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SimpliSafe Home Security Review


ConsumersAdvocate.org Rating: 4.2 / 5 (Excellent)
27 Customer Comments & Reviews - see all comments
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Boston-based SimpliSafe is a home security company founded in 2006. The company sells home security systems that are self-installed and don't require a contract or landline. SimpliSafe systems communicate wirelessly, are professionally monitored 24/7 via cellular, and are fully customizable. Their keypad has smash-proof protection, which alerts authorities even if it is damaged.
 
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How is SimpliSafe rated?

Breakdown

4.0/5
Equipment
4.0/5
Monitoring Options and Technology
4.0/5
Value
4.5/5
Contract Flexibility

Overall Rating: 4.2 / 5 (Excellent)

SimpliSafe offers wireless home security solutions with 24/7 monitoring by their certified call centers. In addition to their hardware offerings, which includes an array of sensors, detectors, and cameras providing protection for the whole home, SimpliSafe offers smart home integration with Alexa, Nest, and the Apple Watch.

With no-contract, month-to-month plans starting at $15 per month, SimpliSafe offers one of the more flexible and inexpensive monitoring plans in the market and comes recommended especially for consumers who do not want to be tied down to a monitoring contract.

How does SimpliSafe work?

Equipment - 4 / 5

As of 2018 SimpliSafe has updated their hardware and has improved its connectivity and operability. Their starter system includes a base station, wireless keypad, motion sensor, entry sensor, and keychain remote. From there, options can include additional sensors, panic buttons, an extra siren, freeze sensor, and smoke, water and CO detectors.

The starter system has 4 pieces of equipment and their more comprehensive "Summerfort" package has 19 devices. There's also the option of building a fully customized system.
Installation
Self-Install (DIY)
Equipment Manufacturer
SimpliSafe
Ability to Reallocate System
Wireless Sensors
Control Panel
Event Triggered Siren/ Alarm

Security Monitors, Sensors, & Devices

Intrusion Protection

  • Door & Window Sensors
  • Garage Door Sensors
  • Glass Break Protection
  • Motion Sensors
  • Recessed Door Sensors
  • Crash & Smash Protection

Environmental Protection

  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Flood
  • Temperature Change
  • Smoke

Surveillance

  • Indoor Cameras
  • Outdoor Cameras
  • Live Surveillance
  • Event-triggered Surveillance

Life Safety

  • Panic Button
  • Medical Alert

Monitoring

Monitoring Options and Technology - 4 / 5

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. 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 Monitoring
Police Dispatch
Fire Department Dispatch

How much does SimpliSafe cost?

Contract Flexibility - 4.5 / 5

Access to 24/7 monitoring from their award-winning call centers, is available with either the Standard ($15/month) or Interactive ($25/month) plans. SimpliSafe's monitoring service does not require a contract and can be cancelled at any time. And although their devices can be self-monitored, there is no access to their mobile app without a subscription to their $25/month "Interactive" plan.

The ordering process begins with choosing an equipment packages beginning at $230 for the base system and reaching $700 for the Summerfort package. SimpliSafe also offers the option of fully customizing your system, building from a four-piece base system and adding sensors, detectors, and cameras as needed.
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.

Technology Integrations

Technology Integration - 4.5 / 5

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.

Compatibility

Google Assistant
Amazon Alexa
Google Home
IFTTT
Z-Wave
ZigBee
Z-Wave Plus

Mobile Access & Alerts

  • iPhone App
  • Android App
  • Email & Text Alerts
  • Live Surveillance Feed
  • Remote Arm/Disarm

Home Automation

  • Thermostat Control
  • Event-triggered Automation
  • Unique User Codes

SimpliSafe Reputation

Reputation - 4 / 5

As an accredited BBB business with an A+ rating, SimpliSafe has an excellent reputation of resolving customer issues and complaints. For alarm monitoring, SimpliSafe's uses C.O.P.S. call monitoring centers, who are certified by the Central Station Alarm Association and the Underwriter's Laboratory. "C.O.P.S." is an established monitoring company, proven to be a responsive and effective partner in contacting authorities in the event of an alarm. We have seen an above-average amount of complaints regarding the responsiveness of their customer care call centers.
Trust Pilot Rating
5.2 out of 5
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

Certifications & Associations

  • Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA)
  • Underwriter's Laboratory (UL)

SimpliSafe Summary

In Conclusion

The advances in wireless technology have made the components in security systems more sophisticated and affordable. Consumers now have many different options when considering a system for their home -- from one of the national, established home security companies to options from their cable TV or mobile phone provider. But some of the most versatile and easy-to-use systems come from the new, smaller security companies.

SimpliSafe is one of those companies that is making security systems harnessing the power of the internet and wireless technology and nothing else. With hardware packages that are tailor-made for all kinds of spaces, as well as the ability to custom build a package yourself, SimpliSafe’s systems should be on the list of anyone searching for a DIY security system.

Consumers who are shopping for the most “bang-for-the-buck” in their networked security system will find SimpliSafe’s offerings very competitive. With hardware packages that start around $200, additional sensors and cameras that are reasonably priced, along with no-contract, professional monitoring starting at $15 per month, SimpliSafe’s price point is hard to beat. Without any monitoring contracts, SimpliSafe customers are not tied down to monthly subscriptions and have the freedom to turn the service on or off at any time.

Regarding SimpliSafe customer service, we have found an above-average amount of complaints regarding their customer care staff, mainly long wait times on their phone lines. Consumers who do not consider themselves tech-savvy and expect to have plenty of questions regarding the set-up and maintenance of their systems may be better off with a company whose customer care reputation is higher. And with hardware that is tied to the monitoring services, those who do not wish to pay for monthly monitoring fees and self-monitor their system will find SimpliSafe’s offerings do not give them the ability to be alerted without being tied to their live monitoring services.

Contact & Additional Information

Homepage URL
http://simplisafe.com/
Company Phone
(888) 957-4675
Headquarters Address
294 Washington St, Floor 9, Boston, MA, 02109

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27 Customer Comments & Reviews

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Tara C
2/17/2019
On 7/31/2018 I upgraded an existing system we had from SimpliSafe, from a solicitation to upgrade for a reduced price by returning our old system. We purchased a camera as part of the package but could not get it to work. The cameras did not work and we switched out at least 5 of them. Two worked for about a week and then went off line and could not be reconnected. I have spent at least at least 648 minutes (which is 10.8 HOURS) over a minimum of 28 phone calls to rectify the situation. It took an act of congress to receive $59.40 refund for the non-functioning camera. I finally became so frustrated I cancelled both our personal and business accounts. We asked for a refund on... Read More

garyanddaisydo
2/12/2019
This company uses Wi-Fi technology which is the easiest to hack into! Park your car outside a house that has a SimpliSafe system and within minutes you will be able to know the exact locations of each "sensor" and be able to turn the their control device ON or OFF at will! Any kid who's up to speed with Wi-Fi can get into your house without one alarm going off. This kid will also be able to determine if this house owner is paying the ADDITIONAL $25/month for live monitoring. This company does NOT use their own "call center." Caution, if a company has ads all over the network and on every talk show and has as many "ads" as Progressive Insurance has, stay away. There's a... Read More

Kimberlee O
11/20/2018
I find SimpliSafe is the best home security system and not being bound by a contract has sealed the deal for me and I will def pass your company by word of mouth that I highly recommend you!

lewisto.pam
11/17/2018
I purchased because I am a 76 ear old senior living on a limited income with several medical issues thus forcing me to be in very vulnerable situations. I bought, with the understanding there would not be additional charges, I now know, in order to have full protection, I need to pay an additional $25 monthly plus a couple more components. Having to choose between security or needed medication, I am considering returning the equipment to you for a full refund.

S
Steve B
8/28/2018
Operational and customer service issues are common offsetting a good and robust security solution.

C
Chris
2/5/2018
I ordered the system from Best Buy. I received the package and installed all the hardware and was not able to get the system to connect to the monitoring center. I called customer service, had to wait 30 minutes to finally be able to speak to a representative. I was told that my system was unable to connect because it was running on a T-Mobile and they would have to send me a new module that ran off Verizon. I received the new module and replaced the module. Again had to call customer service and wait another 30 minutes. Finally was able to get the system to connect to the monitoring center and haven't had any issues out of it yet. Overall the system was easy to install but the... Read More

Paul G
1/3/2018
Its a middle of the week wednesday evening in the Central time zone at 7:30pm. I have been on hold for 23 minutes which has allowed me to read many reviews online that customer service and hold times suck. I have been a customer for over a year with monitoring and yes waiting on customer service for your home alarm SUCKS. I expect that in the morning I will be looking for a new alarm company who is responsible enough to provide staff for existing customers who can answer questions in a timely manner. Very dissappointed. Still waiting on hold and getting angrier by the second. FIND ANOTHER ALARM COMPANY YOU WILL BE SADLY DISSAPPOINTED WITH THIS ONE.

Dennis E
8/9/2017
I bought a refurbished alarm for my mother's residence. When I got it I drove over about an hour away to install the system. I encountered a problem with one of the entry sensors as they neglected to include the stickum tab so I was unable to affix it to the rear sliding glass patio door. In addition the paper tab that keeps the battery from discharging was missing. So I called SimpliSafe and they apologized and I was under the impression that they were going to send me another entry sensor free of charge for my troubles. I even asked the representative how hard was it for me to include another entry sensor by plugging the key chain device into the computer. After I got off of the... Read More

M
mce
8/7/2017
I asked Simplisafe to respond to the negative review: Thank you for reaching out to us! I understand that you have seen a bad review of our company and would like it addressed. I cannot speak for this person's exact experience but I can correct some information that has been stated and provide a possible explanation to their poor experience. - The Base Station, which all Sensors connect to, is able to communicate with components at a range of up to 400ft. Of course, in a real-world environment, interference may impede the signal. Other signals nearby (from devices such as WiFi routers or wireless weather stations), as well as physical obstructions (such as dense walls, metallic... Read More

Ron R
8/5/2017
Have had my system for over a year - cost was just over $400 but I also have 4 motion sensors - can get on line and do just about anything I need without any help - installed system in about an hour - have not had any problems and would not change service even for the "free systems".

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