How SimpliSafe Stacks Up
The SimpliSafe do-it-yourself home security system lives up to its name with straightforward pricing and basic equipment offerings. Its equipment costs are lower than most other home security companies, and you have the option of monthly monitoring without a long-term contract.
The “simple” in SimpliSafe may be its biggest pro and its biggest con. This literal out-of-the-box home security solution may be too basic for people looking to protect a larger home. Plus, there are no outdoor security cameras, and home automation options are limited.
If you’re looking for home security on a budget, SimpliSafe’s affordable equipment and no-contract professional monitoring are hard to beat. This system is ideal for small living spaces, but it may fall short if you need to protect a large piece of property.
Pros
- No contracts
- Money-back guarantee
- Easy setup
- Cheap monthly fees
- Affordable equipment
- Stylish design
Cons
- Equipment purchase required up front
- Limited smart home compatibility
- Super-simple design and function
SimpliSafe Pricing
SimpliSafe is different from traditional home security companies—it has lower equipment costs and contract-free monthly monitoring service. You do have to buy your equipment up front, but all of SimpliSafe’s preselected packages are under $500.
Monthly Monitoring Plans
Data effective 08/27/2019. Offers and availability subject to change.
Both of SimpliSafe’s monitoring plans include a cellular connection and environmental protection (smoke, water leaks, and extreme temperatures). That means you have a direct link to the fire department, and you don’t need a landline or Wi-Fi connection to use it. SimpliSafe’s 24/7 professional monitoring is optional, and you can add, cancel, upgrade, or downgrade your monitoring service plan at any time without any extra fees.
Expert Tip
SimpliSafe Contracts and Guarantees
If you’re looking for a long-term commitment SimpliSafe is going to break your heart. Contracts are a mainstay of the home security industry, and SimpliSafe was one of the first companies to buck the tide and get rid of them altogether.
This means you’re not tied to a monthly payment—and you can have professional monitoring service only when you need it. If you want extra protection when you’re on vacation, you can add monitoring for that month and then cancel when you return with no penalties or hassle.
Keep in mind, though, that without professional monitoring you can’t use the mobile app. You can’t receive alerts or remotely arm and disarm your system, and you don’t have a direct link to emergency services. The system will still work as an alarm with a siren, but you’ll need to contact help on your own.
Note: You can use the app to view video with the SimpliCam or Video Doorbell Pro whether or not you have a monitoring plan. But it still won’t give you remote control or a connection to help in an emergency.
60-Day Money-Back Guarantee
You may have to pay for your SimpliSafe equipment up front, but you have two months to try it out and decide if you like it. Start your countdown from the minute you complete your order—the 60-day trial period starts from the day you order, not the day you receive the system. If you do decide that SimpliSafe isn’t the right fit, you can send it back in that 60-day window, and the company will process a full refund and cover the cost of shipping.
The SimpliSafe system we got our hands on.
SimpliSafe Tech and Equipment
SimpliSafe offers technology and equipment that’s both stripped down and state of the art. The company’s goal of keeping things simple (hence the name) limits the bells and whistles. Where SimpliSafe stands out is in the elegant, modern design of its components.
We’ve been disappointed by the lack of outdoor security cameras, but SimpliSafe has taken the first step with the Video Doorbell Pro. And rumor has it the company will release full-blown outdoor security cameras soon.
SimpliSafe Equipment Packages
It’s not unheard of to pay around $1,000 (or more) for home security equipment. But SimpliSafe has packages priced between $225 and $500—and that includes multiple sensors in all packages, plus a siren and a connected smoke detector in the higher-priced ones.
| Equipment |
| Package |
| Equipment Price |
| What's Included |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| The Foundation | The Essentials | The Hearth | The Knox | The Haven |
| $229 | $259 | $374 | $449 | $489 |
|
Base station Keypad Entry sensor Motion sensor |
Base station Keypad Entry sensors (3) Motion sensor |
Base station Keypad Key fob Entry sensors (3) Motion sensor Siren Smoke detector |
Base station Keypad Key fob Entry sensors (6) Motion sensors (2) Siren Smoke detector |
Base station Keypad Key fob Entry sensors (4) Motion sensors (2) Siren Panic button Freeze sensor Water sensor Smoke detector |
Data effective 08/14/2019. Offers and availability subject to change.
We recommend The Hearth package because it has a siren and a smoke detector—essentials we think are worth a little bit extra out of pocket. But you’re not stuck with one of the company’s preselected packages. You can pick and choose your components to get even more control over how much you spend. If you want the extra protection of security cameras, you’ll have to add those on, so keep that in mind when looking at your needs and your budget.
SimpliSafe Equipment
Base Station
This is the brain that controls the whole security system. The base station contacts the monitoring center when an alarm is triggered.
Wireless Keypad
The keypad is used to control the security system. Because it’s separate from the base station, you’re still protected if the keypad is damaged.
Motion Sensor
SimpliSafe’s motion sensor is designed to tell the difference between humans and pets.
Entry Sensor
Entry sensors let you know if a door or window is tampered with or opened.
SimpliSafe Smart Lock
Automate your current deadbolt and sync your front door with the rest of your SimpliSafe security system.
Expert Tip
Panic Button
This is an extra way to trigger the alarm and alert the monitoring center that you need help.
Smoke Detector
This smoke alarm detects smoldering fires and sends an alert to the monitoring center as well as sounding a loud siren.
Siren
This siren lets out 105 dB of startling noise and can be installed either inside or outside the house.
SimpliCam
SimpliSafe’s indoor security camera is motion-activated and lets you view live footage from a smartphone, computer, or tablet.
SimpliSafe Tech and Equipment Highlights
Easy Setup
SimpliSafe claims that all you have to do to set up its system is open the box, and that turned out to be pretty accurate. I was surprised at how easy it was to follow the instructions and set everything up. This alarm system is truly plug-and-play. The keypad walks you through every step with onscreen instructions, and it even comes with adhesive on the back. All you have to do is peel and stick to install the wireless keypad and the door, window, and motion sensors.
Pet-Friendly Sensors
As someone with a few four-legged pals running around the house, I’m always on the lookout for pet-friendly home security systems. It was nice to discover that SimpliSafe sensors have built-in technology that helps them ignore movement from pets. That cuts down on false alarms (I hate it when my phone blows up with alerts about the cat and dog playing chase). SimpliSafe motion sensors use unique heat signatures to tell the difference between humans and pets to make sure the alerts you get are worth your attention.
Expert Tip
SimpliSafe Smart Home Features
We like home security systems that come with built-in home automation tech. Systems that use Z-Wave or other IFTTT (If This Then That) protocols make it easy to combine security and convenience. Surprisingly, this tech-forward company has neglected to focus on home automation until recently.
Original incarnations of the SimpliSafe base station had no smart home compatibility at all. Today, it works with some smart locks and voice assistants—and the company promises more home automation features throughout 2019. Plus, SimpliSafe launched the Video Doorbell Pro last year, so you can add a doorbell camera to your SimpliSafe security system.
SimpliSafe Smart Home Compatibility
| Smart Home Features | Third-Party Compatibility |
| Voice control | Amazon Alexa, Google Home |
| Climate control | Nest Thermostat |
| Lighting control | Coming soon |
| Smart locks | SimpliSafe Smart Lock, August, Yale |
SimpliSafe Customer Service
Because the SimpliSafe system is so easy to use, I didn’t need to contact customer service directly. But SimpliSafe has a strong rating from the Better Business Bureau and high marks from customer reviews on Google. But it’s not all sunshine and roses; customers regularly report long wait times and dissatisfaction with changes to online account access.
Here’s a closer look at current SimpliSafe reviews and ratings for customer service and satisfaction.*
- Trustpilot rating: 3 stars out of 5, Average
- Google customer reviews: 4.7 stars out of 5
- SimpliSafe Home Security app on Google Play: 4.3 stars out of 5
- SimpliSafe Home Security app on Apple App Store: 4.8 stars out of 5
*Ratings as of August 2019.
SimpliSafe Customer Service Hours
Even though SimpliSafe doesn’t offer 24/7 customer service, its helpline is open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. until midnight (EST). And if you have professional monitoring, the monitoring center is operational 24/7. You can also request help from SimpliSafe tech support via email or join online forums to get help and ideas from other SimpliSafe users.
SimpliSafe FAQs
Do I need to have the internet or a cell phone to use SimpliSafe?
No. The SimpliSafe alarm system doesn’t require a Wi-Fi connection, cell phone, or computer. All you need are the base station and the keypad. These components use a built-in cellular connection to communicate with each other. But you may need to go online to activate and access certain features, including the SimpliCam security camera, which does require a Wi-Fi connection.
Can I combine newer and older SimpliSafe components?
Unfortunately, new SimpliSafe equipment isn’t compatible with older versions. If you want to upgrade your system to access new features like smart home compatibility, you’ll need to buy a new base station and sensors. But if you don’t want to start over, SimpliSafe plans to continue selling and supporting its original equipment. There is some other good news—your SimpliCam or Video Doorbell Pro should work with new and older equipment.
Why would I want to pay extra for professional monitoring?
The benefit of adding professional monitoring to your SimpliSafe security system is knowing someone else is watching over your home. When your SimpliSafe alarm is triggered, the monitoring center receives an alert so they can confirm the emergency and contact help. Without professional alarm monitoring, you’re on your own to assess the danger and reach out to law enforcement.
Got more questions? Check out our in-depth SimpliSafe FAQs page
The Bottom Line
SimpliSafe is a straightforward, low-cost, do-it-yourself home security solution. Its discreet equipment is ideal for small living spaces, but it may fall short if you need to protect a large amount of property. For those looking to add home security on a budget, SimpliSafe’s affordable equipment and no-contract professional monitoring are hard to beat.
Other Home Security Options
Not sure SimpliSafe is your ideal DIY home security match? We can help you shop around. We’ve stacked up SimpliSafe against other home security companies to make it easy for you to compare.
SimpliSafe vs. Frontpoint Security
SimpliSafe vs. the Competition
| Brand |
| Lowest Price |
| Installation |
| Features |
| Phone |
| Website |
|
No-Contract Pick |
Smart Home Pick |
Best Monitoring |
Best Service |
Best Budget Option |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| $14.99 | $29.99 | $27.99 | $44.99 | $19.99 |
| DIY | Professional | Professional | DIY | DIY/Professional |
|
Cheap monthly monitoring Money-back guarantee No fancy extras |
High-end smart home tech Customizable plans Month-to-month contracts |
Fast response times Outstanding guarantees 140+ years of experience |
Risk-free trial DIY installation Great customer service |
Lifetime warranty Locked-in rates Many package options |
| N/A | 855-374-4999 | 855-374-4999 | 855-374-4999 | 855-374-4999 |
| View Packages | View Packages | View Packages | View Packages | View Packages |
How We Evaluated SimpliSafe
Our review of SimpliSafe was based on hands-on testing and extensive research. We installed and used the system at home to see how easy it was to set up and how well it performed. We also researched the specs of the system and compared it to other home alarm systems. But we didn’t stop there—we also met with SimpliSafe, read hundreds of customer reviews, and visited the SimpliSafe online forum to find out what long-time users have experienced with their SimpliSafe security system.
Check out our methodology page to learn more about how we rate and rank products and services.
SafeWise’s Best Home Security Systems
The SafeWise team has researched and reviewed security companies from around the nation. Each year we release our annual rankings. Check out our picks below! To read more, including reviews and packages, you can visit our Top Home Security Systems.
Written by Rebecca Edwards
Rebecca is the lead safety reporter and in-house expert for SafeWise.com. Her safety expertise is sought after by publications, broadcast journalists, non-profit organizations, podcasts, and more. ou can find her work and contributions in places like TechCrunch, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, HGTV, MSN, and an ever-growing library of radio and TV clips. Learn more
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Email7 Responses to “SimpliSafe Home Security Review: DIY, Affordable, and Contract-Free”
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I use a home security system, but only from Kangaroo. The smart home system is very effective in the modern world. Sensors are very easy to install, and all over the phone using the application. The main thing is to install the sensor at the entrance door and windows.
Simplisafe has too much sales garbage when you sign in to your account. It is difficult to find your data. It is harassment.
Horrible system. Can’t believe they keep getting good reviews. Easy to set up but problems almost every day. These sites keep stating pets don’t set off motion detectors. Wanna bet? 8 pound kitty kept setting it off even when we followed advice and moved them up the wall and turned them over pointing up. Now we’re set if Spider Man beaks in and crawls across the ceiling! Police threatened to start charging for responding to false alarms. One problem after another. Lost WiFi signal over and over. Moved base all over the house. Had to get replacements for base, entry sensors, siren, batteries. All this in first 2 months! Tech support is the WORST! Takes 30 min’s average on hold. Lost track of the hours we spent on the phone due to this junk. Never knew if we were protected when we went to sleep or too work. Sending back for refund.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m sorry you had such an unsatisfactory experience. Your input helps us look for potential issues in testing and gives us insight about what to ask other customers to find out if what you experienced is common.
After reading the material on the simplysafe website (also downloaded the material) and the videos on all of the components (how to install, test, name and Diagnostics). It does take more than a user manual to understand the system and how the components work with the system. All of the information is on the simplysafe website. We received emails that contained links to more information which was also helpful. Will use our system and tested our system for a full 2 weeks before we activated the monitoring service. During this 2 weeks. We learned how to keep the system operating at optimal levels. If we could award 10 stars we would. Out standing performance and reliability. The customer service section receives 5 stars as well. We had a few issues with a few components the service center sent the replacements in a timely manner. Fast and efficient service. Bottom line the more you learn about the system the easier it will be to install and maintain. The system is not complicated it is easy to learn and even easier to install. Comprehending the instructions and user manuals is a necessity.
BAD REVIEW. I have been a Simplisafe customer for a few years now and I can not adequately express my frustrations with the company at this point. Since AUGUST of 2019 every month they send me an email saying they were unable to charge my debit card for payment and to please update my billing information. The first time this happened I called and they told me it was my banks fault and I need to contact my bank. After doing and confirming it had nothing to do with my bank I called again and explained everything that the bank said. The lady took my card number down again and it seemed like it was fixed. Well……EVERY SINGLE MONTH since I get the same email and have to call AGAIN to speak to someone that never reads the notes on my account and I have to repeat everything every month. I am so over this! So….I get the email again on Dec 17, and again on Dec 24th! Tried calling on the 24 only to have them keep me on hold “while she trys to locate here manager” then transfer me to a mailbox that was not set and then hangs up on me! I call back and oh by the way they are closed now for the holidalys. Awesome. Really professional. So here I am waiting on hold….AGAIN……Dec 26th. “Estimated hold time, 15 minutes”……still waiting….39 minutes later…….and waiting…..and waiting…….still waiting……
I just received my system last week and was kind of excited and installed it immediately. Adhesives are a joke, you have to screw them in. One of my key fobs did not work so I tried to call customer service to avail, are you kidding me? I could never get ahold of them so I emailed them, not a peep from anyone either. Steer clear from this place, they could not care less about you. I am returning asap and going with a company that understands what customer service means.