DIY Installation, Poor Quality App
SimpliSafe is a DIY home security company founded in 2006 and based in Boston, Massachusetts. Known for its wireless systems, low monthly fees, and no long-term contracts, SimpliSafe has become a popular option for renters and homeowners looking for affordable home security.
In this review, we analyze SimpliSafe’s equipment, monitoring options, pricing, app functionality, and reputation to help you decide whether this DIY security system is the right choice for your home.
SimpliSafe offers wireless home security solutions with 24/7 monitoring by their certified call centers. SimpliSafe equipment can be ordered online through their e-commerce platform in a straightforward user-friendly process. The main benefit of SimpliSafe is that their monthly fees are low.
SimpliSafe offers self-installed home security systems that allow customers to order equipment online, install it themselves, and choose between professional or self-monitoring options.
Simplisafe equipment has been redesigned to be sleek and attractive. Each package includes a base station with a variety of products that can be customizable to fit various budgets and needs.
Simplisafe offers a mobile app for smartphones which acts as a control panel “on the go,” giving customers continuous access to Simplisafe monitoring. From the app, customers can arm and disarm the alarm system, view camera footage, and receive alarm notifications.
All SimpliSafe equipment comes with a 3-year product warranty. If anything goes wrong with the system, SimpliSafe will replace the part for free.
SimpliSafe’s equipment is wireless, which means that no intrusive hardwiring is required. Additionally, the base station and system are portable, so it can easily be moved if the customer needs to relocate.
As reported by Forbes in February 2016, SimpliSafe hardware is vulnerable to hackers, which could compromise the security of the home.
SimpliSafe customers express frequent concerns with technical problems with the equipment, long customer service and monitoring center wait times, and issues with receiving the wrong hardware. Complaints about the equipment include motion detectors, window sensors, and the mobile app not functioning correctly.
| Installation | Self-Install (DIY) |
| Equipment Manufacturer | SimpliSafe |
| Ability to Reallocate System | |
| Wireless Sensors | |
| Control Panel | |
| Event Triggered Siren/ Alarm |
While SimpliSafe equipment is easy to install and portable, it is proprietary, meaning customers cannot transfer their system to another monitoring provider if they cancel service.
SimpliSafe provides both professional and self-monitoring options, with professional monitoring outsourced to COPS, a nationally recognized monitoring provider.
SimpliSafe outsources their 24/7 professional monitoring to COPS, a national security monitoring company with headquarters in New Jersey and regional offices throughout the country. Only COPS can monitor the equipment, so if you’re unhappy, you can cancel but you’ll have to buy an entirely new system with your new provider.
They offer two different monitoring plans: Standard and Interactive. Both monitoring plans feature cellular connections to the monitoring center. The “Interactive” monitoring plan includes everything from the “Standard” plan with the addition of mobile app control of your system with alerts from text, email, and push notifications to your app from anywhere in the world. The COPS central station is U.L.-Listed, F.M. Approved, and Five Diamond-Certified.
| Monitoring Options | Professional Monitoring Self Monitoring |
| Monitoring Technology | Cellular Broadband |
| Number of Monitoring Centers | 6 |
| Monitoring Center Type | Outsourced |
| Professional Monitoring Services | 24/7 Professional MonitoringPolice DispatchFire Department Dispatch |
SimpliSafe is known for its affordable monthly monitoring plans and lack of long-term contracts. However, customers should factor in upfront equipment costs, which can vary significantly depending on the package selected.
Although many SimpliSafe customers will still save money in the long run due to the company’s low monthly monitoring prices, there is an upfront equipment fee that ranges from $200 to more than $500. Packages range from $14.99/month for the Standard monitoring plan to $24.99 for the Interactive plan. Both offer 24/7 alarm monitoring from a professional monitoring center and a cellular connection to emergency services, covering all motion sensors and detection devices. The more expensive Interactive plan allows users to receive SMS/email alerts and the ability to arm or disarm from anywhere.
| Monthly Fee (min) | $14.99 |
| Monthly Fee (max) | $24.99 |
| Number of Available Packages | 6 |
| Installation/ Activation Fee | $0.00 |
| Equipment Starting Cost | $230.00 |
| Contract Required | |
| Minimum Contract Length | 0 months |
| Cancellation Policy | 60-day money-back guarantee: If you're still not satisfied, return your system within 60 days for a full refund. We'll even send you a postage pre-paid return label, making SimpliSafe security truly a risk-free purchase. Once we receive your returned system, we'll issue you your full refund. |
| Warranty | THREE YEARS: All SimpliSafe Home Security Systems and accessories are warranted to be free of defects for 3 years from the time of purchase. |
SimpliSafe offers mobile apps for iOS and Android that allow users to arm and disarm their system, receive alerts, and view camera footage remotely. Advanced app features require the Interactive monitoring plan.
SimpliSafe offers iPhone and Android apps, email and text alerts as part of their basic package. They can also offer mobile app control of the security system, with remote arming/disarming power, and secret alerts whenever private rooms, drawers, and safes are accessed. These advanced features are only available to those subscribing to the “Interactive” monthly monitoring subscription. SimpliSafe has also recently added basic support for control by Alexa, Nest, and the Apple Watch.
SimpliSafe has a mixed reputation among customers. While many users appreciate the low cost and flexibility, others report issues related to equipment reliability, app performance, and customer support response times.
SimpliSafe customers express frequent concerns about technical problems with the equipment, long customer service and monitoring center wait times, and receiving the wrong hardware. Those complaints about the equipment include motion detectors, window sensors, and the mobile app not functioning correctly.
Only a few years ago, a video of users hacking into a SimpliSafe system was uploaded on YouTube, revealing a flaw in the system’s design that enabled unauthorized parties to disable the alarm. SimpliSafe claims to have fixed this security hole since then.
| Trust Pilot Rating | 5.2 out of 10 |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Number of BBB Positive Reviews | 8 |
| Number of BBB Neutral Reviews | 5 |
| Number of BBB Negative Reviews | 57 |
| Date Collected | 2018-07-23 |
| Year Founded | 2006 |
Overall Score