Ring vs SimpliSafe
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about each company's pros, cons, pricing information, and more.
Overview
Ring
SimpliSafe
Reviews
Ring
SimpliSafe
Reviews for Ring
Helpful Favorable Review
Zac Cannon
My wife just bought our family a ring. It has made us feel safer being able to keep up with local events with our neighbors and to keep an eye on folks approaching our apartment. We look forward to expanding by getting the chime device to accompany our doorbell!
Helpful Critical Review
Reviews for SimpliSafe
Helpful Favorable Review
Gracie
We purchased our package a year ago. We are very satisfied with the product. It was easy to install and we were able to get to customer service very quickly. Maybe we were luckier than some people. Your Wi-Fi connection have to be very strong in order to install the system. Since we live in a split house, we have to purchase additional Wi-Fi devices, which we already had, so the signal was strong already. I am pleased with my decision. We also got it at a good time and a great price.
Helpful Critical Review
Arthur Michelson
Got their system and installed it. First test failed. Returned the system weeks ago - still no refund. Called several times - very long holds and when finally connected, got disconnected. HORRIBLE customer service. Customer service? - not sure that’s in their lexicon.
The Final Word
Contract (Winner: SimpliSafe)
If you prefer a month-to-month option and do not want to sign a contract, SimpliSafe is the better choice.
| Ring's Contract | SimpliSafe's Contract |
| One Year | Month-to-Month |
Risk-Free Trial (Winner: SimpliSafe)
| Ring's Risk-Free Trial | SimpliSafe's Risk-Free Trial |
| 30 Days | 60 Days |
Monthly Monitoring Cost and Upfront Fees (Winner: Ring)
| Ring's Professional Monitoring Cost | SimpliSafe's Monthly Monitoring Cost |
| $10 per Month | $14.99 per Month |
Basic Security Package (Winner: Ring)
Ring's basic security package includes one control panel, one keypad, one contact sensor, one motion detector, and one z-wave range extender. The package costs $199. SimpliSafe's basic security package includes one control panel, one keypad, one contact sensor, and one motion detector. SimpliSafe charges $229 for this package.
| Security Equipment Included | Ring's Basic Security Package — $199 | SimpliSafe's Basic Security Package — $229 |
| Control Panel | ✔ | ✔ |
| Keypad | ✔ | ✔ |
| Contact Sensor | ✔ | ✔ |
| Motion Detector | ✔ | ✔ |
| Z-Wave Extender | ✔ | - |
Advanced Security Package (Winner: Ring)
| Security Equipment Included | Ring's Advanced Security Package — $419 | SimpliSafe's Advanced Security Package — $489 |
| Base Station | ✔ | ✔ |
| Keypad | ✔ (2) | ✔ (1) |
| Keyfob | - | ✔ |
| Contact Sensor | ✔ (8) | ✔ (4) |
| Motion Detector | ✔ (2) | ✔ (2) |
| Freeze Sensor | - | ✔ |
| Water Sensor | - | ✔ |
| Smoke Detector | - | ✔ |
| 105dB Siren | - | ✔ |
| Panic Button | - | ✔ |
| Z-Wave Range Extender | ✔ | - |
If you're looking for a cheaper price point and prefer to have more contact sensors, Ring has a better advanced package. However, if you don't mind paying a bit more and you want specialized sensors rather than just contact sensors, SimpliSafe is the better choice. However, keep in mind that even though Ring's basic package doesn't come with specialty sensors, you can still purchase them a la carte. You can find pricing for individual equipment below.
Build Your Own Security Package (Winner: Ring and SimpliSafe)
For a la carte pricing, SimpliSafe has a cheaper price point for the majority of its equipment. However, Ring has a more robust variety with higher quality products.
| Equipment | Ring's Pricing | SimpliSafe's Pricing |
| Contact Sensor | $20 | $14.99 |
| Motion Sensor | $24.99 | $29.99 |
| Indoor Camera | $199 | $99 |
| Video Doorbell | $99 | $169 |
| Panic Button | $35 | $19.99 |
| Smoke Detector | $40 | $29.99 |
| Carbon Monoxide Detector | $49.99 | |
| Water Sensor | $35 | $19.99 |
| Alarm Keypad | $50 | $69.99 |
| Siren | $30 | $59.99 |
| Security Yard Sign | $49 | $3.99 |
The chart above is a cost comparison of all of the equipment that Ring and SimpliSafe both offer. However, there are a variety of prodcuts that Ring offers that SimpliSafe doesn't and vice versa. An entire breakdown of Ring's and SimpliSafe's equipment and prices are below.
SimpliSafe's Equpiment Pricing
- Contact sensor — $14.99
- Motion sensor — $29.99
- Indoor camera — $99
- Glass break sensor — $34.99
- Video doorbell — $169
- Panic button — $19.99
- Smoke detector — $29.99
- Carbon monoxide sensor — $49.99
- Temperature sensor — $29.99
- Water sensor — $19.99
- Alarm keypad — $69.99
- Key fob — $24.99
- 105bD siren — $59.99
- 9" x 9" yard sign — $3.99
- Professional installation — $79
Ring's Equipment Pricing
- Contact sensor — $20
- Motion sensor — $24.99
- Motion detector — $30
- Indoor/outdoor camera — $199–249
- Ring video doorbell — $99–$498
- Panic button — $35
- First alert z-wave smoke/CO alarm — $40
- Flood and freeze sensor — $35
- Alarm keypad — $50
- Dome siren — $30
- Security sign — $49
- Smart door lock — $139–249
- Alarm range extender — $25
Equipment Warranty (Winner: SimpliSafe)
Camera Variety and Quality (Winner: Ring)
SimpliSafe's Indoor Camera SimpliCam — $99
- Stainless steel privacy shutter
- 120-degree diagonal field of view
- Internal microphone
- Status light
- HD video
Ring's Indoor/Outdoor Stick-Up Camera Wired — $179
- Indoor/outdoor camera
- -activated notifications
- Micro-USB or power over ethernet
- 1080p HD
- Customizable
- Versatile mounting
- 10–15 minutes install time
Ring's Indoor/Outdoor Floodlight Camera — $249
- Indoor/outdoor camera
- -activated notifications
- Ultra-bright LED floodlights
- zoom
- Siren
- 110-240 VAC
- 1080p HD
- Customizable
- 15–25 minutes install time
Ring's Indoor/Outdoor Spotlight Cam Battery — $199
- Indoor/outdoor camera
- Motion-activated notifications
- Rechargeable battery pack
- LED spotlights
- Siren
- 1080p HD
- Adjustable motion detection
- 5–10 minutes install time
Customer Reviews (Winner: Neither Company)
With Ring having minimal customer reviews and SimpliSafe's reviews being mostly negative, comparing SimpliSafe vs Ring reviews is difficult. We suggest looking into other top-rated home security providers with positive feedback from consumers.
Ring vs SimpliSafe: Which is the Better Option?
If you want a month-to-month security solution with a longer equipment warranty and money-back guarantee and don't mind putting down a bit of extra cash, SimpliSafe is the better option for you. However, keep in mind SimpliSafe does not offer a smart lock or outdoor security cameras, so your outdoor security options are limited.
With limited and negative customer reviews, you may decide neither of these do-it-yourself home security companies are for you. If that's the case, you can find a list of the top 10 best home security companies here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Ring and SimpliSafe require long-term contracts?
No, SimpliSafe offers month-to-month services, and Ring only requires a 12-month contract — unlike many home security companies that require up to three-year contracts.
Do Ring and SimpliSafe offer a risk-free trial?
Yes, SimpliSafe offers its customers a 60-day money-back guarantee, while Ring provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Do Ring and SimpliSafe offer professional monitoring?
Yes, both companies allow customers to choose between a self-monitored plan and a professionally monitored plan. Ring's professional monitoring starts at $10 per month, while SimpliSafe's starts at $14.99.
Do Ring and SimpliSafe sell additional security equipment other than doorbell cameras?
Yes, Ring and SimpliSafe offer a wide variety of security products, including motion sensors, contact sensors, indoor cameras, alarm keypads, sirens, etc.
Do Ring and SimpliSafe have equipment warranties?
Yes, Ring has a one-year equipment warranty, and SimpliSafe has a three-year warranty.
Does Ring or SimpliSafe have the cheaper basic security package?
Ring's basic security package costs $199, while SimpliSafe's starts at $229.
Do Ring and SimpliSafe sell outdoor security camears?
You can purchse outdoor security cameras from Ring but not from SimpliSafe. SimpliSafe currently only offers indoor security cameras.
Does Ring or SimpliSafe have the cheaper doorbell camera?
Ring has the cheaper doorbell camera, priced at $99. SimpliSafe's doorbell camera costs $169.
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