Home security is a top priority for many homeowners, and finding the right system can be a daunting task. Enter SimpliSafe security, an affordable, easy-to-install, and customizable home security solution that offers a breath of fresh air in an industry filled with complex and expensive options. Ready to discover why SimpliSafe might just be the perfect fit for your home? Let’s dive into some SimpliSafe reviews!
Key Takeaways
SimpliSafe provides an affordable, customizable home security system with DIY installation and no long-term contracts.
The comprehensive range of sensors, cameras and add-ons offer reliable performance with fast response times.
Homeowners can benefit from excellent customer support and a secure smart home integration experience through the SimpliSafe app.
SimpliSafe’s Features and Benefits
SimpliSafe provides a reliable home security system that is both user-friendly and cost-effective. With a range of packages and monitoring plans to choose from, it’s an attractive option for homeowners who want a security system that’s both effective and easy to manage.
SimpliSafe’s affordability stands as a key advantage. The company offers equipment packages at various price points, allowing you to choose a solution that fits your budget. In addition, SimpliSafe’s monitoring service is contract-free, giving you the flexibility to change plans as your needs evolve. The system’s ease of installation also sets it apart from competitors – with a DIY approach, you can have your home security up and running in no time.
SimpliSafe also excels in customization. With the option to select pre-configured packages or build your own custom system, you can tailor the security system to suit your specific needs and preferences. From entry sensors to motion detectors and cameras, SimpliSafe has you covered.
Affordability and Monitoring Plans
The affordability of SimpliSafe stands as one of its major draws. With monitoring plans ranging from $0 to $29.99 per month, there’s an option to suit every budget. For those who favor no monthly fees, SimpliSafe provides an unmonitored plan with basic security features, including system arming and disarming, along with alarm and camera alerts.
In addition to its budget-friendly monitoring plans, SimpliSafe also offers affordable equipment packages. Prices range from:
$244.96 for the Foundation package
$399.90 for the Essentials package
$489.85 for the Hearth package
$699.90 for the Beacon package
You also have the option to finance your purchase through Affirm for even more flexibility.
When compared to other home security systems, SimpliSafe clearly distinguishes itself in affordability and value. Some key advantages of SimpliSafe include:
Low cost
Reliable security
Easy installation
No long-term contracts
Customizable packages
While some competitors might offer more advanced features or greater smart home integration, SimpliSafe’s combination of low cost and reliable security makes it an excellent choice for many homeowners.
Ease of Installation
The DIY installation of SimpliSafe is a strong attraction for many homeowners. The process is straightforward and can be completed in under an hour, making it an ideal option for those who prefer to avoid the hassle and expense of professional installation.
To install your SimpliSafe system, follow these steps:
Plug in the base station.
Activate and adhere any additional devices, buttons, or sensors to your walls.
Mount smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in a permanent place.
Use the provided screws and wall anchors to make the installation easier.
SimpliSafe also provides professional installation at an extra charge of $99 for those who prefer it. However, the ease of the DIY installation process makes it an attractive option for many, saving both time and money.
Customization Options
The customization options of SimpliSafe stand out as a significant feature. While the company offers several pre-configured packages, you also have the freedom to create your own custom security system by selecting individual pieces of equipment. By tailoring your system to your specific needs and living space, you can ensure optimal protection for your home.
Whether you need extra entry sensors or a specific glass break sensor, SimpliSafe enables the selection of components that align best with your needs. With prices for equipment packages ranging from $244.96 to $524.86, SimpliSafe offers a range of solutions for different budgets and needs. This flexibility makes it an appealing choice for homeowners looking to build a security system that’s tailored to their unique circumstances.
SimpliSafe Equipment Overview
SimpliSafe’s equipment lineup includes:
Base station
Keypad
Various sensors
Cameras
Smart locks
This offers a comprehensive security solution for homeowners. The base station, as the system’s central component, integrates with the SimpliSafe app, alerts users of any activity, and connects to the professional monitoring center.
The range of sensors available includes entry sensors, motion sensors, and glass break sensors, ensuring complete home protection. Additionally, SimpliSafe offers indoor and outdoor cameras to help monitor your property and capture crucial footage in the event of a security breach.
Lastly, the SimpliSafe Smart Lock, along with other add-ons, elevate the capabilities of the security system. Although some users may experience connectivity issues, these additional features provide valuable tools for maintaining a secure home environment.
Base Station and Keypad
The base station and keypad are the core components of SimpliSafe’s system. Featuring a modern design and user-friendly interface, these elements work together to provide an effective and easy-to-use security solution.
The base station boasts a sleek, tower-like design, measuring approximately eight inches in height with a four-inch rounded base. At night, it exudes a blue underglow, infusing a stylish touch to your home. The keypad, on the other hand, is a wall-mounted device with a touch-sensitive screen, allowing users to arm and disarm the system, manage user PIN codes, and exercise full control over the system.
Despite the keypad’s design necessitating a minor learning curve, it effectively arms and disarms the system as anticipated. Together, the base station and keypad form the backbone of SimpliSafe’s reliable security system.
Sensors
SimpliSafe offers a range of sensors to ensure comprehensive home protection. Door sensors and entry sensors, for example, alert homeowners when a door or window has been opened, with compact and discreet designs that won’t disrupt your home aesthetics.
Motion sensors, including the motion sensor, are another key component of SimpliSafe’s system. With a detection range of 30 feet, these sensors can effectively monitor large areas of your home and trigger alerts if any movement is detected.
Glass break sensors, on the other hand, detect the sound of breaking glass and can be installed near glass doors and windows to monitor an entire area. These sensors are particularly useful for rooms with multiple glass windows or large glass doors, providing an additional layer of protection.
Cameras
SimpliSafe’s indoor and outdoor cameras offer basic features and decent performance, with some limitations in terms of advanced customization options. The SimpliCam indoor camera and the SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera Pro provide homeowners with the ability to monitor their property and capture crucial footage in the event of a security breach.
The SimpliCam:
Measures 4.56 inches in height, 2.55 inches in width, and 2.08 inches in depth
Weighs 5.3 ounces
Features a 120-degree lens, providing a wide field of view for effective home monitoring.
Another camera option is the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro, a front door camera that notifies users of visitors, supports live streaming, and features two-way audio. Overall, SimpliSafe’s cameras provide a decent level of security, despite some limitations in customization options.
Smart Lock and Other Add-Ons
The SimpliSafe Smart Lock:
Provides users with the ability to remotely lock and unlock their doors
May experience connectivity issues with the SimpliSafe app
Is a cost-effective addition to the system
Offers a basic level of functionality compared to some standalone smart lock competitors
In addition to the Smart Lock, SimpliSafe offers other add-ons to enhance the security system’s capabilities. Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and freeze and water sensors can all be integrated with the system to provide a comprehensive home security solution.
Though some users may experience connectivity issues with certain add-ons, these additional features provide valuable tools for maintaining a secure home environment and ensuring the safety of your family.
SimpliSafe and Smart Home Integration
SimpliSafe’s system has limited smart home integration, with compatibility mainly focused on voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. This means that while you won’t find the same level of integration with other smart home devices as some competitors, you can still control your SimpliSafe system using voice commands through popular virtual assistants.
For users who have subscribed to either the Self Monitoring or Interactive Monitoring plans, SimpliSafe is also compatible with August locks and Apple Watch, providing additional options for controlling your security system.
Additionally, SimpliSafe is capable of integrating with Nest Thermostat to adjust the temperature in your home according to alarm modes, providing a basic level of smart home functionality. Despite not offering the most extensive smart home integration, the system remains a reliable and user-friendly security solution for homeowners.
SimpliSafe System Performance
Testing has proven the reliability and effectiveness of SimpliSafe’s system, with its responsive sensors and monitoring services ensuring a secure home environment. SimpliSafe has recently made claims that their system is able to alert police in a mere 16 seconds. This emphasizes the company’s rapid and efficient service provision for its customers.
The performance of SimpliSafe’s entry and motion sensors, base station, and 105dB siren has been tested over a period of several months, with positive results indicating that the system functions as designed and provides reliable home security. Additionally, SimpliSafe’s monitoring service has been found to be prompt in contacting users in the event of an alarm.
Overall, the performance of SimpliSafe’s system inspires confidence in its ability to provide a secure and reliable home security solution for homeowners.
Comparing SimpliSafe to Competitors
When set against competitors such as Ring, ADT, and Vivint, SimpliSafe undeniably presents a more budget-friendly and uncomplicated home security option. While some competitors might offer more advanced features or greater smart home integration, SimpliSafe’s combination of low cost and reliable security makes it an excellent choice for many homeowners.
For example, when comparing SimpliSafe to ADT, SimpliSafe is a more cost-effective solution, though it does not possess the same range of smart home features and equipment options. Similarly, Frontpoint offers a wider range of home integration technologies and more expensive hardware prices, making SimpliSafe an attractive and budget-friendly alternative.
Ultimately, SimpliSafe stands out in the market as an exceptional value, offering a reliable security system that is both effective and easy to manage.
SimpliSafe Customer Support
Generally, SimpliSafe’s customer support experience is well-received, offering the following support options:
Phone support: available daily from 9 AM to midnight EST
Email support: available daily from 9 AM to midnight EST
Forum support: available to address any user queries or concerns
This ensures that help is readily available when you need it.
In personal experiences, SimpliSafe’s customer support staff have been found to be accommodating and patient, guiding users through the process and addressing any issues that may arise. While email response times may vary, with an average turnaround time of two days, the overall customer support experience with SimpliSafe is positive and reassuring, providing users with the assistance they need to get the most out of their home security system.
The SimpliSafe App Experience
The SimpliSafe app is a user-friendly and highly rated application that enables users to:
Manage their security system remotely
Arm and disarm their system
Live-stream camera footage
Tweak settings as per their requirements
Available for both iPhone and Android devices, the SimpliSafe app has been praised for its ease of use and reliable performance.
Users can enjoy the convenience of controlling their security system from anywhere, ensuring that their home is protected even when they’re not physically present. Overall, the SimpliSafe app experience is a valuable addition to the security system, providing users with a simple and effective way to manage their home security on the go.
Security Concerns and Solutions
As with any security system, concerns about potential vulnerabilities and threats are inevitable. SimpliSafe addresses these concerns through its proprietary anti-jamming algorithms and regular system updates to counter potential security issues like jamming attacks and vulnerabilities.
SimpliSafe’s security system, also known as an alarm system, features:
An anti-jamming algorithm designed to detect any attempts by a sophisticated thief to disrupt the system, immediately alerting you in the event of such an attack
Encryption for all system transmissions
Over-the-air firmware updates, allowing for rapid response to evolving threats and vulnerabilities
By taking these measures, SimpliSafe demonstrates its commitment to providing a secure and reliable home security solution for its users, ensuring that you can have peace of mind knowing that your home is protected.
Summary
In conclusion, SimpliSafe offers an affordable, easy-to-install, and customizable home security solution that stands out in the market. With a range of equipment options, monitoring plans, and reliable performance, SimpliSafe provides homeowners with an effective and user-friendly security system. Whether you’re looking for a basic security setup or a more comprehensive solution, SimpliSafe is a strong contender in the world of home security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SimpliSafe actually good?
SimpliSafe is an excellent and intuitive home security system that is easy to install and use, and offers the flexibility of paying for 24/7 monitoring without a contract. It may lack some smart features, but still is considered one of the top systems on the market today.
What does SimpliSafe cost per month?
SimpliSafe offers 24/7 professional monitoring for just $14.99 per month.
What happens if a burglar destroys the SimpliSafe base station?
If a burglar destroys the SimpliSafe base station, the alarm won’t be triggered and the intruder might have defeated the system. However, as SimpliSafe provides a separate keypad and comes with a “SmashSafe” backup, a battery back-up for the base station, and cell and internet connection redundancy, the system will still send out an alarm to the monitoring center.
Can I create my own custom SimpliSafe system?
Yes, you can create your own custom SimpliSafe system by selecting from pre-configured packages or by customizing with a variety of sensors, cameras, and add-ons.
How easy is it to install SimpliSafe?
Installing SimpliSafe is quick and easy. With clear instructions and straightforward process, the installation can be done in under an hour.