SimpliSafe Logo

SimpliSafe

star star star star_half star_border

5.7

Overall Score

LAST UPDATED: February 1st, 2023

SimpliSafe is a do-it-yourself security provider offering basic security features, including burglary alarms, fire detectors, carbon monoxide sensors, freeze sensors, and flood sensors. SimpliSafe equipment can be ordered online with packages ranging from $229 to $489. You can usually find seasonal promotions that will lower the overall cost of the system. SimpliSafe does not offer any equipment for lease.

SimpliSafe offers one of the lowest monthly monitoring fees in the industry, with monthly fees starting at $17.99 per month. The company uses cellular signal monitoring through COPS Monitoring Service, a CSAA-certified central monitoring station.

SimpliSafe is one of the only home security providers that does not attach a contract to any of its equipment.

Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of purchasing a SimpliSafe home security system or check out the SimpliSafe customer reviews.

Top Ranked Companies

thumb_up

The Good

  • Low Monthly Fees
  • Industry Innovations
  • No Contract or Moving Fees
  • 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee
  • Separate Devices for "Brain" and Keypad 
  • 100% Wireless Equipment
  • Free and Easy Installation Process
  • Customizable Security Systems

Low Monthly Fees

SimpliSafe's low monthly fees and absence of a contract are clear standouts in the home security industry. The company's top monitoring package, the Interactive Plan, is priced at $27.99, far below most professional security providers' most affordable option. 

The Interactive Plan includes around-the-clock professional monitoring, lifetime equipment warranty, flood and temperature monitoring, professional verification of alarm triggers, emergency dispatch, and unlimited camera recording for up to 10 cameras. Customers who subscribe to the interactive monitoring plan will also 10 percent off future add-on devices. 

The most typical SimpliSafe monitoring package is standard monitoring at $17.99 per month. This is similar to the Interactive Plan but does not include unlimited camera recordings, video verification, hazard monitoring, and add-on discounts. The standard plan includes a one-year equipment warranty.

Customers can also choose a self-monitoring option that includes a live view and unlimited recordings for up to five cameras for $9.99 per month. This is a unique offering from SimpliSafe. Most home security companies require that the customer purchase a monthly professional monitoring plan. 

Industry Innovations

SimpliSafe is a pioneer in offering do-it-yourself home security systems. SimpliSafe recently redesigned its system to look more sleek and attractive. Sensors including motion detectors, window sensors, door sensors, security cameras, and even the wireless keypad control panel have a modern and user-friendly interface. 

You can also arm and disarm your alarm system through the SimpliSafe app on your mobile phone, along with viewing Simplisafe camera footage.

No Contract or Moving Fees

Something truly remarkable about SimpliSafe's price structure is that it does not attach contracts to its equipment; all customers pay on a month-to-month basis and can cancel at any time without penalty. Basically, no long-term contracts. 

Moving your alarm system is simple and easy. If you plan to move with your equipment, unplug all your devices and disarm your system. Remove all the adhesive strips from your walls. You can also pause service if you have time between homes where you don’t plan on using your security system. 

Once you get to your new home, be sure to update your address in the SimpliSafe mobile app so the monitoring center knows where you are located. 

You can also leave your system for the new residents. The new owners will just need to create an account to activate their one service. Just be sure to cancel your current subscription at your old address. 

60-Day Money-Back Guarantee

In addition, SimpliSafe customers have 60 days to try out equipment and if unsatisfied, can return it to SimpliSafe for a full refund plus return shipping costs. As 30 days is considered a great guarantee in this industry, a 60-day guarantee truly stands out. 

Separate Devices for "Brain" and Keypad 

For an added layer of safety, the "brain" of SimpliSafe's system is located in a device separate from the keypad. If burglars destroy the beeping keypad, the brain will quietly alert the monitoring center.

100% Wireless Equipment

Because the SimpliSafe system is 100 percent wireless, no hard wiring or drilling is required. This is an appealing feature for renters and apartment owners, and also contributes to the aforementioned lack of moving fees.

Free and Easy Installation Process

The free and easy installation process can also be completed without assistance and, in most cases, takes less than 15 minutes. Once the system and sensors are in place, an alarm will sound whenever the control panel is armed and sensors detect burglars breaking in.

Customizable Security Systems

SimpliSafe's equipment and monitoring services can be purchased on its website, eliminating the need to interact with often-pushy security salesmen. All packages come with a base station and keypad. Based on the size of your home and your desired level of security, you can then choose to add on the following devices: 

  • Entry sensors — Sensors used to protect ground floor doors and windows.  
  • Motion sensor — Detects motion in an entire room or hallway. Works great for rooms with more than three or more windows. 
  • Wireless outdoor camera — Video surveillance that works night or day to alert you when visitors approach your driveway or property. 
  • Indoor camera — Monitor your home with indoor cameras that sends an alert when the camera detects motion. 
  • Glassbreak sensor — This device sets off an alarm if it picks up the sound of a smashed window. 
  • Panic button — Contact the monitoring center in the case of an emergency with just a press of the panic button. 
  • Smoke detector — The smoke detector triggers system sirens if it detects smoke or fire. 
  • Temperature sensor — This sensor triggers if your home temperature drops below 41 degrees Fahrenheit. 
  • Water sensor — The water sensor detects the beginning of a leak or flood to protect against severe water damage.
  • Key fob — This fob is used to arm and disarm your alarm system at the touch of a button. 
  • Extra 105dB siren — You can purchase an additional siren to place inside or outside the house. 
thumb_down

The Bad

  • Upfront Equipment Costs
  • Basic Security Equipment
  • 3-Year Warranty

Upfront Equipment Costs

As with most do-it-yourself solutions, SimpliSafe requires consumers to buy equipment upfront. This can cost anywhere from $229 to $489. Fortunately, SimpliSafe offers five package options to fit a variety of budgets and needs.

Also important to note: you own this equipment forever after purchasing. Regardless, this price amounts to years of monitoring service from other top-rated alarm companies.

Basic Security Equipment

SimpliSafe equipment is extremely basic in both looks and functionality. The company doesn't offer touchscreen equipment or basic home automation services such as remote door locks, smart lighting/appliances, smart temperature control, and so on. 

Video surveillance is available but requires a Wi-Fi connection. Despite SimpliSafe's sleek new design and mobile app interface, the company needs to catch up to home automation trends.

3-Year Warranty

With SimpliSafe, you're getting basic, no-bells-and-whistles security equipment. And it's all covered with a three-year warranty, as opposed to the lifetime warranty many other providers offer. Most security systems from other companies will offer a lifetime warranty, so it's unfortunate to see SimpliSafe limiting their security systems to only three years.

View Best Home Security Companies

gavel

The Bottom Line

If you're looking for a basic do-it-yourself security option for a reasonable price, or if you're a renter who doesn't want to hardwire a security system or pay a fee each time you move, SimpliSafe is a viable option. 

But if you're looking for cutting-edge technology and want to turn your house into a "smart home," SimpliSafe is not the answer. Plenty of other alarm companies offer those services but expect them with higher prices and strict long-term contracts. Read Simplisafe reviews below before making your final decision.

View Best Home Security Companies

Was this content helpful?
thumb_up Yes thumb_down No

Star Rating

3.6

star star star star_half star_border

233 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

46%

4 grade

17%

3 grade

4%

2 grade

9%

1 grade

24%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

star star star star star_border

Quality

star star star star_half star_border

Service

star star star star_border star_border

Trustworthiness

star star star star_half star_border
cancel

Filter by:

arrow_drop_down

Sort by:

arrow_drop_down
info
star star star_border star_border star_border

C A New Smyrna Beach, FL

Good: 1 - Online ordering makes products easy to obtain. 2 - Products are wireless, so they are very easy to install. 3 - Monthly monitoring prices are very reasonable. 4 - SimpliSafe does not require a contract. You purchase their equipment, install it, and they will monitor it for as long as you continue to pay the monthly monitoring fee. 5 - The no frills app is very easy to use. Bad: 1 - SimpliSafe does not have outdoor cameras. 2 - SimpliSafe products are proprietary. The company will not monitor any other smart home devices you may have. Its app will not integrate with smart home devices. 3 - If you need additional products later (e.g., that second keypad for the garage door), shipping charges for non-package orders are very high. 4 - The no frills app is, well, no frills. You can turn your system on and off, confirm your devices are working, and see motion recorded by your cameras. That's about it. 5 - (This one is the reason for the 2-star rating) Customer service is unresponsive. Calling for technical support gets you hold music for about 10 minutes, then the phone will ring once before disconnecting you. In other words, even if your patient through long hold times, my experience is that you won't get through to a person. They will respond to emails, but response times are long and responses aren't likely to be useful.

2 years ago

star star star_border star_border star_border

Jeffrey Froug Vancouver, WA

I just returned my SimpliSafe system for a full refund. One of the most frustrating experiences of my life. I was so excited to install and use it but their technology is rife with problems, errors, and frequent calls to tech support. I gave up after a month. Here’s what happened: I bought one of the basic turnkey system which includes 3 door sensors, motion sensor, base unit with keypad, doorbell cam and one additional indoor cam to monitor my dogs when I’m not home. Installation of the sensors, the base unit and keypad was simple but I couldn’t get the system to activate and had to call tech support. The support guy told me the problem was that their software didn’t work well on an iPhone and that I could fix the problem by “Taking a sledgehammer to my iPhone”. After spending two hours on the phone with him and having me do the activation from my PC rather than my iPhone, the system still wouldn’t activate. He told me to keep trying and call them back in 24 hours if It still didn’t work. It didn’t so I called back the next day and spoke to a woman this time who managed to fix the problem in about 30 seconds. Then I tried to install the doorbell cam. After a few tries I got it to work and was able to monitor the front door. But when I tried using voice to communicate with visitors that didn’t work at all. I then called tech support who told me that this was a known problem and a software update coming up in two weeks would fix that problem. Then a few days later the camera stopped working properly and I once again called tech support who tried trouble shooting the problem before determining it was a bad WiFi adapter in the unit and had to be replaced. I got a replacement in 3 days and installed the new one that worked for about a week before it began to also experience the same problem as the first one. Meantime the indoor cam wouldn’t install. There was a steady yellow light which shows an error and the unit would not install period. I called tech support again and they told me that this was also a known problem and they would send me out a replacement cam which they did 3 days later. Once again I tried to install, got the same yellow error light and discovered they sent me yet another bad camera. This was on the same day the second doorbell cam failed. At that point in total frustration I sent back the entire thing and am waiting on getting my money back. On the plus side, the sensors and the basic alarm seemed to work fine. Their cams are a disaster. Their tech support is mostly good - B+ although I did have to wait about 15-20 minutes during some times of the day. My sense is their technology is just too buggy especially their cameras.

2 years ago

star star star_border star_border star_border

Kathy Iskander Cape Coral, FL

We’ve had our system for 1 year. We’re on our 3rd base station (bs) and the 2nd SIM card for the 3rd one. The 1st bs had a T Mobile SIM card and never had a good signal, then it just stopped working. We were sent a replacement bs (refurbished I later found out). It stopped working on the 2nd day. They sent a new bs and after two calls to tech support they figured out the SIM card (now Verizon) wasn’t working. This means no communication remotely and can’t add PIN codes. We’re waiting for a new SIM card which they said we’ll receive in 2-4 days. They offered 1 month of service for our trouble. Maybe SimpliSafe should have their equipment made in the great USA instead of China! A fence and a couple of German Shepherds would be better!

2 years ago

star star star_border star_border star_border

Owen Williams Lynnwood, WA

We have owned our SimpliSafe system for two years. Setup was easy using the guide, however, I have experience with commercial alarm systems so might have been a little easier for me. We have had an issue with the free camera losing its settings and going off line randomly. I guess the camera was worth the price. The most annoying problem, and one that SimpliSafe has still been unable to fix, is a message that says: "Warning, wireless interference detected!" We get this every time we arm and disarm the system. Sometimes it repeats itself twice. I have turned off every wireless device in the house and we still get the message. After numerous calls and hours on the phone with SimpliSafe's tech support, they finally gave up and sent us a new memory module. This was after talking to several different tech support people and having to tell them the same story and going through the same procedures the previous techs had made us go through. Apparently they don't believe you that you've already done the procedure...three times before. Like I said...hours on the phone. This all started right after one of their software upgrades. I couldn't seem to get them to believe me, but once you have the upgrade, you can't uninstall it. We also had one of the wireless key fobs (the type with the five year non-replaceable batteries) go dead on us after a year and a half. They did send me a free replacement key fob but I had to mail the dead one back to SimpliSafe, I guess as proof that I wasn't trying to scam them out of a free key fob. Overall, aside from the glitches, I think the SimpliSafe system is pretty solid. It would be great if they could work the bugs out. The system is easy to setup and easy to control. I think it's worth the money. I can only compare it to my old Visonic system that I loved, but died of old age. Like anything else...Caveat Emptor.

3 years ago

star star star_border star_border star_border

Steve Pasadena, CA

Yes, I am saving money every month. NO, I would never buy from Simplisafe again. Yes, it is easy to install, but NO, it is not reliable. Be warned, if your house is over 1500 sq feet, you are going to have a nightmare trying to get these wireless devices to talk to each other consistantly. You will have to move the keypad from one wall to another, one room to another, still you get OUT OF RANGE errors randomly. And, the monitoring people have trouble following the instructions you give them. THEY RUINED MY THANKSGIVING VACATION BY DISPATCHING THE POLICE TO MY HOUSE TWICE IN 2 DAYS EVEN THOUGH THE INSTRUCTIONS WRITTEN IN MY ACCOUNT GIVE SPECIFIC ORDERS FOR WHEN TO DISPATCH AND WHEN NOT TO DISPATCH.

3 years ago

star star star_border star_border star_border

Bruce Alexandria, MN

I have had the system for 4 years. I installed it myself in less than 2 hours. It suits my needs well. I've had some issues because I spend 4 1/2 months away from home each winter and that's when problems seem to occur. The system sensors are all battery powered and batteries get old...problem is that you don't know when. I've had some inconsistent issues with my base station and connection to their dispatch. It has to do with whether you have access to VERIZON or T-MOBILE in your area. If there is an alarm event, the base station triggers a call to one of these cell providers (depending on the cell module in your base station). Sometimes there is no connection to the cell provider...and no one seems to know why. Initially, service was very good and I was really happy with the system. Now, their customer service is ATROCIOUS. Wait time on the phone is 45" with BAD music and time updates that never seem to update (like you're always last in line on the phone). I set up a scheduled time for the next morning with a "rookie" customer service rep for 9:00 a.m. the next morning...they never called. I knew she was a rookie when she had me dismantling the base station while I was on the phone. They hadn't updated their records from 2 years ago when I had base station problems. The "rookie" was flat out guessing on what to try next. I was just about ready to scream, so asked for the next day appointment. Since they never called, I have been trying to use their "contact us" (and we'll get back to you......yeah, right). ….to no avail. I kept trying to reset my "blue light" and "red light" base station conditions using their instructions (I received them during problems in the past....when they did have customer service). I tried over and over and finally it worked and the system is functioning again, but I don't know for how long. It is now time to head south for the winter....I'm not feeling confident about this system, especially this year. It's too bad that these people have run this company into the ground (judging by the reviews there's a lot of really unhappy folks). I picture the owners living comfortably in Jamaica without a care in the world.

3 years ago

star star star_border star_border star_border

Eric Slater Omaha, NE

The system works fine but do not make any mistakes during the install or you will end up with dozens of false device entries on your account page with no way of deleting them. We bought this system for our home two years ago and have been trying to contact Support ever since, not once have they responded. You spend an average of 45 minutes waiting on hold just to be hung up on or told they can't do anything about the extra devices. We have sent emails every couple months or so to try and work through the issue that way as well, they don't even bother to respond. So the two stars are for the cost and ease of installation but their customer service is among the worst we have ever dealt with in any category. I do NOT recommend anyone purchase this system simply because they will never respond to any issue you ever have.

3 years ago

star star star_border star_border star_border

Leigh Karchner New Port Richey, FL

We've had our system for just under 3 weeks and since then, this company announced it was distancing itself from the NRA and would be discontinuing all discounts to NRA supporters. That in itself is discrimination but not they are not answering questions or concerns we have about this system or their unfair business practices. I've sent several emails and posted to their Facebook page without response. Here is the latest: "Your lack of response to customer's questions about distancing yourself from the NRA and discontinuing the discounts is certainly discrimination against NRA supporters. It's disgusting. Guns don't kill people........... people kill people and you are penalizing and punishing a huge sector of your clientele (and future clientele) that hasn't done anything wrong. Do you think these crazies that committed these horrible acts are NRA supporters? I very seriously doubt it. If that's the case then all the murders committed on a daily basis in Chicago, Baltimore, L.A., and other crime-laden cities run by liberals is also the NRA's fault? Perhaps THAT is blamed on NRA supporters too? That's insanity. Criminals don't support gun laws, don't buy guns legally, and could give two hoots about any of us that support the 2nd Amendment or the NRA. SimpliSafe should be working with the NRA to help protect Americans from crime rather than against it. As usual with liberals, your logic is twisted and totally anti-American." Businesses like this one should never put themselves into the middle of a political issue and/or public debate, particularly if they are unwilling or unable to justify their actions. In this case, I no longer feel I can trust the safety and security of my home and family to a company that does not back my Constitutional rights under the 2nd Amendment. I have requested an RMA and prepaid shipping label to return our system under their 60 day returns policy and all I receive from them are canned email responses that do not answer or address my questions or concerns. I cannot in good conscience recommend this company for that reason alone, politics aside.

5 years ago

star star star_border star_border star_border

CS Miami, FL

As with many other customer complaints, customer service stinks. The recording says the usual "we are experiencing heavier than normal call volume," blah, blah, blah. However, I was hung up on twice after waiting for a total of 26 minutes. Typical. I am sure if I pushed 1 for new customer, a rep would have answered within a minute or two. But once they have you, forget about customer service.

3 years ago

star star star_border star_border star_border

stephen ronald Tacoma, WA

Poor customer service. Been hung up on 4 times, used 2 phone lines to try and talk to service. I have a cameras that does not work (6 that do work). Called as new customer finally got a real person "GENNIS" a supervisor and was putting me to front of the line at service, on hold for over 30 minutes. finally gave up. Will cancel my 2 auto pay accounts and maybe someone will call when money stops! What a poor way to run a business!!!!

3 years ago

star star star_border star_border star_border

CD Whiteland, IN

It is as advertised - easy to install. But, customer service leaves you on hold forever. If you don’t use there monitoring the base unit flashes bright blue non stop- might as well leave your front door standing open. It is a signal that your not linked to a call center and are open for a burglary. Even though u own equipment u must use only their monitoring- no other option.

3 years ago

star star star_border star_border star_border

Frank Ruffin Tucson, AZ

For many years I was delighted by Simplisafe but these last 8 months it's been one problem after an other and hours wasted with various service persons. I have often been told that technical department is working on the issue( apparently blaming Apple IOS updates for the problem...) If the simply safe system is incompatible with Apple's new IOS customers need to be told.

3 years ago

star star star_border star_border star_border

Buttons61 Wilson, NC

Equipment does not function as advertised. The motion sensors went off when our 60 lb. dog walked through the room. (which caused false alarm fines in the county that we live in!). Customer service was horrible. Returned our system for a refund. They had our system for almost a month before they refunded our $350.00! Would NOT recommend this company. Cheaper is certainly not better when it comes to your family's protection.

4 years ago

star star star_border star_border star_border

Raul Caldwell, ID

Components are average. Already the camera does not record despite being on the phone with simplisafe on 3 occasions for at least one hour each time in order to fix this issue. The 2nd time they told me they would contact their supervisor and would call me back in 3 days. No call back. When I finally called back, they had no idea what I was talking about. Had to go through the same questions and process again, still could not get the camera to record. Sensors always give me an error reading. 2 stars because it’s better than nothing I guess.

4 years ago

star star star_border star_border star_border

Don Lowe Indianola, IA

The system was easy to install, they don't have heat detectors for my garage area but systems works ok. The HUGE problem no one has addressed is that you can arm the system with a door open and does not alert you. This happened when one of my Grand children left a basement door open. Customer support says there is no setting to change so this cant happen again.

4 years ago

star star star_border star_border star_border

Michael C McCarthy II Denver, CO

I bought a package on sale that has more items than needed but a better price than a custom package. SIMPLI instructions need more details. It should be stated clearly that unused items need to be deactivated otherwise the system does not work. It would have also been helpful to know that each security item has a specific number to keep a record of where each device is. I called customer service 3 times (first two calls I hung up in frustration) and waited for over 30 minutes to speak to a representative. SIMPLI UNACCEPTABLE

5 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

star star star_border star_border star_border

Marc Burlingame, CA

This security system was very easy to install and seems like it will work. Although, when I do a test, the dispatch center takes 30 minutes to call. When I asked them if this was a real break in, would it take 30 minutes, they said, "hopefully not". This is very concerning! Not to mention, every time I call customer service, I wait on hold for 45 minutes. I recommend not going with this company.

5 years ago

star star star_border star_border star_border

Chris K La Marque, TX

Customer service has No IDEA what wifi 6 or WPA3 is. Not good for a home security company. Simplisafe will only connect to wifi5 or less or wpa2 or less. No WPA3. I found this out on my own as no one at simplisafe has this info. Sad that a home security company has uninformed employees and worse that the system doesn't use the newest wifi security

1 year ago

star star star_border star_border star_border

Chris Clements Benton, AR

Setup was easy, however, felt I was misled to think g I could self-monitor my home. Nope! They gotta charge you that monthly fee, if you want to see activity on your phone. Two thumbs down.. Returning equipment!

2 years ago

star star star_border star_border star_border

Travis Woll San Antonio, TX

System is user friendly but if anything goes wrong forget about customer service. I’ve been on the phone now for 1 hour and 45 min. I’ve spoke to someone for 5 min who put me on a “brief hold”.

4 years ago

star star star_border star_border star_border

Joseph Zavalia Rockland, MA

Extremely easy to install, .easy to use The sensors allow small pets to roam freely without setting the alarm off. Customer service is top notch.

5 years ago