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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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Dave M
7/22/2017
I installed the initial system over 3 years ago. I have added components throughout that time. I've never had a real issue that wasn't easily tended too. I replaced the cellular module to a stronger local carrier myself and the accuracy of reporting and monitoring increased response time. Customer service is knowledgeable and the monitoring company very responsive and professional. I'm definitely satisfied. It was pretty awesome when I was viewing my daughter via HD video from my iPad and iPhone in our home when we were out of the country recently. I regularly test and all is well and easy to operate.

G
George P
3/9/2017
To begin with it is totally wireless, even a Moron can install the system. They use 3m Command to mount the Sensors and etc. to the surface, they can be removed and taken to a different house or location. Everything operates from batteries and the sensors are long life 123, the base unit AA. When I have had an alarm (always false) the monitoring co calls immediately. Their Customer Service is always very responsive to any question. San Jose California will not send police out unless someone can verify that a burglary is in progress and see the person, then they will not go into the back yard. SimpliSafe has a company that will come out if you pay extra for that service but I was told... Read More

J
John C
7/7/2016
Have had the system for 1.5 years. I have found it to work well and purchased another system for a vacation home. Had an incident where potential thieves broke into a storage shed, and the system monitoring company contacted me immediately, the sheriff was contacted, and stopped the would be thieves before they could steal a $4000 ATV. Even though the thieves were stopped the first time, they came back 3 hours later, knocked the power meter off the pole, but I was again contacted due to the built in battery backup of the system. For what is provided in your choice of protection, the price, and ease of use can't be beat! My only issue is the extremely long hold times to get... Read More

L
Luke B
10/2/2015
Had three years and have had no issues. Someone keeps calling to say they will update my equipment and no charge. They have all my information and said they are calling from the manufacture. I called SimpliSafe and they are not aware of the offer.

J
Joe M
8/28/2015
DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY. This is a TERRIBLE system and customer service is worthless. The sensors only work within 15 feet of the control panel and, according to customer service, the control panel cannot be located in your kitchen because there is too much metal and electronics in that area. The entry keypad cannot be mounted anywhere near wiring like the light switches near your doors. Simpli a total failure for a home security system.

J
Joel G
8/7/2015
I was OK with the system UNTIL...I questioned them about the emergency numbers they would call in the event of an alarm...(which they had NEVER asked about in 3 weeks)...they didnt even have the correct area code.....thats the ONLY reason I returned the system.....

D
Don R
6/17/2015
Great system. Easy to install and test. Adding extra components is easy as wConvenience ell which allows a customized installation. A bit pricey but the conveinience in ease of set up makes it worth it. Extremely sensitive components with excellent wireless coverage.

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