SimpliSafe is a DIY, contract-free, and highly affordable system that you install yourself. ADT is a premium, professionally installed service backed by decades of experience, requiring a multi-year contract and higher monthly fees.
Expert ratings generally award "Best Overall" to SimpliSafe, praised for its accessible DIY setup, flexible no-contract monitoring, and reliable daily performance. However, the top spot depends on what you value most. The leading systems evaluated by top industry reviewers include:
Yes, burglars generally avoid homes protected by ADT. Studies show that over 80% of burglars check for security systems, and about 60% will seek an easier target if they spot an alarm. As the largest and most recognizable security brand in the US, an ADT sign or decal acts as a major deterrent.
Disadvantages of ADT include high upfront equipment and installation costs, mandatory long-term monitoring contracts (usually 3 to 5 years), and expensive monthly fees. Additionally, the equipment is often proprietary, and many users report frustrating customer service and complicated app ecosystems when integrating smart home devices.
Yes, like many consumer wireless alarm systems, SimpliSafe can be disarmed, hacked, or bypassed by burglars. While their modern systems use encryption to prevent older remote-code hacking, intruders can still exploit the system using physical tampering, wireless signal jamming, or by finding your PIN.
Neither system is objectively "better" overall, but one will be better for your specific needs. SimpliSafe wins for affordability, flexibility, and easy DIY setup with no long-term contracts. ADT is the best choice if you want professional installation, robust smart home integration, and highly reliable, white-glove service.
Burglars hate visibility, noise, and anything that makes a home look occupied or difficult to enter. Because they rely on stealth and "crimes of opportunity," they actively avoid anything that increases the risk of getting caught or requires too much time and effort.
BACKGROUND. ADT is a type of hormone therapy that is commonly given alongside radiation to slow the growth of prostate cancer by lowering testosterone. While effective at controlling the disease, long-term ADT can cause side effects, including bone loss, muscle loss and cardiovascular problems.
The average monthly bill for ADT professional monitoring typically ranges from $25 to $60, depending on your chosen plan and equipment.
The "best" home security system depends on whether you want a DIY setup or professional installation, and if you prefer self-monitoring or 24/7 professional dispatch. Top-rated systems break down by category:
Burglars look for valuables in obvious places like master bedrooms, nightstands, mattresses, and desk drawers. They generally do not have time to search messy areas, deep food storage, or securely hidden wall compartments.
Yes, police do respond to ADT alarms, but the response depends entirely on your local police department’s policies, how the alarm is verified, and whether you have the proper permits.
In the nation, 34.3 percent of robbery offenses occurred on streets or highways, 16.7 percent occurred at commercial houses, 15.8 percent occurred at residences, 6.6 percent occurred at convenience stores, 3.0 percent occurred at gas or service stations, 1.4 percent occurred at banks, and 22.2 percent occurred at ...
Police recommend taking a layered approach to home security, focusing on physical barriers, environmental visibility, and deterrence. Top priorities include installing sturdy deadbolts, using motion-activated outdoor lighting, trimming exterior shrubbery to eliminate hiding spots, and utilizing monitored alarm systems and cameras to delay and record intruders.
SimpliSafe is widely considered the best overall alternative to ADT, offering cheaper monitoring plans, flexible month-to-month terms, and excellent DIY setup. For high-tech, professionally installed smart home systems, Vivint is a top rival, while Ring is the best budget-friendly option.
SimpliSafe is worth the money if you want an affordable, highly customizable, and easy-to-install DIY system without long-term contracts. However, its video camera performance is inconsistent compared to dedicated camera brands, and users requiring heavy camera usage often report mixed experiences.
ADT doesn't have many intentionally hidden fees, but there are several unexpected charges and costs that often surprise new subscribers. The most significant include early termination penalties (up to 75% of your remaining balance), professional installation fees (around $150), and optional equipment warranties.
ADT does not have a standard, age-based senior discount, but they offer an AARP member discount. Eligible members receive 5% off their monthly professional monitoring services, and the deal can often be combined with other current promotions.
Whether ADT or Ring is "better" depends entirely on what you value more: professional-grade, hands-off security (ADT) or budget-friendly, DIY smart home flexibility (Ring).
Canceling ADT is notoriously difficult because the company enforces strict, multi-year contracts, charges steep early termination fees, and requires you to navigate a persistent customer retention team by phone.
Common problems with ADT systems include false alarms from improperly placed sensors, low-battery or AC power failure beeping, and connection losses over Wi-Fi or cellular networks. Additionally, users frequently report long wait times with customer support and rigid, expensive monthly monitoring contracts.
Yes, ADT and its prominent signage act as strong deterrents, as data shows that over 80% of criminals actively avoid homes displaying security system signs.
Burglars overwhelmingly target single-family homes in suburban areas and ground-floor apartments in urban complexes. Rather than the type of structure, thieves look for vulnerability: houses that appear vacant, lack security systems, or offer hidden access points like overgrown bushes and unguarded back doors.
Never hide valuables in the master bedroom (mattress, nightstands), common kitchen spots (freezer, jars), or obvious decorative items. Burglars target these places first, alongside medicine cabinets, dresser drawers, and small, easily removed portable safes. Instead, think creatively, such as in the garage or within the structure of the house.
Leaving a light on at night can deter burglars by eliminating dark hiding spots, but leaving the same light burning 24/7 can actually signal that you are not home. Security experts recommend specific lighting habits to maximize your home's safety: