Compare ADT Home Security vs. SimpliSafe Home Security Systems

ADT Monitoring and SimpliSafe both sell wireless alarm systems but offer very different deals and equipment.

ADT Security Services has long been considered the industry standard seeing that it is the largest home security provider in the US and Canada. The company dates back approximately 140 years to when American District Telegraph pioneered sending security alerts by Morse code. Customers can choose between wireless and hardwired systems with free installations, and they can connect security systems from other alarm companies to ADT Monitoring centers for about $20/month. Compared with most other home security companies, ADT offers a broader range of services.

SimpliSafe, on the other hand, sells and monitors DIY wireless home security equipment such as entryway sensors, motion detectors, glass break sensors, and the SimpliCam video camera. After twelve years in business, customers can shop online and choose from five security systems or “build your own” security system. Each set arrives ready for the do-it-yourself installation, which requires no tools and takes less than an hour. The SimpliSafe monitoring system costs as little as $14.99 a month. For more information on this sort of security system, don’t forget to check out our article about the differences between DIY and professional monitoring.

In our comparison of ADT Monitoring vs. SimpliSafe, we found that both companies guard against break-ins and environmental threats, and both can support indoor video cameras. They also have 24/7 monitoring and emergency service, indoor cameras, and mobile apps. The biggest difference? ADT requires a monitoring contract, whereas SimpliSafe does not. Also, only ADT can support smart home features and is available in areas without cell service. On the plus side, SimpliSafe is much cheaper than ADT Monitoring in the long run.

When evaluating the benefits or disadvantages of  home security, customers should carefully research and get quotes from multiple companies before picking one or the other. As with any big decision, we cannot emphasize enough the importance of research and comparison shopping. To help customers make an informed decision about which might be more suitable for them, our ADT Monitoring vs. SimpliSafe review looked at the following elements: equipment, monitoring, reputation, contract and price, and technology integration.

Even though both ADT Monitoring and SimpliSafe security companies can guard against burglaries and environmental disasters such as fires or floods (at an additional cost), ADT Monitoring offers more security features than its counterpart.

ADT’s security systems include an event triggered alarm, live surveillance and home automation with voice recognition—which allows customers to arm/disarm their house and control their lights and thermostats remotely. In contrast, SimpliSafe offers a more basic system which features pre-programmed sensors that start working out of the box.

SimpliSafe is a wireless system, and there is no hard-wiring or drilling required. The DIY installation of the system is quick, and customers can keep watch over their homes from anywhere in the world with the wireless 720p HD security camera within the SimpliSafe app. SimpliSafe’s main components are the base station, which is responsible for sending the alarm signals to the company’s 24/7 alarm monitoring center; the keypad; the motion sensor, which detects motion within 30 feet; and the entry sensor, designed to fit on all types of doors and windows.

In contrast, ADT Monitoring allows customers to choose between wireless or hardwired systems with free installations, plus they can connect security systems from other alarm companies to ADT monitoring centers (at an additional cost). The company offers three security packages: traditional, control, and video. All three packages provide the ADT Go Family Locator App; cellular connection; fire, carbon monoxide & flood monitoring; and 24/7 monitoring. The control package includes the ADT Pulse app and remote access, and the video package is the most comprehensive, including security cameras with live video that customers can see through their computer and smartphone.

Customers who already own security systems can get especially low prices, as they pay ADT just for monitoring, not for the equipment. Specifics of ADT security equipment vary by dealer, but the standard features are the same: pushbutton or touchscreen control panels, entry sensors, interior motion detectors, and wireless keychain remotes.

Another important thing that customers need to bear in mind is the home security company’s response speed and monitoring. The most effective alarm systems are made to quickly notify emergency responders. When a security alarm is triggered, police response time is influenced by three main factors: security system quality, monitoring center quality, and police protocol. The alarm system will almost always attempt to reach the customer first and confirm that there is a problem, so the sooner they get the confirmation, the better.

Response time describes how quickly a security monitoring center handles potential security breaches: the time it takes to receive the alerts, process information, and contact authorities. The best security companies can get the job done in under a minute. Unfortunately, there are frequent instances of false alarms, which complicates the panorama considerably. Homeowners can reduce the chances of false alarms, however, by making sure that their security system is installed correctly and is in good working order.

And for evaluating alerts and contacting authorities, the best home security companies use efficient technologies and ensure that their operators are readily available. Home security systems that offer video monitoring that streams directly to the company are ideal because it means there will be visual evidence of the break-in. Wireless DIY systems like SimpliSafe can help prevent the delay of receiving alerts through the smart placement of their base stations.

Concerning monitoring, both ADT and SimpliSafe provide monitoring services. However, one significant distinction is that ADT has six owned and operated monitoring centers and requires a 3-year monitoring agreement while SimpliSafe doesn’t require a monitoring contract and it outsources its home security monitoring to COPS Monitoring. Also, ADT offers monitoring via landline or cellular while SimpliSafe, offers three different and distinct monitoring packages, and they all include 24/7 live alarm monitoring. Both companies’ packages are fully customizable to best suit the needs of their customers.

Sensors are at the very top of the list of factors to consider when shopping for a home security system. Deciding what type of sensor to install is very important because they are the most vital component of your home alarm system. The type of sensor that a company uses, as well as the number of different placement options, can help secure your home, so it’s important to understand how they work.

There are six different types of sensors that home alarm systems use to detect an intruder: passive infrared motion detectors, ultrasonic detectors, microwave detectors, magnetic switches, photoelectric beams, and glass break detectors.

Both ADT Monitoring and SimpliSafe use passive infrared motion detectors, which don’t require any emitted signals to sense movement. Instead, these sensors rely on the infrared energy given off by any heat source with temperatures above absolute zero (or -459.67) degrees Fahrenheit. Motion sensors detect changes in infrared energy but only if the change is quick.

For example, if someone walks past a motion sensor it will pick up the change in energy and trigger the alarm. If you are wondering if pets can trigger motion sensors, modern devices (like ADT and SimpliSafe) can detect the approximate mass of a moving object, allowing homeowners to choose between 60 or 80-pound weight minimums to trigger the alarm.

With ADT Monitoring, customers can browse through a selection of motion detectors and choose the size, shape, and functionality that is best for them. The company’s motion sensors include wide coverage; custom alerts that include automatic video clips; and customized pet-friendly sensitivity levels. ADT Monitoring also offers several door and window sensors and glass break sensors. Glass break detectors are installed next to glass panes and can detect the sound of breaking glass, instantly setting off the alarm when the glass breaks.

SimpliSafe also offers motion sensors with pet-friendly options (up to 50 lbs.) glass break detectors and window and door sensors. Besides, they also provide freeze sensors, which trigger alarms when your home temperature falls below a specific temperature or when it comes in contact with water. In addition to sensors, live surveillance and life safety devices can be particularly helpful for some customers.

Elderly, disabled, or people with certain ailments can benefit from the protection offered by home security companies that provide these services. This also allows people who take care of their family members to monitor their loved ones, while still allowing these to have a sense of independence and safety.

It is important to determine what features your family members will need in a home security system. ADT has medical backup features like pendants and other helpful tools for those who may not be able to get to the phone in case of an accident or injury. These medical alerts integrate into the system, and the alert pendants have GPS that works anywhere it can reach the cell network.

Also, other features like fire and carbon monoxide alarms and video surveillance systems offered by both ADT Monitoring and SimpliSafe are features that can help you keep your family safe.

Besides comparing sensors and devices and knowing about the different types of monitoring technology available, it’s important to examine who does the monitoring and understand the difference between owning and outsourcing monitoring centers. Yet, providing year-round 24/7 alarm monitoring services is not an easy task.

Not only must home security monitoring companies maintain an up-to-date infrastructure that can withstand natural disasters (earthquakes, fires, floods, etc.) they have to employ and train operators that can withstand the pressure of assisting during a life-or-death situation. To do this, companies need to maintain multiple server-filled stations across the nation, staffed with hundreds of trained professionals that are ready to immediately intercept the homeowner’s alarm signal any time of day.

So, what happens when one of those stations loses power, or multiple alarms are triggered at the same time? The best security companies provide redundant or backup monitoring to help ensure a rapid response. Redundancy is a safeguard that adds a layer of protection to home security systems.

Redundant monitoring refers to the numbers of methods used for monitoring alarm signals until a monitoring representative answers the call. Examples of redundant monitoring are using various servers, having multiple monitoring centers, and assigning a landline as the backup to a cellular connection. Most alarm companies have only one system of monitoring, but both ADT Monitoring and SimpliSafe have six redundant monitoring centers ensuring 24/7 service through any condition.

ADT owns and maintains six monitoring stations that are scattered across the United States in Florida, Texas, Tennessee, and New York. ADT also provides a team of more than 7,000 trained call operators, which makes ADT especially equipped to handle a vast numbers of alarm calls.

New agents train extensively for six weeks fielding monitored calls, running simulations and taking tests. In addition to learning the role of the operator, agents work directly with all of ADT’s current hardware, learning how to troubleshoot systems for customers and handle payment issues.

In contrast, SimpliSafe outsources its home security monitoring to COPS Monitoring. The company has six monitoring stations in New Jersey, Florida, Arizona, Tennessee and two in Texas and five of them are Five Diamond Certified. ADT has the next highest, with four certified stations.

Also, COPS won the 2014 award from the CSAA as the Best Central Station. This implies that even though SimpliSafe outsources their monitoring tasks to a third-party security monitoring company, the company makes sure that their third-party monitoring center performs great monitoring tasks.

In general, we found that DIY companies like SimpliSafe use third-party monitoring companies, whereas traditional companies like ADT all owned in-house stations. This indicates a new trend in home security where DIY providers are using outsourced third-party monitoring services to lower costs.

Both SimpliSafe and ADT Monitoring are among the top home security providers in the US. The pricing and cost of home security systems vary depending on the type of equipment as well as the monitoring service required.

Most home security providers on the market require customers to sign a contractual agreement (ADT), while other companies do not require you to sign a contract (SimpliSafe). So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of having a security system without a contract vs. no contract?

Some of the best home alarm systems on the market offer services that do not require a long-term contract. Without a contract, homeowners can change, cancel or upgrade their service at any time without any contract fees.

Also, customers can add new devices and additional security cameras without breaking any restrictions within a written contract. With SimpliSafe, customers can sign up for monitoring and cancel at any time. The company offers a month-to-month contract that is especially attractive to customers who rent or are planning to move.

However, customers will be required to buy the SimpliSafe equipment up front, whereas companies like ADT leases the equipment to the customer.

ADT Monitoring requires professional installation, and they also charge an activation and installation fee. Customers don’t have to purchase any equipment from the company but instead have the option of a lease, buying their own equipment or just going for the monitoring lease. The company provides several pricing package options: traditional, control, and video. Within each package are various ways to upgrade or modify the system to match your specific needs.

In general, it’s important to remember that both companies have different audiences. SimpliSafe costs less and is commitment-free but compared to ADT the system is simpler regarding technology and pricing. ADT charges more and requires a contract but including cutting-edge options like home automation and voice recognition, features that are more and more common in newer homes.

In today’s marketplace, technology changes so fast that companies need to stay ahead of the trends to survive. All home security companies offer systems in at least one of these levels: basic security equipment (window and door sensors), security cameras (indoor and outdoor) and home automation (smart equipment, including thermostats and light bulbs).

Not all companies go all the way to offer home automation, and not all customers want that level of technology, but for those who do, ADT Monitoring is one of those companies that provides any type of security package —including home automation. Home automation refers to anything that you can monitor and manipulate indirectly, either by remote control or mobile app.

With the ADT Pulse app, homeowners can control just about anything in their house (lights, temperature, settings, locks and video equipment). Also, their live video includes wireless video cameras, both indoor and outdoor, and homeowners can watch their feed from their mobile devices or private computers and TVs.

SimpliSafe, on the other hand, offers the basic security system with motion sensors and entry sensors and the company just launched the SimpliSafe HD security camera which includes heat-based motion detection, night vision, and sound recording, among other features.

As technology advances, we look to become more and more efficient at everything we do. And as we mentioned above, home security companies have found a way to provide customers with access to all the information on the security of their homes—status of their security system, motion lights, and cameras—via their smartphone.

Companies that integrate security technologies allow homeowners to see everything that is going on and anticipate problems. Smart home automation is not just about showing off, but comes with some practical advantages, such as managing all of your home devices from one place, flexibility for new devices and appliances, increased energy efficiency, improved appliance functionality, home management, and maximizing home security.

Furthermore, another significant advantage is how smart technology will develop in the coming years. According to a report by McKinsey, in 2017, 29 million homes in the United States had some smart home technology, a number which is estimated to grow by 31 percent a year.

The sheer amount of consumer interest generated by smart home technology means that smart-home technologies are here to stay.

ADT Monitoring excels in the reputation factor. The company has nearly 150 years of experience and controls 25 percent of the home security market, serving more than 6 million people.

In contrast, SimpliSafe is still relatively new with only 12 years of experience in home security.

Even though it isn’t necessarily an indicator of financial strength or reliability, a household name helps consumers assess the company’s purchase experience, complaints, communication, and overall customer service. On the other hand, newer companies attempting to establish themselves can be quicker to embrace technology and offer great flexibility or favorable terms.

Both companies hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, but ADT has a large number of customer complaints compared to SimpliSafe.

On the Consumer Affairs website, SimpliSafe has 59 reviews, and ADT has 7,356 customer reviews and complaints. However, customers should bear in mind that the amount of negative reviews is not necessarily a cause for concern.

Any company with a customer base so huge (six million) is bound to have customer complaints and to maintain an A+ rating the company has to show they are committed to resolving issues when they arise.

SimpliSafe, as well as ADT, is approved by the FM Group and has the UL and CSAA Five Diamond Association certifications. The FM Group thoroughly tests the facilities of monitoring centers, from code compliance all the way down to the integrity of the building materials used.

For their part, the UL Certification stands for Underwriter Laboratories, an independent agency that tests electronics to make sure they function correctly.

The UL also tests home security monitoring stations. Its testing methods cover a lot of the same ground as the FM Approval, but it goes even further, reviewing the quality of the monitoring technology and the knowledge, response times and abilities of the operators and employees.

Finally, the CSAA Five Diamond Certification also recognizes alarm monitoring companies that contribute to the industry. (Five Diamond Certification requires UL and FM certifications as prerequisites.)