SimpliSafe Home Security — Bottom Line
Ranked no. 1 on our list of best home security systems, SimpliSafe is great for renters or homeowners looking for affordable, easy-to-install DIY home security. Choose from a range of plans that include intrusion protection, video surveillance and home automation. SimpliSafe now offers a video doorbell and smart lock to help you protect your front entry and be aware of who’s coming and going.
★ SimpliSafe’s Response to COVID-19: SimpliSafe is continuing to provide alarm response for break-ins, fires, carbon monoxide and medical emergencies. If you have an issue with your SimpliSafe security system, customer support specialists are still taking calls to assist.
Is SimpliSafe the Right Home Security System for Me?
Cost: SimpliSafe packages range from around $230 to upwards of $500 depending on the package you choose. SimpliSafe professional monitoring ranges from $14.99 per month to $24.99 per month, but you can self-monitor with no monthly fee. Installation is free if you do it yourself, but professional help costs just $79.
Contract: SimpliSafe doesn’t require a contract for their service.
Wired or Wireless: All SimpliSafe security systems and devices are wireless, giving you a lot of flexibility with placement and making things easier for you when it’s time to move.
Monitoring: Choose between self or professional monitoring for your SimpliSafe security system. While self-monitoring is free, professional monitoring requires a monthly fee and gives you access to features like 24/7 emergency response, alerts, video recording and much more.
Installation: SimpliSafe packages are designed for self-installation, allowing you to avoid that pesky installation fee. If you think you’ll need help, you can still hire a professional to take care of it for you.
Equipment: While SimpliSafe equipment options are not expensive, you still have access to the basics like the base station, keypad, sensors, an indoor camera, video doorbell, smart lock and more.
SimpliSafe Review
SimpliSafe Home Security protects over 3 million American homes and is well-known for its DIY security systems. Whether you rent or own, you’re likely to find a package that fits your needs. With a SimpliSafe home security system, you’ll have access to intrusion detection, video surveillance, home automation, and more. Equipment can be financed or purchased up-front, and SimpliSafe monitoring plans range from $14.99 per month to $24.90 per month. One of the biggest perks you’ll find with SimpliSafe is that there’s no contract to sign. These features make SimpliSafe a great choice for customers on a budget and renters. See how SimpliSafe stacks up as one of our best home security system providers.
Pros
- Inexpensive professional monitoring
- Wireless equipment
- Video alarm verification with police dispatch
Cons
- Alerts not available with basic monitoring plan
- Video recording not available with basic monitoring plan
- Only one smart device available for purchase
Recommended | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Barrington | The Foundation | The Essentials | The Hearth | The Knox | |
| Equipment starts at | $388 | $229 | $259 | $374 | $449 |
| Pro. monitoring starts at | $14.99/mo. | $14.99/mo. | $14.99/mo. | $14.99/mo. | $14.99/mo. |
| Motion detection | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Home environmental monitoring | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Security camera(s) | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Mobile app access | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
SimpliSafe Costs
Compared to other home security providers, SimpliSafe is affordable with equipment ranging from around $200 to upwards of $500. You’ll find over 10 packages on the provider’s website, and you can either purchase your equipment upfront or finance through PayPal Credit. Here’s a breakdown of SimpliSafe costs for monitoring and camera subscription.
SimpliSafe Monitoring Plans
Standard: $14.99 per month
- 24/7 alarm monitoring
- 24/7 fire monitoring and dispatch
- Cellular connection
Interactive: $24.99 per month (Everything in the Standard Plan plus these below)
- Unlimited video recording
- Alarm verification by video
- Activity notifications
- Home hazard monitoring
- Access to home insurance discounts
- EMS response and dispatch
SimpliSafe Camera Subscription Costs
You must select the Interactive monitoring plan with your SimpliSafe security system to access camera recording features.
For standalone SimpliSafe cameras without the security system:
- One camera: $4.99 per month
- Two or more cameras (up to 10): $9.99 per month
SimpliSafe Equipment
SimpliSafe Installation
SimpliSafe’s security system is designed to be self-installed either by setting on a level surface or a peel-and-stick backing. However, if you don’t feel comfortable installing your SimpliSafe security system, a technician can handle it for you for just $79.
Here’s a quick look at how to set up the base station and keypad:
How to Install SimpliSafe’s Base Station
- Find a level surface in your home near a power outlet to set the base station
- Plug in the base station
How to Install SimpliSafe’s Keypad
- Set up your master PIN by following the instructions on the keypad
- Remove the adhesive tape and press the keypad against a wall near your main entrance — hold in place for 30 seconds
Follow SimpliSafe’s manual or online guide for more information on setting up additional equipment for your system.
Using SimpliSafe
- Using the SimpliSafe App: If you want to use SimpliSafe’s mobile app for arming, disarming and checking notifications, you can download it for free through Google Play and the App Store. If you have a SimpliSafe camera-enabled device, you can check in to view live video with the Interactive monitoring plan.
- How monitoring works: SimpliSafe monitoring gives you extra peace of mind about your home’s protection. If your system is triggered, the siren will sound and the Base Station will contact the monitoring center to report the disturbance. The operator at SimpliSafe’s monitoring center will then contact you and any others you’ve submitted as contacts. If you do not cancel the alarm, an operator will send the authorities to your home.
- SimpliSafe warranty and guarantee: In the event something goes wrong with your equipment, SimpliSafe provides a 3-year warranty for its equipment. SimpliSafe also has a 60-day money-back guarantee if you’re unhappy with their service.
SimpliSafe Packages and Costs
- Basic motion detection
- 1 SimpliSafe base station
- 1 SimpliSafe keypad
- 1 entry sensor
- 1 motion sensor
- Basic motion detection
- 1 SimpliSafe base station
- 1 SimpliSafe keypad
- 3 entry sensors
- 1 motion sensor
- Basic motion detection
- + Home hazard monitoring (emergency response with Interactive Monitoring Plan)
- 1 SimpliSafe base station
- 1 SimpliSafe keypad
- 3 entry sensors
- 1 motion sensor
- 1 key fob
- 1 smoke detector
- 1 siren
- Same features as with The Hearth
- 1 Simplisafe base station
- 1 Simplisafe keypad
- 6 entry sensors
- 2 motion sensors
- 1 smoke detector
- 1 siren
- 1 key fob
- Basic motion detection
- +Video surveillance
- 1 Simplisafe base station
- 1 Simplisafe keypad
- 2 entry sensors
- 1 motion sensors
- 1 key fob
- 1 panic button
- 1 siren
- 1 SimpliCam indoor camera
Our take
The Foundation is great for smaller homes and apartments that only need motion detection.
Package Features:
Packages Devices Include:
Our take
The Essentials is another great entry-level package that adds more door and window sensors to protect multiple entry points.
Package Features
Package Devices Include:
Our take
The Hearth adds on an additional siren that can be placed in your home with a smoke detector for home hazard monitoring.
Package Devices Include:
Packages Devices Include:
Our take
Protect multiple high traffic areas of your home, get an additional siren and a smoke detector with The Knox.
Package Features:
Package Devices Include:
Our take
Get access to home video surveillance in addition to motion detection with The Barrington.
Package Features:
Package Devices Include:
SimpliSafe Home Automation
SimpliSafe works with a few of your favorite smart home brands for easy smart security. Here’s a list of the smart home integrations you’ll find:
- Amazon Alexa
- Google Assistant
- Apple Watch
- August Home
In order to access home automation features with SimpliSafe, you’ll have to choose the Interactive monitoring plan. This plan will allow you to use voice control with Alexa or Google Assistant. With Apple Watch, you can easily arm or disarm your system. And if you have an August smart lock, you can automatically lock your front door.
Home automation combined with security provides convenience and additional safety features without any hassle.
How We Evaluated SimpliSafe Home Security
Each of our home security providers is evaluated on a number of factors that help families determine their home security needs.
Cost — We evaluate all costs included in your home security service including monitoring, video storage, equipment and one-time fees. Home security is an investment, but we look for affordable home security that’s reasonably priced upfront and monthly.
Equipment and Features — Our team looks for easy-to-use equipment that gives customers better security and control of their home’s safety. We also look for smart home features, mobile app control and other standout features to make managing home security simple.
Service — We consider customer services including installation, technical support, consultations and other available services to keep your system up and running without worry.
Warranties, Trial Periods and Guarantees — Most providers offer warranties and guarantees to ensure your customer satisfaction with their equipment and services. Some also offer trial periods for a risk-free test run. Consumers should feel confident in their home security choice with enough time to try the equipment and service and feel satisfied months later with their decision.
Installation — We believe that setup should be seamless – whether DIY or professionally installed. Home security installation should be easy and support should always be available to help you whether you’re starting with a new system, expanding or troubleshooting.
SimpliSafe Customer Service Information
SimpliSafe currently has a 4.1 star rating with Trustpilot based on customer reviews. It’s easy to see that many customers value SimpliSafe for their service and equipment. The SimpliSafe mobile app also has 4.8/5.0 rating with Apple users and 4.7/5.0 rating with Android users.
If you already have a SimpliSafe security system but need assistance, you can reach customer service by:
- Visit the SimpliSafe support page
- Contacting a SimpliSafe representative by phone at 1-888-910-1298
SimpliSafe Security FAQs
Is SimpliSafe better than other competitors?
SimpliSafe is better for you if you want to be able to choose your monitoring and installation. You get a lot of flexibility with SimplISafe that you don’t get with other providers like ADT, Vivint and Frontpoint. Plus, SimpliSafe offers a range of packages and the ability to customize your own package at affordable prices with no contracts. You really have more control with SimpliSafe.
If you’re on the fence about SimpliSafe and competitors, check out these head-to-head comparisons:
Can SimpliSafe be hacked?
While SimpliSafe encrypts all recorded video with bank-grade encryption, we still encourage you to take the necessary steps to keep your home internet secure.
How does the SimpliSafe camera work?
Both the SimpliCam and Video Doorbell Pro require a connection to your home Wi-Fi for live streaming. For video clips, you’ll need to subscribe to the Interactive monitoring plan.
- SimpliCam: While the privacy shutter is open, if any motion is detected, you’ll receive a notification to your phone.
- Video Doorbell Pro: Whenever motion is detected, you’ll receive a notification to your phone.
Can SimpliSafe work with Ring?
No, SimpliSafe does not work with Ring products, but you can now purchase SimpliSafe’s Video Doorbell Pro.
Will it work without the internet?
Yes, SimpliSafe basic motion detection will work without Wi-Fi. If, however, you want to use the SimpliCam, Video Doorbell Pro or your mobile app for remote management, you will need an internet connection.
Are the cameras always recording?
No, the Simplicam and Video Doorbell Pro only record when triggered by specific events such as motion or if the doorbell is pressed.
Are SimpliSafe cameras wireless?
Yes, SimpliSafe’s indoor camera and video doorbell are both wireless. The only cable that will need to be used with the Simplicam is its AC power cable.
Can you speak through a SimpliSafe camera?
Yes, both the SimpliCam and Video Doorbell Pro have two-way audio. To talk, you can hold down the microphone button in the SimpliSafe mobile app. And to listen, just release the microphone button.
Can SimpliSafe work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant?
Yes, SimpliSafe works with Alexa and Google Assistant.
Can SimpliSafe work with Apple Watch?
Yes, SimpiSafe works with Apple Watch.
Do SimpliSafe security systems feature battery backup in case my power goes out?
Yes, SimpliSafe security systems feature battery backup for up to 24 hours in the event your power goes out. SimpliSafe systems also come with a cellular connection for double the security in the event of power outages.
What is SimpliSafe’s return policy?
SimpliSafe has a 60-Day Money Back Guarantee if you’re not satisfied with your system. The provider will cover the cost of shipping on your return as well. Give SimpliSafe a call at 1-(800)-297-1605 to have someone assist you with your return.
