SimpliSafe vs. Brinks

SimpliSafe makes home security, well, simple.

The company keeps monitoring and equipment prices low while offering tons of add-ons to customize your system. There’s no contract to sign and no extra fees hiding around the corner.

While the company falls behind Brinks in the home automation arena, it’s lightyears ahead on quality proprietary equipment and accessible pricing.

We spend a lot of time thinking about home security systems (it’s kind of our job). So comparing two of our favorite companies comes naturally.

So we put SimpliSafe and Brinks under the microscope. We examined pricing, equipment, contracting, and smart home features from each company to compare apples to apples. The company with the most benefits for the largest amount of people came out on top. Check out our methodology to learn more about how we review companies like SimpliSafe and Brinks.

Here are a few things SimpliSafe and Brinks have in common.

• DIY and professional installation options. SimpliSafe has always been a do-it-yourself company, but Brinks has jumped on the bandwagon too. For both companies, the self-install kits come with all your equipment. You just peel off the adhesive backing, put sensors in place, then connect the system. If you want professional installation from either service, just ask (but it may come with an extra fee).
• Similar starting packages. Both systems start with a control panel or hub that connects everything together, entry sensors for your doors and windows, and a motion detector. But while the app comes free with Brinks, SimpliSafe charges a little more for mobile control. 
  
• Tons of optional add-ons. If any of the equipment packages don’t have what you’re looking for, you can add on accessory devices like smoke detectors, smart doorbells, indoor cameras, or extra entry sensors.
  
• Both let you control your system via a mobile app. SimpliSafe and Brinks both have mobile apps that connect to your system. You can arm and disarm, watch live video, and change settings from your phone. So you can check on the pets while you’re away or monitor suspicious characters even if you aren’t home.

When taking a closer look, we found more differences than similarities between the two home security companies.

• Brinks offers seamless home automation; SimpliSafe does not. Brinks has a suite of smart home devices you can add onto your system (like Z-wave plugs) that turn regular objects into smart objects. SimpliSafe can do smart home automations but only through third-party products like smartbulbs, plugs, or hubs.
• SimpliSafe’s app costs extra; Brinks’ app does not. SimpliSafe works with or without an app, so you’ll have a security system no matter what. But you’ll need to subscribe to the $25/month plan to get the app.
• SimpliSafe doesn’t require a contract, but Brinks (mostly) does. SimpliSafe offers month-to-month service that you can cancel at any time. Brinks requires a 36-month contract if you choose one of its packages. If you’re using Brinks monitoring for your Nest system, the contract’s optional.

SimpliSafe lives up to the name. Its equipment, payment policies, and installation are uncomplicated, streamlined, and free of dangerous small print. If you’ve been considering a new home security system but get nervous when talks of contracts and complicated installation come up, SimpliSafe is worth looking into.

Equipment packages work for studios and large homes alike, plus you can add on sensors, cameras, and even a video doorbell camera. When you get your kit, just peel the sticker backing on your sensors and put them in place. Packages start around $229 with monitoring for $14.99 per month.

With monitoring and the mobile app, you’ll only pay $24.99 every month to keep the service going. SimpliSafe provides confidence in your security system without anxiety over your budget.

SimpliSafe is fitting for newcomers to security systems. If you’ve never had a system but always wanted one, it’s a good low-commitment company to start with.

Systems are small and customizable enough for renters, apartment dwellers, or anyone who moves often.

Check out our full review of SimpliSafe.

The SimpliCam is SimpliSafe’s indoor security camera. It’s a $99 add on for your system with tons of features like 30-day storage, motion detection, night vision, and two-way audio. It’s easy to install (just plug it in and connect) and can live-stream footage to the SimpliSafe app on your phone.

With its 120° field of vision, you can see most of a room (depending on where you put it). And while it’s not an outdoor cam on its own, you can purchase a weather-proof covering from SimpliSafe to install it outside.

Compare the SimpliCam to some of our other favorite wireless security cameras.

The SimpliSafe Smart Lock is a $99 addon that turns your standard deadbolt into a remote-controlled door lock. We tested it and found that it doesn’t require drilling or tricky installation. Plus, you can continue to use your current keys (a serious win for renters).

You can lock and unlock the door remotely and check the lock’s status from the SimpliSafe app. So you’ll know when someone goes in or out of the house and be able to let expected visitors in if you aren’t home.

But you don't need to buy a brand new smart lock for a SimpliSafe system. If you already have an August Smart Lock, you can connect it to your new system.

See how it stacks up to other smart locks we’ve reviewed.

A video doorbell is like a traditional doorbell but with a security camera inside. These smart devices send you an alert when someone's at the door or rings the doorbell.

SimpliSafe’s $169 smart video doorbell camera catches footage of visitors, deliveries, and anyone who comes by your doorstep. It can pan and zoom to get a better look at your guests and streams directly to the SimpliSafe mobile app.

Compare it to other smart video doorbells.

Brinks has been in the home security biz for over 100 years, but its home automation options, quality equipment, and mobile connectivity make it feel modern. This security company gives you the option for professional or DIY installation, so you can get equipment that works with your comfort level.

The basic packages from Brinks are more comprehensive than SimpliSafe’s. The Smart Security Essential Kit comes with more motion and entry sensors than SimpliSafe for about $10 more. The touch-screen control panel connects with all these devices and makes it easy to check on their status and adjust settings.

Brinks has multiple packages to choose from, but across the board, professional monitoring stays at $39.99 per month. Know that if you choose one of Brinks’ kits, you’ll be locked in with a 36-month contract. So make sure you have the budget before signing up.

Brinks has the name recognition that makes intruders think twice, but its pricing and contract may have you second guessing too. If you have the budget for pricier equipment and can commit to spending $40/month for three years, Brinks brings the goods.

Brinks’ 36-month contract makes it ideal for homeowners or renters who plan to stay put for a while. Its live streaming options also make it great for human and animal parents alike. And if you’re a big fan of Nest products, Brinks offers monitoring for your system and Nest cameras on a month-to-month basis or with the same 36-month contract.

Read our full review on Brinks to learn more.

While SimpliSafe has a few smart home features and products, Brinks takes the cake in this category. Both home security systems are compatible with Google Home and Amazon Echo, but only Brinks offers proprietary Z-Wave products that turn normal appliances into smart devices.

Brinks also has the upper hand with its Nest monitoring. Nest products are famous for their smart abilities and easily programmable automations.

On its own, the Nest Secure alarm system doesn’t come with professional monitoring. But Brinks can monitor your Nest system for as low as $19/month (with a 36-month contract) or $29 month-to-month.

This means when your Nest Secure system senses a threat or sounds the alarm, monitoring professionals from Brinks will contact you and enlist help from the police or other first responders.

When it comes down to the battle between Simplisafe vs. Brinks home security, we take SimpliSafe’s side. It’s an affordable, accessible alarm system for almost any budget or living situation.

While it doesn’t boast as many home automation features as Brinks, it has similar add-on products, professional monitoring, and mobile features.

Whether you’re looking to arm your studio apartment or multi-level home, SimpliSafe makes installation and payments more approachable.

• SimpliSafe: Easy, contract-free home security for renters and do-it-yourselfers. 
• Brinks: Live video streaming and complete security packages from a household security name. Good for anyone with a roomy budget who can commit to 36 months of service.

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