Pros
- No contracts required: Customers can cancel service anytime without fees.
- Easy DIY installation. Optional professional setup available
- Budget-friendly products and services starting at $14.99/mo.
Cons
- Equipment must be purchased upfront — no leasing options available.
- No standalone smart home products offered
- Not compatible with popular smart home devices
SimpliSafe’s Safety Score
SimpliSafe is a DIY home security solution that has a lot to offer when it comes to having peace of mind and ultimate home protection. It has the highest Safety Score out of all the providers we looked at.
SimpliSafe has everything you need to keep you feeling safe and in control. The company scored the highest for its prevention and control features, including its mobile alerts and “Smash-Safe” base station that alerts emergency responders even if your station breaks during an intrusion. It also scores high with SimpliCam features and cellular connectivity using Verizon and T-Mobile’s networks. Here’s a breakdown of how it scored.
Prevention
- “Smash-Safe” base station to alert police even if it’s broken during an intrusion
- SimpliCam sends sensor-triggered alerts if motion is detected
- SimpliSafe mobile app sends alerts and records activity
SimpliSafe has a number of preventative features to help keep you safe. It’s one of the reasons the company ranks no. 1 among our best home security systems. SimpliSafe’s base station is “Smash-Safe” to still alert the monitoring center if it’s broken during an intrusion.
The SimpliCam is also designed with intrusion detection and prevention in mind. The camera doubles as an indoor and outdoor camera, and is equipped with sensors to detect humans and send an instant sensor-triggered alert. You can also use the SimpliSafe app to monitor your home’s surveillance and SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro using your smartphone.
The SimpliSafe app gives you peace of mind with the ability to record live activity to save, store and play back video later. You can also arm and disarm your system for convenience and control. And any time your system or camera are triggered you’ll receive a mobile notification to keep you alert.
Response
- Choice between DIY and 24/7 professional monitoring
- Wide variety of equipment that sends sensor-triggered mobile alerts
- Environmental monitoring available
SimpliSafe’s mobile app is just one of the features used to help you quickly call for help when you need it. You’ll also have optional 24/7 professional monitoring from SimpliSafe’s six monitoring centers starting at $14.99 per month — no contract required.
If you’re debating between DIY and professional monitoring, here’s one thing to consider. SimpliSafe’s average emergency response time is 30 seconds: the industry’s average response time before alerting emergency responders. Monitoring specialists will dispatch police while you remain safe instead of worrying about calling for help. SimpliSafe also offers Visual Verification to dispatch police faster by confirming your alarm is real.
You can also choose from a variety of equipment designed to keep you safe. Choose from glass break sensors, entry sensors or a wireless keypad with a panic button to arm your system or alert emergency responders. SimpliSafe also has environmental monitoring equipment including water leak sensors, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to send a sensor triggered alert. In the event of a triggered alert, both you and SimpliSafe’s monitoring center will be notified right away.
Control
- “Smash-Safe” wireless keypad that gives sensor alerts
- Easy-to-use mobile app to keep you in control of your home’s security
- Limited smart home functionality
You should always feel in control of your home’s safety and security — whether at home or on the go. SimpliSafe gives customers full control with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands, which are especially helpful if you need to quickly arm or disarm your system. You’ll also have instant sensor-triggered mobile alerts to make you feel safe and in control if anything unexpectedly happens.
SimpliSafe’s keypad is also easy to put in a drawer or keep nearby in case you need to quickly call for help or disarm your system. If you leave a window or door open, the keypad will tell you. It’s also “Smash-Safe” for your protection and peace of mind.
The SimpliCam and SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro can both be controlled using your smartphone or voice assistant. You’ll be able to see live activity, as well as save, store and play footage using your smartphone. The video doorbell also gives you the ability to see and speak to guests using two-way audio. You’ll get a mobile alert when someone’s at your door or presses the button to see who it is before answering.
Unfortunately, SimpliSafe’s home automation capabilities are limited. It offers a video doorbell and smart lock, but you’ll only be able to connect the Apple Watch, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Nest Thermostat and August Smart Locks. Other popular providers like Vivint and ADT offer full smart home security with garage door controllers, smart lights, plugs and more.
Reliability
- Durable and reliable equipment
- Excellent customer reviews and ratings
- Limited customer service and troubleshooting hours
We love that you can always count on SimpliSafe’s equipment and services. The base station uses WiFi and cellular connectivity, and a back-up battery to keep your system running, even when there’s a disconnection.
Overall, existing SimpliSafe customers are pleased with their home security choice. The Better Business Bureau gives SimpliSafe an A+ rating, while TrustPilot gives the company 4.1 out of 5 stars. Customers love SimpliSafe’s easy DIY installation, affordability and camera storage. However, there are some concerns about SimpliSafe’s customer service, mobile alerts and camera functionality.
If customers need help installing or using your system, they have access to the online Help Center to get answers to common questions and troubleshooting. Unfortunately, SimpliSafe doesn’t offer 24/7 customer assistance, but the online user forums also give customers another place for help after-hours.
SimpliSafe Packages
SimpliSafe has five systems for you to choose from. You can also build your own to meet your security needs. Each package includes motion detection, sensors, a keypad and base station. You can also add equipment over time to expand your system with more. Packages range from $183 for the Foundation package – which is perfect for a small apartment, up to the Haven for $391. It covers all security and environmental monitoring needs for larger homes. SimpliSafe experts can also help you with other packages.
About SimpliSafe Packages
Our Take
Got a small home or apartment that you want to secure? The Foundation package gives you the essentials to protect your home and entryway without needing professional installation. Just attach your entry sensor to a wall, mount your motion sensor to a wall and sit your base station on a shelf, then you’ll be set to go. The Foundation Package costs $183.
Package Features
- 1 SimpliSafe base station
- 1 SimpliSafe keypad
- 1 entry sensor
- 1 motion sensor
Our Take
The Essentials is another great entry-level package that adds more door and window sensors to protect multiple entry points.
Package Features
- Basic motion detection
Package Devices Include:
- 1 SimpliSafe base station
- 1 SimpliSafe keypad
- 3 entry sensors
- 1 motion sensor
Our Take
The Knox package is great for larger homes that need extra security and environmental monitoring. It’s a 13-piece system that covers multiple entryways and levels of the home. This package also helps protect your family from smoke and fire danger with a smoke detector included. No matter how many pieces are included, the Knox package is still easy to install without needing any professional help. The Knox package costs $388.
Package Features
- 1 SimpliSafe base station
- 1 SimpliSafe keypad
- 6 entry sensors
- 2 motion sensors
- 1 smoke detector
- 1 siren
- 1 key fob
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:
- Basic motion detection
- + Home hazard monitoring (emergency response with Interactive Monitoring Plan)
Packages Devices Include:
- 1 SimpliSafe base station
- 1 SimpliSafe keypad
- 3 entry sensors
- 1 motion sensor
- 1 key fob
- 1 smoke detector
- 1 siren
Our Take
Get access to home video surveillance in addition to motion detection with The Barrington.
Package Features:
- Basic motion detection
- +Video surveillance
Package Devices Include:
- 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
Compare SimpliSafe Packages
Upfront equipment cost | $183 | $207 | $299 | $359 | $391 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Number of motion detectors | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Number of entryway sensors | 1 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 4 |
Siren | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Smoke detector | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Temperature sensor | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Panic button | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Water sensor | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Key fob | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Why We Recommend the Haven Package
SimpliSafe’s Haven package gives you everything you need for home security and safety at a reasonable cost. For less than $400 you’ll have sensors to cover every entry door and two motion detectors if you need to cover multiple floors. This package also includes environmental protection with a water sensor, temperature sensor and smoke detector. You’ll have peace of mind with both intrusion and environmental monitoring at an affordable rate. The Haven also has a key fob for remote arming and disarming and a panic button in case of emergencies. This is the perfect all-in-one package to cover any home security and safety needs.
SimpliSafe vs. Other DIY Competitors
Curious how SimpliSafe stacks up against other DIY security providers? We selected two popular options to help you decide which one is best for you.
SimpliSafe vs. Other DIY Competitors
SimpliSafe Security | Blue by ADT | Ring Home Security | |
|---|---|---|---|
Monitoring starting price | $14.99/mo. | $19.99/mo. | $3/mo. |
Monitoring options | DIY or professional | DIY or professional | DIY or Professonal |
Installation | DIY with professional option | DIY | DIY or Professional |
Guarantee | 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee | 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee | 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
Warranty | 3-year warranty | N/A | 1-year warranty |
SimpliSafe Review FAQs
We recommend the Haven package to get both intrusion and environmental monitoring. You’ll be able to cover entry doors, a key pad with a panic button and motion detection for multiple floors. The Haven package also includes a water sensor, temperature sensor and smoke detector for environmental monitoring. You’ll have everything you need to cover any safety or security emergency with confidence.
We recommend the Interactive Monitoring plan. For an average of $25 per month, you’ll get 24/7 professional monitoring, video surveillance, camera clip storage, SimpliSafe’s Visual Alarm Verification and more. Comparatively, the Standard Plan averages at $14.99 per month and only includes professional monitoring, cellular connectivity, and dispatch services.
You only need WiFi for SimpliSafe if you’re using the SimpliCam or Video Doorbell Pro. These products let you view your camera feed in real-time through the SimpliSafe app, which you’ll need WiFi to connect to. Keep in mind that SimpliSafe’s systems will use both WiFi and cellular connectivity to keep your system up and running smoothly.
SimpliSafe offers more DIY home security compared to ADT. But it doesn’t offer the same number of products and features as ADT, which has been around longer. For example, ADT offers products for landline monitoring, while SimpliSafe only offers it as a backup option. ADT also uses in-house monitoring while SimpliSafe outsources its monitoring, which could be a consideration for some customers.
SimpliSafe: Bottom Line
SimpliSafe is great for both renters and homeowners looking for affordable home safety and security equipment. You’ll have the best control and prevention features in the home security industry. Choose one of SimpliSafe’s pre-selected packages or build your own to fit your budget. SimpliSafe also offers contract-free, affordable professional monitoring and installation to give you peace of mind. Even though smart home compatibility is limited, you’ll still be able to connect some of your favorites and use voice commands at your convenience.
There are a few customer service complaints, but SimpliSafe comes with high scores from both BBB and TrustPilot for easy-to-use equipment, affordability and installation. SimpliSafe customers also get a 3-year warranty and 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee.
Overall, SimpliSafe gives you plenty of options and full control of your home security without length contracts, fees and fixed packages.