SimpliSafe Home Security Review
The SimpliSafe wireless home security system lives up to its name. Its pricing is straight forward and equipment like motion sensors and base station sets up in minutes.
The equipment is varied too and can protect your home from the video doorbell at your front door to a smart lock at the back door.
Plus, SimpliSafe's equipment costs are lower than most other home security companies without a contract. And you can opt into and out of professional monitoring at your convenience.
See how it compares to the best DIY home security systems and the best security systems for renters.
No contracts 60-day money-back guarantee Easy setup Cheap monthly fees Affordable equipment Stylish design
Equipment purchase required up front Limited smart home compatibility Simple design and functionsSimpliSafe cost
You do have to buy your equipment up front, but all of SimpliSafe’s preselected packages are under $500 (or under $400 when you add the Interactive Monitoring plan at checkout).
Compare monthly monitoring plans
| Monitoring plan | Standard plan | Interactive plan | Self-monitoring with camera recordings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | $14.99 | $24.99 | $9.99 |
| Mobile app access |
 No |
 Yes |
Yes |
| Live and recorded video |
No |
Yes |
Recorded only
|
| Smart home integration |
No |
Yes |
No |
| Learn more | View Packages | View Packages | View packages |
Data effective 05/20/2021. Offers and availability subject to change.
As far as professional monitoring for SimpliSafe goes, we recommend the Interactive plan for a few reasons. It costs more per month than the other plans, but it's still cheaper than other DIY systems like Frontpoint.
Better for video:
In addition to throwing in a free HD SimpliCam, the Interactive plan comes with unlimited camera recording, on-demand recording, and video verification. This means you can tune into happenings around your home any time and have the pros help you out in an emergency with the footage you capture.
Better for emergencies:
The Interactive plan also comes with 24/7 monitoring and dispatch, fire monitoring, and medical response. So any kind of emergency is covered. It even includes less common dangers like temperature and water damage monitoring.
Better for equipment:
If you have a larger house or want equipment that goes beyond the basics, we recommend the Interactive plan. SimpliSafe has sensors for smoke, freezing temperatures, and water leaks that not only keep your home safe but healthy too.
We dive deeper into SimpliSafe monitoring and equipment prices to ask the big question. Visit our full page to learn how much does SimpliSafe cost?
Is SimpliSafe right for you?
SimpliSafe’s accessible prices, nonexistent contracts, and indoor equipment make it one of the best home security choices for renters.
Whether you rent 500 or 5,000 square feet, SimpliSafe offers kits with everything you need to secure your home. And most of them cost less than $400.
You’ll have to pay up front for your system, but you can cancel any time without worrying about fees or complicated contracts.
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.
SimpliSafe lets you purchase 30-day bundles of monitoring service that you can use whenever you want. Without the boundaries of a calendar month, you can turn on your monitoring when you leave town or need extra eyes on your house.
How SimpliSafe stacks up
Not sure SimpliSafe is your ideal DIY home security match? We can help you shop around.
We’ve stacked SimpliSafe against other home security companies to make it easy for you to compare.
| Luxury smart home pick | Reader favorite | Whole-property pick | Pro monitoring pick | No-contract DIY pick | |
| Brand |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Lowest monthly monitoring price | $29.99/mo. | $14.99/mo. | $49.99/mo. | $27.99/mo. ‡ | $19.99/mo. |
| Starter equipment price | $0.00 * | $229.00 | $294.30 ^ | $0.00 ** | $199.15 |
| Contract required |
No † |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
| Installation | Pro | DIY | DIY | Pro | DIY |
| Smart home compatibility | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Z-Wave |
Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Z-Wave |
Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Z-Wave |
Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Z-Wave |
| Learn more | View Packages | View Packages | View Packages | View Packages | View Packages |
| Read review | Read review | Read review | Read review | Read review | Read review |
Info current as of 05/20/21. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*$0 due up-front with consumer financing.
†No-contract options available with outright equipment purchase.
^Or $9.49/mo. with consumer financing.
‡Landline monitoring only. Some restrictions apply. (Full disclaimer)
**With $99 installation charge and new monitoring agreement. Early termination fee applies. See full disclaimer for full offer details, terms, and conditions.
SimpliSafe contracts and guarantees
SimpliSafe breaks from security system tradition and skips the contracts. There's no hefty cancellation fee chaining you to a system you don't like.
You also aren't 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 SimpliSafe 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.
While you need the Interactive plan to use the SimpliSafe app, you can still view video from your SimpliCam or Video Doorbell Pro without it. You just can't control the camera or connect to help in an emergency through it.
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 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 tested
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.
Learn which third-party products work with SimpliSafe and get the full rundown on all of SimpliSafe's sensors, cameras, and equipment from our Tech and Equipment page.
SimpliSafe equipment packages
It’s not unheard of to pay around $1,000 (or more) for home security equipment.
But every SimpliSafe home security system comes with basic equipment like a base station, wireless keypad, motion sensor, and entry sensor for between $225 and $500.
The higher-tiered packages include multiple sensors and add-ons like a siren, smoke detector, or hazard sensors (like the water sensor to prevent flooding).
| Equipment |  |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | The Foundation | The Essentials | The Hearth | The Knox | The Haven |
| Equipment price | $229.00 | $259.00 | $374.00 | $449.00 | $489.00 |
| Base station and keypad |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Entry sensors |
Yes (1) |
Yes (3) |
Yes (3) |
Yes (6) |
Yes (4) |
| Motion sensors |
Yes (1) |
Yes (1) |
Yes (1) |
Yes (2) |
Yes (2) |
| Additional equipment |
No |
No |
Siren, smoke detector, key fob
|
Siren, smoke detector, key fob
|
Siren, panic button, freeze sensor, water sensor, smoke detector
|
| Learn more | View Packages | View Packages | View Packages | View Packages | View Packages |
Data effective 05/20/2021. Offers and availability subject to change.
Our recommendation
For our SimpliSafe review, we recommend The Hearth package because it has a 105 dB 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.
If the idea of setting up your own home security system sounds daunting, don't panic. We've outlined everything you need to know about installing your SimpliSafe system.
A closer look at SimpliSafe equipment
Here's a quick rundown of some of the core SimpliSafe equipment. To learn more about each of these devices and all of SimpliSafe's gear, check out our page on SimpliSafe Equipment Compatibility.
| Product |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $114.99 | $69.99 | $29.99 | $14.99 |
| Purpose | Control system, keep tabs on sensors, backup battery, communicate with monitoring center | Arm/disarm system, adjust system settings | Detect motion using infrared light | Detect when windows or doors open and close |
Data effective 05/20/2021. Offers and availability subject to change.
SimpliSafe smart home features
For a modern-looking system with a new approach to pricing and contracts, SimpliSafe’s smart home features are surprisingly old school. Its proprietary equipment keeps prices low, but limits the system’s smart home abilities.
SimpliSafe offers a branded smart lock and video doorbell, but they only really work with your SimpliSafe system.
And you can pair your Amazon or Google smart speaker with your system with other smart home devices onboard, but devices like lights and plugs don’t work directly with SimpliSafe.
SimpliSafe smart home compatibility
- Voice control: Amazon Alexa, Google Home
- Climate control: Nest Thermostat
- Lighting control: Coming soon
- Smart locks: Smart locks
We like that SimpliSafe is proactive about updating its offerings, but the only way to take advantage of those upgrades is to buy all new stuff. If you’re thinking of updating an existing SimpliSafe system, contact the company to find out if any of your equipment is compatible with the latest version.
SimpliSafe customer service
When it comes to customer service, SimpliSafe has a lot of options to offer. From libraries of help articles about specific devices to email and phone support, the company can help you get answers about your system.
Check out our full review of SimpliSafe's customer service to get the full story.
We went through all of SimpliSafe's customer support channels to see how they assist their customers. Read our in-depth review of SimpliSafe customer service to learn more.
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.
Final word
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.
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 met with SimpliSafe.
- We read hundreds of customer reviews.
- We 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.
SimpliSafe FAQ
No. The SimpliSafe alarm system doesn't require a Wi-Fi connection, cell phone, or computer. All you need are the base station and keypad. These components use a built-in cellular connection to communicate.
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.
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. The good news is SimpliCam and Video Doorbell Pro both work with new and old equipment.
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.
SimpliSafe uses Verizon & T-Mobile.
Got more questions? Check out our in-depth SimpliSafe FAQs page
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