Vivint vs SimpliSafe vs ADT: What home security system is best?
Are you interested in a home security system? SimpliSafe, Vivint, ADT and Ring are the most popular home security systems for 2024. However, they are not all equal in value or price. Vivint and SimpliSafe home security systems have the highest ratings. Ring on the other hand, offers monthly monitoring for as little as $3 per month.
We’ll give you all of the details you need to know and help you select the right home security system for your home! This review was written by Chris Teague, a home improvement industry expert who tested all of the home security systems highlighted on this page. Chris also writes for other well known sites including Forbes and U.S. News.
Keep in mind, these results are after several months of extensive research and writing reviews on many home security systems, including Night Owl, Cove Security, Alexa and AT&T. It’s easy to get distracted by the endless number of ads online and on television, but are the companies you’re seeing there really the best choice for you and your home?
With our help, you can make an educated decision about the best home protection products for your needs. This free guide offers an in-depth overview of the companies we rated in this assessment, and we cover some of the issues that you’ll need to remember as you head into shopping for a new home security system. While our top companies are tied, the two others on our list offer unique benefits that may make them a better fit for you.
- 24/7 monitoring
- Wired and Wireless Cameras and Equipment
- Very Responsive Customer Service
- Most Innovative Technology
- Affordable Prices
- Table of Contents
- Alexa and Google Assistant integration
- Vehicle Disturbance Security
- 4K HDR Outdoor and Doorbell Camera
- 24/7 Video Recording
- Audio System with Bluetooth Speakers
- Professional installation + $0 Activation
- Most Affordable Home Security System
- Easy to Install
- Offers DIY Options
- No Contract Required
- Oldest Home Security Company in the Nation
- Excellent Customer Service
- Quickly Responds and Sends Police to Home
- Customer Owns Equipment After Purchase
- Includes Professional Installation
- Excellent Option for Seniors
- Easiest to Install and Setup
- High Quality Video Security Cameras
- Low Prices for Home Security Monitoring
- Can Buy Ring on Amazon
Best-Rated: SimpliSafe and Vivint
The home security market has no shortage of tough competitors, but Vivint and SimpliSafe stand above the rest. Vivint spends the time up front to get to know you and your needs before exploring options to protect your home. The company offers professional installation where needed, and homeowners can subscribe to receive 24/7 monitoring and protection. Additionally, customers report strong support and customer service departments, saying that their wait times and problem resolution were both fast.
SimpliSafe earned its spot atop our rankings with no contract requirements, a wide range of products, and a free app that offers powerful and granular control over the system. SimpliSafe systems can also integrate with third-party smart home products like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant that improve their value and usability.
That said, neither of these companies are the cheapest on the market, and you’ll need to budget for monitoring costs with both.
Vivint Pros and Cons
Pros
· In-depth initial consultation and professional installation
· Powerful app and Smart Hub with centralized control
· Customizable packages
· Wide selection of products
· 24/7 monitoring
· Super responsive customer service
Cons
- Live monitoring costs add up over time
- More expensive than some
- Cannot be installed by the homeowner
SimpliSafe Pros and Cons
Pros
- Powerful free app makes interacting with the system a breeze
- DIY or professional monitoring
- Installation is easy, and professionals are available
- Integrations with Alexa and Google Assistant expand the system’s usefulness
- SimpliSafe does not require a contract
- Wide range of products and pricing
Cons
- Monitoring costs have increased
- SimpliSafe has a limited offering of security cameras
- Camera image quality could be better
Rating Criteria for Home Security Systems
| Factor | Weight | Vivint Score | SimpliSafe |
| Equipment Quality | 25 | 9.5 | 9 |
| Monitoring Features | 20 | 9.5 | 9 |
| Mobile App | 15 | 9.5 | 9 |
| Professional Installation | 15 | 10 | 8 |
| Customer Service | 10 | 8.5 | 9 |
| Price | 15 | 8 | 9.5 |
| Total Score | 100 | 91.5 | 89.5 |
Best Home Security Product Offering: ADT
As one of the oldest and largest home security companies, ADT has the widest product availability. The company offers several customizable packages, or buyers can opt for a la carte products like additional cameras and a remote control system.
Like SimpliSafe, ADT offers integrations with third-party products, including Google Assistant and others.
They enable control of the ADT system by voice, and users can set up custom commands to make quick work of changing settings. The ADT app is also easy to use, making interacting with the system remotely a pleasure.
Like our top two companies, ADT isn’t the cheapest around, but it offers plenty to like for the price.
Additionally, ADT requires a monitoring contract with terms that can extend for years, so you’ll need to be comfortable being tied to the company for the foreseeable future.
ADT Pros and Cons
Pros
- Long-running business with almost 150 years under its belt
- ADT services work with a range of smart home products
- The ADT app is powerful and easy to use
Cons
- ADT requires contracts for monitoring with set terms and conditions
- The company is far from the cheapest option around
- Some products are only available with professional installation
Simplest Home Security System: Ring
Ring is one of the simplest, most affordable companies to get started with in the home security business. Its doorbell cameras and security products are well reviewed, and there are plenty of choices for any budget or home setup. The company’s camera image quality is great, and it offers low-cost monitoring plans that take the sting out of having a professional oversee your security system.
On the flip side, some of the best features require a subscription, such as person detection, and the cameras have limited vision after dark. Installation is easy and the hardware feels high quality, but their design is conspicuous and it’s difficult to find an out-of-the-way installation location.
Ring Pros and Cons
Pros
- There are tons of options for doorbells and cameras
- High-quality video from camera systems
- Low prices for monitoring and hardware are frequently on sale
- Easy self-installation
Cons
- The most compelling features require a subscription
- Night-vision camera image quality is lacking
- The company is much more oriented to DIY installations than the pros
Compare Prices: Vivint vs. ADT vs. SimpliSafe vs. Ring
| Feature | Vivint | ADT | SimpliSafe | Ring |
| Equipment Cost | $30-$150 monthly financing or upfront purchase | Varies, often purchased upfront with installation | DIY kits starting at $229, professional installation extra | Various devices starting at $99 |
| Monthly Monitoring | $19.99 | $28.99-$59.99 | $14.99-$27.99 | $3-$20 |
| Installation | Professional installation included | Optional professional installation for additional cost | Self-installation | Self-installation |
| Contract Length | Typically 3-5 years | Varies, often 2-3 years | No contracts | No contracts |
| Early Termination Fees | Up to $500 | Varies, often prorated remaining contract value | None | None |
| Equipment Ownership | Equipment remains Vivint’s property until financed payments complete | Customer owns equipment after purchase | Customer owns equipment | Customer owns equipment |
| Smart Home Integration | Extensive smart home device integration | Limited smart home integration | Some smart home integration | Primarily focuses on security devices, some smart home integration |
| Customer Service Reviews | Mixed, with reports of both positive and negative experiences | Mixed, with some complaints about long wait times and high costs | Generally positive | Generally positive |
Laws Around Installing Home Security Systems
Depending on where you live, you might need to be aware of laws governing filming other people and recording audio, even on your property. Some states, including Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, and others, require consent before a person can be filmed, while others, including Alabama and Florida, do not. At the same time, there are no specific federal laws, so it’s important to understand the local regulations before installing a camera.
These laws can also apply to indoor cameras, so you’ll want to be sure that anyone visiting or working inside your home understands that they’re being filmed. Even in states where filming consent isn’t required, you can run afoul of other people’s rights if your cameras point into their homes or capture a significant portion of another person’s yard. If you’re unsure about how and where you can install cameras, it’s best to consult a professional.
How Much Home Security Do You Need?
It’s tempting to jump into home security with both feet and buy the most expensive system available, but you could end up wasting a considerable amount of money pursuing that strategy.
A better idea is to take a walk around your house and look for the most vulnerable areas: ground-floor windows and doors, sliding glass doors, and so on. These are the areas that you should focus on protecting first. Depending on your home setup, glass break sensors and smart locks might be appropriate, while connected fire alarms can add a significant layer of peace of mind.
Your budget should also play a role in the decision-making process. If you choose an affordable system, make sure that you understand any monitoring or ongoing costs that could drive up the price tag. This may also influence your decision to pursue professional or DIY installation, though it’s often possible to get free installation during the several promotional events companies hold each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ve got questions about home security, and we’ve got answers!
Do Criminals Avoid Homes with Security Systems?
While every situation is different, studies have shown that most burglars take the time to look for home security systems, which could be the deterrent you need to prevent a break-in.
Is There a Home Security System that Works Without Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is widely used to facilitate communication between home security devices and monitoring centers, among other things, but there are a few products available that do not require an internet connection.
What are “Zones?”
Zone is a term used in the industry to designate different areas of your home. This could include your garage, front porch, downstairs hallway, and other areas.
Is Professional Monitoring Worth the Cost?
Costs can vary wildly, but in most cases, professional monitoring needs depend on where you live and how your system is configured. If you have a large home and travel frequently, or if you frequently need to leave your children or pets at home alone, a more comprehensive monitoring plan can be well worth the cost.
Will My Home Security System Automatically Notify the Authorities?
This depends on your monitoring plan and the system you’re using. Some offer remote connections through their apps, while others with professional monitoring may contact law enforcement directly.