SimpliSafe vs ADT vs Ring: The Home Security Comparison You Need in 2026
Complete breakdown of the three biggest home security options. Pricing, contracts, equipment costs, and which one is actually worth the monthly fee.
Home security subscriptions range from $3.99 to $50+/month, and the pricing structures are deliberately confusing. Here's what you actually pay.
The Real Cost Comparison
| Ring Alarm | SimpliSafe | ADT | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly monitoring | $3.99 (Plus) / $19.99 (Pro) | $9.99-32.99 | $24.99-49.99+ |
| Contract | None | None | 3 years |
| Equipment cost | $199 (starter) | $250-730 | $349+ |
| Installation | DIY | DIY or $124.99 pro | Professional (included) |
| Cancellation fee | None | None | 75% of remaining |
| Equipment ownership | You own it | You own it | May be leased |
| Professional monitoring | $19.99/mo | $22.99-32.99/mo | $24.99-49.99/mo |
| Self-monitoring | $3.99/mo | $9.99/mo | Not available |
The Bottom Line for Each
Ring Alarm is cheapest and simplest. At $3.99/mo for the Plus plan (covers all devices at one location), it's hard to beat on price. The ecosystem integrates with Alexa. Limitation: professional monitoring ($19.99/mo) is through Ring's partners, not a dedicated monitoring center.
SimpliSafe is the best no-contract option with professional monitoring. At $22.99/mo with no contract, you get 24/7 monitoring and can cancel anytime. Equipment is owned outright. Best for renters or anyone who doesn't want to be locked in.
ADT is the legacy option. You're paying for the brand name, professional installation, and a dedicated monitoring network. At $49.99+/mo with a 3-year contract and early termination fees, it's the most expensive by far. The retention department will negotiate if you call to cancel.
What Most People Should Do
If you rent: Ring Alarm ($3.99/mo) or SimpliSafe (no contract). Don't sign ADT's 3-year contract for a place you might leave.
If you own and want hands-off: ADT handles everything, but negotiate the price. Never accept the first quote.
If you own and are hands-on: SimpliSafe at $22.99/mo. You get professional monitoring without the contract or the ADT markup.
If you just want cameras: Skip the monitoring entirely. Wyze cameras ($35 each, $1.99/mo cloud) or Ring cameras ($3.99/mo Plus plan) cover basic security for under $5/mo total.
How Much Would You Save?
How many lines do you need?
$0.00/mo
$0/year
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With 1 line, you'd save
$0/year
That's $0.00/mo back in your pocket
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest home security system in 2026?▾
Does ADT have a cancellation fee?▾
Can I self-monitor SimpliSafe for free?▾
Related Savings Guides
How to Lower Your SimpliSafe Bill
DIY home security. Self-monitoring ($9.99/mo), Standard ($22.99/mo), Core with pro monitoring ($32.99/mo). No contracts. Equipment sold separately ($250-730).
$22.99/mo — see savings →How to Lower Your ADT Bill
Professional home security. Plans from $24.99-39.99/mo (self-setup) or $49.99+/mo (pro install). 3-year contracts typical. Equipment from $349.
$49.99/mo — see savings →