Best Business Security Systems 2017 SimpliSafe vs

Best Business Security Systems 2017: SimpliSafe vs.

ADT. When choosing a security system for your small business, you have two main options: you can self-install a wireless system or hire a professional to install a hardwired one. In this guide, we will compare the two options using SimpliSafe and ADT as examples of each – two trusted brands that best represent the two options, respectively. SimpliSafe is one of the most popular do-it-yourself business security providers while ADT is the largest provider of professionally installed systems. Best Business Security System: SimpliSafe. We recommend SimpliSafe as the best security system for small businesses because it delivers a strong level of protection for a much lower price than ADT and with no long-term contract commitment. SimpliSafe vs. ADT Comparison Table. Initial Hardware Cost. 24/7 Monitoring. Customer Support. Best Overall Security System for Small Businesses: SimpliSafe. Most small businesses have similar needs from their security system: detect intruders via sensors and sound an alarm that notifies authorities when triggered. SimpliSafe delivers this system for a fraction of the price of ADT and most other competitors. As a self-installed system, SimpliSafe mails you equipment with instructions to install it on your own. While this may sound intimidating, the installation process is very user-friendly. Customers overwhelmingly reported that it was simple and straightforward to set up. Some, however, did note that it took some trial and error to fine tune the system to their specific needs. In addition to having lower prices, SimpliSafe is unique in that they do not require a contract for their monitoring service. This makes it a much more flexible solution – you can cancel, upgrade or downgrade your service at any time. It’s also easy and inexpensive to relocate your service, should your business change locations. In the previous version of this guide, we noted that one of the advantages that ADT has over SimpliSafe is that they offer video surveillance. However, in that time, SimpliSafe has added video surveillance, closing the feature gap between them and ADT even further. Best Security System with Advanced Features for Small Businesses: ADT. If your small business needs more advanced features in its security system, then ADT may be worth the additional cost over SimpliSafe. Some of these added conveniences include fob key entry and remote office control, such as the ability to lock/unlock doors or adjust lighting remotely from a smartphone app. ADT’s equipment is also generally more reliable with some customers noting that it’s more sensitive and stronger than SimpliSafe’s. As well, ADT’s hardwired installation process means it doesn’t have to rely on battery power. For the majority of small businesses, the marginal increases in security from ADT won’t justify the additional cost.

However, for businesses in more high-risk industries, ADT may be a necessary choice. The main downside to ADT is its higher price ($58/month vs. $15/mo for SimpliSafe). Also, as a more established security company, ADT has more of an “old school” business approach: all equipment has to be installed and serviced by ADT technicians, customers are required to sign a three-year contract with high early cancellation fees, and their pricing structure is not publically available. These caveats have caused headaches for some customers who want more flexibility and transparency from their service providers. In-Depth Comparison: SimpliSafe vs. ADT. Ease of Setup & Use. This is one of the major differences between SimpliSafe and ADT. SimpliSafe is self-installed, which means that you will mount the sensors and cameras and connect them to your base station and keypad yourself, while ADT can only be installed by an ADT technician. SimpliSafe: SimpliSafe is a do it yourself security system, so your sensors, base station, and keypad have to be installed by you. The equipment is wireless and typically mounted with an adhesive pad, so the installation work is fairly light. SimpliSafe also offers phone support to help walk you through the process. Based on customer reviews, the setup process is relatively straightforward and you can expect it to take about 30 minutes to complete. Features. Here are some of the primary features that both SimpliSafe and ADT include: Control panel to arm and disarm the system Motion sensors that detect any movement when the system is armed and sound an alarm when triggered Door sensors that detect the doors opening when the system is armed and sound an alarm when triggered Glass break sensors that detect broken windows when the system is armed and sound an alarm when triggered Emergency button to manually set off an alarm when the system is unarmed. Both systems also offer optional add-ons, including water and freeze sensors. If triggered, these will sound your alarm and contact the dispatching service just the same as a break-in. There’s also optional accessories that you can purchase, such as keychain remotes to arm/disarm the system, extra sirens, and yard signs to warn potential intruders. SimpliSafe: SimpliSafe and ADT both deliver the basic security features you need to help protect your business. This includes sensors that are triggered by break-ins and a 24/7 monitoring service that contacts you and your local authorities. ADT: ADT also offers some advanced security features that SimpliSafe does not, including: Fob keychain entrance so that employees can unlock and enter your business and you’re provided with a log of who entered your business and when. Cost. There are three costs you will incur with any security system: hardware, installation, and monthly monitoring. SimpliSafe’s hardware starts at $185, there are no installation costs because it’s a do it yourself system, and monthly monitoring starts at $14.99. ADT is more expensive. Their hardware starts at about $400, installation is $399, and monthly monitoring starts at $57.99. SimpliSafe. SimpliSafe’s offers several hardware packages, ranging from $185 to $540, depending on your business’ size and needs. For additional savings, refurbished hardware is also occasionally available for purchase. For ongoing monitoring, SimpliSafe has two monthly pricing plans: