In this guide
What we like
- Month-to-month monitoring with no long-term contract
- Adhesive sensor mounting supports DIY installation
- Outdoor agent coverage on Pro overnight or Pro Plus around the clock
- 60-day money-back guarantee on eligible direct purchases
What to watch
- Home automation is minimal compared with Vivint or a Hubitat-style setup
- Camera line-up is smaller than Ring or Arlo
- Outdoor agent coverage starts at $49.99/month and requires eligible cameras
- Proprietary sensors — you cannot bring your own Z-Wave devices
The case for boring competence
Start with how you want an alarm to work day to day. SimpliSafe combines a physical keypad, wireless sensors and app control, with professional monitoring available separately. That makes it worth considering if you want to install a system yourself and retain the option to change your subscription.
The Base Station has battery backup. Its cellular connection requires a professional monitoring plan; paying for camera recordings alone does not activate it. SimpliSafe’s outage guide explains that distinction. Camera operation still depends on the camera’s power and internet connection.
For lighting scenes or a hub that accepts other brands’ devices, compare Abode vs SimpliSafe. An alarm and an automation hub solve different needs.
Live agent intervention, and why it matters
Active Guard Outdoor Protection lets monitoring agents assess activity through eligible outdoor cameras, speak through two-way audio and request emergency dispatch when appropriate. It requires more than buying a camera: the camera must be enrolled, the system armed and the service within its coverage hours.
Pro covers 8pm–6am local time; Pro Plus provides 24/7 coverage. Standard and Core do not include this outdoor service. SimpliSafe’s setup requirements also cover camera power and placement. Check those before deciding that a higher subscription suits your home.
What installation actually involves
Adhesive sensor mounting makes a basic DIY installation practical. Allow time to plan door and window coverage, follow the sensor-specific placement instructions and test the completed system. We have not timed an installation, so an advertised setup time should not be treated as our test result.
SimpliSafe’s mounting guide recommends cleaning and drying the surface, then holding the sensor firmly in place for 30 seconds. It identifies rough surfaces, humidity and cold as possible adhesive problems, and offers screw mounting as an alternative. Check the finish and any rental restrictions before choosing a fixing method.
Review entry-delay settings and practise arming and disarming before relying on the system. Outdoor camera installation can involve mounting and a suitable power connection even if the alarm sensors use adhesive.
Professional installation is an optional paid service. If you want someone else to plan and install the whole system, ADT vs SimpliSafe compares that choice with DIY ownership.
Monitoring plans and the no-contract promise
Residential plans are billed monthly without a long-term monitoring contract. Choose based on who should respond to an alarm and whether you need recordings. A recording subscription is separate from professional dispatch; outdoor agent coverage adds another decision.
Compare the monitoring costs
Choose the features you need, then compare the ongoing cost.
| Plan | Monthly cost | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Unmonitored | $0.00 | Live views and remote arming over the internet. No dispatch, recordings or cellular backup. |
| Self-Monitoring with Camera Recordings | $9.99 | 30-day recordings for up to 10 cameras. No professional dispatch or cellular backup. |
| Standard | $22.99 | 24/7 professional dispatch and cellular backup. Camera recording is not included. |
| Core | $32.99 | Professional dispatch, cellular backup and camera recording. No Active Guard Outdoor Protection. |
| Pro | $49.99 | Core features plus Active Guard Outdoor Protection, 8pm–6am local time, with eligible cameras and the system armed. |
| Pro Plus | $79.99 | Core features plus 24/7 Active Guard Outdoor Protection, with eligible cameras and the system armed. |
Scroll the table sideways to see each plan’s features.
Showing monthly monitoring costs.
Monitoring only; equipment and taxes are extra. Three-year figures assume 36 months at the listed rate, without promotions or future price changes.
Prices checked · Official SimpliSafe plans and requirements
Start with Standard if you want professional dispatch without saved video. Core adds recording to monitored protection. Self-Monitoring with Camera Recordings suits people who will handle alerts themselves; it does not include cellular backup. The free option keeps app arming and live camera views over the internet, with no professional dispatch or saved video.
Use SimpliSafe vs Cove to compare equivalent monitoring tiers and their ongoing cost. Equipment, tax, optional installation and future price changes are separate from the subscription totals above.
Where SimpliSafe falls short
Automation is limited. Supported voice integrations require an eligible paid plan, and SimpliSafe does not support Apple Home. If you want an alarm integrated with other devices and routines, read Abode vs SimpliSafe.
Camera buyers should compare the whole setup. Decide which camera types you need, how they will be powered and how much saved video will cost. Ring vs SimpliSafe examines a camera-led system against an alarm-led one.
There is no general-purpose sensor hub. Do not budget on reusing an existing collection of Z-Wave sensors with SimpliSafe. Check device compatibility before replacing another alarm.
Outdoor agent coverage adds a substantial subscription. Pro and Pro Plus cost more than Standard or Core. Camera recording does not require the highest plan: it is available with Self-Monitoring with Camera Recordings and with Core, Pro or Pro Plus.
Who should buy it
Consider SimpliSafe if you want to install an alarm yourself, value month-to-month monitoring and are comfortable choosing sensors and a plan for your household. It is also worth considering if you rent or expect to move, provided your mounting choices suit the property.
Compare before buying if cameras are your priority (Ring), you want installation handled for you (ADT), you are minimizing monitoring cost (Cove), or automation matters (Abode). For local camera storage without a subscription, see our Eufy review.
Sources and review scope
This is a research-based review. Our score is an editorial assessment using our published criteria; it is not a hands-on test result. We have not independently measured this product’s performance or long-term reliability.
What to check for your setup: Cellular backup requires professional monitoring, and Standard does not include camera recordings. During a power outage, use the keypad to arm or disarm; the base station battery is rated for up to 24 hours, rather than unlimited backup.
Source notes checked . Prices and offers can change; confirm the current terms for your chosen equipment and plan.
Frequently asked questions
Does SimpliSafe work without a subscription?
Yes, with limits. The official unmonitored option retains app arming/disarming and live camera views over the internet. It does not include professional dispatch, cellular backup or saved recordings. Check the notification features of a paid plan if remote alerts are essential to you.
Can I install SimpliSafe myself?
Yes. The alarm sensors support adhesive mounting, with screws available where appropriate. Plan coverage, follow placement guidance and test each device. Camera mounting and power requirements can add work. Compare ADT vs SimpliSafe if you prefer a professional installation.
Is SimpliSafe good for renters?
It can be a useful option because sensors can use adhesive and monitoring has no long-term contract. Check permission for camera mounts, locks and any screw fixings. See our renter guide.
What happens if the power and internet go out?
SimpliSafe states that the Base Station battery can last up to 24 hours. Cellular communication requires a professional monitoring plan, so it is not included with free use or a recording-only subscription. Camera power and internet requirements are separate. See the official outage guidance.
Does SimpliSafe work with Alexa and Google Assistant?
Yes, on eligible paid plans, for functions such as arming and checking status. Voice disarming is not supported. SimpliSafe does not integrate with Apple Home. The official integration guide lists supported options.
Full specifications and scores
At a glance
- Installation
- DIY (professional available)
- Contract
- None
- Monitoring
- Optional professional or self-monitoring
- Monthly
- $0–$79.99
- Equipment
- $250–$700
- Storage
- Cloud
- Works with
- Alexa and Google Assistant on eligible paid plans; no Apple Home
