6 ADT Alternatives for
Home Security in 2026
ADT is one of the most recognizable names in home security. However, it is far from the only option available to homeowners.
Some ADT alternatives emphasize professional installation and ongoing service. Others focus on do-it-yourself equipment, flexible monitoring or smart-home automation. The right choice depends on how much support you want and how involved you want to be in managing the system.
Below, we compare six prominent ADT alternatives:
- Guardian Alarm
- SimpliSafe
- Ring
- Vivint
- Brinks Home
- Frontpoint
Rather than declaring one system the universal winner, this guide explains the type of homeowner each provider may serve best.
| Provider | A Good Fit For: | Installation Model | Monitoring Options | General Contract Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guardian Alarm | Professional installation, local service and ongoing support | Professional Installation | Professional Monitoring | Custom agreement; terms may apply |
| SimpliSafe | DIY installation and no-contract flexibility | DIY or optional professional installation | Self-monitoring or professional monitoring | Month-to-month |
| Ring | Camera-focused security and Alexa households | DIY or optional professional installation | Self-monitoring or professional monitoring | Month-to-month |
| Vivint | Premium smart-home automation | Professional | Professional monitoring | Options vary by financing & offer |
| Brinks Home | National, professionally installed alternative | Professional | Professional monitoring | Multi-year terms are common |
| Frontpoint | DIY installation with advanced app automation | DIY | Professional monitoring | Multi-year terms are common |
Editor’s note: Packages, prices, promotions and contract terms can change. Always review the provider’s current offer and service agreement before making a decision.
What should you look for in an ADT alternative?
The most important differences between home security providers are not always found in the equipment list. Many companies offer similar door sensors, cameras and motion detectors.
The larger differences are often in how the system is installed, monitored and supported.
Professional installation or DIY?
DIY systems are designed to be shipped directly to the homeowner. You install the sensors, connect the equipment and configure the mobile app yourself.
This approach can reduce upfront costs and provide more flexibility. However, the homeowner is also responsible for deciding where devices belong and troubleshooting installation problems.
Professionally installed systems offer a more hands-on service experience. A technician can evaluate the property, recommend equipment and confirm that the devices communicate properly.
Professional monitoring or self-monitoring?
With self-monitoring, alerts are sent to your phone. You are responsible for reviewing the alert and deciding whether to contact emergency services.
With professional monitoring, trained monitoring personnel respond to eligible alarm events around the clock. Depending on the event and system configuration, they may contact the homeowner or request emergency assistance.
Self-monitoring may cost less. Professional monitoring provides another layer of response when you are asleep, traveling or unable to check your phone.
Local service or national scale?
Large national providers may offer broad availability and familiar branding. Regional providers may offer more direct access to technicians and service teams who work in the local market.
Neither model is automatically better. The decision often comes down to whether you prioritize national reach or a closer service relationship.
New equipment or an existing-system takeover?
Homeowners sometimes assume they must replace every component when changing security providers. That is not always the case.
Some providers may be able to inspect, update or reactivate compatible equipment that is already installed. This can be especially valuable in homes with wired sensors or more extensive legacy systems.
Contract or no contract?
No-contract systems provide the greatest flexibility. You can generally change or cancel monitoring without paying the remaining balance on a long-term service agreement.
Contract-based systems may include professional installation, equipment financing or lower upfront costs. However, homeowners should carefully review the agreement length and cancellation provisions.
1. Guardian Alarm: A full-service ADT alternative
Guardian Alarm may be a good fit for homeowners who want professional installation, professional monitoring and ongoing service from a regional security company.
Guardian has served customers since 1930. Its approach combines modern security and smart-home technology with a more traditional full-service model.
Professional installation and customized recommendations
Guardian Alarm systems are professionally installed. Instead of selecting a generic equipment kit, homeowners can speak with a security professional about the property and their concerns.
Guardian offers several customizable home security packages. A system may include intrusion detection, home security cameras and smart-home controls.
It can also incorporate life-safety and property-protection devices such as smoke, carbon monoxide, water or temperature sensors.
This approach can be particularly useful for larger homes, vacation properties or households with more complex security needs.
Existing security system takeovers
Guardian may also be able to update and connect compatible security equipment that is already installed.
A system takeover can reduce the need to remove functional wired sensors or replace every device simply because the monitoring provider is changing. A technician must inspect the existing system to determine which components can be reused.
Homeowners can learn more about activating an existing system in Guardian Alarm’s Help Center.
Certified professional monitoring
Guardian Alarm provides 24/7 professional monitoring. Its monitoring operations are UL-certified and have received TMA Five Diamond certification.
These certifications relate to monitoring-center standards and employee training. Guardian provides a more detailed explanation of what Five Diamond certification means for a home or business security customer.
Mobile app and smart-home features
The MyGuardianAlarm app allows customers to manage supported system features remotely.
Depending on the system configuration, homeowners may be able to:
- Arm or disarm the security system
- View cameras and recorded activity
- Receive real-time notifications
- Control compatible locks and lights
- Create location-based automations
Guardian’s home automation systems can also support property-protection devices that go beyond traditional burglary detection.
What to consider
Guardian uses a consultative, quote-based sales process. That means it may not be as easy to compare online as a standardized DIY kit.
Service agreements may also apply. Homeowners should review the monitoring term, equipment costs and cancellation provisions before signing.
Guardian also provides ongoing security system maintenance and support for customers who need repairs, upgrades or help troubleshooting their equipment.
2. SimpliSafe: A flexible DIY alternative
SimpliSafe is one of the most recognizable DIY alternatives to ADT.
Its systems are primarily designed for self-installation. Customers can select a package online, install wireless sensors and manage the system through the SimpliSafe app.
Professional installation is also available for homeowners who do not want to install the equipment themselves.
Monitoring flexibility
SimpliSafe offers both self-monitoring and professional monitoring plans. Customers can change plans without committing to a long-term monitoring contract.
That makes SimpliSafe appealing to renters, budget-conscious homeowners and people who are uncertain about making a multi-year commitment.
What to consider
DIY installation gives homeowners more control, but it also places more responsibility on them. Customers must determine where sensors should be placed and may need to troubleshoot equipment remotely.
The service model may feel less personal than working with a local provider that sends its own technicians to the property.
3. Ring: A camera-focused alternative
Ring is best known for its video doorbells and security cameras. Its Ring Alarm system expands that ecosystem to include contact sensors, motion detection and professional monitoring.
Ring equipment is designed for DIY installation, although professional installation may be purchased separately.
Flexible security options
Customers can use Ring devices without professional monitoring or subscribe to a plan that includes monitored alarm service.
Ring is particularly attractive to households that already use Ring cameras or Amazon Alexa devices. The products are designed to operate within the broader Amazon smart-home ecosystem.
What to consider
Ring’s strength is its camera and doorbell ecosystem. Homeowners seeking a consultative security assessment or in-person service may prefer a traditional full-service provider.
Privacy-conscious buyers should also review the company’s current privacy controls, data settings and account-security features.
4. Vivint: A premium smart-home alternative
Vivint combines home security with smart-home automation. Its systems can include cameras, smart locks, thermostats and other connected devices controlled through a central panel and mobile app.
Unlike most DIY competitors, Vivint uses professional installation.
Integrated smart-home experience
Vivint may appeal to homeowners who want security to function as part of a broader automated home.
Supported devices can be managed through a single platform. Homeowners can create routines involving the security system, locks, cameras and climate controls.
What to consider
Vivint’s pricing and contract structure can be more complicated than those of no-contract DIY providers. The terms may depend on whether the equipment is purchased upfront or financed.
Customers should ask for a complete breakdown of equipment costs, installation charges and monitoring commitments.
5. Brinks Home: A national professional-installation alternative
Brinks Home is structurally similar to traditional professionally monitored providers. Its current offerings typically combine equipment packages, professional installation and ongoing monitoring.
Available equipment may include a touchscreen control panel, security sensors, cameras and smart-home devices.
Traditional monitored-security model
Brinks may appeal to homeowners who want professional installation from a national company but are considering an alternative to ADT.
Its monitoring operations hold industry certifications, and the company publishes multiple ways for customers to request assistance.
What to consider
Multi-year service terms are common with Brinks Home offers. Activation fees, equipment financing and cancellation provisions may also apply.
The complete agreement should be reviewed carefully before service begins.
6. Frontpoint: DIY installation with advanced automation
Frontpoint occupies a middle ground between basic DIY equipment and full professional installation.
The equipment is designed to be installed by the homeowner. However, the Frontpoint app offers more advanced automation than many entry-level DIY systems.
Depending on the equipment and plan, users can create schedules, location-based reminders and custom alerts. The system can also support cameras, smart locks and other connected devices.
What to consider
Although the equipment is DIY, Frontpoint’s professional monitoring offers commonly involve longer service commitments than SimpliSafe or Ring.
Homeowners should review the monitoring term, equipment warranty and early-cancellation conditions.
How do these alternatives compare with ADT?
ADT now offers more than one purchasing model. Depending on the market and package, customers may encounter professionally installed systems or newer DIY options.
That means choosing an ADT alternative is not simply a question of comparing one equipment package with another.
The more useful question is:
What type of security experience do you want after the equipment is installed?
You may prefer Guardian Alarm when professional installation, certified monitoring and local accountability are priorities.
You may prefer SimpliSafe or Ring when low-friction DIY installation and month-to-month flexibility matter most.
Vivint may be more attractive when the primary objective is premium smart-home automation. Brinks Home may appeal to customers who want a traditional national monitoring provider. Frontpoint offers another option for buyers who want DIY installation with more advanced app controls.
Which ADT alternative is right for you?
There is no single provider that is right for every household.
Consider Guardian Alarm when you want:
- A professionally designed and installed system
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Local service and maintenance support
- Help updating compatible existing equipment
- Security, life-safety and property-protection devices
Consider SimpliSafe when your priority is a no-contract DIY system.
Consider Ring when cameras, video doorbells and Alexa compatibility are central to your setup.
Consider Vivint when you want a premium DIY integrated smart home.
Consider Brinks Home when you prefer a traditional national provider with professional installation.
Consider Frontpoint when you want DIY installation and more advanced mobile-app automation.
Frequently asked questions about ADT alternatives
Is Guardian Alarm an alternative to ADT?
Yes. Guardian Alarm provides professionally installed home security systems and 24/7 professional monitoring.
It may be especially relevant for homeowners who prefer local service, certified monitoring and a customized system rather than an off-the-shelf DIY package.
Can Guardian Alarm use an existing security system?
Guardian Alarm may be able to update or reactivate compatible equipment from another security provider.
A technician will need to inspect the system to determine which devices can be reused. Guardian’s existing-system FAQs provide additional information.
Is Guardian Alarm an alternative to ADT?
No-contract systems offer greater flexibility, but they are not automatically better.
A contract-based system may include professional installation, equipment financing or ongoing technical support. Homeowners should compare the total cost and service model rather than evaluating the contract alone.
Is professional monitoring worth it?
Professional monitoring can provide additional peace of mind when you cannot respond to an alert yourself.
A monitoring professional can evaluate eligible alarm signals and follow the system’s emergency-response procedures.
Self-monitoring may be sufficient for homeowners who are comfortable managing alerts and contacting emergency services themselves.
What should I ask before choosing a security company?
Ask about installation, monitoring, equipment ownership and service support. You should also understand the agreement length and what happens if you move or cancel.
Request a complete written quote before making a final decision.
Explore your home security options with Guardian Alarm
The best security system is one that fits your property, your daily routine and the level of support you expect.
Guardian Alarm offers professionally installed security systems backed by 24/7 professional monitoring and ongoing service. Our security professionals can help evaluate your home, discuss your concerns and recommend a system built around your needs.
Request a customized home security quote from Guardian Alarm.
