SimpliSafe vs. Ring Alarm Home Security

How we reviewed: hands-on tests, hours studying SimpliSafe and Ring's specs, policies, and sites, and reading 100+ customer reviews.
Winner
SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe
4.8 out of 5 stars
4.75
Starts at$21.99/mo
  • pro
    À la carte packages
  • pro
    3-year warranty
  • pro
    Outdoor camera
Runner up
Ring
Ring Alarm
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.75
Starts at$19.99/mo
  • pro
    Pre-bundled packages
  • pro
    Extended warranty
  • pro
    Many outdoor cameras

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

For over 12 years, SafeWise has conducted independent research and testing to write unbiased, human reviews (not robots). Read our methodology.

Why you can trust SafeWise
products considered
250+
research hours in 25+ in-home tests
10k+
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With 20+ years in tech journalism, Alina blends safety expertise with her passion for simplifying technology. Alina has tested hundreds of safety and security devices, is trained as a first responder, and has worked as a volunteer firefighter.

I tried both of these security systems in my own home. In this face-off, SimpliSafe trumps Ring Alarm and lives up to its name with simple installation and functions. Ring has a lot going for it, like competitive pricing and lots of smart home compatibility. Both brands are contract-free home security systems, but SimpliSafe still takes the cake.

Wondering which system is best for your smart home? Let’s break it down.

  • Choose SimpliSafe if you want professional monitoring and more affordable virtual security guard services.
  • Choose Ring if you want an entire ecosystem of smart devices that work together and can be run with one app.

Here's a quick comparison of the two home security brands:

Brand
Best for
Monthly cost Icon Tooltip  Dark
Starter equipment price
Virtual security guard fees
Smart home compatibility Icon Tooltip  Dark
Learn more
Best DIY security$249.96$50.00-$80.00/mo.Amazon,
Google
Best budget-friendly pick$249.98Monitoring fee + $99.00 per monthAmazon,
Google,
Z-Wave
""

SimpliSafe and Ring's starter packages compared side-by-side.  Image: Alina Bradford, SafeWise

In the UK? Check out our SimpliSafe UK Review.

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Limited time sale

🔥 SimpliSafe is offering 50% off any new system* + get a FREE $100 Visa Gift Card.

*With professional monitoring. Limit one per customer. Info current as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. 


Image: SafeWise

Checklist
What is a virtual security guard?

It's basically a service that lets security professionals interact with potential threats through your outdoor cameras and smart doorbell. When the camera detects, say, a package thief and you security system is armed, a security professional will take a look at your camera footage. If they see someone who shouldn't be there, they can talk to the person using the camera's two-way talk feature.

Often, this is enough to scare a bad actor away. If the situation is an emergency, the security professional will call emergency services.

Ring calls its service Virtual Security Guard, while SimpliSafe calls its service Active Guard Outdoor Protection.


SimpliSafe pros and cons

pro
Pros
pro Pro installation option
pro 3-year to lifetime warranty
pro Virtual security guard option
pro Extended warranty with pro monitoring
con
Cons
con Limited home automation

SimpliSafe offers a strong lineup of benefits, including professional installation, flexible monitoring options (both self and professional), and a virtual security guard feature. Customers also get extended warranty coverage, ranging from one year to a lifetime, depending on your monitoring package. The main drawback is its limited home automation features compared to Ring.

Read our SimpliSafe review to learn more.

Thumbs Up
Get a pro installation

While we love SimpliSafe as a DIY security system, if installing gadgets isn't for you, no problem. They also have a professional installation option starting at $124.99.

Ring pros and cons

pro
Pros
pro 24/7 customer service
pro More affordable pricing
pro Virtual security guard option
pro Plentiful automation options
pro Extended warranty with pro monitoring
pro Self-monitoring
con
Cons
con Confusing monitoring costs

Ring stands out for its affordability and offers both self-monitoring, professional, and virtual security guard monitoring options, plus extended warranties when you choose professional monitoring.

Ring has a massive selection of outdoor security cameras and video doorbells that outperform the SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera on pricing and features. 

Read our Ring Alarm review to learn more.

Compare SimpliSafe vs. Ring features

Video: SimpliSafe or Ring? Which Is the Better DIY Home Security System?

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Similarities: SimpliSafe vs. Ring

As big players in the DIY home security space, SimpliSafe and Ring have plenty in common:

  • DIY installation: Both DIY wireless systems are easy to install and uninstall.
  • No contracts: since neither brand has long-term contracts, cancelling SimpliSafe or Ring Alarm doesn't cost a penny.
  • Affordable equipment: SimpliSafe and Ring are priced comparatively lower than professionally installed brands like ADT
  • Self-monitoring: Both have self-monitoring options, so you can access your system, receive motion detection notifications, and monitor your cameras through a mobile app.
  • Low monitoring fees: Ring’s professional monthly monitoring fee is low at $19.99, but SimpliSafe costs just a little more at $21.99.
  • Similar basics: They both offer similar features like crash-and-smash protection and cellular backup.
  • Video doorbell: Although Ring is well known for its line of Ring Video Doorbells, SimpliSafe has its own model, the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro.
  • Smart home integration: SimpliSafe and Ring both offer smart home integration, although Ring offers more. Both connect with Google Home and Amazon Alexa.
  • Mobile apps: Both companies have mobile apps. Some app features may not be available in all plans.

But you’re here to find a winner. Next, we’ll outline the distinct—and possibly deal-breaking—differences between the brands.​

What is the main difference between SimpliSafe and Ring?

Generally, Ring has better equipment, but SimpliSafe is more affordable and has a better warranty. I did the homework to see which brand wins in important categories so you can pick your deal-breakers and choose your favorite:

SimpliSafe vs. Ring pricing: Tie

If you’re solely looking for a deal, SimpliSafe is the way to go. Simplisafe offers pretty straightforward monitoring packages at lower prices.

Ring's are, well, confusing. You can pay a fee for self-monitoring with cloud storage, then add on $10 for professional monitoring, another $5 for 24/7 smoke and CO professional monitoring, and another $99 if you want the virtual security guard service.

So, the highest monthly fee you could pay for SimpliSafe is around $79.00, while the highest you could pay with Ring is a whopping $114. That's one of the highest monitoring fees we've seen from top brands.

Here's a comparison of their different monitoring plans and what you get for your money:

Compare SimpliSafe and Ring monitoring prices

Monitoring plan
Monthly fee
Monitoring
Video verification Icon Tooltip  Dark
Active Guard Outdoor Protection
Cellular connection back-up
Storage and recording
Learn more
SimpliSafeSelf Monitoring w/Camera Recordings
Self
Icon No  LightNo
Icon No  LightNo
Icon No  LightNo
7 days
SimpliSafeStandard Monitoring
Professional
Icon No  LightNo
Icon No  LightNo
Icon Yes  LightYes
Unlimited camera recordings & 30-day cloud storage
SimpliSafeCore
Professional
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon No  LightNo
Icon Yes  LightYes
Unlimited camera recordings & 30-day cloud storage
SimpliSafePro
Professional + AI
Icon Yes  LightYes
Available 8pm-6am, local
Icon Yes  LightYes
Unlimited camera recordings & 30-day cloud storage
SimpliSafePro Plus
Professional + AI
Icon Yes  LightYes
Available 24/7
Icon Yes  LightYes
Unlimited camera recordings & 30-day cloud storage
Monitoring plan
Monthly fee
Monitoring
Video verification Icon Tooltip  Dark
Virtual Security Guard
Cellular connection back-up
SOS Emergency Response
Learn more
Self
Icon No  LightNo
Icon No  LightNo
Icon No  LightNo
Icon No  LightNo
Self or professional with $10/mo. add-on
Icon Yes  LightYes, with add-on
Icon Yes  LightYes, with $99/mo. add-on
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon No  LightNo
Self or professional with $10/mo. add-on
Icon Yes  LightYes, with add-on
Icon Yes  LightYes, with $99/mo. add-on
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightYes

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.

SimpliSafe vs Ring equipment: Ring

Setting up the SimpliSafe system using the keypad.

Me setting up the SimpliSafe system using the keypad. 
Image: Alina Bradford, SafeWise

SimpliSafe’s wide range of devices includes smoke detectors, carbon monoxide sensors, motion sensors, key fobs, a panic button, freeze sensors, window and door sensors, and a water sensor. It’s also added a SimpliSafe Smart Lock and outdoor camera to its lineup.

Most devices run on battery power (with the exception of the cameras) and use your home’s Wi-Fi network to communicate. The control panel/keypad is smaller and sleeker than Ring’s.

Ring Alarm security system unboxed.

My Ring security system all laid out before I installed it. 
Image: Alina Bradford, SafeWise

Ring doesn’t offer any fully build-your-own systems, but you can purchase a Ring Alarm security kit and add on more individual devices.

Ring’s devices are similar to SimpliSafe’s with the addition of outdoor HD cameras and smart lighting. We also found three strengths for Ring:

  • In tests for our Ring Doorbell review, Ring showed slightly better night vision than the SimpliSafe doorbell cam.
  • The batteries on Ring devices—like its motion detector and door-and-window sensors—last longer than SimpliSafe’s because they use radio frequencies rather than your home’s Wi-Fi.
  • Ring is one of the few home security companies that sells a weatherproof contact sensor for arming pool gates, driveway gates, sheds, etc.

Best warranty: SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe offers a one-year limited warranty, unless you opt for the Core, Pro, or Pro Plus monitoring plans. If you go with one of those, you get a lifetime warranty.

Ring also offers a one-year limited warranty. Through Ring's Standard and Premium monitoring plans, you get an extended warranty through Allstate insurance for as long as you have that plan. You can see a sample Ring/Allstate warranty contract here.

SimpliSafe has a 60-day return policy (compared to Ring’s 30-day return policy). Both offer full refunds for returns, but Ring charges for return shipping. Like its monitoring fees, Ring made things complicated. For orders under $48.99, Standard shipping costs $3.99, and Expedited shipping costs $12.00. Orders of $49.00 and above get free shipping, and orders made on Ring.com get free shipping, always. 

Best customer service: SimpliSafe

Does SimpliSafe or Ring have better customer service?

Even though SimpliSafe can’t beat Ring’s 24/7 customer service (SimpliSafe’s hours are 8 a.m. to midnight EST), it gets better customer service ratings and reviews, just barely.

If you need help with your system, SimpliSafe's customer service options include email support, online help forums, live chat, and a customer service phone line. Ring also offers those same options, minus the email support.

When it comes to customer reviews, well, they sadly both tanked. On Trustpilot, SimpliSafe gets a miserable 2.6 out of 5 stars. Ring is even sadder with just 1.3 stars.

 

Best smart home compatibility: Ring

Ring is the better choice if you want to add smart home devices to your alarm system. Ring offers several security cameras—including the Ring Floodlight Cam, the Ring Spotlight Cam, and the indoor-only Ring Stick Up Cam—and home automation through Z-Wave and Zigbee functionality. Read our Ring equipment and compatibility guide to learn more.

Ring Alarm devices are compatible with a variety of third-party devices, too, including these:

  •  Amazon Alexa smart assistant
  • Door locks by Schlage, Yale, and Kwikset
  • Lights, plugs, and switches by GE and Leviton
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms by First Alert

SimpliSafe is a better fit for smaller spaces that don’t need home automation. SimpliSafe’s current smart home options are limited, but they’ve been growing. The SimpliSafe system is currently compatible with August Smart Locks, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa.

Best mobile app: Ring

Even though SimpliSafe gets higher app ratings on the Apple App Store and Google Play, Ring’s app is more feature-rich. Plus, it has the nifty Neighbors feature where you can communicate about safety concerns with people in your area.

Ring mobile app

Ring’s high smart home connectivity and Neighbors-app consolidation makes its mobile app worthwhile. You can sync your Ring with Alexa devices to control the system with your voice and get notifications 

The Ring app will send you push notifications to help you self-monitor your system. You can access your cameras’ live feeds, use the two-way talk feature on the cameras and smart doorbell, and receive motion alerts without paying subscription fees. However, if you want video storage, you need a Ring Protect subscription plan.

Screenshot from Ring Neighbors app

Images: SafeWise

With Ring, you can also access the Neighbors community in the same smartphone app as your home security system. In the Neighbors community, you can see what your neighbors have noticed or caught on camera and hear from police about what’s going on.

While anyone can use the Neighbors App (including SimpliSafe users), having it in the same spot as your security system cuts down the app clutter.

Notepad
Caution with neighborhood apps

We encourage anyone using a neighborhood-watch-style app to read all of the fine print before joining the community—especially in regard to privacy policies. Also, be mindful of Ring-police partnerships and the impact they can have on your community. We explain more in our Ring FAQ.

SimpliSafe mobile app

No matter which SimpliSafe plan you subscribe to, you can use the mobile app to arm/disarm the system. You'll also get notifications when any of your security system sensors trip.

While the basic app functions are free, upgrade your SimpliSafe monitoring plan to access features like 24/7 emergency dispatch.

Vivint doorbell package notification

Images: SafeWise

Light Bulb
A word about wireless security

Several Ring Alarm and camera users have reported breaches in their accounts that allowed a stranger to use the two-way communication to intimidate them. This is a risk every user takes when they use any internet-connected wireless system. The good news is you can minimize the risk with proper internet security. Try these tips to protect your system from online threats:

  • Use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts
  • Opt for extra security measures like two-factor authentication
  • Add shared users instead of sharing login credentials
  • Change your home Wi-Fi password frequently

How we decided: SimpliSafe vs. Ring

simplisafe box

Image: Alina Bradford, SafeWise

We’ve tested cameras and doorbells from both Ring and SimpliSafe, but in order to research each company’s security systems we had to dig deeper.

We got our hands on both systems and multiple team members tested them. On top of hands-on tests, we also spent about five hours combing through each company’s website, we read more than 100 customer reviews, and we watched about a dozen hands-on video reviews of each system to better understand their pros and cons.

We've also met with SimpliSafe company reps multiple times to learn more about equipment, monitoring, and wireless security.

To find out more about how we rate and review home security systems, check out our full methodology.

Winner: SimpliSafe

When it comes to SimpliSafe vs. Ring, SimpliSafe comes out on top. SimpliSafe's easy to install, affordable, and offers a better warranty. It also has customer-friendly policies and lots of à la carte options. But, of course, the choice is yours:

  • Go with SimpliSafe if you're looking for professional monitoring paired with a more budget-friendly virtual security guard option.
  • Opt for Ring if you want a fully connected smart home setup where all your devices work seamlessly together through one app.

SimpliSafe vs Ring FAQ

We explore alternatives to SimpliSafe in another article if you're not convinced SimpliSafe is the right choice for you. Learn about alternatives like Cove, Frontpoint, and Abode. 

Check out our other comparison articles to see how top home security brands compare.

DIY installation:

Professional installation:

Yes, both have self-monitoring options. Both offer video views and motion notifications for free, but no video storage or more advanced features.

Alina Bradford
Written by
Alina is a safety and security expert with over 25 years of experience. She has contributed her insights to CNET, CBS, Digital Trends, MTV, Top Ten Reviews, and many others. After testing thousands of devices, apps, services, and more, 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. Plus, she has tested hundreds of pieces of security and safety equipment over the years. Places published: CBS, MTV, CVS, Rachael Ray, eBay, Reader’s Digest, ConsumerAffairs, and more. Certifications: Fire Service Training, Oklahoma State University. Awards: Received the Experience Leader certificate from Authority, putting her “in the top 25% among the thousands of professional content creators analyzed by Authory for the Fall 2023 audit.” You can view more of Alina's work at alinabradford.com.

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