I’ve tested a lot 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 a lot about what makes a home security setup actually useful — and what’s just marketing noise.
I set it up almost five years ago when I left Manhattan and wanted an easy, professional-grade yet DIY-friendly way to protect my new home upstate (and, let’s be real, my city-learned dogs). I wasn’t going to deal with pushy salespeople or monthly bills that rivaled my streaming subscriptions. I just wanted something that worked without me having to think about it again.
So what about five years later?
From window sensors to the video doorbell to the cameras with the newest feature worth bragging about, Active Guard, SimpliSafe has grown from a solid yet no-frills alarm system advertised on every podcast to a sleek smart security system that can now literally bark back at intruders. Literally.
But after years of accolades, is it still the best home security system for 2025? How does it stand up to other brands that want a piece of the SimpiSuccessful pie?
Here’s my comprehensive SimpliSafe review, based on years of real-life use, so you can 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 just a single product, but instead, a customizable lineup that includes:
- 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
- New Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Listener
You can buy everything à la carte or choose from pre-configured bundles. Prices range from $249 for the basic Foundation bundle to $699 for the top-tier Haven bundle. Individual components are usually under $100 each, and a lot less when you purchase with a monitoring plan.
SimpliSafe Monitoring Plans and Pricing
If 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 professional 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 up to 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 everything from the Core plan plus Overnight SimpliSafe Active Guard Outdoor Protection (8 p.m. to 6 a.m. local time).
During these hours, AI technology detects outdoor threats and connects to live agents who can speak directly to intruders, trigger the siren and shine the spotlight 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 Active Guard Outdoor Protection, not just overnight.
This means real-time, AI-powered threat detection around the clock, with live monitoring agents who can deter intruders day or night.
Like the Pro plan, it includes camera siren and spotlight activation, plus all features from the Core plan.
Best for: Those who want complete home protection, day and night.
Which SimpliSafe Plan Is Best?
For most users, Pro offers the best balance of price and protection. But if you want around-the-clock AI detection and live deterrence, Pro Plus is SimpliSafe’s top-tier option.
All plans come with no long-term contracts and can be canceled anytime.
If you’re looking for a relatively affordable system that respects your DIY tendencies but doesn’t skimp on smart features, SimpliSafe walks the line really 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 finish. When they say that in the ads, you’ve probably rolled your eyes like I have, but honestly, I was surprised.
You plug in the base station, place the peel-and-stick sensors, pair them all in the app, and you’re done.
That made it sound easy, but it was easy.
No drilling, no wiring, no shouting “REP-RE-SEN-TA-TIVE” into the void over the phone.
The hardest part was deciding which windows got which sensor. This is what makes SimpliSafe an easy win for renters or folks who aren’t that interested in high-tech systems but want high security for their homes.
How It Works Day-to-Day
SimpliSafe works quietly in the background until something triggers it. You can arm and disarm the system via the app or keypad, and the system will alert you to motion, entry or tampering.
The app lets you:
- Check live feeds
- Review motion-triggered clips
- Set up alerts and automations
Over five years, the only false alarms have been me or my partner forgetting to deactivate the system before letting the dogs out in the morning.
When that does happen, we get a call in the order we are listed in the system (me followed by him) and fast – usually under 30 seconds – give our password, then and generally apologize profusely for being such morons … again.
SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera and Active Guard
The outdoor camera is weatherproof, easy to mount and and records in 1080p with a wide 140-degree view.
But the real standout feature is the relatively new feature aptly deemed Active Guard. This tough tech does what it says:
- Detects intruders
- Blasts a siren
- Uses two-way talk to shout them off your property
What makes it really stand out for the competition is the integrated AI that allows you to establish “known faces” so 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!”
Instead, it’s the merging of AI and that man over the internet. It’s AI that will replace your job, it’s a security system that knows how to use it.
Who It’s Best For
If you’re someone who wants to set it and forget it, SimpliSafe is your system. Renters, dog owners, technophobes, or busy parents will love how intuitive it is.
Superlative: Best home security system for peace of mind without the pressure.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Fast, painless setup
- Affordable hardware bundles
- Reliable outdoor camera with standout deterrent features
- Strong app and smart home integrations
- Works without monthly fees (but better with them)
Cons:
- No local storage for video
- Some features (like Active Guard) locked behind highest-tier plan
- May not play as nicely with other smart home ecosystems beyond Alexa/Google
Is SimpliSafe Worth It?
Absolutely.
It’s not the flashiest system on the market, but to me, that’s what makes it the best. You’re not tied into long contracts, it works straight out of the box, and it has only gotten better with time, without having to buy a bunch of new stuff to make it work.
If you want a security system that doesn’t feel like a second job, SimpliSafe is worth the setup.
How I Tested
I installed SimpliSafe nearly five years ago and have tested it every day ever since. I’ve trusted while out of the house on short trips and long trips alike, family vacations, and maybe more importantly, every night in between.
I’ve used the same base station, entry sensors, indoor cam, glass sensors, water sensors, keypad and the app daily. Luckily, I haven’t needed most of those extra sensors (knock on wood), but knowing they are set up and in place has given me a peace of mind worth the price of admission.
FAQs
How much is SimpliSafe per month?
Plans start at $ 0 per month for basic live viewing. Most people will want the $29.99/month Fast Protect plan for full monitoring and Active Guard features.
How do you install SimpliSafe?
It’s DIY with peel-and-stick sensors. Most setups take under an hour. No drilling or wiring needed.
Is SimpliSafe better than Ring?
For privacy and simplicity, yes. For deep smart home integration and video quality, Ring has the edge.
Can I cancel SimpliSafe anytime?
Yes. There are no contracts. Cancel through the app or via customer service.
How do I reset the SimpliSafe base station?
Hold the reset button under the base for 20 seconds. You can also reset via the app.
Does SimpliSafe work without Wi-Fi or a power source?
Yes. It uses Wi-Fi first but includes a cellular backup for monitoring. It can run for up to 24 hours on its own internal battery during a power outage. Both of these should be considered backups.
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