I’ve tested plenty of stuff in my time – TVs, Christmas trees, vacuums designed for ease – but few things have stuck around like my SimpliSafe home security system.
Halloween consistently brings a jump in property damage — UK insurer AXA once reported a 270% surge in home-damage claims, and U.S. data from Travelers shows higher crime-related claims on Oct. 31. Point is: risk rises.
After five years using SimpliSafe, I’ve learned loads about what makes a house security setup actually useful — and what’s just marketing noise.
I set it up almost five years ago after I left Manhattan and wanted a straightforward, professional-grade yet DIY-friendly approach to protect my recent home upstate (and, let’s be real, my city-learned dogs). I wasn’t going to take care of pushy salespeople or monthly bills that rivaled my streaming subscriptions. I just wanted something that worked without me having to give it some thought again.
So what about five years later?
From window sensors to the video doorbell to the cameras with the latest feature price bragging about, Energetic Guard, SimpliSafe has grown from a solid yet no-frills alarm system advertised on every podcast to a sleek smart security system that may now literally bark back at intruders. Literally.
But after years of accolades, is it still the perfect home security system for 2025? How does it get up to other brands that need a piece of the SimpiSuccessful pie?
Here’s my comprehensive SimpliSafe review, based on years of real-life use, so you’ll be able to read for yourself.
What Makes SimpliSafe Different
SimpliSafe built its name on being the no-pressure, no-contract, no-wires home security system. It’s not only a single product, but as a substitute, a customizable lineup that features:
- Entry Sensors for Doors and Windows
- Motion Detectors
- Indoor and Outdoor Security Cameras
- Keypad and Base Station
- Smart Lock
- Video Doorbell
- Glass Break Sensors
- Water Sensors and Smoke Detectors
- Recent Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Listener
You possibly can buy all the pieces à la carte or pick from pre-configured bundles. Prices range from $249 for the fundamental Foundation bundle to $699 for the top-tier Haven bundle. Individual components are frequently under $100 each, and loads less whenever you purchase with a monitoring plan.
SimpliSafe Monitoring Plans and Pricing
When you’re comparing SimpliSafe monitoring plans, there are three tiers — Core, Pro and Pro Plus — each offering different levels of protection and price points. Here’s what to know before you subscribe.
1. SimpliSafe Core Plan — $31.99/month
The Core plan includes 24/7 skilled monitoring for alarms and indoor cameras, with emergency dispatch for police, fire, or medical response when needed.
You’ll also get smart home integration and unlimited recording for as much as 10 cameras.
Customers can opt into Video Verification (for faster police response) and Intruder Intervention, allowing live agents to see and speak to intruders through the Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Camera.
Best for: Households focused on indoor security and smart home control.
2. SimpliSafe Pro Plan — $49.99/month
The Pro plan includes all the pieces from the Core plan plus Overnight SimpliSafe Energetic Guard Outdoor Protection (8 p.m. to six a.m. local time).
During these hours, AI technology detects outdoor threats and connects to live agents who can speak on to intruders, trigger the siren and shine the highlight using the Outdoor Camera Series 2.
Best for: Homeowners who want advanced AI-driven security at night.
3. SimpliSafe Pro Plus Plan — $79.99/month
With Pro Plus, customers get 24/7 Energetic Guard Outdoor Protection, not only overnight.
This implies real-time, AI-powered threat detection across the clock, with live monitoring agents who can deter intruders day or night.
Just like the Pro plan, it includes camera siren and highlight activation, plus all features from the Core plan.
Best for: Those that want complete home protection, day and night.
Which SimpliSafe Plan Is Best?
For many users, Pro offers the perfect balance of price and protection. But for those who want around-the-clock AI detection and live deterrence, Pro Plus is SimpliSafe’s top-tier option.
All plans include no long-term contracts and will be canceled anytime.
When you’re in search of a comparatively inexpensive system that respects your DIY tendencies but doesn’t skimp on smart features, SimpliSafe walks the road rather well.
Specs at a Glance
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and cellular backup (Disconnection is announced)
- Integrations: Alexa, Google Assistant
- Resolution: 1080p HD video
- Field of view (Outdoor Cam): 140 degrees
- Storage: Cloud (subscription required)
- Battery Backup: Yes, for base station and sensors
Installation Experience
The setup process actually took me under an hour, start to complete. Once they say that within the ads, you’ve probably rolled your eyes like I even have, but truthfully, I used to be surprised.
You plug in the bottom station, place the peel-and-stick sensors, pair all of them within the app, and also you’re done.
That made it sound easy, nevertheless it was easy.
No drilling, no wiring, no shouting “REP-RE-SEN-TA-TIVE” into the void over the phone.
The toughest part was deciding which windows got which sensor. That is what makes SimpliSafe a straightforward win for renters or folks who aren’t that keen on high-tech systems but want high security for his or her homes.
How It Works Day-to-Day
SimpliSafe works quietly within the background until something triggers it. You possibly can arm and disarm the system via the app or keypad, and the system will warn you to motion, entry or tampering.
The app allows you to:
- Check live feeds
- Review motion-triggered clips
- Arrange alerts and automations
Over five years, the one false alarms have been me or my partner forgetting to deactivate the system before letting the dogs out within the morning.
When that does occur, we get a call within the order we’re listed within the system (me followed by him) and fast – often under 30 seconds – give our password, then and customarily apologize profusely for being such morons … again.
SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera and Energetic Guard
The outdoor camera is weatherproof, easy to mount and and records in 1080p with a large 140-degree view.
But the true standout feature is the relatively recent feature aptly deemed Energetic Guard. This tough tech does what it says:
- Detects intruders
- Blasts a siren
- Uses two-way talk over with shout them off your property
What makes it really stand out for the competition is the integrated AI that means that you can establish “known faces” in order that regular visitors to your property won’t ever trigger the system.
It’s not quite AI replacing the old man on the porch waving the shotgun yelling, “Get off my lawn!”
As a substitute, it’s the merging of AI and that man over the web. It’s AI that may replace your job, it’s a security system that knows how one can use it.
Who It’s Best For
When you’re someone who desires to set it and forget it, SimpliSafe is your system. Renters, dog owners, technophobes, or busy parents will love how intuitive it’s.
Superlative: Best home security system for peace of mind without the pressure.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Fast, painless setup
- Inexpensive hardware bundles
- Reliable outdoor camera with standout deterrent features
- Strong app and smart home integrations
- Works without monthly fees (but higher with them)
Cons:
- No local storage for video
- Some features (like Energetic Guard) locked behind highest-tier plan
- May not play as nicely with other smart home ecosystems beyond Alexa/Google
Is SimpliSafe Price It?
Absolutely.
It’s not the flashiest system available on the market, but to me, that’s what makes it the perfect. You’re not tied into long contracts, it really works straight out of the box, and it has only gotten higher with time, without having to purchase a bunch of recent stuff to make it work.
When you need a security system that doesn’t feel like a second job, SimpliSafe is well worth the setup.
How I Tested
I installed SimpliSafe nearly five years ago and have tested it day-after-day ever since. I’ve trusted while out of the home on short trips and long trips alike, family vacations, and perhaps more importantly, every night in between.
I’ve used the identical base station, entry sensors, indoor cam, glass sensors, water sensors, keypad and the app day by day. Luckily, I haven’t needed most of those extra sensors (knock on wood), but knowing they’re arrange and in place has given me a peace of mind well worth the price of admission.
FAQs
How much is SimpliSafe monthly?
Plans start at $ 0 monthly for basic live viewing. Most individuals will want the $29.99/month Fast Protect plan for full monitoring and Energetic Guard features.
How do you put in SimpliSafe?
It’s DIY with peel-and-stick sensors. Most setups take under an hour. No drilling or wiring needed.
Is SimpliSafe higher than Ring?
For privacy and ease, yes. For deep smart home integration and video quality, Ring has the sting.
Can I cancel SimpliSafe anytime?
Yes. There aren’t any contracts. Cancel through the app or via customer support.
How do I reset the SimpliSafe base station?
Hold the reset button under the bottom for 20 seconds. You may as well reset via the app.
Does SimpliSafe work without Wi-Fi or an influence source?
Yes. It uses Wi-Fi first but features a cellular backup for monitoring. It may possibly run for as much as 24 hours by itself internal battery during an influence outage. Each of those must be considered backups.
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