SimpliSafe review (2024)
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Protecting your home is more important than ever today, with increasing concerns about break-ins and theft. Having a reliable home security system allows you to safeguard your loved ones and property. To that end, I teamed up with the Cybernews research team to bring you a comprehensive review of SimpliSafe, a leader in home security.
I’ve tested many home security systems, and SimpliSafe stands out due to its affordability, ease of use, and flexibility. In this SimpliSafe review, I’ll explore everything about this home security system, from its key features and equipment to its installation process, costs, and customer support. Additionally, I’ll compare SimpliSafe with other leading security systems to help you decide if it is the right fit for your home.
SimpliSafe overview
SimpliSafe is a popular DIY home security system known for its straightforward installation and customizable options. It offers a wide range of equipment and monitoring packages, allowing you to tailor the system to your needs. One of SimpliSafe’s biggest advantages is its flexibility — there are no long-term contracts, so you can cancel or modify your plan anytime.
You can control the security system via the SimpliSafe mobile app, making it convenient to monitor and manage your home security from anywhere. Whether you're a renter or homeowner, SimpliSafe offers an affordable and user-friendly approach to home protection.
The overview below provides a quick summary of SimpliSafe’s key features and overall performance. From the ease of installation to the flexibility of its monitoring plans, SimpliSafe stands out for its affordability and reliability.
| ⭐️ Rating | 4.5 |
| 💵 Price | from $250 |
| 🛠️ DIY installation | Yes, with optional pro installation |
| 🔙 Money-back-guarantee | 60 days with free return shipping |
| 🧾 Cancellation fees | No cancellation fees |
| 🔒 Warranty | Lifetime warranty |
| 👁️ Professional Monitoring | Yes, first month is FREE |
SimpliSafe: pros and cons
When evaluating SimpliSafe, I found several key strengths and a few drawbacks worth considering.
What does SimpliSafe do?
SimpliSafe is a DIY home security system that provides homeowners and renters with flexible, reliable protection. The system allows you to monitor your home remotely through a mobile app. You can set alarms, check camera feeds, and receive real-time alerts.
If triggered, the system will promptly notify you. If you’ve subscribed to a monitoring plan, it will alert emergency responders, such as police, fire, or medical services, ensuring fast response in critical situations.
One of SimpliSafe’s key strengths is its optional monthly monitoring plans. Depending on your needs, you can choose between self-monitoring or professional monitoring. Unlike many traditional security systems, SimpliSafe doesn’t require long-term contracts, making it an appealing option for those seeking flexibility.
The system’s flexibility extends to its customizable equipment packages, allowing you to build a setup that meets your specific security needs. Whether you require basic intrusion detection with entry sensors and motion detectors or more advanced features like video surveillance and environmental monitoring (e.g., smoke or water sensors), SimpliSafe offers a simple, affordable, and highly scalable solution that fits a variety of lifestyles and budgets.
SimpliSafe equipment overview
SimpliSafe offers a comprehensive range of equipment, allowing you to build a custom security system based on your needs. From basic home monitoring to more advanced packages with cameras and environmental sensors, SimpliSafe has options for every home.
Below, we break down the key devices and features of the SimpliSafe home security system. Every package includes a base station and a keypad, which act as the control hub for your security devices.
- Home monitoring: At the heart of any SimpliSafe system is the option for a 24/7 professional monitoring service. With no long-term contracts, you can choose a monitoring plan that fits your needs, ensuring immediate response from emergency services if alarms are triggered.
- Mobile app control: SimpliSafe’s mobile app allows you to remotely manage and monitor the system. From arming and disarming the system to receiving real-time alerts, the app offers complete control over your home’s security. You can view live footage from any connected cameras and check the status of entry sensors or motion detectors.
- Smart home integration: While SimpliSafe supports integration with smart home platforms like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, it lacks compatibility with more advanced smart home protocols such as Z-Wave or Zigbee. This may be a drawback for users who want to integrate their security system with a broader smart home ecosystem.
- Entry sensors: Entry sensors are small devices placed on doors and windows to detect unauthorized entry. When a door or window is opened, the system sends an alert and, if armed, triggers the alarm. These sensors are easy to install and are essential for perimeter security.
- Motion sensors: SimpliSafe’s motion sensors are designed to detect movement within the home, offering another layer of security beyond the entry sensors. They are pet-friendly, minimizing false alarms triggered by pets under a certain weight, making them ideal for households with animals.
- Indoor cameras: SimpliSafe’s indoor cameras provide live video surveillance inside your home. Equipped with night vision, two-way audio, and motion detection, they comprehensively monitor key areas. You can access the cameras via the mobile app and review recorded footage.
- Outdoor cameras: For exterior monitoring, SimpliSafe offers weatherproof outdoor cameras with similar features to the indoor models, including night vision, motion detection, and live streaming. These cameras help secure the perimeter of your property and alert you to any suspicious activity.
Additional features: In addition to essential components like entry sensors, motion detectors, and cameras, SimpliSafe offers a range of extra features to enhance your home’s security. Certain packages include a panic button, which provides immediate alerts to emergency responders at the press of a button—ideal for individuals who need quick access to help.
Another useful addition is the freeze sensor, designed to detect dangerously low temperatures that could cause pipes to freeze, helping you prevent costly damage. For further protection, SimpliSafe offers a water sensor that monitors for leaks or flooding, as well as a smoke detector to alert you in case of fire.
Finally, some packages include an auxiliary siren, adding an extra layer of sound to deter intruders with a loud alarm. These additional features make SimpliSafe effective for intrusion detection and valuable for safeguarding your home against environmental risks, offering a more comprehensive security solution.
SimpliSafe equipment packages
Here’s an example of what you might find in a typical SimpliSafe package
| Package Name | The Beacon | The Lighthouse | The Haven | The Knox | The Hearth | The Essentials | The Foundation |
| Price | $729.90 | $479.93 | $529.86 | $489.87 | $409.91 | $279.94 | $249.96 |
| Base station | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Keypad | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Key fob | 🚫 No | 🚫 No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 🚫 No | 🚫 No |
| Entry sensors | 4 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Motion sensors | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Auxiliary siren | 🚫 No | 🚫 No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 🚫 No | 🚫 No |
| Panic button | 🚫 No | 🚫 No | ✅ Yes | 🚫 No | 🚫 No | 🚫 No | 🚫 No |
| Freeze sensor | 🚫 No | 🚫 No | ✅ Yes | 🚫 No | 🚫 No | 🚫 No | 🚫 No |
| Smoke detector | 🚫 No | 🚫 No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 🚫 No | 🚫 No |
| Water sensor | 🚫 No | 🚫 No | ✅ Yes | 🚫 No | 🚫 No | 🚫 No | 🚫 No |
| Outdoor camera | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
SimpliSafe customer support
SimpliSafe offers a range of customer support resources to help you manage your security system efficiently, particularly if you prefer DIY solutions.
One key resource is the Help Center, which acts as a central hub for troubleshooting guides, FAQs, and product-specific support. Whether you need assistance with installation, device setup, or understanding a feature, the Help Center is a well-organized starting point. It includes information on current and older systems, making it a great reference tool for all users.
For more specific issues, SimpliSafe provides access to customer forums where users can engage with other customers. These forums are ideal for asking questions, discussing system issues, and sharing tips. The SimpliSafe community is active, and users without an account can browse the discussions to gain insights.
If the Help Center or forums don’t address your concern, SimpliSafe offers multiple ways to contact its support team directly. The SimpliSafe customer service phone line is available from 8 am to 12 am EST to provide real-time assistance for troubleshooting, billing, or general inquiries. SimpliSafe also offers email support for non-urgent questions, and users can connect via social media for feedback or questions.
For 24/7 emergencies, SimpliSafe’s professional monitoring team will reach out if your system is triggered, ensuring round-the-clock protection.
SimpliSafe monthly costs
SimpliSafe provides flexible and affordable monitoring options, including the ability to use the system without a subscription. While the system will still function with essential features like local alarms and mobile app notifications, you need a paid plan to unlock its full potential. Advanced capabilities, such as professional monitoring and video storage, are only available with a subscription.
SimpliSafe’s monthly plans are contract-free, so you can select a plan that best fits your needs without being locked into a long-term commitment. Here’s a breakdown of SimpliSafe's monitoring plans:
| Plan Name | Price | Key features |
| Pro Plus | $79.99/month | - 24/7 SimpliSafe Active Guard Outdoor Protection - 24/7 Emergency Dispatch (Police, Fire, Medical) - Unlimited camera recordings & video downloads - Cellular backup - Push notifications, SMS alerts, Secret Alerts, and Scheduled Arming - Lifetime warranty & 10% off hardware purchases |
| Pro | $49.99/month | - Overnight Simplisafe Active Guard (8pm-6am) - 24/7 Emergency Dispatch - Unlimited camera recordings & video downloads - Cellular backup, push notifications, SMS alerts |
| Core (formerly Fast Protect) | $31.99/month (most popular) | - 24/7 Emergency Dispatch - Unlimited camera recordings & video downloads - Control via the SimpliSafe app - Secret Alerts & Scheduled Arming - Lifetime warranty & 10% off hardware purchases |
| Standard monitoring | $21.99/Month | - 24/7 Emergency Dispatch - Cellular backup - Push notifications for alarms and warnings - No camera recordings |
| Self-monitoring with camera recordings | $9.99/month | - 30-day video storage for up to 10 cameras - Secret Alerts & Scheduled Arming - Remote control via the SimpliSafe app |
| Unmonitored | Free | - Live camera feeds via the SimpliSafe app - Remote arming/disarming |
How to Install SimpliSafe
One of SimpliSafe’s standout features is its hassle-free installation process. During testing, I found that the system could be fully set up in under 30 minutes, with no tools or professional help. The system comes with peel-and-stick adhesive for easy mounting of sensors and other equipment, and each component is pre-configured to communicate with the base station right out of the box.
Here is a simple step-by-step guide to installing SimpliSafe:
- Place the base station: Start by positioning the base station in a central location in your home for optimal communication with all devices.
- Mount entry sensors: Use the provided peel-and-stick adhesive to attach the entry sensors to doors and windows easily.
- Install motion sensors: Position the motion sensors in key areas like hallways or living rooms, ensuring they cover high-traffic zones.
- Activate the system. Once all components are in place, power on the system and use the SimpliSafe mobile app to complete the setup and customize your settings.
Simplisafe app and dashboard overview
The SimpliSafe app and dashboard offer a convenient and efficient way to control and monitor the home security system remotely. Available for both iOS and Android, the app has an intuitive, user-friendly interface, making it easy to manage every aspect of your security setup from your smartphone or tablet.
The app’s comprehensive dashboard displays your system’s recent activity, allowing easy navigation between features. You can adjust settings, view event history, and review recorded footage. The SimpliSafe app ensures you can monitor and manage your home’s security from anywhere, giving you full access to your system even when you’re away.
Key features of the SimpliSafe app include:
- One-tap arming/disarming: Secure your home instantly with a tap on your phone.
- Real-time notifications: Set up push alerts for alarms, motion detection, or sensor activity. This will keep you informed of potential threats.
- Live video feed monitoring: The app allows you to view live footage from indoor and outdoor cameras, providing constant surveillance.
- Sensor and device status checks: You can easily monitor the status of entry sensors, motion detectors, and other connected devices to ensure everything is functioning properly.
SimpliSafe security system reviews
User reviews of SimpliSafe on platforms like Reddit or ConsumerAffairs paint a positive picture of the system. Many users praise Simplisafe for its easy installation, noting that the setup process is quick and hassle-free. Another frequently mentioned advantage is the affordable monitoring options, which offer solid protection without long-term contracts and technical knowledge.
In terms of performance, users commend the reliability of the system and the helpfulness of the mobile app for remote control and monitoring. The professional monitoring service also gets high marks for its effectiveness and fast response times during emergencies. Many reviewers appreciate SimpliSafe’s flexibility, which allows them to adjust or cancel services without penalty.
However, there are a few recurring complaints. Some users have expressed dissatisfaction with SimpliSafe’s limited smart home integration, particularly compared to competitors that support Z-Wave or Zigbee. Additionally, a few reviews mention issues with certain pieces of equipment, such as the cameras or motion sensors, which occasionally lack the robustness users expect.
Overall, the user sentiment around SimpliSafe remains highly positive. Despite minor drawbacks, it’s consistently praised for its affordability, ease of use, and contract-free flexibility.
Our methodology
To create this comprehensive SimpliSafe review, I followed a detailed testing process, evaluating the system across several key areas. Each feature was weighted to provide an overall score based on its importance to the average user. Here’s how I broke it down:
- Ease of use (30%): I evaluated the setup process, user experience, and functionality of the mobile app for monitoring and control.
- Cost (25%): I assessed the affordability of equipment and subscription plans, including the value provided by each package.
- Security and monitoring (25%): I tested the system’s ability to detect and respond to security threats, including the effectiveness of 24/7 professional monitoring.
- Smart Home integration (10%): I considered how well SimpliSafe integrates with other smart home devices and platforms.
- Customer support (10%): I analyzed the quality, response time, and effectiveness of SimpliSafe’s customer service through real-world scenarios.
My final verdict on the SimpliSafe alarm system
SimpliSafe stands out as a top choice if you’re seeking a home security system that’s easy to install, affordable, and flexible. Its customizable packages, quick setup, and no long-term contracts make it perfect for anyone looking for a straightforward, DIY solution. Whether you’re a renter or homeowner, SimpliSafe provides reliable protection at a competitive price.
Based on my tests and research, SimpliSafe delivers simplicity and value. However, compared to other systems on the market, it lacks more advanced smart home integration and a wider range of equipment. Despite this, SimpliSafe remains one of the best options for users focused on ease of use and affordability.
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FAQ
What is the downside of SimpliSafe?
The main downside of SimpliSafe is its limited smart home integration, especially compared to systems that support Z-Wave or Zigbee. Additionally, some advanced features, such as video recording and smart home automation, require upgrading to higher-tier monitoring plans.
Is SimpliSafe good?
Yes, SimpliSafe is a good option if you’re seeking a budget-friendly, easy-to-install home security system. It offers flexible packages, no long-term contracts, and reliable professional monitoring. However, it lacks advanced smart home integration, which may not appeal to users who want a fully connected smart home system.
Does SimpliSafe work without Wi-Fi?
Yes, SimpliSafe can function without Wi-Fi using cellular backup for professional monitoring and emergency alerts. However, Wi-Fi is required for features like remote access through the mobile app, live video streaming from security cameras, and certain smart home integrations that rely on internet connectivity.
Will SimpliSafe call the police?
Yes, SimpliSafe will contact the police if you subscribe to its professional monitoring service. When an alarm is triggered and verified, the system alerts emergency responders, including the police. Without professional monitoring, you will receive alerts, but you’ll need to contact the authorities manually.
Can burglars disarm SimpliSafe?
It's highly unlikely that burglars can disarm SimpliSafe. The system uses encrypted communication and features a tamper-proof base station. Even if the keypad is damaged, the system will continue to function. Additionally, with professional monitoring, the monitoring center will be alerted in case of a breach.
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