s not much of an area you need to cover, you can try Hearth. It also offers seven sets of devices.

With Hearth, you get a base station, keypad, three entry sensors, a motion sensor, smoke detector, key fob, and a wireless siren.

4. The Essentials

The Essentials is one of the cheaper packages, and as the name suggests, it offers the essentials you’ll need to monitor your home.

It comes with a base station, a keypad, three entry sensors, and a motion sensor.

5. The Foundation

The Foundation offers you the barest minimum you’ll need to monitor your place. It’ll work well if you’re a single individual living in a small apartment. It may also work well if it’s only a part of your house you need to keep in check.

Foundation comes with a Base Station, Keypad, an Entry sensor, and a motion sensor.

Optional Products

A couple of more items SimpliSafe has to offer are:

• Video Doorbell: The Video doorbell alerts you when someone’s at the door even if they don’t ring the bell. You can also monitor all activity on your doorstep and in front of your house.
• Smart Lock: A Smart lock locks your door when you arm your system and notifies you whenever someone unlocks it.

You can also find out more about how SimpliSafe compares with Ring, another major DIY smart home security system.

All About ADT

When it comes to prices, packages, and prerequisites, ADT is made for a completely different market.

Not only does it require a contract of up to three years, but also none of its systems can be installed by the customers themselves. ADT sends a technician to professionally install the system in your home for a fee.

On the plus side, it offers a 6-month of money-back guarantee.

Features and Pricing

ADT doesn't sell its equipment and devices separately, unlike SimpliSafe. You get packages that make up your system, and you can choose to pay upfront or monthly for each one.

Packages

ADT offers three packages and pricing can vary depending on the size and features of your property. All packages include professional and environmental monitoring which dispatches help when an emergency is confirmed.

1. Secure Home

Secure Home focuses entirely on monitoring and security. So if that’s the issue you’re dealing with, here’s what you’ll get in this package:

• Digital Panel
• Entryway Contact Sensors
• Keychain Remote
• Motion Detector
• Yard Signs
• Window Decals

If you choose to pay upfront, it can cost you anywhere between $599 and $899 apart from monitoring and installation fees. The monthly payments can cost anywhere between $55.97 and $60.97 per month in addition to the monitoring charges.

2. Smart Home

Smart Home offers more control over the household. You can remotely control the security system, environment, and aesthetics of your home.

The Smart Home package includes everything from Secure Home along with some extras like customizable alerts, remote arming and disarming, a smart thermostat, a smart light bulb, and a garage controller.

3. Video and Smart Home

The Video and Smart Home package offers everything ADT has on the table. It lets you control your home security and home appliances, as well as monitor the surroundings of your home remotely.

In addition to the features included in the earlier two packages, the Video and Smart Home package offers indoor, outdoor, and doorbell cameras, customizable alerts, a live video feed, and an option to record and save clips.

Not including installation costs, the Video and Smart Home package starts at $1,049 and can go up to $1,449.

SimpliSafe vs. ADT

Both SimpliSafe and ADT work well with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. But on that plane, ADT beats SimpliSafe as it partners with more and more companies to expand its functionality across different brands and devices.

For people with trust issues, however, it’s a different game. Would you trust a company enough to let their people into your house and plant all monitoring devices?

Or would you want to rely on a company that’s more of a newcomer when compared to the other one but encourages you to set up your own systems with DIY methods?

And before making your decision, take a look at our rundown of home security mistakes you really need to avoid making.

Final Verdict

If you’re tight on budget, your options are obvious. You would do well with SimpliSafe. If you love the autonomy of doing everything yourself, again, SimpliSafe is the option for you.

However, if you have some extra cash, and want more options or total control over your household including your appliances, ADT would be the best choice for you.