SimpliSafe (9.2/10) vs ADT (8.4/10) — DIY vs professional install, no contract vs 3-year, $19.99/month vs $60/month. Which is right for your home?
Quick Answer
SimpliSafe is better for renters, budget buyers, and anyone who wants no contract. ADT is better for homeowners who want professional installation and the largest monitoring network in the US — and don't mind a 2–3 year commitment.
SimpliSafe and ADT represent fundamentally different approaches to home security. SimpliSafe is DIY, no-contract, and affordable — the right call for renters, first-time buyers, and anyone who wants flexibility. ADT is professional-install, contracted, and more expensive — the right call for homeowners who want a licensed technician to handle everything and don't want to touch the equipment at all. The monitoring quality is comparable between both (both CSAA Five Diamond certified), which means the main tradeoffs are cost and commitment.
Affiliate disclosure: SecurityCompassHQ may earn commissions from some links. Commissions do not influence our recommendations or scores. See full disclosure →
| Category | SimpliSafe | ADT |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | 🤝 DIY — 15–30 minutes, no tools needed. | 🤝 Professional — licensed technician installs and tests. |
| Contract | 🏆 No contract. Cancel any time. | 2–3 year contract required. |
| Monthly cost | 🏆 $0–$19.99/month. | $28–$60/month. |
| Monitoring network | CSAA Five Diamond certified. Solid monitoring. | 🏆 200+ centers — largest network in the US. |
| Portability | 🏆 Fully wireless, adhesive mounts. Take it when you move. | Professionally installed — difficult to remove. |
| Insurance discount | Some insurers accept SimpliSafe for 5–10% discount. | 🏆 ADT certificate accepted by virtually all insurers. |
| Setup | 🤝 15–30 minutes self-install. | 🤝 Zero involvement — technician does everything. |
Our Verdict
SimpliSafe wins for most buyers. SimpliSafe is better for renters, budget buyers, and anyone who wants no contract. ADT is better for homeowners who want professional installation and the largest monitoring network in the US — and don't mind a 2–3 year commitment.
Is SimpliSafe's monitoring as good as ADT's?
For most homes, yes. Both use CSAA Five Diamond certified monitoring centers. SimpliSafe's Fast Protect tier adds live agent camera verification before dispatch — which ADT doesn't offer on standard plans.
Can I get out of ADT's contract?
Yes, but you'll typically pay ~75% of the remaining contract value. Read the early termination clause before signing — this is a real cost.
Is SimpliSafe right for homeowners (not just renters)?
Absolutely. SimpliSafe is marketed toward renters due to portability, but homeowners with straightforward layouts benefit equally from its no-contract flexibility and strong monitoring.
Take our 60-second quiz and get a free personalised security recommendation.
Build my free plan →No email · 60 seconds · Free forever