SimpliSafe Review

SimpliSafe Home Security Review Logo
  • OVERALL RATING:  
    empty starempty starempty starempty starempty star   4.5/5
  • Products & Services:  
    empty starempty starempty starempty starempty star   5/5
  • Cost:  
    empty starempty starempty starempty starempty star   5/5
  • Ease of Use:  
    empty starempty starempty starempty starempty star   5/5
  • Customer Support & Reviews:  
    empty starempty starempty starempty starempty star   3.5/5

Our Review

SimpliSafe is one of the best choices for home security for homeowners and renters alike. With highly customizable packages and equipment to choose from at an affordable cost, the company provides unique solutions with upfront pricing for wireless equipment and no contracts. Self-installed systems and flexible offerings allow renters to move their home security system with them. Recognized for its award-winning monitoring service, SimpliSafe produces numerous products and stand-alone devices for your home protection needs.

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Products & Services

Products & Services Rating:  
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SimpliSafe offers several personalized packages that include easy-to-install home security systems with wireless protection for multiple sized homes and apartments.

All packages include a base station connected to a central monitoring center and a wireless keypad, which serve as the foundation of the security system. Also included in all packages is a 95dB or 105dB siren for scaring off intruders. Customers also have the option to add 24/7 professional monitoring and pro set up at an additional cost.

SimpliSafe’s DIY alarm systems don’t require any tools, and the equipment is built for the unexpected. The keypad only lights up when you need to see it with its touch-to-wake system, so you don’t have to be bothered by an annoyingly bright light. The entry and motion sensors only detect intruders by sensing unique heat signatures of humans, so you don’t have to worry about your pets setting off the alarm. SimpliSafe has additional features such as HD cameras, glass break sensors, panic buttons, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide sensors, key fobs, and water sensors. While SimpliSafe offers a variety of standard packages for home protection, you can also create a customized security system with the company’s Build My System package.

Build My System Package

With Build My System, you can uniquely tailor your SimpliSafe home security system to match your needs perfectly. With the core components of the base station and wireless keypad in place, you can build your package to include additional devices such as protection sensors for burglary and hazards. Optional add-ons with the Build My System Package include extra keypads, key fobs, Sirens, yard signs, and Pro Setup Help. This package is perfect for those who have unique needs or want flexible options.

Features:
  • Base Station and Wireless Keypad included
  • Siren included
  • Yard Sign included
  • Entry Sensor
  • Motion Sensor
  • SimpliCam
  • Glassbreak Sensor
  • Panic Button
  • Smoke Detector
  • Carbon Monoxide Sensor
  • Temperature Sensor
  • Water Sensor
  • Key Fob
  • Pro Setup Help
  • Interactive Monitoring

The Haven Package

The Haven is the most comprehensive package that SimpliSafe offers, and it includes one base station, one wireless keypad, and additional sensors. This package includes entry sensors to guard the front and back doors and motion sensors cover two main rooms. The siren scares off intruders and the panic button can be placed in an accessible area. A temperature sensor helps prevent pipes from freezing, the smoke detector senses a fire before it starts, and the water sensor alerts of potential leaks and floods. This package offers peace of mind, and it reduces the stress of the unexpected by covering all of the bases.

Features:
  • Base Station
  • Wireless Keypad
  • Key Fob
  • Four Entry Sensors
  • Two Motion Sensors
  • 105dB Siren
  • Temperature Sensor
  • Smoke Detector
  • Water Sensor
  • Interactive Monitoring Add-On
  • Pro Setup Add-On

The Knox Package

The Knox is SimpliSafe’s home security package for large homes. While including the standard base station and wireless keypad, it also contains twice the entry and motion protection than the Hearth package. This makes it an excellent option for homes with four or more bedrooms since it includes six entry sensors and two motion sensors. The package also comes with a key fob, 105dB siren, and a smoke detector. The difference between the Knox and Haven packages is that the Knox does not include the temperate and water sensors.

Features:
  • Base Station
  • Wireless Keypad
  • Key Fob
  • Six Entry Sensors
  • Two Motion Sensors
  • 105dB Siren
  • Smoke Detector
  • Interactive Monitoring Add-On
  • Pro Setup Add-On

The Hearth Package

SimpliSafe’s Hearth package includes the home security essentials, plus a smoke detector. With this package, you’ll get the base station, wireless keypad, key fob, sensors, and siren that help you stay protected and secure. The smoke detector offers additional peace of mind by detecting fires before they start. This package is an excellent option for any home that wants the essentials and is looking for a quality smoke detecting system. The key fob and 105dB siren are also extra features that aren’t included in the Essentials package.

Features:
  • Base Station
  • Wireless Keypad
  • Key Fob
  • Three Entry Sensors
  • Motion Sensors
  • 105dB Siren
  • Smoke Detector
  • Interactive Monitoring Add-On
  • Pro Setup Add-On

The Essentials Package

The Essentials is SimpliSafe’s most popular package, as it includes everything you need for your home security and sensors that cover your entire home. With the base station and wireless keypad, you have the heart of your home security system. Additionally, with this package, you get three entry sensors and one motion sensor, so you can be assured that all entries are protected, and you can detect motion inside of your home. This is an upgrade from the Foundation package by offering extra entry sensors for those homes who don’t just have a single entry.

Features:
  • Base Station
  • Wireless Keypad
  • Three Entry Sensors
  • Motion Sensors
  • 95dB Siren
  • Interactive Monitoring Add-On
  • Pro Setup Add-On

Additional Products:

  • Video Doorbell Pro
  • SimpliCam
  • Smart Lock
  • Referbished Systems
  • Mobile App
Pros
  • You can customize your home security system and add additional products to your order
Cons
  • Professional monitoring is not included, but it is an add-on

Cost

Cost Rating:  
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SimpliSafe offers competitive pricing and costs by not using long-term contracts that other companies require, and they provide flexible options to fit your budget. With many packages to choose from, including the opportunity to build your system, customers can compare upfront costs for equipment. Systems start at around $200, and monitoring plans start at $14.99 per month.

Each system’s starting price automatically assumes you’ll select the Interactive monitoring add-on, and this saves you 20% off of the system and a free month of monitoring. The Interactive 24/7 professional monitoring offers priority emergency dispatch, and the monitoring alone costs 83 cents per day/$24.99 per month, which is cheap compared to other companies. There is also a Standard monitoring plan for 50 cents per day/$14.99 a month, and this includes professional monitoring but no visual verification to find if alarms are legitimate.

Package Name Cost with Interactive Monitoring Extra Fees
Build My System $147 starting Each add-on ranges from $3.99 to $99
The Haven $391 Optional Pro Setup for $79
The Knox $359 Optional Pro Setup for $79
The Hearth $299 Optional Pro Setup for $79
The Essentials $183 Optional Pro Setup for $79
The Foundation $299 Optional Pro Setup for $79

*By Including Interactive Monitoring with systems, customer’s save 20%. Starting costs are higher if customer’s opt-out of monitoring.

Equipment Cost
Base Station Included
Wireless Keypad Included, $69.99 for extra
Entry Sensor $14.99
Motion Sensor $29.99
SimpiCam $99
Glassbreak Sensor $34.99
Panic Button $19.99
Smoke Detector $29.99
Carbon Monoxide Sensor $49.99
Temperature Sensor $29.99
Water Sensor $19.99
Key Fob $24.99
105dB Siren $59.99
9″ x 11″ Yard Sign $3.99
Pro Setup Help $79
Video Doorbell Pro $169
Smart Lock $99
Mobile App Free

Savings Opportunities

If you’re not satisfied with your SimpliSafe home security system, you can return it within 60 days to get a full refund, plus you don’t have to pay for return shipping. Refurbished systems save you 25% on costs, and including Interactive Monitoring in your order takes 20% off the full price. Furthermore, the first month of monitoring is free. SimpliSafe also offers seasonal deals, a referral program that provides a free month of monitoring.

Pros
  • Multiple saving opportunities and full refunds
Cons
  • Standard monitoring isn’t an add-on option with systems until the checkout process, and only the Interactive monitoring plan offers a discount

Customer Support and Reviews

Customer Support and Reviews:  
empty starempty starempty starempty starempty star   3.5/5

Customers agree that SimpliSafe offers highly customizable home security options at an affordable cost. Packages that suit unique needs, easy DIY installation, and affordability are among the positive critiques.

ConsumerAffairs customers shared that they feel secure with their SimpliSafe system, and they also think that the company is trustworthy since they offer a 60-day return policy. The most critical reviews expressed that technical errors with devices can cause false alarms, and customer service quality can vary. The Pro Setup option that SimpliSafe offers may eliminate these issues. SimpliSafe customer service includes tech support, an open helpline from 9 am until midnight EST, and with professional monitoring, a monitoring center is available 24/7.

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We have been very happy with SimpliSafe. We use to have another company but they drilled into the windows to put the sensors on and were extremely expensive, as well as the initial setup. With Simplisafe there was no one that came out, but they sent instructions and were available via phone. It was extremely easy and did not wreck the windows, etc. The operation is easy as well as they stand behind their equipment. If anything doesn’t work the system lets you know and they send a replacement immediately.

– Michelle from CA

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We have used Simplisafe for two years. Simple system, excellent customer service, and a price point that is appropriate! Since there isn’t a contract, Simplisafe keeps updating its services to maintain its customer base, which I really appreciate. Excellent return policy as well!

– Michael

Pros
  • Customers love the ease of installation and affordability
Cons
  • Customer service hold times can be long

Company Background

SimpliSafe was founded in Boston, Massachusetts in 2006, and the company has continued to provide leading home security services. The founders were inspired to create the company after several fellow friends experienced break-ins, but they couldn’t find home security services catered towards renters. The most recent product line released in 2018 includes high-tech wireless devices and equipment, and the company prides itself on easy to install, affordable, portable systems. SimpliSafe has received multiple awards and recognition, including the Readers Choice Award in 2018 by PCMag, CNET Editors’ Choice Award, Angie’s List Super Service Award, and an A+ rating by the BBB.

Pros
  • Valuable home security solutions for renters
Cons
  • Previous ethical controversies have been reported on the company

The Bottom Line

A home security system can be affordable and customizable with SimpliSafe. SimpliSafe offers peace of mind to any type of customer by offering multiple packages and a build-your-own system option. You can protect your home from invasion, fire, carbon monoxide, and much more while staying within your budget. No contracts and upfront pricing for portable equipment proves that SimpliSafe is inclusive to renters and is an excellent match with competitors.

Disclaimer

The information featured on this page is based on our best estimates of pricing, package details, contract stipulations, and service available at the time of writing. This is not a guarantee. All information is subject to change. Pricing will vary based on various factors, including, but not limited to the customer’s location. For the most accurate information, please ask your customer service representative. Clarify all fees and contract details before signing a contract or finalizing your purchase.