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SimpliSafe

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5.5

Overall Score

Author: Kalicia Bateman

LAST UPDATED: December 20th, 2024

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.

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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. 
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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.

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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.

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