SimpliSafe and Guardian Protection are two very different companies. Guardian has been in home protection since 1950 and SimpliSafe is a newcomer, starting in 2006. As the more traditional company, Guardian comes with a long contract and a much higher monthly fee, while SimpliSafe emphasizes flexibility and affordability. They come from different eras, but they both offer a quality service.
Our Pick: SimpliSafe Security
![]() SimpliSafe Security | ||
---|---|---|
Monthly monitoring starting price | $14.99/mo. | $45.99/mo. |
Minimum contract length | No contract | 3-5 years |
Trial Period | 60 days | None |
Installation | DIY & Professional | Professional |
Guarantees and Refunds | None | $500 Theft Protection |
BBB Rating | A+ | A+ |
Frequently Asked Questions About SimpliSafe and Guardian Protection
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, three entry sensor, and a motion sensor.
Guardian has a wide array of packages geared toward different situations, such as the Bachelor(ette) Pad Package, Burglar Buster Package, and the Healthy (Green) Home Package. Each of these include various combinations of door/window sensors, motion sensors, touchpads, doorbells, smart locks, and more.
SimpliSafe offers professional monitoring at $14.99/mo. on a month-to-month basis. Guardian’s award-winning professional monitoring costs $45.99/mo. with a contract that lasts three to five years.
SimpliSafe allows self-monitoring, and you can even purchase its equipment without using its professional monitoring service. Guardian is strictly a professional monitoring provider with no option to self-monitor.
Both SimpliSafe and Guardian have packages suitable for renters, using less intrusive, wireless technology. SimpliSafe’s plans and DIY availability make it a more flexible solution, which may appeal to renters more than Guardian’s more robust and professional approach, but either service can work for renters.