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SimpliSafe Review (2024)

Comprehensive and customizable security for your home
By Barry StingmoreBy Barry Stingmore -
Last Updated: Jun 23, 2024
16,538 reviews
by
logo-SIMPLISAFE
Visit Site
Price
Monitoring from $9.99/month
Money-back guarantee
60 days
Mobile
Android and iOS

Our Verdict

Is SimpliSafe Worth Signing Up For?

SimpliSafe offers comprehensive and customizable solutions for securing your home. The company offers a wide range of devices to lock your home against intruders and monitor for fire, flooding, or other costly damage. SimpliSafe devices are easy to use and can be controlled via WiFi or cellular networks. Plus, SimpliSafe offers 24/7 monitoring to respond to alarms.

Price
Monitoring from $9.99/month
Money-back guarantee
60 days
Mobile
Android and iOS

SimpliSafe at a Glance

9.3
Editorial Score

Products

Indoor, outdoor and doorbell cameras; Glass break and motion sensors
8.0

Smart Features

Smart lock; Fully smart home compatible
9.5

Monitoring

24/7 professional monitoring; 30-day video storage; Flood and smoke detectors
9.0

Installation

DIY and professional installation options
10.0

Offers

60-day money-back guarantee; Free shipping and returns; No long term contract required
10.0

SimpliSafe Pros & Cons

PROS

Works over WiFi and cellular networks
Customize your security devices
24/7 monitoring

CONS

All devices require base station
Limited smart home integrations

Top SimpliSafe Reviews

Dan Meeks
I recently purchased a SimpliSafe…
I recently purchased a SimpliSafe security system. I love the system! The entire process, from purchase to installation was quite easy. I think what impressed me the most was the quality of the product and the reasonable price. The system was easy to install and the clarity and battery life of the exterior camera is exceptional. I recommend SimpliSafe for anyone considering a home security product.
Jesse Danner
Great Company
I, in no way, have been incentivized to write this review. I am simply writing this due to my overall experience with SimpliSafe. I have been a client of SimpliSafe for more than 10 years now. I believe we came on board as clients when SimpliSafe was only a couple of years old as a company. My wife and I were looking for a reasonable security system that didn't require extensive upfront costs and/or lengthy contracts. We had experiences with other security providers, but at a time when finances were tight and we wanted to protect our family, we landed on SimpliSafe. SimpliSafe had a reasonable monthly monitoring cost, no contract, and I could purchase as much or as little equipment as I needed. I believe we spent $400 when we first signed up. That price covered all our doors, motion sensors, glass break sensors, sirens, and two keypads. If I needed to reduce the type of monitoring I needed, I could do this at any point. I also had lifetime coverage on my equipment. In 2019, we had a house fire, which devastated our family. If you’ve ever experienced this, it really shakes your life. The entire process of trying to restore your home is laborious, and it is almost impossible to get your house back to where it was without spending more money. When I contacted SimpliSafe to replace our damaged equipment, they sent us an entirely new system at no cost!! You can’t imagine what this meant when we were having to deal with replacing all our possessions. In 2024, I purchased two used cameras from a third party to add to my existing system. Unfortunately, the original owner had not removed them from their account, and I could not use them. When I contacted SimpliSafe to see if they could help me, they made it super simple and sent me two cameras to replace the defective ones I had purchased. They didn’t have to do this. It wasn’t their responsibility to fix cameras that I didn’t buy directly from them, but they did. They send a moving kit when we relocate, their customer support via text or phone is always readily available, they look for ways to expand their technology, and they make it super simple for us to remain as clients. I can remember when they were working to release their first camera. It did take some time, but the quality was worth the wait. I can’t recommend SimpliSafe enough.
cu
customer
Unusually good customer service
I had a friend set up my system three years ago because I hate doing this stuff so much (and had I done that myself, I may have had some issues) but I have had good experiences. Billing is simple and clear and when I've reached out to customer service on chat via their website a few times, they answer politely, don't try to sell me other stuff and solve the problem. AND you have the option to save your chat transcript! Talk about efficient and transparent! (Are you listening, Comcast/Xfinity?? Follow this model.)
See all SimpliSafe reviews

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SimpliSafe SimpliSafe Visit Site

SimpliSafe Features and Highlights

SimpliSafe’s home security system is designed to offer you simplicity and the confidence that you can rely on its performance at all times. It works on the principle of redundancy, whereby a duplicate device will step in if another fails.

Base Station

All SimpliSafe home security systems rely on a base station device. This device coordinates all of your sensors and transmits data to SimpliSafe’s monitoring center. It also has a built-in siren to warn you of a break-in.

Importantly, if your power or WiFi system goes down, the base station can still communicate over cellular networks. And if you live in a rural area and have patchy cell signal, you can choose to operate your SimpliSafe security system over your WiFi network.

Customizable Security Systems

One of the best things about SimpliSafe is that you have the freedom to build a completely custom security system for your home. All systems include a base station and wireless keypad, but you can purchase motion detectors, cameras, and other sensors on an a la carte basis.

Of course, SimpliSafe also has packages available to suit homes of different sizes. This makes it easy to protect your home if you’re not exactly sure what you want at first. You can always add more devices to your system later.

SimpliSafe Equipment & Products

Home Security Systems

The base station and the wireless keypad together allow you to coordinate all of your sensors and arm and disarm your system. You can purchase a wide range of sensors to go with those two core devices, including motion detectors, hazard sensors, glass-break sensors, entry sensors, and more.

SimpliSafe has done an excellent job designing these sensors, and some of them are really innovative. For example, the entry sensors use magnets to detect when a door or window is opened. The two pieces of the sensor can be up to 2 inches apart, allowing it to be used on almost any door or window.

Home Security Cameras 

SimpliSafe offers indoor and outdoor cameras as well as a video doorbell. The indoor camera offers a 120° field of vision and sends an alert whenever motion is detected. You can start recording on-demand with a tap on your phone, but the camera won’t automatically record whenever motion is detected.

The outdoor camera is packed with features, including two-way audio, a spotlight, and a siren so you can warn away would-be intruders. The rechargeable battery lasts up to six months and charges in just five hours. Note that it’s only rated to work in temperatures down to -4°F.

All SimpliSafe cameras require WiFi. The indoor camera costs $99, the outdoor camera costs $169.99, and the video doorbell costs $169.

Life Safety Alarms

SimpliSafe offers a small panic button that you can keep in your pocket or leave in a busy area of your home. The button can send audible or silent alerts to SimpliSafe’s monitoring center so they can dispatch the police. In addition, you can customize the button for medical alerts so that SimpliSafe knows to dispatch an ambulance. Each panic button costs $19.99.

You can also purchase a 105dB siren, which will activate anytime a break-in is detected. It’s almost too loud, but that’s a good thing if you’re trying to scare off a burglar or alert the neighborhood. The siren costs $59.99.

Smart Home Automation

SimpliSafe integrates with smart home devices such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home. You can use these voice assistants to arm your security system, lock your doors, or switch between home and away modes. You must pay for 24/7 monitoring to enable these integrations.

While this is useful, SimpliSafe isn’t as well-integrated with smart home systems as we’d like to see. It can only communicate with devices over WiFi, not Bluetooth, and it doesn’t accommodate 5G signals or work with Apple Home Kit. In addition, you can’t configure your SimpliSafe system to turn on the lights when you unlock the door, for example.

SimpliSafe Services

SimpliSafe offers several different packages of sensors to suit any size home. All home security systems include a base station and wireless keypad, and you can add sensors and cameras as needed. SimpliSafe also includes a free yard sign to warn away potential intruders, making it a top contender among the best home security companies.

Monitoring

SimpliSafe has multiple monitoring centers across the US, so you’re protected even if one center goes down. It uses a system of confirmed alerts, where the alarm signal will continue to transmit until the monitoring center confirms they’ve received it. 

When the alarm activates, the monitoring center examines live video footage to verify the alert. 

SimpliSafe will then dispatch police, fire, or emergency medical services depending on the alarm, and will call you, and call or text any other people named on your plan. 

SimpliSafe Installation

You can install the SimpliSafe system yourself, and it’s extremely easy to do so. The base station must be plugged in, but all other devices are wireless. Each device comes with clear instructions about how to position it and how to connect it to your base station. Installing a base station, keypad, and several motion sensors takes less than 30 minutes, and no DIY skills are necessary.

If you need help installing your system, professional installation by a SimpliSafe technician costs $99.

SimpliSafe Contracts and Warranties

SimpliSafe does not require a contract. In fact, there are no ongoing costs if you choose not to sign up for 24/7 monitoring, although this service is required to use the app and smart home integrations.

If you do sign up for 24/7 monitoring, you can cancel at any time by calling SimpliSafe. The call only takes a few minutes.

If you try out SimpliSafe and aren’t satisfied, you can return your devices within 60 days for a full refund. All SimpliSafe equipment comes with a one-year warranty.

SimpliSafe App

SimpliSafe offers a mobile app for iOS and Android, but you must be signed up for 24/7 monitoring to use it. The app allows you to arm or disarm your security system, or lock or unlock your door if you have a SimpliSafe smart lock. If you have cameras installed around your home, the app enables you to watch and record live video. 

Mobile Alerts

Any time an alert is triggered from one of your sensors, you receive a push notification on your phone. You can also view a timeline of all triggered alerts through the SimpliSafe mobile app.

SimpliSafe Customer Support

SimpliSafe offers customer support by phone, email, and live chat. Phone support is available from 8am-12am (ET), seven days a week, and live chat support is available from 9am-9pm, seven days a week. We got in touch by live chat and it took less than a minute to be connected to a representative.

SimpliSafe also has a detailed online knowledge base. You can find details about each individual device, as well as installation instructions and tips for troubleshooting your security system. SimpliSafe does not have a security blog.

Pricing & Special Offers

SimpliSafe offers packages ranging in price from $196 to $404, or you can build your own system starting from $150. 


The Haven
The Knox
The Hearth
The Essentials
The Foundation

Price

$403.89

$371.90

$311.93

$219.96

$195.97

Installation Fee

None

None

None

None

None

Mobile Access

With monitoring plan

With monitoring plan

With monitoring plan

With monitoring plan

With monitoring plan

Smart Home Integration

With monitoring plan

With monitoring plan

With monitoring plan

With monitoring plan

With monitoring plan

Video Surveillance

X

X

X

X

X

Entry, smoke, and CO detection

Medical pendant support

X

X

X

X

There are no installation fees, but monitoring requires a subscription. You can get monitoring at the following price points:

  • Self Monitoring w/camera recording: $9.99/month
  • Standard Pro Monitoring: $21.99/month
  • Fast Protect: $31.99/month

How SimpliSafe Compares to Other Home Security Services


SimpliSafe
Vivint
Ring
ADT
Cove

Best for

Customizable security packages

High-tech security devices

Security cameras

Smart home features

DIY home security systems

Monitoring price per Month

From $9.99/month

From $19.99

From $3

Pricing by quote

From $18

Money-back guarantee

60 days

3 days

30 days

60 days

60 days

Warranty

1 year

120 days

1 year

3 years

1 year

Mobile

iOS, Android

iOS, Android

iOS, Android

iOS, Android

iOS,  Android

SimpliSafe SimpliSafe Visit Site

SimpliSafe vs Vivint

Vivint offers a range of high-tech devices that rivals SimpliSafe’s offerings. In particular, Vivint has a wider range of camera options and offers a secure hard drive so you can store your own video recordings. Vivint only has a 3-day money-back guarantee, but your contract is prorated if you cancel early.

SimpliSafe vs Ring

Ring can be a good option if you only want security cameras rather than a full-fledged home security system. The company offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor cameras, and plans start at just $3 per month for one camera. Ring’s plans for 24/7 alarm monitoring start at $20 per month.

SimpliSafe vs ADT

Similarly to SimpliSafe, ADT offers a comprehensive selection of home security devices. One major difference is that all ADT systems are professionally installed. Another is that ADT offers a range of smart home features that enable you to set up automations and integrate your home’s other smart devices.

SimpliSafe vs Cove

Cove takes the customization options available from SimpliSafe to the next level. At Cove, you choose a selection of sensors and monitoring devices on an a la carte basis, then choose the level of monitoring you want. Cove is a great option if you want to design your own security system, but if you prefer a pre-designed package, it will feel less user-friendly than SimpliSafe.

Bottom Line

SimpliSafe offers comprehensive home security systems and the flexibility you need to build a system that’s tailored to your home. The company alarm devices are impressively innovative and you get the security of 24/7 monitoring. On top of that, SimpliSafe’s system utilizes both WiFi and cellular networks, so it will still work in the event of a WiFi outage.

Overall, SimpliSafe isn’t the cheapest home security option, but its prices are competitive and the company delivers good value for money.

Frequently Asked Questions
How much does SimpliSafe cost monthly?+-

SimpliSafe 24/7 monitoring costs $27.90 per month. The monitoring service is optional and you can cancel anytime.

Who owns SimpliSafe?+-

SimpliSafe is owned by private equity firm Hellman & Friedman.

Is SimpliSafe worth the money?+-

SimpliSafe offers customizable home security systems with innovative sensors to protect against burglary, flooding, and fires. It also offers 24/7 monitoring at a reasonable price.

Who is the SimpliSafe guy?+-

The SimpliSafe burglar Robbert Larson is played by actor Peter Davis.

How does SimpliSafe work without WiFi?+-

The SimpliSafe base station has a cellular network connection, enabling it to send alerts even if your WiFi network is down.

Barry is a veteran who has served as a front-line officer for 10 years. Responding to hundreds of residential burglary incidents during his career, he has built up a wealth of experience surveying crime scenes. Today he shares his knowledge by delivering crime prevention advice on publications such as Top10.com.

SimpliSafe reviews

Average • Reviews 16,538
on
Excellent
59%
Great
12%
Average
9%
Poor
6%
Bad
13%
Sort by
Dan Meeks
4 months ago
I recently purchased a SimpliSafe…
I recently purchased a SimpliSafe security system. I love the system! The entire process, from purchase to installation was quite easy. I think what impressed me the most was the quality of the product and the reasonable price. The system was easy to install and the clarity and battery life of the exterior camera is exceptional. I recommend SimpliSafe for anyone considering a home security product.
Jesse Danner
8 months ago
Great Company
I, in no way, have been incentivized to write this review. I am simply writing this due to my overall experience with SimpliSafe. I have been a client of SimpliSafe for more than 10 years now. I believe we came on board as clients when SimpliSafe was only a couple of years old as a company. My wife and I were looking for a reasonable security system that didn't require extensive upfront costs and/or lengthy contracts. We had experiences with other security providers, but at a time when finances were tight and we wanted to protect our family, we landed on SimpliSafe. SimpliSafe had a reasonable monthly monitoring cost, no contract, and I could purchase as much or as little equipment as I needed. I believe we spent $400 when we first signed up. That price covered all our doors, motion sensors, glass break sensors, sirens, and two keypads. If I needed to reduce the type of monitoring I needed, I could do this at any point. I also had lifetime coverage on my equipment. In 2019, we had a house fire, which devastated our family. If you’ve ever experienced this, it really shakes your life. The entire process of trying to restore your home is laborious, and it is almost impossible to get your house back to where it was without spending more money. When I contacted SimpliSafe to replace our damaged equipment, they sent us an entirely new system at no cost!! You can’t imagine what this meant when we were having to deal with replacing all our possessions. In 2024, I purchased two used cameras from a third party to add to my existing system. Unfortunately, the original owner had not removed them from their account, and I could not use them. When I contacted SimpliSafe to see if they could help me, they made it super simple and sent me two cameras to replace the defective ones I had purchased. They didn’t have to do this. It wasn’t their responsibility to fix cameras that I didn’t buy directly from them, but they did. They send a moving kit when we relocate, their customer support via text or phone is always readily available, they look for ways to expand their technology, and they make it super simple for us to remain as clients. I can remember when they were working to release their first camera. It did take some time, but the quality was worth the wait. I can’t recommend SimpliSafe enough.
cu
customer
10 months ago
Unusually good customer service
I had a friend set up my system three years ago because I hate doing this stuff so much (and had I done that myself, I may have had some issues) but I have had good experiences. Billing is simple and clear and when I've reached out to customer service on chat via their website a few times, they answer politely, don't try to sell me other stuff and solve the problem. AND you have the option to save your chat transcript! Talk about efficient and transparent! (Are you listening, Comcast/Xfinity?? Follow this model.)
Gr
Greg
11 months ago
Exceptional Customer Service
I was setting up my SimpliSafe keypad and it wasn't connecting to the base station. It kept telling me that the "Keypad not connected". I contacted support via chat and they walked me through connecting the keypad to the base station through the app on my smartphone. The keypad connected, ran updates, and it is now fully connected to my system. Thank you SimpliSafe for making home security worthwhile with great customer service!

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