SimpliSafe Review

Pros

• Affordable start-up costs
• Dual connection; WiFi and Cellular
• 24-hour battery backup
• Fully integrated camera

Cons

• Keypad display feels a bit dated (black and white, mostly just text)
• Professional monitoring is slightly more expensive than other similar brands

Scoring

Pricing & Packages

There is a wide range of SimpliSafe packages to choose from, depending on what exactly you are looking.

From third party websites, like Amazon, there are four security kits available:

• 5-Piece Set
• 8-Piece Set
• 9-Piece Set
• 12-Piece Set

If you’re shopping directly from SimpliSafe.com, the options are a little different and they have catchy little names. The sets direct from SimpliSafe include:

• The Foundation (4-piece set)
• The Essentials (6-piece set)
• The Hearth (9-piece set)
• The Knox (13-piece set)
• The Haven (14-piece set)

In addition to these pre-set configurations, you can also purchase stand-alone devices, sensors, or cameras to add custom elements to your system.

All kits also include a 30-day free trial with professional monitoring and 24-hour backup battery with a dual cellular / wifi connection.

Here’s an exact list of the contents of the SimpliSafe kits from Amazon:

SimpliSafe Security System Sets

Monitoring Pricing

SimpliSafe Standard vs. SimpliSafe Interactive

Here’s a list of some of the bonuses you get with the SimpliSafe Interactive Plan:

• Arm or disarm your system remotely
• Receive emails and text messages for alarms, activity, or even errors with Instant Alerts
• Customize your alarm settings from anywhere in the world
• Know exactly who is arming and disarming your system—and when
• Secret alerts; get private notifications when people are getting into places they don’t really belong—like a gun safe, liquor cabinet, etc.
• Set up Integrations—with Alexa, Google Home, August, etc.
• Unlimited camera recording for events
• Video alarm verification; optional service that sends a 60-second clip of the alarm to the monitoring center for verification

Equipment

As with most other DIY system setups, the SimpliSafe equipment comes in its own separate box. This packaging method, albeit more time-consuming, does add some clarity when you’re unboxing so you know what exactly everything is.

Here are some quick details about the functions of each main component in the SimpliSafe system.

#1. Base Station

The Base Station is the main point of contact for all of the sensors, cameras, and other add-ons. This is the central command center that communicates with the rest of the system and makes sure that all components are working smoothly.

Our Testing Thoughts

• Sleek look with intuitive light ring
• Siren not as loud as others we’ve tested, but still comes in at 95 dB
• Easy setup; just plug and go

There is also a verbal indicator when alarms are armed / off.

RELATED: SimpliSafe does offer a louder siren (105 dB) sold separately.

When doors or windows are opened, the base station plays a chime. Lastly, when there is an unread alert or message, the LED light ring at the base flashes red.

How does it look?

From a purely aesthetic standpoint, I really like the base station. It’s one of my personal favorites from the systems we’ve tested thus far.

The light ring at the base is a simple way to communicate different statuses of the system:

• Red = there is an unread alert or message
• Blue = system is armed
• No color = system is unarmed

#2. Keypad

The Keypad is a standalone device separate from the base station that lets you arm or disarm your system, using a custom code. There is also a digitial display that communicates different settings and features as well.

Our Testing Thoughts

• Display is incredibly basic… probably too basic. Even so, at least it’s something (Ring Alarm & Scout have no external display)
• Uses T9 style for alphanumeric entries, which can be very time consuming
• Lights up when it’s dark and dims during the daytime—a nice feature

The keypad uses the old T9 style for alphanumeric entries…which is incredibly time-consuming, especially when entering long and complex wifi passwords. 

It doesn’t require a password to put the system in armed mode (most others we’ve tested do), however, you do need your password to disarm the system, of course.

After arming, the system provides a 60-second exit delay for sufficient time to exit the building.

How does it look?

The display on the keypad is incredibly simple. It can do simple graphics, but for the most part, it’s just text—all black and white.

Based on what we’ve seen from other systems. 2020 feels too far into the future for a display like this to exist. 

#3. Entry Sensor

The Entry Sensor basically works the same as any other contact sensor we’ve tested from other name brands.

It’s a two-part assembly where one part connects a stationary element (like door frame or window trim) and the other part attaches to a mobile element (like edge of door or edge of window).

If the mobile element moves and causes separation from the fixed element, you’ll gen an alert and / or the siren will go off.

Our Testing Thoughts

• Easy to install and pretty simple
• Small button to turn the sensor on
• Pretty standard design, but hey…if it works, it works

#4. Motion Sensor

The Motion Sensor detects any motion that happens within the field of view of the sensor. When motion is detected, it sends alerts back to the base station.

The sensor itself is wireless, making it flexible in terms of where you can use it. Double-sided tape is on the back for quick and easy install as well.

Our Testing Thoughts

• Quick and easy install with adhesive backing
• Includes a couple different setup modes, good for homes with pets

#5. Key Fob

The Key Fob is a small in-hand key fob that allows you to access some quick controls for the system without being at the keypad. You can attach it to your key ring or just toss it in your pocket when you want remote control.

Controls include:

• Off
• Home
• Away

The simplicity of the key fob design also serves as a one-click panic button in the event of an emergency.

#6. Panic Button

The Panic Button has a simple design with a one-touch operation. Simply press panic and an alert will be sent to emergency dispatchers local to your area for immediate help.

This button is affordable and can provide good peace of mind when you need help quickly without the fuss of complicated codes, phone calls, or lengthy processes.

#7: SimpliCam

The SimpliCam is an indoor camera that is designed to coordinate with the SimpliSafe system. It is an indoor camera only and has basic features, but overall decent quality.

Our Testing Thoughts

• Camera is fully integrated with the SimpliSafe app, which is nice.
• Limited capabilities without enrolling in the premium camera plan or the Interactive system plan

Without the premium plan, the camera monitoring is super basic. It can’t record any footage or save video history.

While they do have standalone plans just for the camera, you’ll need to enroll in the Interactive Plan for system-wide camera monitoring that communicates with the base station.

How is video quality?

Beyond specs integration, and packages, there is also video quality to consider.

While the camera may be a useful addition to many setups, I’m not sure that the quality as good as we’ve seen from other standalone indoor camera products to really warrant too much excitement.

It’s not bad by any stretch, just not amazing. Even so, I do like that it’s fully integrated with the larger system. Something that you don’t see with all security systems.

Cameras, Doorbells, Sensors, and Other Items

In addition to the items listed above, there are a few other sensors available to expand the capabilities of your SimpliSafe system.

Any single base station can support up to 41 devices.

Here is a quick list of some of their most popular items:

• Glass Break Sensor: sends an alert if it detects the sound of glass breaking
• Smoke Detector: detects smoke and emits an audible alarm
• CO Detector: detects the presence of carbon monoxide, a poisonous, odorless gas, and emits an audible alarm
• Temperature Sensor: sends an alert if the temperature in your home drops below 41°F
• Water Sensor: detects leaks and potential floods
• Extra siren: emits an audible alarm up to 105 dB; can be used inside or outside the home
• Video Doorbell: offers 1080p and smart integration with the SimpliSafe system

Installation & Setup

Setup with SimpliSafe was okay, but honestly, I just wasn’t as blown away with the convenience or ease as I have been with other systems. It took about 45 minutes to set up, a good bit longer than other systems we’ve installed.

Setting Up the Keypad

You use the keypad to set everything up, which is actually pretty nice to have it all in one single location.

But the keypad is basic, with a black and white screen, simple graphics, and mostly just text. You use it to connect and activate the various devices and connect to wifi.

There is a maximum password length when connecting to wifi, as a result, I had to use a different wifi SSID and password for the SimpliSafe to allow it to connect to my network.

Connecting the Camera

Oddly enough, when you connect the camera to your WiFi via the app it does not have a maximum password length.

Setup for the camera is similar to other indoor wireless cameras and takes just a few minutes to connect everything together.

Adding Other Devices

The keypad is simple, but overall it lacks a little bit of intuitive design. You will likely need the manual (we did) and follow along to make sure your devices get set up correctly. 

The system just isn’t intuitive in how it should work nor does it have an advanced enough app that could direct you through the setup using prompts, graphics, or other aids.

Installing the System

Like other systems we’ve tested, most of the devices install basically the same. Most devices are wireless with a double-sided adhesive for flexible installation. You peel the paper off, stick it to the wall / window / door, hold it for a few seconds, and then it’s good to go.

The base station does need to be plugged in for constant power, but again, it’s not a complicated setup. Plug it in, see the glowing light ring to ensure that it’s working, then you’re in business.

Features

The SimpliSafe security system definitely has some attractive features that can make it a solid option for simple home security.

Here’s a quick list of some of the best SimpliSafe features:

• Dual cellular and WiFi-based Connection: Dual-mode connections helps to ensure a strong connection even if your power goes out or a cell tower goes down.
• “SmashSafe” Backup: Allows your system to still send out an alert for emergency dispatch or emit an audible alarm even if would-be assailants try and smash it upon entry
• 24-hr Battery Backup: The base station generally needs to stay plugged in, but it does come with a 24-hour battery back in the event of an emergency during a power outage
• Flexible Packages: You can purchase a SimpliSafe system as a complete kit or you can build your own based on specific needs.
• Optional Pro Setup: You can set up your own system for free or for $79, you can opt for a SimpliSafe pro to get your system up and running. This may be a nice option if you want to avoid 100% DIY setups.

The Modes

The SimpliSafe security system has three different modes it can operate in. The modes include:

There’s actually a pretty large degree of flexibility within these modes. Some basic presets set up some quick defaults, but you can adjust most settings to fit your specific space.

A few of the features that you can customize include:

• Sensors armed / unarmed: arm or disarm specific sensors, as needed
• Entry and exit delay: Home mode ranges from 0-255 seconds; Away mode ranges from 30-255 seconds

RELATED: Read our Ring Alarm review here.

Smart Home

The SimplieSafe Interactive plan is the only package that allows for smart control with devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

Also, keep in mind, voice control can only be used to arm the system. For safety, you cannot disarm a system with voice control.

In addition to controlling the base home and central command of the system, you can also integrate smart control with paired smart locks.

SimpliSafe offers a smart lock or the system is also compatible with August smart locks.

Monitoring

As mentioned above, professional monitoring is available with both SimpliSafe Standard and Interactive plans.

By opting for the Interactive subscription you’ll get a slew of other smart features that help make the system more user-friendly and flexible.

The App

Overall, the app seems pretty good, but definitely basic with the free version. Without the professional monitoring plan, the app really isn’t very useful beyond setting the system up.

You can see the status of the system, but you cannot change it unless you’ve paid for the premium features.

The story is the same with the SimpliCam camera. You can live-view the camera, but you cannot view clips unless you pay for a monitoring plan. This is a separate cost from the alarm monitoring itself. 

User Experience

At least for setup and configuration, the user experience of the app just wasn’t that great.

I had issues on several occasions where I tried to back up a step in the app. But instead of backing up one step it would only allow me to completely back out of the setup / install process. 

This made the setup time consuming and a bit aggravating.

Customer Service

A good customer service program excels in two different areas, in my opinion. Here are the two parts I like to consider when evaluating how good (or not so good) a customer service team is.

• Part 1 is support when making the initial purchase.
• Part 2 is support when / if things go wrong after install.

A good company needs customer service that excels in both of these areas in order to ensure customer satisfaction.

#1. Making the Initial Purchase

Making the initial purchase for SimpliSafe is simple. The website is easy to navigate and see what options they have.

Right on the home screen is a prompt in the lower right corner that helps walk you through deciding which system is right for you.

Purchasing from a third party website, like Amazon, is also easy. The product listing clearly details what each package includes and depending on how many sensors you need, you can opt for more basic or more advanced system packages.

Dial-In

If you still aren’t sure which package to go with, you can always dial in using their customer service line, but I kind of hate that. I much prefer online chats and SimpliSafe doesn’t seem to offer this feature, which is a little disappointing.

#2. When Things Go Wrong

After setup, there may still be times when you need assistance. SimpliSafe offers help directly from their 24-hour monitoring center (for emergencies) or from their digital Help Center (for troubleshooting).

The Help Center is basically an online database of articles and questions. There is a large search bar at the top where you can type in your question or you can search the database on specific products.

It’s simple and clean looking, making troubleshooting a little easier.

Of course, I would have still liked to have seen an Online Live Chat, but it’s not bad at all.

The Bottom Line

So is the SimpliSafe right for you? The bottom line is that this system has a lot going for it. It’s easy to customize systems and the startup costs are pretty reasonable.

The 24-hour professional monitoring can provide peace of mind and dual connections (cellular and WiFi) combined with the 24-hour battery backup helps to ensure that you are never disconnected.

The base plan of $15 / month isn’t bad, however, the more expensive $25 / month plan really has all of the best features that make the system ideal.

While it lacks advanced cameras, the SimpliCam is a simple option for basic video surfeillance.

The SimpliSafe security system is a good option for users who want:

• Professional monitoring: comes with the Standard package or the Interactive subscription plan
• Low start-up costs: affordable to add different sensors or detectors and build the exact system you need, without paying for extras that you don’t
• Dual connectivity: relies on cellular network and / or WiFi which limits the chance that you’ll get disconnected

Frequently Asked Questions