SimpliSafe is one of our top choices for home security systems. It offers a wide range of packages with DIY-friendly setups, making it a great choice for homeowners who want to save money on installation without compromising their security. The company carries an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), as well.
We liked SimpliSafe for its ease of installation for DIYers, but we wanted to make sure the company is all it’s cracked up to be. To make sure, we performed a customer journey to learn more about purchasing and using a system through SimpliSafe.
Pros
- Systems are DIYable and completely customizable
- Transparent pricing
- No long-term contracts or cancellation fees
Cons
- Smart home integration lacking compared to competitors
Table of Contents
- SimpliSafe Home Security at a Glance
- SimpliSafe Home Security Security System Components
- SimpliSafe Home Security Smart Home Integration
- SimpliSafe Home Security Plans and Pricing
- Monitoring Plans
- SimpliSafe Home Security App and Add-ons
- Installing SimpliSafe Home Security
- What We Like About SimpliSafe Home Security
- What We Didn’t Like About SimpliSafe Home Security
- How SimpliSafe Home Security Stacks Up
- SimpliSafe Home Security vs. ADT
- What Are People Saying About Simplisafe Home Security?
- Is Simplisafe Home Security the Right Home Security System for You?
- Methodology – How We Selected the Best Home Security Companies
SimpliSafe Home Security at a Glance
Company Overview:
SimpliSafe started in 2006 when three friends of Chad and Eleanor Laurans were robbed in the same month. Their goal was to develop a simple security system that homeowners could install on their own without pushy salespeople. Today, SimpliSafe protects more than 4 million people in the United States and the United Kingdom.
SimpliSafe is an affordable, flexible system that offers five preconfigured packages. The company’s devices are easy to install and come with 24/7 professional monitoring. Customers can purchase add-ons separately to create their own package or expand on a preexisting one. Plus, no contract is necessary to gain access to 24/7 monitoring plans.
SimpliSafe offers seven different equipment packages. Each package contains a certain number of sensors, cameras and other devices with varying prices. Customers can choose the package that best fits their home’s needs, or choose one that fits their budget and add devices on as they can.
Featured Partners
1
Vivint
Customer Reviews
Excellent
Contract Required
Yes
Lowest Monitoring Price
$19.99
2
ADT
Customer Reviews
Excellent
Contract Required
Yes
Lowest Monitoring Price
$29.99
3
Simplisafe
Customer Reviews
Great
Contract Required
No
Lowest Pro Monitoring Price
$21.99
SimpliSafe Home Security Security System Components
SimpliSafe offers a wide range of devices for customers to choose from. Customers can add these components to their system to expand their coverage, though some of these devices, such as the smart hub, are required.
Smart Hub
SimpliSafe’s Base Station is the smart hub that runs the rest of the system and communicates with monitoring. It has a built-in 95-decibel alarm, voice prompts to help with installation, the ability to monitor 100 sensors, a backup battery that lasts up to 24 hours and built-in cellular dialing and Wi-Fi. Users can link it to their Alexa or Google Assistant accounts for voice control, as well.
Door and Window Sensors
SimpliSafe offers two-part entry sensors that users can install on their doors and windows. The main part of the device contains the sensor and the other part is a magnet. When the two components are close together, the magnet keeps the device from alarming. But, once separated, the entry sensor will send an alarm to the base station.
Indoor Cameras
SimpliSafe sells two types of indoor cameras: wired and wireless. Customers can install them wherever they’re needed to capture video footage in the event of an alarm.
Outdoor Cameras
One wireless outdoor camera is available through SimpliSafe. Customers can install it outside their homes to monitor their property and capture suspicious activity.
Doorbell Cameras
SimpliSafe customers can add a doorbell camera to their package. This device can monitor packages, solicitors and general movement in the yard, with adjustable sensors and zone coverage. These doorbells are also wireless, so users don’t have to worry about drilling holes or running wires.
Leak Detectors/Smoke Alarms
There are several additional sensors available for customers to add to their systems. These include wireless water sensors, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors and temperature sensors.
SimpliSafe Home Security Smart Home Integration
SimpliSafe has smart home integration with smart home devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Overall, though, the company does not offer a lot of smart features. Customers can arm their systems through voice activation, but they cannot silence or disable them.
Mobile App
You can download the SimpliSafe app for free from the Apple App Store and the Google Play store and use it with all plans. The mobile app allows users to arm and disarm the system, live-stream footage and receive alerts. The Self-Monitored Camera plan and the Fast Protect plan will also allow you to view your recordings and set up smart platform integrations.
SimpliSafe Home Security Plans and Pricing
One of SimpliSafe’s best features is how customizable it is. This applies to devices and monitoring. Not everyone wants to be linked to central monitoring, or some folks might want unlimited recordings and devices. SimpliSafe can facilitate these situations and more.
There are four subscription plans that customers can choose from, allowing them to find the one that best fits their needs. Each varies in price and the features it offers. They include:
Unmonitored Plan
The unmonitored plan is free. Users get a live video feed of their cameras from the SimpliSafe App and can remotely arm or disarm their system with the SimpliSafe App.
Self-Monitoring With Camera Recording
For $9.99 per month, customers can access recordings for 30 days for up to five cameras, download recordings to their phone or computer using the SimpliSafe mobile or web app and get a manual recording when viewing the live stream. They can also control their system from their phone with the SimpliSafe App and get secret alerts and scheduled arming. The plan does not include professional monitoring.
Standard Monitoring Plan
The Standard Monitoring plan costs $22 a month and customers will get basic professional monitoring features without camera recordings or advanced features. Customers will get 24/7 emergency dispatch (including police, fire and medical), built-in cellular connection for backup coverage in case of power outages and control of their system from their phone with the SimpliSafe App. They also get a live video feed of their cameras from the SimpliSafe App, a system timeline that shows up to seven days of history within the app and push notifications.
Fast Protect Plan
For $32 per month, customers will receive everything in the Standard Monitoring plan plus unlimited camera recording and evidence capture, with the ability to download video recordings from the app to their phones. Customers will also get secret alerts and scheduled arming and can arm their system with Google Assistant or Alexa. They also get access to homeowner’s insurance discounts and subscription lifetime warranty and 10% off additional hardware purchases.
| MONITORING PLAN | FAST PROTECT | STANDARD MONITORING | SELF MONITORING WITH CAMERA RECORDINGS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Per Day | $1.06 | $0.73 | $0.33 |
| 24/7 Emergency Dispatch | ✓ | ✓ | x |
| Confirm or cancel alarms in seconds with Alarm Texts | ✓ | ✓ | x |
| Video Verification | ✓ | x | x |
| 24/7 Live Guard Protection (when paired with Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Security Camera) | ✓ | x | x |
| Arm or disarm remotely | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cellular connection back-up | ✓ | ✓ | x |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scheduled arming | ✓ | x | ✓ |
| Secret alerts | ✓ | x | ✓ |
| View timeline | Unlimited | 7 days | Unlimited |
| Unlimited recording | Up to 10 cameras | x | Up to 5 cameras |
| 10% off additional purchases | ✓ | x | x |
| Lifetime warranty | ✓ | x | x |
Build Your Own Custom Home Security
SimpliSafe’s Build My System program is one of our favorite features. Customers can choose all of the devices they need for their home in the correct quantities. They can also choose not to purchase certain devices if they feel they don’t need them. Beyond the base station and control panel, everything else is optional (the control panel is optional as well if you don’t have alarm devices).
The Build My System option is very simple to navigate. Customers simply accept their base station and keypad, choose their burglary sensors (entry, motion and glass break), choose their cameras if they want them, add hazard sensors (leak, smoke, and freeze sensors) and any additional items like key fobs, doorbells, panic buttons and more.
| TYPE | HARDWARE | COST |
|---|---|---|
| Burglary Sensor | Entry Sensor | $14.99 |
| Burglary Sensor | Motion Sensor | $34.99 |
| Burglary Sensor | Glassbreak Sensor | $39.99 |
| Camera | Wireless Indoor | $149.99 |
| Camera | Wired Indoor | $99.00 |
| Camera | Wireless Outdoor | $199.99 |
| Hazard Sensor | Water Sensor | $19.99 |
| Hazard Sensor | Smoke and CO Detector | $69.99 |
| Hazard Sensor | Smoke Detector | $44.99 |
| Hazard Sensor | Temperature Sensor | $29.99 |
| Extras | Panic Button | $19.99 |
| Extras | Key Fob | $24.99 |
| Extras | Video Doorbell Pro | $169.00 |
| Extras | 105dB Siren | $59.99 |
| Extras | Extra Keypad | $69.99 |
| Extras | Yard Sign | $3.99 |
| Extras | Pro Setup | $124.99 (starting price) |
Home Security Packages
SimpliSafe has seven different packages for customers to choose from, assuming they don’t want to build their own system. These packages are designed to be like jump-starts into the world of home security, allowing users to get started and add to their kits over time.
Each kit is unique based on what it includes. It’s often economical to purchase a kit this way and then add additional sensors rather than simply building the kit yourself, though it depends on the circumstances.
| PACKAGE NAME | DESCRIPTION/FEATURES | UPFRONT COST | MONTHLY COST |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Beacon | 1 Base Station
1 Keypad
4 Entry Sensors
2 Motion Sensors
2 Wireless Outdoor Cameras
1 Free Wired Indoor Camera
| $729.90 | $30.41/mo |
| The Lighthouse | 1 Base Station
1 Keypad
3 Entry Sensors
1 Motion Sensor
1 Wireless Outdoor Camera
1 Free Wired Indoor Camera | $479.93 | $20.00/mo |
| The Haven | 1 Base Station
1 Keypad
4 Entry Sensors
2 Motion Sensors
1 Panic Button
1 Temperature Sensor
1 Water Sensor
1 Key Fob
1 Siren
1 Smoke Detector
1 Free Wired Indoor Camera
| $529.86 | $22.00/mo |
| The Knox | 1 Base Station
1 Keypad
6 Entry Sensors
2 Motion Sensors
1 Key Fob
1 Siren
1 Smoke Detector
1 Free Wired Indoor Camera
| $489.87 | $20.41/mo |
| The Hearth | 1 Base Station
1 Keypad
3 Entry Sensors
1 Motion Sensor
1 Key Fob
1 Siren
1 Smoke Detector
1 Free Wired Indoor Camera
| $409.91 | $17.08/mo |
| The Starter | 1 Base Station
1 Keypad
3 Entry Sensors
1 Motion Sensor
1 Free Wired Indoor Camera
| $279.95 | $11.66/mo |
| The Foundation | 1 Base Station
1 Keypad
1 Entry Sensor
1 Motion Sensor
1 Free Wired Indoor Camera | $249.96 | $10.42/mo |
Monitoring Plans
Monitoring plans aren’t always one-size-fits-all. Some customers might have different plans for their alarm system, choosing to monitor it themselves or purchase the highest cost, most unlimited plan each month for unlimited storage.
The following are the four monitoring plan options that customers can choose from when using SimpliSafe Home Security.
| PRICE | INSTALLATION | 24/7 EMERGENCY DISPATCH | CONFIRM OR CANCEL ALARMS WITH APP | LIFETIME WARRANTY | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unmonitored | No Cost | None | No | No | No |
| Self Monitoring with Camera Recordings | $0.33/day | None | No | No | No |
| Standard Monitoring Plan | $.73/day | None | Yes | Yes | No |
| Core | $1.06/day | None | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pro | $1.66/day | None | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pro Plus | $2.66/day | None | Yes | Yes | Yes |
SimpliSafe Home Security App and Add-ons
With SimpliSafe you can choose between DIY or professional installation. The system is designed to be simple to install, but customers can request a professional to install it for them. Those installing the system themselves only need to plug in the Base Station and follow the interactive instructions in the app to place sensors and set up monitoring. There is also live expert assistance available to help you along.
The company also offers add-ons that can be absorbed into pre-existing packages. Also, security cameras can be installed after system set-up.
SimpliSafe Add-Ons
SimpliSafe has several add-ons for customers. These include the following:
- Panic button
- Key fob
- Extra siren
- Smoke detector
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detector
- Temperature sensor
- Water sensor
- Glass break sensor
- Extra entry magnet
- Video doorbell
- Additional yards signs
- Pro setup help
Installing SimpliSafe Home Security
We wanted some firsthand experience with SimpliSafe so we knew exactly what the average customer would have to do to order and install their system. In our test scenario for a 2,000-square-foot house, we opted to order a a base station, a keypad, enough entry sensors to cover all of our first-floor and basement doors and windows, a video doorbell, a smoke detector, a smoke and carbon monoxide detector, a panic button, some outdoor cameras and a leak detector for the water heater in the basement. This is how we did it.
We started with The Beacon Kit because it already contained most of what we needed but we could also add additional devices. Then, we simply added 16 more entry sensors for all of our doors and windows, the smoke detectors we required and a leak detector. The process of adding these items is extremely easy, as every item or package has an “Add to Cart” button and a “Continue Shopping” option.
SimpliSafe gave us a ship date of three days from our date of order and provided free shipping (five to seven business days) with the order. Also, SimpliSafe threw in a free month of the Fast Protect Monitoring.
Since you can order and build your kit yourself, there weren’t any quotes to deal with. We knew exactly what we would pay as soon as we updated our cart, which is another nod to how straightforward SimpliSafe truly is.
What We Like About SimpliSafe Home Security
There are quite a few things to like about SimpliSafe, but let’s start with its simplicity. The process of choosing your system, adding any necessary items and then paying for it all is as easy as it gets. There are no hidden fees, no hoops to jump through and you don’t have to speak with anyone if you don’t want to.
Also, SimpliSafe’s pricing for its devices and monitoring services are in line with most other security providers. There aren’t any fees for installation or activation fees to deal with. Once you select your package along with monitoring, you’ll know exactly what it will cost each month. There are no contracts, either, so customers can cancel their subscriptions and move to self-monitoring at any time.
Another point worth considering is that SimpliSafe does offer financing on its systems. Payments are through Affirm and some customers can qualify for 0% financing.
What We Didn’t Like About SimpliSafe Home Security
Really, our only complaint is that there aren’t a lot of smart home features that integrate with the SimpliSafe systems. Yes, SimpliSafe is compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa, but what the user can do with that integration is relatively limited. Users can ask what the status of the alarm is and arm the system, but that’s it. They can’t check the status of devices, conditions in the home or any other functions that some systems might offer.
How SimpliSafe Home Security Stacks Up
SimpliSafe Home Security vs. ADT
ADT has excellent reliability and a sterling reputation with its customers, and folks who don’t want to install their own systems can lean on these pros to do it for them. But, ADT isn’t DIY-friendly and does require long-term contracts, whereas SimpliSafe is DIYable and doesn’t require any contracts at all. ADT’s smart home integration is slightly better, however, which could be plenty of reasons for some folks to choose it.
Learn more: ADT review
SimpliSafe Home Security vs. Vivint
SimpliSafe and Vivint are almost complete opposites. Vivint requires professional monitoring, while SimpliSafe is far more flexible. Also, Vivint is much more smart home compatible, while SimpliSafe is a little further behind the curve. Ultimately, Vivint’s lack of pricing transparency is a concern that SimpliSafe customers don’t have to deal with, giving SimpliSafe the edge.
Learn more: Vivint review
What Are People Saying About Simplisafe Home Security?
We wanted to give customers a complete picture of what people are saying about SimpliSafe, so we dug into the reviews on some of the biggest consumer trust sites.
Ultimately, most customers are happy with SimpliSafe, but there are some complaints about price increases and the functionality of the system when self-monitored. It’s common for security companies to have some complaints, and we feel these are on par with the best companies.
Is Simplisafe Home Security the Right Home Security System for You?
We ranked SimpliSafe as a top home security company. It is an affordable, safe, simple and flexible choice and no contract is required. Customers can easily customize and install their systems, ordering the components they need with complete price transparency. We also like the monitoring flexibility, with several options to choose from.
Ultimately, SimpliSafe is a great choice for customers who want to control their installation and system. But for those who’d prefer more smart home functionality, It might not be the best fit.
Methodology – How We Selected the Best Home Security Companies
To determine the best home security companies ranking, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed 22 companies and 133 systems across 68 different attributes broken into categories represented in the below pie chart:
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You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates home security companies in our detailed methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How easy is SimpliSafe to install?
SimpliSafe is easy to install. The base station helps walk customers through the installation process with voice prompts, making the process fast and painless. But, if you need help installing it, you can opt for professional help.
Will my pets set off the alarm?
Pets should not set off the SimpliSafe alarm unless they get extremely close to the motion sensor. Ensure the motion sensor is placed 4 to 5 feet above the floor and turn it upside down to have it at head-level with people.
What is SimpliSafe’s warranty?
SimpliSafe customers receive a one-year warranty on all equipment. But, customers can get a two or three-year warranty based on the plan and package chosen.
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