In today’s world, home security is more important than ever, but it can be difficult to choose the right system given all the options on the market. In this SimpliSafe review, we dive into the popular home security system that is praised not only for its affordability, but also its effectiveness. From components and features to pricing and performance, we’ll cover everything you need to know to decide if SimpliSafe is right for you.
| Highlights |
|---|
| Fast Protect Monitoring providing alarm response within 5 seconds |
| Live guard protection enables agents to see & speak to intruders |
| Unlimited camera recordings & 30-day cloud storage |
| 60 Day Money-Back Guarantee & lifetime subscriber warranty |
About SimpliSafe Home Security
There’s a reason SimpliSafe was named the “Best Home Security System of 2023” by U.S. News & World Report: The company’s comprehensive home security solutions are known for their user-friendly design, ease of assembly and comprehensive protection. Whether you’re looking for a basic home security system or a more advanced setup, SimpliSafe offers various options to suit your needs—and your budget.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No Contracts and No Hidden Fees: SimpliSafe offers flexibility with no long-term commitments. You can cancel SimpliSafe or change your plan at any time. | Video Storage Costs: With SimpliSafe, additional fees apply for storing camera footage. |
| Easy Installation: SimpliSafe setup does not require professional assistance and no drilling or tools are required. | Limited Integration with Third-Party Systems: While SimpliSafe is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Apple Watch, that is as far as it goes. You can install other devices alongside SimpliSafe, but you will need to use a separate app to control them. |
| Affordable Pricing: SimpliSafe offers competitive prices for both equipment and monitoring services. | |
| Expandable System: You can easily add new components to your system as your security needs grow. | |
| Excellent Customer Service: A responsive SimpliSafe customer service support team is available to assist with any issues. | |
| Flexible Monitoring: With SimpliSafe, you can choose to self-monitor or for an additional cost per month, you can opt for 24/7 professional monitoring. | |
| Secret Alerts: Send private notifications that won’t trigger a system alarm or chime to the base station directly to your smartphone. |
Key Components of the SimpliSafe Home Security Kit
The SimpliSafe wireless home security system is made up of various components that work together to protect your home. A base station and keypad are required to make the system work properly. The base station acts as the brains of the system with a backup battery in case of a power outage and the keypad arms your home with one touch, plus includes a panic button in case of emergency.
From there, you can personalize your system with the following based on your wants and needs.
First, you can choose from the following burglary sensors:
- Entry Sensors: These sensors are placed on doors and windows to detect any unauthorized entry.
- Motion Sensors: Engineered to tell the difference between people and pets, these sensors detect movement within the home and are ideal for larger spaces, such as rooms with three or more windows.
- Glass Break Sensors: These sensors identify the sound of breaking glass and add an extra layer of protection.
From there, you can select your cameras:
- Wireless Indoor Camera: Touted as the most advanced indoor SimpliSafe camera, agents can see and speak to intruders directly through the camera’s two-way audio feature. Combine it with the Fast Protect professional monitoring plan to enable 24/7 live guard protection.
- Outdoor Wireless Camera: SimpliSafe outdoor camera sends an alert anytime someone approaches your property, day or night.
- Video Doorbell Pro: The SimpliSafe doorbell allows you to monitor your door from your seat. It requires an existing standard wired doorbell system with a mechanical chime.
- Wired Indoor Camera: This entry-level camera allows you to see what’s happening at home at any time and sends alerts when motion is detected.
To further enhance your system, you can choose from the following hazard sensors:
- Water Sensor: Detect leaks and potential floods
- Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector: A dual hazard detector that alerts you when dangerous levels of smoke or CO2 are a threat in your home
- Smoke Detector: Triggers an alert before a full fire breaks out
- Temperature Sensor: Helps prevent pipes from freezing or bursting by triggering an alarm when your home reaches below 41 degrees Fahrenheit
Finally, to complete your system, you can select various add-ons:
- Panic Button: By pressing the button, you can alert the monitoring center in case of emergency.
- Key Fob: This operates like your car key fob and allows you to disarm your system before you enter your home.
- Extra 105dB Siren: This siren sounds a loud alarm during an intrusion.
- Additional Keypad: Each SimpliSafe system comes with one keypad. You can add additional keypads for other entrances for enhanced security.
- Extra 9″ x 9″ Yard Sign: Each SimpliSafe system comes with one yard sign. SimpliSafe recommends you add more if you have a large property.
- Pro Help Setup: An approved technician can help you with your SimpliSafe installation. There is no fee for this service until you schedule the appointment, which allows flexibility to install the system on your own.
Keep in mind that if you wish to expand your home security, you can seamlessly add the above SimpliSafe products to your system at any time. It is not necessary to add them all at the time of purchase.
Top Features of SimpliSafe Home Security
SimpliSafe Home Security systems are packed with features that make them a reliable choice for protecting your home. Standout features include:
- Wireless Technology: Ensures easy installation and setup without the need for drilling or wiring.
- Whole Home Protection: Offers products to product your home inside and out against break-ins, fires, carbon monoxide, floods and more.
- 24/7 Professional Monitoring: Provides constant surveillance and immediate response in case of emergencies.
- Cellular and Battery Backup: Connect to a cellular network as a backup if Wi-Fi is out, plus a battery backup provides up to 24 hours of continued performance during a power outage.
- Mobile App: Manage and monitor your system remotely using the SimpliSafe Home Security app available for iOS and Android.
- Smart Home Integration: Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Apple Watch for seamless smart home integration.
- Privacy Shutter: Integrated privacy shutter on all cameras.
- Customizable Security Levels: SimpliSafe allows you to tailor your security settings based on your specific needs and preferences, including the popular Fast Protect Monitoring plan where agents can see and speak to intruders via the SimpliSafe indoor camera.
SimpliSafe Home Security Packages, Monitoring Plans and Pricing
There are various SimpliSafe plans and packages to meet different needs and budgets. Here’s an overview of the available options:
SimpliSafe’s Security Packages
- The Foundation: Offers basic protection with essential components and is designed for small homes and apartments.
- The Starter: SimpliSafe’s most popular package; includes one motion sensor and three entry sensors to be used around the home.
- The Lighthouse: An upgraded Starter package that includes an additional wireless outdoor security camera.
- The Hearth: Includes all components of the Starter package, a 105dB Siren and smoke detector for enhanced safety.
- The Knox: Includes twice the number of components as The Hearth and is designed for larger homes with four or more bedrooms.
- The Haven: Designed for full coverage of the home, including against water damage and fires.
- The Beacon: Takes protection to the next level with two wireless SimpliSafe outdoor cameras, two motion sensors and four entry sensors.
SimpliSafe’s Monitoring Plans
SimpliSafe monitoring plans include the following options:
- Fast Protect Professional Monitoring: Customers receive 24/7 live guard protection, faster police dispatch after agents verify threats, whole home protection, instant alarm alerts on the mobile app, unlimited camera recordings, 30-day cloud storage on up to 10 cameras, cellular connection back-up and a lifetime subscriber warranty on hardware.
- Standard Monitoring: Customers receive many of the same benefits of the professional monitoring package with the exclusion of unlimited camera recordings and 30-day cloud storage. This package also excludes the lifetime warranty.
- Self-Monitoring with Camera Recordings: Customers receive unlimited camera recordings, 30-day cloud storage, full self-monitoring in the mobile app and up to a three-year hardware warranty in the event equipment is damaged. This option does not include a cellular connection back-up.
SimpliSafe Pricing
At the time this review, SimpliSafe home security packages range in price from $124.98 to $364.95. SimpliSafe also allows you to purchase components a la carte and build a system that best suits your needs.
Monitoring plans come at an additional cost. Self-monitoring with camera recordings is $9.99 per month. 24/7 monitoring is $21.99 a month for standard monitoring and $31.99 per month for Fast Protect professional monitoring.
The SimpliSafe return policy includes a 60-day money-back guarantee. If you aren’t 100 percent satisfied with SimpliSafe within the first 60 days, you can return it for a full refund. SimpliSafe will also pay for shipping costs.
SimpliSafe Coupons and Discounts
SimpliSafe frequently offers promotional deals and discounts, especially during major sales events like Black Friday. To get the best deals, look for a SimpliSafe coupon code or check their website for the latest offers.
If you are looking for additional savings, SimpliSafe offers the opportunity to purchase refurbished systems.
How SimpliSafe Home Security Works
Understanding how SimpliSafe Home Security operates is crucial to maximizing its benefits and ensuring your home is thoroughly protected. The system’s design emphasizes ease of use, reliability and comprehensive coverage.
Installing SimpliSafe in Your Home
SimpliSafe systems are designed to integrate effortlessly with your existing home environment. The use of wireless technology is a key feature of SimpliSafe that simplifies the installation process and eliminates the need for complex wiring. Each component communicates wirelessly with the base station, allowing for a smooth and efficient setup.
Before you start placing the components around your home, be sure to download the SimpliSafe mobile app from the Google Play or Apple Store to your Android or iOS device. Create a SimpliSafe login or log in to an existing account. From there, select ‘Set Up A System’ to begin installation.
Once that is complete, simply place the base station in a central location within your home, but not on the floor. This base station is the brains of your SimpliSafe security system and links all sensors and devices. Next, install your keypad(s) and set your master pin. Then, position your motion sensors, another integral part of the system, in areas where movement is most likely to be detected, such as hallways and large rooms. These sensors are highly sensitive and can cover a wide area, providing an additional layer of security.
Next, position your entry sensors on doors and windows. These sensors are critical for detecting unauthorized entry points and are designed to be discreet yet highly effective. For enhanced protection, glass break sensors can also be installed near windows to detect the specific frequency of breaking glass. If you have opted for panic buttons, extra sirens, temperature sensors or environmental sensors, such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, you can install those next.
Finally, you will want to install your indoor and outdoor cameras. These should be placed in key areas inside and outside the home to monitor activity and provide visual confirmation of any disturbances. All these components, including cameras and sensors, communicate seamlessly with the base station, creating a cohesive and reliable home security network.
SimpliSafe can also integrate with your smart home devices and is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home. This integration extends the convenience and efficiency of your home security, making it an integral part of your daily routine.
By leveraging SimpliSafe’s wireless technology and smart home compatibility, you can achieve a comprehensive and user-friendly security solution that ensures your home is well-protected.
Simplified Installation Process
Installing SimpliSafe Home Security is straightforward and can be done in a few simple steps:
- Download the SimpliSafe App: Download the SimpliSafe mobile app from the Google Play or Apple Store to your Android or iOS device and follow instructions to set up a system.
- Setup Base Station: Place the base station in a central location and connect it.
- Configure Keypad: Set up your security codes and preferences using the keypad.
- Install Sensors: Attach entry and motion sensors at key points around your home.
- Connect Cameras: Place and connect your indoor and outdoor cameras for surveillance.
- Activate System: Use the SimpliSafe app to complete the setup and activate monitoring services.
Self-Monitoring Options
SimpliSafe provides an option for self-monitoring, offering homeowners the flexibility to oversee their security system independently. Through the SimpliSafe app, you can receive real-time alerts and notifications directly to your smartphone. This feature enables you to stay informed about any security breaches or unusual activities without needing to subscribe to professional monitoring services, giving you control and peace of mind while also saving on monthly fees.
Versatile Sensors for Complete Security
SimpliSafe offers an extensive range of sensors designed to address various security needs, ensuring comprehensive protection for your home. These include entry sensors that detect when doors or windows are opened, motion sensors that identify movement within specific areas and glass break sensors that recognize the sound of breaking glass. Additionally, environmental sensors, such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, provide alerts for potential fire and gas hazards. SimpliSafe also offers water sensors to detect leaks or floods and temperature sensors to help prevent pipes from bursting. This diverse array of sensors ensures that every aspect of your home is safeguarded against potential threats.
Smart Home Integration and Automation
SimpliSafe supports integration with a variety of smart home devices, enhancing the convenience and functionality of your security system. Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, SimpliSafe allows seamless integration into your existing smart home ecosystem.
Evaluating the Performance of SimpliSafe Home Security
SimpliSafe is known for its reliable performance and quick response times. The system’s ease of use and comprehensive coverage make it a top choice for homeowners seeking effective security solutions.
SimpliSafe Home Security Customer Service and Support
SimpliSafe is praised for its excellent customer service. The SimpliSafe support team is available to help with installation, troubleshooting and any other issues. SimpliSafe customer service is available via phone seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET and online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The toll-free SimpliSafe phone number is 1-888-910-1458.
Comparing SimpliSafe with Other Home Security Systems
When choosing a home security system, it’s important to evaluate different systems to ensure you select the one that best fits your needs. Here’s a look at how SimpliSafe stacks up against popular competitors.
ADT vs. SimpliSafe
ADT is a popular home security provider known for its professional installation services and contract plans. SimpliSafe, in contrast, is touted for its simple DIY installation and no-contract plans, providing homeowners with more flexibility and control over their security system. SimpliSafe is slightly more affordable than ADT when it comes to professional monitoring. Overall, ADT is a good choice for those who prefer that a professional installs their system, whereas SimpliSafe is perfect for those who value flexibility and are looking for a system that’s easy to set up, yet reliable.
Ring vs. SimpliSafe
Both Ring and SimpliSafe offer similar products when it comes to home security, including cameras, sensors and video doorbells. If your primary concern is advanced video monitoring, Ring is an excellent choice. However, when it comes to ease of setup, SimpliSafe is the better option.
Bottom Line: Why We Love It
SimpliSafe Home Security stands out for its simplicity, affordability and reliability. The no-contract model, easy installation, robust catalog of products and superior customer service make it an ideal choice for homeowners looking for basic to comprehensive protection without long-term commitments.
FAQs
How much is SimpliSafe per month?
SimpliSafe offers self-monitoring with camera recordings for $9.99 per month. Professional monitoring starts at $21.99 per month. The most comprehensive plan is $31.99 per month, which includes video storage and advanced monitoring features.
How does SimpliSafe work?
SimpliSafe operates on a wireless system with a base station that communicates with various sensors and cameras for a comprehensive home security experience. The system can be controlled via a keypad and/or the SimpliSafe app.
Who owns SimpliSafe?
SimpliSafe was founded by Chad and Eleanor Laurans. In 2018, the company was acquired by Hellman & Friedman and remains privately held.
Is SimpliSafe good?
Yes, SimpliSafe is highly regarded for its robust product portfolio, ease of installation and affordable pricing. SimpliSafe reviews are often positive, praising the security system for its reliable performance and knowledgeable customer service.
Does SimpliSafe work with Alexa?
Yes, SimpliSafe is compatible with Amazon Alexa as well as Google Home.
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