If it’s down to Brinks or SimpliSafe for your new home security system, here are some things you should know. Both services provide 24/7 monitoring, DIY installation, and compatibility with Alexa and Google Home. There are a few important differences between the two providers, which we’ll go over below.
Video Recap: SimpliSafe vs. Brinks
Compare SimpliSafe vs. Brinks
Price
Winner: SimpliSafeSimpliSafe’s equipment point of entry is a little less expensive for the Foundation Package at $183 compared to Brinks’ $199 basic package. And, at $14.99/mo., SimpliSafe’s monitoring package is half the cost of Brinks' rate of $30/mo..
Contract
Winner: SimpliSafeSimpliSafe wins here because there is no contract for its monitoring service. It offers a month-to-month plan, which is very appealing to anyone who’s not sure what their situation will be in a few months or years. In contrast, Brinks requires a 36-month contract.
Trial Period
Winner: SimpliSafeSimpliSafe provides a much better opportunity to evaluate the system. While Brinks comes with a 30-day trial period, SimpliSafe offers a long 60-day Money-Back Guarantee. If you determine you don’t like it before 60 days are up, you can get a full refund on everything, including shipping.
Home Automation
Winner: BrinksBrinks is partnered with Google Nest, which means you can connect to smart home devices like locks, thermostats, and other smart devices using the Nest hub or your mobile phone. Brinks home security is also compatible with Z-wave. Although SimpliSafe does work with Alexa and Google Assistant, it doesn’t offer integration with other smart home devices.
Environmental Monitoring
Winner: SimpliSafeSimpliSafe has a standout feature that is simply missing from Brinks’ repertoire. SimpliSafe Equipment can monitor for fire, flooding and freezing, a handy feature if you live in a flood- or cold-prone area, or if you manage rental property. The smoke detector, water sensor, and temperature sensor don’t come with all its packages, though, so you may have to purchase them separately.
Industry Experience
Winner: BrinksWith 160 years in security, and 33 years in-home security specifically, Brinks is a trusted, stable name that’s synonymous with a secure home. By comparison, SimpliSafe is a baby in the industry, only having been founded in 2006. If you’re concerned about longevity, Brinks is the way to go.
Summary: SimpliSafe vs. Brinks
SimpliSafe Security | Brinks Home Security | |
|---|---|---|
Monthy monitoring starting price | $14.99/mo. | $29.99/mo. |
Minimum contract length | No contract | 36 mos. for Brinks & Monthly for Nest |
Trial Period | 60 days | 30 days |
Installation | DIY & Professional | DIY & Professional |
Guarantees & Refunds | 60-day Money-Back Guarantee | 30-day trial period |
BBB Rating | A+ | A+ |
Frequently Asked Questions About SimpliSafe & Brinks
SimpliSafe has a number of packages, including the basic Foundation Package, Essentials Package, Haven Package, and the Hearth Package. The basic package starts with the base station, keypad, an entry sensor, and a motion sensor. Brinks also offers several levels, including the Home Complete, Home Complete With Video, and the Nest Secure packages. The basic package includes a Nest Guard keypad, two Nest Detect motion sensors, two Nest Tags, and yard signs and stickers.
Brinks offers a $29.99/mo. monitoring plan with a 36-month contract. SimpliSafe’s monitoring plan is $14.99/mo. with no long-term contract.
Brinks has the ability for customers to self-monitor their own equipment if the equipment is purchased from Brinks or its partner, Nest. SimpliSafe also has self-monitoring options, but the company doesn’t emphasize this on its website.
Brinks is a great choice for renters. Its newest system is wireless, meaning renters don’t need to attach anything permanently to walls. That makes it excellent for apartments and condos. SimpliSafe also has wireless systems that are well suited for renters without requiring a contract, which may be a better situation if you’re not settled in permanently.