SimpliSafe Home Security System Review

In the realm of home security, SimpliSafe stands out. Celebrating 20 years, it’s a DIY solution with versatile systems.

Customers appreciate the power it brings to home security. Whether DIY or professional installation, it caters to varied preferences.

SimpliSafe Equipment Overview

SimpliSafe provides various pre-customized options, catering to different budgets and preferences. Prices, though MSRP, can be substantially lower during sales.

For our SimpliSafe system, we chose a base station, two keypads, eight entry sensors, two motion sensors, and a glass break sensor. Enhancements include a panic button, control key fobs, and an auxiliary siren. We expanded security with Simplicam indoor camera, Outdoor Camera Pro, and Video Doorbell.

The Smart Alarm indoor camera, a recent SimpliSafe addition, boasts AI for person detection. With the Fast Protect plan, it transmits video directly to SimpliSafe’s monitoring center for immediate two-way audio response.

SimpliSafe’s comprehensive security impressed us. Now, let’s delve into each component’s functionality and any unique features they offer.

Equipment package	Equipment price	Base station and keypad	Entry sensors	Motion sensors	Additional equipment
The Foundation	$244.96		1	1
The Essentials	$274.95		3	1
The Hearth	$389.91		3	1	Siren, smoke detector, key fob
The Lighthouse	$464.93		3	1	Wireless Outdoor Security Camera
The Knox	$469.87		6	2	Siren, smoke detector, key fob
The Haven	$509.86		4	2	Siren, panic button, freeze sensor, water sensor, smoke detector
The Beacon	$699.90		4	2	2 Wireless Outdoor Security Cameras

Base station

The heart of SimpliSafe is its base station—a smart hub coordinating all components. This central unit links seamlessly to the app, ensuring prompt notifications of any activity. It’s the key connection to the monitoring center, sounding a 95-decibel siren during alarms—reminiscent of a powerful blender.

For multi-story homes, note the base station’s siren may lack audibility on different floors. Solve this by adding auxiliary sirens on various levels and outdoors. These auxiliaries boast a robust 105 dB, surpassing the base station’s volume.

The base station stands out with an elegant, eight-inch tower-like structure. Compact with a rounded base, it contrasts favorably with bulkier alternatives.

Its nighttime blue under glow adds a reassuring touch—doubling as a subtle night light in our living room.

Keypad

The SimpliSafe Home Security Systems central command is the keypad, resembling a remote control on your wall. Despite its bulky appearance, the keypad surprises with a touch-sensitive screen, enhancing user interaction.

This keypad serves as our control hub—arming, disarming, managing PINs, and overseeing the entire system. It’s functional, yet compared to ADT’s tablet-like panel, SimpliSafe’s interface lacks some user-friendliness. ADT’s control panel, while offering more features, stands out with its simplicity.

The keypad, however, excels in durability and tamper-proof design. It withstands attempts to smash it and responds with SimpliSafe’s siren, a valuable defense against crash-and-smash burglars. Rest assured, the SimpliSafe keypad ensures comprehensive protection.

Entry sensors

Entry sensors, crucial in home security, signal open doors or windows, alerting potential break-ins. SimpliSafe’s entry sensors, small and discreet, blend seamlessly with door aesthetics.

Choosing entry points strategically, placing sensors on the ground level enhances security. Testing the sensors, they effectively alerted when moved two inches apart – reliable security.

Motion Sensors

SimpliSafe’s motion sensors excel in detecting motion, especially for pet owners. They ignore pets playing, sparing you unnecessary alarms from feline sprints and hops.

However, the sensor’s 90-degree field of view poses limitations. Precise placement is crucial for optimal performance, ensuring it covers the desired area effectively.

For maximum efficiency, position the sensor in the far-side corner of a room. This strategic placement minimizes blind spots, enhancing its ability to detect movement accurately.

Despite the limited field of view, the motion sensor boasts a commendable 30-foot range. Ideal for monitoring expansive spaces, we positioned one on the second-floor hallway, promptly alerting us when someone approached.

Glass Break Sensors

Glass break sensors are simple and effective. They detect breaking glass sounds, offering security without complexity.

Place these sensors near glass doors and windows. No need to attach them directly; they work seamlessly, even on sliding doors.

For rooms with multiple glass windows, glass break sensors excel. They efficiently monitor entire spaces independently, enhancing security.

If you have large glass doors, these sensors are a wise choice. They deter potential intruders who might opt for breaking glass doors over tampering with locks.

Indoor Camera

SimpliSafe excels in indoor camera options, offering Simplicam and Smart Alarm. Simplicam, a plug-in device, impressed us with easy setup and a stainless steel privacy shutter, ensuring privacy during downtime.

The Smart Alarm, newer and advanced, boasts 1560p HD resolution and a built-in siren. Despite its bulky design, the camera’s smart motion sensor stands out. Detecting human-triggered motion, it alerts the monitoring center for added security.

Privacy concerns arise with remote access, but both cameras feature privacy shutters. Smart Alarm allows customization of alert signals and live feed transmission settings for enhanced user control.

While the Smart Alarm offers unique features, our preference leans towards Simplicam. Monitored indoor cameras remain untested territory, and we’re cautious, having only tested outdoor alternatives like the Deep Sentinel system.

The privacy-conscious Simplicam remains our top choice for indoor security.

SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera

The SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera, a wireless device at $169.99, requires a SimpliSafe system for operation. It offers 1080p resolution, 140-degree viewing, and color night vision.

Unlike standalone cameras, this one connects to Wi-Fi only with a SimpliSafe system. No local storage is available, but cloud storage for five cameras costs $9.99 monthly.

Installation is hassle-free with no wires, ideal for locations away from power outlets. Keep in mind the IP65 rating, suitable for dust and water but not for temperatures below -20°F.

The video quality impresses at 1080p HD, surpassing the Simplicam, with a wider field of view. Audio communication through the camera’s speaker is convenient for remote conversations.

Night vision is discreet with infrared, offering clarity without additional bright lights. While lacking facial recognition, it uses heat sensors for effective person detection, reducing false alarms.

Panic Button

SimpliSafe’s panic button ensures swift access to emergency aid. With a simple click, it connects us to help without delay. No struggling with the alarm or 911 – just press the panic button.

In challenging situations, the panic button becomes our reliable lifeline. If the alarm or 911 is out of reach, it’s a simple solution. A quick press activates SimpliSafe’s monitoring center, promptly turning on the alarm.

The panic button offers a faster alternative to dialing 911. It promptly notified SimpliSafe’s monitoring center, initiating swift assistance. In urgent times, it’s the go-to for immediate help.

Key fobs

• Key fobs, a backup with panic button and keypad, simplify system control.
• Slim key fobs, easy to carry, perfect for arming and disarming conveniently.
• Attach to car keys, great for home security as we come and go.
• Ideal for different floors, handy when away from the keypad.
• Works within 30 feet, a versatile accessory for SimpliSafe system.

Siren

The SimpliSafe siren enhances security for larger homes. With 105 decibels, it rivals a table saw in volume. Water-resistant, it’s suitable for outdoor use. When activated, it alerts the entire neighborhood.

The auxiliary siren ensures we hear alarms, even upstairs. Connecting seamlessly to the base station, it extends security throughout the house. A simple, effective addition for a reliable home security system.

SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro

The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro made our front door smarter. It notified us about visitors, streamed live views, and allowed two-way audio communication. Installation required an existing doorbell setup, a fortunate match for our home.

Impressed with the Doorbell Pro’s 1080p HD video and 162-degree field of view. HDR minimized outdoor light distortion, ensuring clarity even in shadowy areas. The bright exterior didn’t hinder visibility, showcasing its impressive performance.

Standard two-way audio lets us converse remotely, preventing package theft. Night vision was excellent, using infrared for clear black-and-white imagery. Even plate numbers of passing cars were visible, adding a layer of security.

Storage options mirrored Simplicam, offering $9.99/month for five cameras or $29.99/month for ten, part of a professional monitoring plan.

Person detection, akin to Simplicam, reduced false notifications, especially beneficial for street-facing cameras.

Pleasingly, the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro, reasonably priced at $169, exceeded expectations. SimpliSafe’s broader offerings, including environmental monitoring and remote control through the app, enhanced our security system.

The Standard and Fast Protect Plans promptly alerted us to any detected activity.

How Well It Worked

SimpliSafe’s setup was effortless, making it a breeze for daily use. We seamlessly integrated the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro, and everything connected wirelessly to the base station.

The station not only spoke out loud but also sent notifications to our app, providing a comprehensive user experience.

Automatic firmware updates relieved us of post-installation maintenance. The simplicity amazed us, earning SimpliSafe a spot in our best home security systems list. User-friendly to the core, it’s ideal for those averse to complex controls, a perfect fit for seniors uncomfortable with advanced technology.

Arming and disarming were a delight. A couple of keypad presses activate the system; a passcode on the physical number pad disarms it. Remembering just the passcode suffices – the smartphone app is optional.

Remote controls like the panic button and key fob added a layer of convenience. With a single button press, you can call for help, arm sensors, or turn off the system. SimpliSafe lives up to its name – simplicity with security.

Smart Home Features

SimpliSafe, a modern alarm system, seamlessly integrates with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. It’s not just simple; it’s smart and internet-connected.

Using voice commands, we effortlessly controlled SimpliSafe. With a quick word to Alexa, our home security system switched between home and away modes. Voice commands also allowed us to check the system’s status and arm or disarm it.

Integration with Nest thermostats and August smart locks added a new level of convenience. Automated triggers, like lowering the temperature when the system was armed, showcased the intelligence of SimpliSafe.

Monthly Costs

When setting up SimpliSafe, we explored using it without extra fees. The system proved robust, similar to Ring Alarm’s free plan. Remote control and notifications were available, along with smart platform integration.

Comparing SimpliSafe to Ring Alarm, we chose the Fast Protect Plan. Priced at $29.99 monthly, it includes 24/7 monitoring, Smart Alarm camera, video verification, and more. A perk: no long-term commitment; ideal for renters like us.

Monitoring plan	Monthly-y fee	Monito-ring	Video recording	Timeline access	Smart home integration
Standard Monitoring	$19.99	Professional		7 days
Self Monitoring w/ Camera Recording	$9.99	Self	Up to 5 cameras	Unlimited
Fast Protect™	$29.99	Professional	Up to 10 cameras	Unlimited
Unmonitored	$0.00	Self		7 days

Fast Protect™ Technology

Fast Protect™ Technology, exclusive to the Fast Protect plan, enhances SimpliSafe’s alarm response. Video verification swiftly confirms incidents using security cameras, expediting police response.

Live Guard monitors Smart Alarm cameras during human-triggered events, ensuring real-time surveillance. Alert texts notify homeowners instantly, offering an efficient confirmation method. Users can cancel alarms promptly, avoiding lengthy conversations with monitoring agents.

Critical alarms, an optional feature, bypass silent modes, guaranteeing homeowners receive important alerts. Fast Protect™ requires a $29.99 monthly payment, unlocking its exclusive benefits for users. SimpliSafe prioritizes efficient security measures and false alarm reduction.

Installation

Installation of the SimpliSafe Home Security System is a breeze. During checkout, options include DIY or professional setup for $125. We chose DIY, finding it remarkably easy.

Starting with the base station, we plugged it in. Using the SimpliSafe app, a guided process helped us set up a Master PIN and install devices. No tech expertise needed, the entire process took under an hour.

SimpliSafe vs. the competition

SimpliSafe, a top-rated home security system, stands out for its simplicity and affordability. Founded in 2006, it remains a reliable choice, unlike newer options like Cove. 

Choosing SimpliSafe means opting for user-friendly installation and operation. It’s not about complex integrations but providing ample sensors for a secure home.

Unlike Vivint or Front point, it’s renter-friendly and supports self-monitoring without cancellation fees. 

In the SimpliSafe vs. competition debate, the emphasis is on simplicity and reliability—qualities that make it a standout choice for home security.

Customer Service

SimpliSafe’s customer support offers multiple avenues: phone line, user forum, and email. Online user manuals are also accessible.

Support is available daily from 9 AM to midnight, EST, ensuring extended assistance hours.

We contacted customer support via phone and email. Email responses were generally prompt. One instance had a same-day response, while another took five days. On average, it was a reasonable two-day turnaround.

For quicker assistance, calling SimpliSafe directly is recommended. Despite that, email responses are consistently friendly and comprehensive. Overall, our experience with SimpliSafe’s customer support was positive.

Can Other Systems Compare to SimpliSafe?

SimpliSafe stands out for its simple, user-friendly security system. Let’s compare it with other systems. ADT excels with high-quality equipment, professional installation, and advanced monitoring. It offers more options than SimpliSafe, from equipment to features.

However, SimpliSafe is straightforward and reliable. It lacks ADT’s smart home capabilities but offers a solid security choice. Another perk is affordability—equipment and monitoring are reasonably priced. Vivint, though quality, is pricier. SimpliSafe, costing about $200 initially, competes well.

Final word

In the realm of home security, the final word often gravitates towards simplicity. SimpliSafe, a cost-effective, DIY solution, epitomizes ease.

Compact and unobtrusive, SimpliSafe suits snug living spaces seamlessly. Yet, guarding extensive properties might challenge its capabilities.

Economical choices define SimpliSafe—perfect for budget-conscious seekers. The absence of binding contracts complements its allure, making it a top-tier option.

FAQs

Was SimpliSafe any good?

SimpliSafe stands out. Top-rated security, affordable monitoring, smart integrations—impressive support, components.

Effective and reliable. SimpliSafe excels with flexible monitoring, smart platform integration, and top-notch support.

Affordable security excellence. SimpliSafe’s top-rated system impresses with flexibility, smart integration, and excellent support.

Was SimpliSafe better than ADT?

In installation ease, customer support, and pricing, SimpliSafe outshines ADT. The process is simple, assistance reliable, and costs competitive.

However, ADT excels in mobile app functionality. Its variety in system components surpasses SimpliSafe’s offerings.

Did SimpliSafe offer professional monitoring?

SimpliSafe ensures reliable professional monitoring. At just $19.99 monthly, the Standard Plan includes 24/7 monitoring, cellular backup, environmental checks, remote control, and instant notifications. Notably, video storage is not part of this package.

Opt for the $29.99 plan for enhanced features. Enjoy everything in the Standard Plan, along with secret alarms, video-verified alarms, and unlimited cloud storage for up to ten cameras. Moreover, benefit from seamless integration with smart platforms.

SimpliSafe’s $19.99 plan covers essentials. For more, the $29.99 plan adds extra layers.