SimpliSafe Cameras Review: Indoor, Outdoor, and Doorbell

These SimpliSafe cameras work great with a SimpliSafe security system and are easy to set up.
Indoor camera
Simplisafe Simplicam
SimpliCam
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.8
  • pro
    Privacy shutter
  • pro
    Indoor camera
Doorbell camera
Outdoor camera

SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review

SimpliSafe strives to simplify the home security experience, and its cameras deliver on that promise. They're easy to install and setup, and using them is as easy as opening the SimpliSafe app. 

Fortunately, simple doesn't mean poor quality. You'll enjoy crisp images, clear night vision, and good audio quality without being bogged down by too many settings.  We'll explain the differences between SimpliSafe's cameras and clue you in on our testing experience so you know what to expect.

pro
Pros
pro Installs quickly
pro Works without a security system
con
Cons
con One wireless option
con Few smart home features


Compare SimpliSafe cameras

Product
Use case
Price
Video resolution
Field of view
Power source
Learn more
Read review
Indoor camera720p HD 120°Wired
Doorbell camera1080p HD162°Wired
Outdoor camera1080p HD140°Wireless

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

SimpliSafe camera specs

All SimpliSafe cameras offer HD video and night vision. They also offer several ways to store your videos, which is great if you want to keep your videos a little longer.

We love that these home security cameras are DIY-friendly. If you’ve ever used an app and screwdriver, you’re more than qualified to install and use these home security cameras.

Images: SafeWise

Features

Since SimpliSafe cameras have pretty basic features and limited smart home integration, they work best when added to an existing SimpliSafe system.

All of SimpliSafe’s cameras have these features:

  • HD video quality
  • Night vision
  • Mobile app that alerts you when the camera detects motion

In the SimpliSafe app, you can see what triggered the camera, stored videos, and even talk to the person on the other side of your camera with the two-way talk feature.

Image: SafeWise

Image: SafeWise

SimpliSafe cameras don’t record 24/7. The video footage is limited to short clips recorded when motion is detected. We like this because it means you don’t have to wade through hours of footage to find an event.

If you want your camera to make friends with other smart devices in your home, SimpliSafe cameras work with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and IFTTT. You can use voice commands to arm your system and check its status once you connect SimpliSafe to Alexa or Google Home.

These security cameras are a great addition if you already have a SimpliSafe home security system. When the alarm on your system is triggered, the SimpliSafe reps at the monitoring center can use your camera to check if the security system was set off by an actual threat or by accident.

Storage

SimpliSafe cameras don’t have local storage, unlike competitors like the Eufy Video Doorbell or the Wyze Cam v3. If you want to save a video, you’ll need to spring for a cloud storage subscription.

Storage is pretty inexpensive, so it won’t stretch your budget. Pricing starts at around $10 per month for up to five cameras. You can add up to 10 cameras for around $30 per month. You can learn more about SimpliSafe monitoring in our SimpliSafe price guide.

Image: SafeWise

If you have a SimpliSafe home security system, we recommend getting the Fast Protect™ plan for $29.99 per month. You’ll get professional monitoring and unlimited recording storage for up to 30 days. Plus, the upgrade gives you a lifetime equipment warranty and 10% off future equipment purchases.

You don’t need storage for your home security camera, but it comes in handy. Say, for example, you use the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro and it captures someone stealing a package off of your porch. Saving that video will be vital for helping law enforcement track down the thief.

Power supply

While many home security cameras are battery- or solar-powered, SimpliSafe cameras are wired, all except the outdoor camera. SimpliCam has a power cord while the video doorbell is connected to your home’s electrical system.

Wired cameras have their pros and cons. You’ll never need to change or charge the camera’s batteries. But adding one more cord to hog precious outlets isn’t ideal.

And, if you don’t already have doorbell wiring, you’ll need to bring in an electrician to connect the doorbell camera. That kind of nixes the whole DIY ease the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro offers.

SimpliSafe security camera reviews

Now that you know a little about SimpliSafe cameras overall, let's dive into the specifics of each camera to see how they can fit into your home.

1. SimpliCam: Simply basic

Indoor camera
simplicam
SimpliCam
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.8
$99.00
pro Privacy shutter
pro Operating temperature of -4 to 114º F

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

SimpliCam is an indoor camera that, we'll admit, is ready for an upgrade. For example, its video resolution is just 720p while other SimpliSafe cameras feature 1080p, and its 120° field of view is the narrowest of the bunch. And, though it comes with night vision, you may find that people are hard to identify in videos after dark.

The SimpliCam does have one stand-out feature: its steel privacy shutter. You can use the SimpliSafe app to close the shutter when you don’t want the camera filming.

You can learn more in our SimpliCam review.

2. SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro: Affordable but ordinary

Doorbell camera
simplisafe-doorbell-pro
SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.8
$169.00
pro Wide field of view
pro Adjustable activity zones

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro has adjustable activity zones. You can set it to detect motion on your porch, if you like, or it can keep watch all the way to the sidewalk. The video doorbell’s AI can tell the difference between a human and a pet, limiting motion sensor notifications that are sent to your phone too.

The video quality is right on par with what we’d expect from a decent video doorbell camera. With 1080p HD resolution and a 162º field of view, you’ll be able to see that package you ordered or a stranger at your door.

You can learn more in our SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro review.

3. SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera: Simple durability

Outdoor camera
SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera
SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.8
$169.99
pro Night vision
pro Wireless

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

The SimpliSafe Outdoor camera is SimpliSafe's only battery-powered camera, and you could certainly use it indoors if you're not happy with the SimpliCam's specs or power cord.

It notifies you when it detects motion and records what caused the motion. During testing, we found that more often than not we got notifications about bugs or leaves. It missed notifying us of actual humans several times.

On the positive side, at 140° it does have a wider field of view than some of the best outdoor security cameras. It also has super clear video and great sound.

For more, read our complete SimpliSafe Outdoor Security Camera review.

SimpliSafe contracts and warranties

Not a fan of commitment? SimpliSafe doesn’t make you sign any contracts. Even better, you can return equipment for up to 60 days and get a full refund. 

For Fast Protect™ plan customers, SimpliSafe offers a lifetime equipment warranty.

SimpliSafe customer service and support

The SimpliSafe customer support line is open from 8 a.m. to midnight (EST), seven days a week. Or you can send Support an email with this contact form. You can also find answers to your questions at SimpliSafe’s user-friendly Help Center.

If you still have questions, or just want to talk to other SimpliSafe customers, you’ll find the SimpliSafe forum super handy.

Here’s a more in-depth look at SimpliSafe’s customer support.

Final word

SimpliSafe may not have many bells and whistles, but its cameras are easy to use and install. If you already have a SimpliSafe home security system, adding on a SimpliCam, SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera, or SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro will lend a huge security boost.

If you're still shopping around for a home security system and want cameras with more features than SimpliSafe's lineup, check out our picks for the best home security cameras. We'll help you find an awesome camera that fits your needs.

SimpliSafe FAQ

No. You’ll need to set it on a table or shelf.

No, they record short clips of video when motion is detected.

Only SimpliSafe cameras work with SimpliSafe home security systems. You can learn more about SimpliSafe compatibility in our guide.

Yes. They send information through Wi-Fi, which makes them IP cameras.

Press and hold the reset button for 20 seconds. 

Check out our SimpliSafe troubleshooting guide for extra help.

On the SimpliCam, when the blue light flashes, that means the camera is recording. If the blue light isn't flashing, that means the camera is on stand-by. A blinking red light means the camera can't connect to Wi-Fi and a yellow flashing light means that the camera can't connect to the SimpliSafe’s servers.

Yes, but you'll need the outdoor security camera kit to make the SimpliCam weatherproof.

SimpliSafe stopped selling this kit in the US once it released the Outdoor Camera. If you use SimpliSafe in the UK, you can still get the weatherproof camera cover.

It may be too far away from your Wi-Fi router. Try moving it closer.

Read answers to more SimpliSafe FAQs.

How we reviewed SimpliSafe cameras

Image: SafeWise

We have tested all of the SimpliSafe cameras, so we used what we learned about each camera when we compiled this page. We focused on how well the cameras worked in real-world situations and how the features stacked up when compared with other cameras on the market.

Learn more about how we review products by reading our testing methodology.

Related articles on SafeWise


Disclaimer

*Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

Alina Bradford
Written by
Alina Bradford
Alina is a safety and security expert that has contributed her insights to CNET, CBS, Digital Trends, MTV, Top Ten Reviews, and many others. Her goal is to make safety and security gadgets less mystifying one article at a time. In the early 2000s, Alina worked as a volunteer firefighter, earning her first responder certification and paving the way to her current career. Her activities aren’t nearly as dangerous today. Her hobbies include fixing up her 100-year-old house, doing artsy stuff, and going to the lake with her family.

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