One of the most affordable and easy-to-use DIY home alarm systems is called SimpliSafe. SimpliSafe has all the bells and whistles and we love that it gives you everything you need at a price that you can afford. SimpliSafe requires no contracts, and it also gives users the choice of alarm monitoring or not.

Check out our unboxing video review of the SimpliSafe security system below:

What Makes SimpliSafe Special

All of the equipment that is made by SimpliSafe is sold by SimpliSafe, including all of the alarms, sensors, panic buttons, base stations, smoke detectors, and cameras. These systems also have backup batteries, so even if your power goes out, you can rely on the safety of this system. You can also connect the SimpliSafe system to technology such as the August door lock, the Nest thermostat, and even Alexa.

Professional Monitoring Plans

The professional monitoring plans from SimpliSafe starts at only $14.99 a month, and you don’t have to be under a contract. This means that you can shut off the monitoring at any time, and then start it back up the next month. Getting professional monitoring without having to sign a contract is almost unheard of, but SimpliSafe offers it, and for many homeowners, this is perfect. Plus, even if you don’t use the monitoring, you still have the equipment, which still alerts you.

There are two different monitoring methods available from SimpliSafe. As noted above, basic monitoring starts at just $14.99 per month, and you get basic monitoring of the system day and night. The other option is their interactive plan at $24.99 a month, and this gives you more alert types, text alerts, access to your private files, and remote control from your mobile devices.

Of course, you can also choose no monthly monitoring and just use the equipment as an alarm. This is not very common in the security industry, but it is fantastic if you are on a tight budget.

Fun Features

Secret Alerts!You can also set up Secret Alerts with the SimpliSafe system, and this is a pretty cool feature. For instance, some sensors can be set to Alert Only mode, which won’t trigger an audible alarm. Here’s how it works: if you have a room in your home that you don’t want the kids to go into, you can put an entry sensor up, and when someone goes into that door, you get a notification on your phone, but the person entering doesn’t know.

Pros:

  • No contracts options
  • No Monitoring Option
  • Optional Low Monthly investment
  • 60-Day Trial Money-Back Guarantee
  • Easy setup DIY Installation
  • Affordable DIY Devices
  • Attractive Design
  • Wireless Equipment
  • Cellular/Mobile Alerts
  • Disaster/Freeze Protection
  • Video Security
  • Move it from home to home to apartment to condo
  • Pet-Friendly Sensors

Cons:

  • Equipment purchase required
  • Do it Yourself Installation

Equipment & Component Packages

All of the packages available are quite affordable. Even the high-end package, called the Haven, is under $500. One thing that people like about the SimpliSafe system is that you can totally customize it to fit your space, or you can choose from a bundle, which is already created by the company. The base system starts at $229, but each additional component will add to that cost. You can add up to four cameras, too, which are $99 a piece, and for less than $5 a month, you can have a camera record and share the footage.

Specialty Cameras:

SimpliCam $99

You can watch over your family and your home with the SimpliCam. This is an indoor camera that allows you to stream high-quality HD video from anywhere. It also sends an alert when it detects any issues at home.

  • watch anytime no charge
  • motion sensitive alerts
  • works by itself or with a SimpliSafe security system
Video Doorbell Pro $169

With the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro, you can see when packages are delivered, when someone is at the door, and it even deters the bad guys from coming up to your door. You can view the stream right from your SimpliSafe app.

  • see who’s at the door
  • motion sensitive alerts
  • crisp two-way audio

Bundled Security Systems:

The Foundation $229

SimpliSafe designed this security system for smaller homes and apartment dwellers. It has a standard entry sensor that cover the main door, and a motion sensor designed to recognize pets and adds an extra layer of protection.

  • no annual contracts
  • 24/7 alarm monitoring
  • no wired phoneline needed
The Essentials $259

This is the most popular option from SimpliSafe for good reason. It includes a motion sensor plus an entry sensor that fully covers all of the main entry points into the home.

  • no annual contracts
  • 24/7 alarm monitoring
  • no wired phone land line needed
The Hearth $374

With this plan, you get the features of the Essentials package, plus smoke detection is added. You also get an extra 105dB siren.

  • no annual contracts
  • 24/7 alarm monitoring
  • no wired phone land line needed
The Knox $449

If you have a large home, you certainly want the Knox package. It has twice the protection that you get with the Hearth package, and it’s perfect for home with more than four bedrooms.

  • no annual contracts
  • 24/7 alarm monitoring
  • no wired phone land line needed
The Haven $489

Some of the most expensive and common home insurance claims is due to fire and water damage. The Haven includes everything you need to stop it.

  • no annual contracts
  • 24/7 alarm monitoring
  • no wired phone land line needed

Specialty Components

If you are looking for a home security system that goes beyond the typical, you can add additional components. For example, you can add smoke detectors for $29.99 each, and you can connect them into the system, which sends you an alert when the sensors are triggered. The system also sends emergency services, such as the fire department, to your home. Other components that you can add include water sensors, which will alert you of any floods or leaks, and freeze sensors, which alert you when the outdoor temperature is cold enough to cause pipes to burst. This addition costs $29.99, and the water sensor is $19.99.

Component Pricing:

  • Base Station 114.99
  • Keypad 69.99
  • Entry Sensor $14.99
  • Motion Sensor 29.99
  • SimpliCam 99.00
  • Glass Break Sensor 34.99
  • Video Doorbell 129.00
  • Panic Button 19.99
  • Smoke Detector 29.99
  • Temperature Freeze Sensor 29.99
  • Water Sensor 19.99
  • Keychain Remote 24.99
  • Siren 59.99
  • Yard Sign 3.99

Mobile App and Web Dashboard

When you choose the SimpliSafe professional monitoring option, you can use the online dashboard and mobile app. This allows you to easily control the system, and you can even arm and disarm it right from the app. You can also use the dashboard to do things like choose or update your PIN, view the event log, or choose a duress PIN, which can be used if you are being forced against your will to disable your home’s alarm. The sound will stop, but the police will also be dispatched to your home. There are also things you can do on the app and dashboard such as manage sensors or change the volume of the alarm.

There are three modes on the SimpliSafe system, and all of them are very easy to arm and disarm. Home mode is what you would use when you want to activate the window and door sensors while inside of the home. You can switch to Away mode when you are gone and want to get motion sensors and entry sensors working. Finally, you can set it to Test mode, which helps you to make sure that the system is working correctly.

DIY Installation & Activation

If you are looking for a great DIY option when seeking out a home security system, this is it. There are no activation costs. Setting this system up is really easy, and you don’t even need tools. On top of that, you can do the installation in less than an hour. This system is great for anyone who wants to fully secure their home without having to deal with any type of contract or pro installation.

You can order the SimpliSafe system online, or you can call a representative, and they will get you going. Once the kit arrives, the system is easy to start setting up. You have to place the base in the middle of your home. Just keep in mind that it has to be within 400 feet of the system’s sensors and within 100 feet of the keypads. The sensors have a sticky back, too, so all it takes to install them is to peel off the backing and stick it wherever you want.

Contracts and Cancellation

If you have ever used a home monitoring system before, it was likely that you were in a contract. If you wanted out, you had to pay a bit cancellation fee. SimpliSafe is different, and there are no fees and no contracts.

All that SimpliSafe offers is a month to month plan that you can cancel whenever you want. You can even cancel one month, skip a month, and then pick it right back up again when your budget allows.

Customer Service

SimpliSafe’s customer service is well-reviewed overall, but it would be better if the hours of availability were extended. Though the emergency monitoring is done 24/7, the regular customer service hours are only from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Warranties

There are warranties available through SimpliSafe, too. The equipment is guaranteed for three years, and if anything goes wrong during that time, you are covered. This is the same warranty offered by other home monitoring systems, too.

SimpliSafe vs. Other Home Security Systems

When you start comparing SimpliSafe to the other monitoring options out there, what really will stick out is the flexibility, price, and of course, how easy it is to operate. Since anyone can add this system into their home by themselves, and you don’t have to really learn how to use it, it’s a big advantage over other companies. Additionally, you don’t have to sign any contract, and you don’t even have to have professional monitoring at all! All of this is why SimpliSafe is one of the best out there, and it remains our top choice for anyone who is looking for a new home security system.

FAQs

Q: Is SimpliSafe better than ADT?

A: When you consider that SimpliSafe is much more affordable than ADT and you don’t have to sign a contract, yes! ADT customers do pay less at the start, but over time, they pay more. Also, ADT customers must sign a long-term contract. SimpliSafe customers do not.

Q: How good is SimpliSafe?

A: SimpliSafe is an amazing option if you want an affordable monitored security system without a contract. These systems are cheap, free of contracts, and has easy, DIY set up. It is extremely flexible, and though it’s not fancy, all bases are covered at a great price.

Q: Is SimpliSafe Better than Ring?

A: SimpiSafe has a ton of features that make it a great option for home security monitoring. However, you do have to pay a monthly fee for monitoring. Ring, on the other hand, offers some of the same features without the fee. It is one of the best smart alarms out there.

Q: How long do the batteries last in SimpliSafe systems?

A: The battery life on SimpliSafe sensors and keychain remote is approximately three to five years. The keypad and siren have a battery life of about a year. The batteries for the base station are rechargeable and gives about eight hours of battery backup power.

Q: Does SimpliSafe require WiFi?

A: No. You don’t need WiFi for the SimpliSafe system. Everything is included. However, if you have access to a computer, you can get additional settings and features, but it’s not necessary.

Q: Does SimpliSafe require a landline?

A: Not necessarily. You can choose broadband, landline, or cellular monitoring. Most of the equipment that comes with SimpliSafe is wireless and does not need a land line.

Q: Can SimpliSafe contact the police?

A: When you add professional monitoring with your SimpliSafe package, the police are notified after SimpliSafe attempts to contact you. If you do not answer your primary nor secondary phone line, SimpliSafe will call 911.

Total Cost of Ownership

OK, let’s get down to brass tacks here. Below is a bit of a cheat sheet to help you decide what’s best for you based on your lifestyle and how much you want to initially invest and can then pay monthly for the greatest peace of mind.

If You’re a Single Apartment Dweller

If you are single or on a serious tight budget, living in an apartment and move around a bit, then consider The Essentials for $259 and live happily ever after. It provides a motion sensor and alarms for the main entry points. If you have an extra $15 bucks a month, I strongly suggest monitoring, which will cost $180 a year or $540 over three years, which is only two to three dinners out. Frankly, forget the dinners and go for the monitoring.

  • 1 year monitoring = $180
  • 3 year monitoring = $540
  • 5 year monitoring = $900
  • 10 year monitoring = $1800

Typical DINK WADS

That’s double income, no kids with a dog! If you two love birds are in a 3 bed 2 bath and might grow your family, then go for the The Hearth at a medium price of $374 with options to upgrade and add components. Like the budget minded young couple that you are, I still strongly suggest monitoring at 15 beans a month, which will cost $180 a year or $540 over three years, which again is only two to three dinners out.

  • 1 year monitoring = $180
  • 3 year monitoring = $540
  • 5 year monitoring = $900
  • 10 year monitoring = $1800

Married with Children and High Tech First Adopters

All SimpliSafe systems provide great security but none provide the level of protection that The Haven does at $489. If a pipe was to burst and you were displaced for a week, you’d be miserable. So, get this system and add all the bells plus the whistles so you are always on top of not just security, but Mother Nature’s wrath. Upgrade to the $25.00 a month monitoring to get all the alert types, text alerts and remote access. Monitoring for this system is $300.00 a year, which is half of what I pay ADT. Three years of monitoring is under a grand and well worth it.

  • 1 year monitoring = $300
  • 3 year monitoring = $900
  • 5 year monitoring = $1500
  • 10 year monitoring = $3000

Final Thoughts

This is THE system for the DIY person who wants a cost-effective alarm and more control over their technology and doesn’t want to deal with contracts. If that’s you, buy this system. If you prefer a little more assistance and don’t want to deal with having to set it up, basic maintenance, or replace or repair parts, then stay away. That said, I’m a DIY’r myself, but I had my security system professionally installed and I have a maintenance plan. Otherwise I’d use SimpliSafe to protect my family all day and night.

See how SimpliSafe compares in our ranking of the Best Home Security Systems of 2020.