The Best Home Security System: SimpliSafe vs ADT

ADT has been around for over 140 years, bringing with it a reliable reputation backed by millions of homes served and exceptional customer service. SimpliSafe is relatively new, but it has made a name with its low-cost security and easy, self-installation options.

But which of these home security systems is right for you? Read more to find out.

Overview of ADT and SimpliSafe

ADT (American District Telegraph) was founded in 1874 by Edward Callahan. It originated as a telegraph-based callbox that alerted a central office--by Morse code--when someone needed help. It was the first suburban security system network. ADT has come a long way over the past 140 years and remains a popular home security option for over 6 million people. 

The idea for SimpliSafe started in 2006 when Harvard students Chad and Eleanor Laurans had difficulty finding a security system for renters. By 2009, SimpliSafe was offering a line of wireless home security options. Easy do-it-yourself installation and a month-to-month contract put them on the map.

ADT vs Simplisafe: Smart Home Devices

ADT’s selection of home security devices seamlessly works with your intelligent home security system, helping keep your home safe and secure from your mobile device. Products offered by ADT:

• Outdoor camera

• Indoor camera

• Video doorbell

• Smart door lock

• Smoke detector

• CO detector

• Flood detector

• Smart thermostat

• Keyfob

• Garage door controller

• Smart plug

• Door/window sensor

• Motion detector

• Glass break sensor

• Panic button

SimpliSafe also has a range of cameras and sensors, but they offer fewer options for home automation. 

• Outdoor camera

• Indoor camera

• Video doorbell

• Smart door lock

• Smoke detector

• CO detector

• Water sensor

• Panic button

• Glassbreak sensor

• Temperature sensor

• Entry sensor

• Motion sensor

• Keyfob

Are Blue by ADT and ADT IFTTT-compatible?

Blue by ADT is IFTTT-compatible (If This, Then That). IFTTT can be programmed to trigger actions at a specific time of day or based on particular weather patterns. It’s compatible with numerous smart home products (i.e., GE appliances, Appkettle, iRobot, simplehuman), social media or blogging platforms (i.e., Tumblr, WordPress), and even has geofencing capabilities.

This means you could potentially customize applets to create rules that:

• Turn your smart sprinklers on or off at a specific time of day or program them to turn off if it’s supposed to rain.

• Shut off your Sonos when you arm the system in away mode.

• Get your iRobot to clean the house if you’re expecting company.

• Automatically turn your connected coffee machine on every morning at 7:00 am.

• Turn your smart lights on when an alarm goes off.

And while ADT Pro isn’t IFTTT compatible, Blue by ADT is an excellent choice if access to IFTTT functionality is important to you. 

Are ADT and Blue by ADT Z-Wave compatible?

Yes; Z-Wave wireless technology allows smart home devices to seamlessly talk with each other and a compatible control panel/base station; it’s the “smart” part of smart home automation. 

By unifying all of these devices, Z-Wave creates a network without extra cables or complicated programming. Your devices simply connect to the Z-Wave network, and you can control them wirelessly from a computer or mobile smartphone. 

Even if you have a device that may not initially be compatible with Z-Wave, you can often find a way to plug them into a Z-Wave module.

What do ADT and SimpliSafe have in common?

ADT and SimpliSafe have home security systems that inform you and the police of an intruder. They provide the option for professional monitoring, live surveillance, home automation, and smart home integration.

SimpliSafe has five pre-configured packages to ADT’s three, and both make it easy to create customized packages. ADT’s typical contract model is three years for pro-installed systems, while Blue by ADT offers month-to-month, no long-term contract options, similar to SimpliSafe’s no-contract options.

What are some differences between ADT and SimpliSafe?

You might think that one of the most significant differences between ADT monitoring and SimpliSafe is that ADT requires a contract. However, Blue by ADT is the perfect month-to-month alternative if you’re looking for a shorter-term commitment. 

ADT monitoring also supports areas with limited cell service by offering a landline option, while SimpliSafe only runs on Wi-Fi or cellular. Another difference is that ADT uses Z-Wave technology, which allows the system to integrate with various smart home devices.

Blue by ADT and SimpliSafe arrive at your home with basic features and pre-programmed sensors that you can install yourself. On the other hand, you can also choose an ADT system like Command and Control if you want professional installation. 

ADT vs SimpliSafe: System Components

ADT and SimpliSafe share some standard system components but differ in a lot of ways, too.

Both ADT and SimpliSafe offer the ability to remotely:

• Arm and disarm your system via a mobile app.

• Lock and unlock doors.

• View live videos and receive instant alerts.

• Notify you about fire or floods.

• Use 2-way audio to talk directly to people from your camera or doorbell.

ADT can also do the following remotely:

• Adjust your smart thermostat to turn on before you get home.

• Use geofencing technology with your garage door, so it opens when you’re in the driveway.

• Turn your lights on and off with smart plugs.

ADT vs SimpliSafe: Monitoring and Package Options

ADT professionally-installed packages include 24/7 professional monitoring and a theft protection guarantee, in addition to the ability to customize each package. Each equipment package comes with a yard sign and window decals, too.

• The Build-You-Own Security System includes door and window sensors and a motion detector, with the option to add CO and fire detectors and additional cameras and sensors.

• The Smart Package offers the same as the above package and a smart door lock and smart plug for easy beginner’s home automation integration.

• The Complete Package is an excellent solution if you want a little bit of everything for your home security. It includes all of the above, as well as an outdoor camera and video doorbell camera.

SimpliSafe offers professional set-up that is outsourced to another company at an additional $99 cost. Other features in all of their packages include motion sensors and a 60-day money-back guarantee. They also have window decals and yard signs.

• The Foundation and Essentials packages include sensors, as well as an easy-to-use push-button keypad. The packages differ in the number of sensors.

• The Hearth and Knox packages also include a motion sensor, as well as a smoke detector and wireless siren, in varying amounts depending on the package.

• The Haven includes the same as the above packages but additionally offers a temperature sensor, panic button, and water sensor.

SimpliSafe vs ADT, which should you choose?

SimpliSafe and ADT help protect your home from break-ins, and both companies offer excellent home security systems. They provide a range of features and customizable packages so you can create the perfect security solution for any home. Both offer indoor and outdoor cameras, and doorbell cameras, with the option for 24/7 professional monitoring against fire, CO, and flood.

ADT’s professionally-installed security and automation system is an ideal, well-rounded option. It includes professional installation and robust home automation options, combining the best security features with exceptional customer service and reliability. You don’t have to worry about fixing the equipment yourself, and it’s backed by ADT’s theft protection guarantee, too.

No matter how you swing it, ADT offers customized protection you can trust--for any home and budget.