Let's cut to the chase. You searched "who is cheaper than ADT?" because ADT's quote made your eyes water. A $50+ monthly fee, a multi-year contract, and hefty installation costs are the norm. I've been in this industry for over a decade, and here's the truth they don't advertise: ADT is the premium brand, but premium doesn't always mean best for your wallet or needs. Plenty of systems offer the same—or better—core protection for significantly less money. The goal isn't just to find the lowest price tag, but the best value that keeps your home safe without locking you into a rigid, expensive plan.

What You're Really Paying For With ADT

First, understand the ADT model so you know what to compare. You're not just paying for equipment and monitoring. You're paying for:

• Brand Legacy: Over 140 years of name recognition. This builds trust, but you fund their massive marketing budget.
• Professional Installation: A technician comes to your house. This is convenient but adds hundreds upfront.
• Long-Term Contracts: Typically 36 months. This guarantees them revenue and makes it very costly for you to leave early.
• In-House Monitoring Centers: They own their call centers, which is a plus for reliability, but a costly infrastructure.

The big mistake people make is thinking this full-service, contract-based model is the only "professional" option. It's not.

Top 5 Cheaper Alternatives to ADT

Here’s a breakdown of systems that deliver robust security, often with more flexibility and lower costs.

SimpliSafe: The King of Flexibility

SimpliSafe is the most direct answer to "who is cheaper than ADT?" You buy the equipment outright (packages from $200 to $500+). Their professional monitoring is $17.99/month with no contract. You can cancel anytime. The equipment is a bit bulky, but it works flawlessly. I've installed dozens of these. The setup is truly 30 minutes. The monitoring is handled by a central station, just like ADT. The subtle benefit? You can move the system yourself if you relocate—try doing that with a hardwired ADT system.

Ring Alarm: Unbeatable on Monthly Cost

If your primary goal is slashing the monthly fee, Ring Alarm wins. At $10/month (or $100/year), it’s a fraction of ADT's cost. You must buy their equipment, but it's competitively priced. The catch? The monitoring is simpler. It's great for basic intrusion and fire alerts, but if you want advanced features like cellular backup, you need their Ring Alarm Pro system. This is the perfect choice for someone who just wants a basic alarm and is already using Ring video products.

DIY vs. Professional Installation: The Real Trade-Off

People get scared of DIY. They think it's complicated or less secure. That's outdated.

The systems use adhesive strips or simple screws. The hubs walk you through pairing each sensor. It’s like setting up a Bluetooth speaker. The security is identical—a motion sensor is a motion sensor, whether installed by you or a technician.

The Hidden Gem: Local Security Companies

This is the alternative most blogs miss. Search for "[Your City] security company" or "local alarm monitoring."

I worked with a client in Austin who was quoted $55/month by ADT. A local company offered the same Honeywell equipment, professional installation, and 24/7 monitoring for $32/month on a 1-year contract. The service was more personal, and response times were faster because the tech lived in the area.

How to vet a local company:

• Check their licensing with your state's licensing board.
• Ask who does their monitoring. Is it a reputable central station like UL-listed Alarm.com or a tiny in-house operation?
• Get references from neighbors on Nextdoor or Facebook community groups.

Savings Through Bundling (Internet + Security)

Companies like Xfinity (Comcast) and Verizon offer home security that integrates with your internet/cable bill. Xfinity's "Xfinity Home" can start around $30/month with a contract.

The upside? One bill, and potential discounts on your internet package. The equipment is often sleek and well-integrated.

The downside? You're tying your security to another utility service. If you decide to switch internet providers, it becomes a hassle. Also, the equipment is almost always leased.

This path is cheaper than ADT on paper, but evaluate it based on your loyalty to your internet provider. If you rarely switch, it can be a decent value.

How to Switch From ADT Without Headaches

Thinking of leaving ADT? The process is simpler than they imply.

1. Check Your Contract End Date: Log into your ADT portal or call to confirm. Know your final obligation date.
2. Understand the Buyout: If you cancel early, they will charge a termination fee, often 75% of the remaining contract. Calculate if the savings from a new, cheaper system will offset this fee within a year or so. Sometimes it still makes financial sense.
3. Schedule the New System Installation FIRST: Have your new system (DIY or professional) installed and activated before canceling ADT. This ensures no gap in coverage.
4. Cancel ADT in Writing: Send a cancellation letter via certified mail to their customer service department. Keep a copy. Then call to confirm receipt. Be prepared for a retention offer.
5. Decommissioning: ADT will tell you how to return any leased equipment. For hardwired systems, they may leave the sensors in place but disable the panel. You can often reuse existing door/window wiring with a new system like a Qolsys panel from a local dealer, but that's a more advanced project.

The bottom line? "Who is cheaper than ADT?" has many answers. The best one for you depends on whether you value professional installation, long-term cost, smart home features, or complete flexibility. For most people, a modern DIY system like SimpliSafe or Ring provides more than enough security at half the cost, with none of the long-term strings attached. Don't pay for a brand name when what you really want is peace of mind.