ADT vs SimpliSafe
ADT is a good home security system for long-term homeowners. How does it compare to SimpliSafe? Read our comparison chart below.
ADT is the oldest and most popular name in home security. Plans start at $28.99/month for the most basic protection to $58.99/month for video monitoring and home automation. Note that the base plan only comes with 24/7 burglary monitoring by landline. Cellular monitoring is available at an additional cost. Fire/smoke, carbon monoxide and flood monitoring equipment are also extra costs.
You only get the option of professional installation with ADT, which means that you'll usually have to pay for the labor that comes with that. There is a 3-year contract and a 6-month money-back guarantee, but only if there is an equipment or service problem that ADT can't solve.
While SimpliSafe does things a little differently by having no contract whatsoever. You can cancel anytime without penalty. It also has one of the lowest monthly fees, starting at just $14.99/month. Even the highest tier plan is just $24.99/month and offers access to the mobile app and customizable alerts. All plans support 100% all-inclusive cellular monitoring.
But the downside is that the system is very basic. There is no video monitoring feature and no home automation. You do have to pay an upfront equipment fee too, starting at $229.96 for the 5-piece starter set. Or you can custom build your own per your needs. There is a 60-day money-back guaranteed if you’re not satisfied with the system.
Compare ADT with SimpliSafe, side-by-side. Read on for an in-depth look, including ratings, reviews, pros and cons.
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| Learn More | Learn More | |
ADT | SimpliSafe | |
|---|---|---|
Benefits and Features | ||
| Home Security | Plans start from $28.99/month to $58.99/month. All plans include 24/7 monitoring for burglary. $58.99 ADT Pulse Video Plan includes remote secure video and smartphone control. |
|
| Return Policy | 6 months money back guarantee if there is a problem ADT cannot resolve | |
| Warranty | After 90 days, there is a charge for servicing broken equipment. Or you can choose to pay a monthly fee for equipment warranty | |
| Equipment | $229 for basic package, or build your own | |
| Mobile App | ADT Pulse app allows you to activate alarm, check sensors, watch live video feeds, control lights and appliances, adjust thermostats and view history of home activities. Available on App Store and Google Play. | SimpliSafe Home Security app allows you to arm/disarm remotely and monitor sensor status. Requires Interactive monitoring subscription plan and SimpliSafe2 system. |
| Contract | ||
| Installation | Professional installation available. | |
| Yard Sign |  | |
| Home Automation | ADT Pulse allows you to arm/disarm your house, control your lights and thermostats remotely. | |
| Control Panel | ADT Pulse touchscreen control panel allows you to know alarm status, arm/disarm your alarm, control lights, check weather, and view live video from security cameras. Also allows you to quickly send an immediate alarm (medical, fire, or police). | |
| Customer Service | 24/7 customer support and monitoring. | 9am to 6pm Eastern, 7 days a week. 24/7 Monitoring. |
| Door Lock | ADT Pulse door locks allow you to remotely lock/unlock your door from any internet-connected device. | |
| Door Sensor | Wired and wireless door sensors. Wireless door sensors can be installed yourself with no drilling or hardwiring necessary. | |
| Glass Break Sensor | Detects if a pane of glass is shattered | |
| Lowest Monthly Price | ||
| Motion Sensor | | |
| Outdoor Camera | | |
| Security Camera | | |
| Thermostat | | |
| Touch Screen | | |
| Water Flood Monitoring | | |
| Window Sensor | | |
| Z-Wave | | |
CreditDonkey® Reviews | ||
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| Discount |    | |
| Home Security | | |
| Equipment | | |
| Mobile App | | |
| Packages | | |
| Cancellation | | |
| Installation | | |
| Yard Sign | | |
| Customer Service | | |
| Home Automation | | |
| Online Community | | |
| Pros & Cons | Pros:
| Pros:
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| Bottom Line | Good home security system for long-term homeowners... | Good basic home security for the money... |
Blank fields may indicate the information is not available, not applicable, or not known to CreditDonkey. Please visit the product website for details. ADT: Pricing information including fees, features and contract length was obtained on January 8, 2016 from published websites and is believed to be accurate, but not guaranteed. SimpliSafe: Pricing information including fees, features and contract length was obtained on August 4, 2016 from published websites and is believed to be accurate, but not guaranteed. | ||
Which is Better: ADT or SimpliSafe?
In short: ADT's home security, equipment, packages, installation, and yard sign are notable. In particular, the home security, installation, and yard sign are excellent. SimpliSafe's cancellation and customer service are noteworthy. In particular, the cancellation is impressive.
Articles on ADT
ADT Review
Articles on SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe
Which Do You Think is Best?
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