SimpliSafe logotype

SimpliSafe Home Security Review

SimpliSafe security system tends to be one of the best in the niche regarding user reviews.

It is also considered the best home security system in various subcategories, including Best DIY security system, Best With Outdoor Cameras, Best Self-Monitored, Best Wireless, and Best for Renters. 

SimpliSafe is easy for the average person to install, doesn’t require a long-term contract, and is a relatively inexpensive DIY home security system. Its equipment selection will delight most homeowners who want a DIY security system for a relatively low cost. It also has a limited sampling of well-integrated smart home equipment. SimpliSafe offers everything most people need for home protection at a prudent price.

Pros

  • No contract is necessary
  • Easy DIY installation
  • Easy to use
  • Extensive customization options
  • Features connectivity over Wi-Fi and Cellular data

Cons

  • Limited integration with home automation equipment
  • Some competitors offer lower monitoring prices
  • A low number of security cameras
  • SimpliSafe’s SimpliCam doesn’t feature person detection
  • The Starter package doesn’t come with many devices

About

SimpliSafe Plans and Pricing

The Foundation is SimpliSafe’s entry-level package with the pricing of $244.96. The package includes a base station, an entry sensor, a motion sensor, and a wireless keypad. There are five different packages of increasing levels of coverage, and the user can add on to this alarm system or choose from those. 

The Haven is a top-tier package with a pricing of $504.86. The current package 

includes a smoke detector, temperature sensor, panic button, key fob, water sensor, a SimpliCam, and extra motion and entry sensors. Prices and devices may vary.

There’s an option for the system’s users to build their SimpliSafe home security system if there won’t be any suitable packages found. All the variety of sensors, cameras, and optional add-ons like a key fob or siren is shown on the SimpliCam website. All custom systems default include a base station, keypad, yard sign, and batteries.

For a limited time, SimpliSafe also offers three improved home security packages with six, 13, and 14 pieces, priced from $274.94 to $509.86. The prices may vary.

Monitoring costs $14.99 monthly with Simplisafe’s Standard plan used. This option includes professional alarm and environmental monitoring 24/7 and lives video from up to 10 cameras. Nonetheless, it doesn’t have remote features or recorded video.

Interactive is SimpliSafe’s plan with $24.99 monthly and offers everything the Standard plan includes and works through the mobile app. With SimpliSafe’s app, the user can remotely arm and disarm the system, receive alerts, motion-activated recorded video, and other features. SimpliSafe security system also has an additional option that lets you self-monitor using the app and get 30 days of cloud video storage for $10 a month.

SimpliSafe devices

There’s quite a variety of the equipment from SimpliSafe, including the following:

  • Entry Sensor: $14.99
  • Motion Sensor: $29.99
  • Glass-break Sensor: $34.99
  • Indoor Camera: $99.00
  • Outdoor Camera: $169.99
  • Video Doorbell Pro: $169.00
  • Smart Lock: $99.00
  • Key Fob: $24.99
  • 105dB Siren: $59.99
  • Temperature Sensor: $29.99
  • Water Sensor: $19.99
  • Panic Button: $19.99
  • Keypad: $69.99
  • Carbon Monoxide Detector: $49.99
  • Smoke Detector: $29.99
  • Motion Sensor: $29.99
  • Keychain Remote: $24.99
  • Siren: $59.99

Three camera options are available at the SimpliSafe: 

  • the SimpliCam indoor camera 
  • an outdoor camera
  • the Video Doorbell Pro

Cameras can send images to the monitoring centre to verify the alarm, which will help accelerate a response from the authorities. The SimpliSafe door lock is armed with a keypad that can turn off the alarm; every member connected to the security system can be assigned a unique disarm code.

 

Will fit for:

  • Customers who prefer professional monitoring contract-free
  • Users who want a convenient alarm system they can control through a mobile app or keypad

 

Won’t fit for:

  • Users with a low monthly budget for the professional monitoring
  • Customers looking for comprehensive integration with the smart home equipment

SimpliSafe’s home security systems are modest, simple to install and easy to use, and relatively attractive, according to customers’ reviews. Reviewers also praise SimpliSafe for its remote monitoring prospects (with or without a monthly monitoring plan) and pleasant customer service. Finally, the company doesn’t need you to set up a long-term contract.

On the other hand, SimpliSafe’s camera selection is limited, and the available cameras aren’t as sophisticated as those of many competitors. Smart home integration is limited as well. As for the starter package, it is only suitable for somewhat tiny homes, and that’s not always enough.

How to Buy a SimpliSafe Home Security System

  1. Hardware acquisition. 

The user can build their alarm system by selecting the most proper equipment. SimpliSafe offers five divergent equipment packages priced from $244.96 to $505.00.

  1.   Pick up a suitable monitoring plan. 

Options are two month-to-month monitoring plans: 

  • Standard plan at $14.99 a month 
  • Interactive plan at $24.99 a month

The second one includes remote arming/disarming via the SimpliSafe app, app alerts, private alerts, video alarm verification, recordings from up to 10 SimpliSafe cameras, and last but not least – smart home integration.

Ring Alarm FAQ

Is a SimpliSafe home security system easy to install?

SimpliSafe says most of its customers (around the 97$) install the system themselves. As all devices are contacted to the base station — the installation is just a matter of activation of the devices after plugging in the station and evocation of the battery tabs to activate each device. After that, the user has to place the devices with double-sided tape. Written and spoken instructions for setup are applied to the easy-to-use keypad.

The user can name each.

You can name each appliance through the app and program the alerts for each of them. This feature will allow the user to set the alarm to react immediately or after a delay. Interactive Plan users are able to use a web-based dashboard to accomplish changes. It’s also easy to add sensors that will integrate with the existing system with the push of a button. The user can add sensors after installation. SimpliSafe has an option with performing help, so you can get a technician who’ll help with the installation. The cost will be $99.

What is SimpliSafe's warranty?

SimpliSafe offers a three-year warranty on its equipment. Customers have an option to return it later with a prepaid shipping label for exchanges.

Does SimpliSafe integrate with the other provider thermostat?

SimpliSafe users can program the Nest thermostat using Google Assistant. But the SimpliSafe is not compatible with other companies’ thermostats as it has its own.

Does SimpliSafe support emergency duress or distress code?

If there’s an intruder, SimpliSafe allows users to create a distress code for sending the silent alert to the monitoring centre.

How is a SimpliSafe security system monitored?

Depending on users location, SimpliSafe uses the home broadband connection for monitoring, with backup connections via cellular on the Verizon or T-Mobile networks.

 

How much does a SimpliSafe home security system cost?

As for the DIY plain home security systems, SimpliSafe has attractive pricing. Professional monitoring plans start at $14.99 monthly and include a keypad controller with voice suggestions. There’s no long-term contract required, and you can avoid all monthly fees if you want an alarm to be triggered. The Interactive Plan offers full-featured professional monitoring, a smartphone app to arm and disarm the system, on-demand video recording for evidence capture, emergency dispatch, water leak detection, alerts for yourself as well as family and friends, and more for $24.99.

What home automation technology integrates with SimpliSafe?

SimpliSafe’s quick-fix system doesn’t use Z-Wave or Zigbee, which are the standard protocols for many smart home devices, so some of the users existing equipment like smart thermostats or lighting smart systems may not be suitable. SimpliSafe is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home voice controls, but Apple Home Kit is out of that list yet. The August Smart Lock is also compatible with the SimpliSafe’s door locks, and those will fit over your existing deadbolts. This allows the remote entry while leaving the exterior door and bolt unaffected. For those subscribing to the Interactive Plan, there is an integration of a number of smart home devices available due to SimpliSafe’s website.

How to contact SimpliSafe's customer service?

SimpliSafe has an online Help Center that answers frequently asked questions and also customer service, which is available from 8 a.m. to midnight Eastern Standard Time at 1-888-910-1215.

Will pets set off the alarm?

As long as the devices are placed at least 5 feet off the ground, pets weighing less than 30 pounds won’t activate the SimpliSafe motion sensors. Customers can adjust the sensitivity of the motion detectors by themselves to ignore pets up to 50 pounds.

What text and email notifications can the user get?

Interactive Plan users have an option to receive the notifications by email, text, and the smartphone app. Those can be customized for specific activities such as opening a medicine drawer and others. These notifications won’t be available for customers who self-monitor.

Customers will get a phone call from the monitoring centre when an alarm is triggered, except for the customized notifications with the Standard Plan subscription.

Does SimpliSafe offer a panic function?

The panic alert can be sent by using the wireless button, the keypad provided by the SimpliSafe, or an optional keychain remote. The system can remain silent or activate the siren. If you have a monthly plan, the alarm system can notify the monitoring service about the panic signal activation. There’s also an option to program the system to call the user before setting up the emergency or do it immediately.