What SimpliSafe is and how it differs from other systems

SimpliSafe is a home security system you install yourself without hiring a technician. You buy the equipment, set it up in your home, and connect it to SimpliSafe's monitoring service through your internet connection or cellular backup. The company monitors your system 24/7 and contacts emergency services if an alarm triggers.

The main difference between SimpliSafe and traditional security companies is installation. With SimpliSafe, you place sensors on doors and windows, mount the base station, and plug everything in. Traditional systems like ADT or Vivint send a technician to your home. SimpliSafe charges less upfront because you do the labor yourself, but you also have no technician support if something breaks or needs adjustment.

SimpliSafe uses cellular and internet connections to reach the monitoring center, whereas some older systems use only phone lines. This means SimpliSafe can send alerts to your phone in real time and continue working even if your internet goes down, because the cellular backup takes over automatically.

Key Takeaways

  • SimpliSafe equipment costs between $200 and $500 upfront depending on which sensors and cameras you choose, and you install it yourself.
  • Monthly monitoring service runs roughly $15 to $30 per month depending on the plan level and whether you add video recording or professional emergency response.
  • The system connects through your home internet or cellular backup, so you need either a working WiFi network or cellular coverage in your area.
  • SimpliSafe owns the equipment you buy, so you cannot move it to a new home without contacting the company to update your service address.
  • You can cancel service at any time with no contract, but you keep paying for the equipment if you financed it through SimpliSafe.

Equipment costs and what sensors come in each package

SimpliSafe sells starter kits that bundle the base station, keypad, door and window sensors, and motion detector. A basic starter kit costs around $200 to $250. The mid-range kit adds more sensors and a camera and runs $300 to $350. The highest-tier kit includes multiple cameras, glass-break sensors, and more door and window sensors, priced around $400 to $500.

You can also buy equipment separately. A door or window sensor costs roughly $20 to $30 each. A motion detector runs $30 to $50. Indoor cameras range from $100 to $200 depending on resolution and features. Outdoor cameras cost more, typically $150 to $250. The base station itself, which is required to run the system, costs around $100 to $150 if bought alone.

SimpliSafe offers financing through third-party lenders, so you can spread the equipment cost over 12 to 24 months instead of paying upfront. You will pay interest on financed purchases, and the total cost will be higher than buying outright. The financing option appears during checkout if you choose it.

Monthly monitoring plans and what each includes

SimpliSafe offers three main monitoring tiers. The Standard plan costs around $15 per month and includes 24/7 professional monitoring, phone and email alerts when sensors trigger, and the ability to arm and disarm your system from your phone. This plan does not include video recording or emergency dispatch.

The Interactive plan runs roughly $25 per month and adds video recording to your cameras, the ability to view live camera feeds from your phone, and professional emergency dispatch (the monitoring center calls 911 on your behalf). This is the most common choice for people who want full monitoring with video.

The Professional plan costs around $30 per month and includes everything in Interactive plus priority emergency dispatch and additional support features. Some plans also offer a 24-month contract option that lowers the monthly rate slightly, but SimpliSafe also offers month-to-month service with no contract at a slightly higher monthly cost.

Video recording storage is included with Interactive and Professional plans, but the amount of storage and how far back you can view recordings depends on your plan. SimpliSafe stores video in the cloud, so you can access it from anywhere, but you need an active monitoring plan to use this feature.

Internet and cellular connection requirements

SimpliSafe requires either a working WiFi network or cellular coverage to function. The base station connects to your home internet through WiFi, and if your internet goes down, it automatically switches to a cellular connection built into the device. You do not need to set up the cellular backup yourself — it activates when internet is unavailable.

If you do not have home internet, SimpliSafe can still work using only cellular, but the monthly cost is higher because you are paying for the cellular connection. Some areas have weak cellular coverage, and SimpliSafe's coverage map on their website shows whether cellular service is available at your address before you order.

Cameras and video recording require a stronger internet connection than sensors alone. If your internet is slow or unstable, video may not stream smoothly or may not record continuously. SimpliSafe recommends at least 2 Mbps upload speed for video features, though faster is better if you have multiple cameras.

How to set up SimpliSafe and what happens after installation

When your equipment arrives, you unbox the base station, keypad, sensors, and any cameras. SimpliSafe provides a printed quick-start guide and also offers video tutorials on their website. You read the SimpliSafe app to your phone and create an account using your email address.

You place door and window sensors on the frames where they will detect opening and closing. Motion detectors go on walls or shelves where they can see the room. Cameras mount on walls or shelves using the included brackets. The base station plugs into a power outlet in a central location, usually near your router. Once everything is powered on and in range of the base station, the app walks you through adding each device to your system.

After setup is complete, you choose your monitoring plan and payment method. SimpliSafe begins monitoring your system when ready once you set up service. If a sensor triggers an alarm, the base station sends an alert to the monitoring center and to your phone. The monitoring center calls you to verify it is a real emergency before contacting police.

Cancellation, moving, and what happens to your equipment

SimpliSafe has no long-term contract if you choose month-to-month service, so you can cancel monitoring at any time by contacting customer service. There is no early termination fee. However, if you financed your equipment, you still owe the remaining balance on that financing agreement even after you cancel monitoring.

If you move to a new home, you can transfer your SimpliSafe system to the new address. You contact SimpliSafe to update your service address, and they update your account. The equipment itself belongs to you once you own it outright, so you can take it with you. If you are still paying off financed equipment, you own it once the financing is complete.

SimpliSafe does not buy back used equipment or offer trade-in programs. If you no longer want the system, you keep the equipment or dispose of it yourself. Some people sell used SimpliSafe equipment online, though SimpliSafe does not facilitate these sales.

Comparing SimpliSafe to traditional security companies

Traditional security companies like ADT, Vivint, and Frontpoint send a technician to install your system and often require a multi-year contract. Installation is included in the price, but monthly monitoring costs more — typically $30 to $50 per month. You cannot cancel without paying an early termination fee, which can be several hundred dollars.

SimpliSafe costs less per month and has no contract, so you can cancel anytime. However, you pay for equipment upfront and install it yourself. If something breaks, you buy a replacement sensor or camera yourself rather than calling a technician. Traditional companies include repair and replacement as part of their service.

SimpliSafe is better for renters because you can take the system with you when you move and there is no technician visit required. Traditional systems are better if you want professional installation and do not mind a contract and higher monthly costs. Some people prefer the hands-off approach of traditional companies, while others prefer SimpliSafe's flexibility and lower cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a landline or internet to use SimpliSafe?

No landline is required. SimpliSafe uses your home WiFi or cellular backup to communicate with the monitoring center. If you have neither WiFi nor cellular coverage at your address, SimpliSafe will not work. Check their coverage map before ordering to confirm cellular service is available in your area.

What happens if my internet goes out?

The base station automatically switches to cellular backup within seconds. Your system continues monitoring and sending alerts to the monitoring center and your phone. You do not need to do anything — the switch happens automatically. Cellular backup is included with all monitoring plans.

Can I use SimpliSafe in an apartment or rental?

Yes. SimpliSafe is designed for renters because sensors use adhesive strips instead of screws, so you do not damage walls. You can take the system with you when you move. Contact your landlord first to confirm they allow security systems, though most do not object to SimpliSafe because it causes no permanent damage.

What if I want to add more sensors or cameras later?

You can buy additional sensors and cameras anytime and add them to your system through the app. There is no limit to how many devices you can connect to one base station, though SimpliSafe recommends no more than 50 devices for optimal performance. New equipment arrives within a few days of ordering.

Does SimpliSafe work if the power goes out?

The base station has a battery backup that keeps it running for several hours if power is lost. Sensors are wireless and battery-powered, so they continue working during a power outage. However, if the power is out for many hours, the battery will eventually drain and the system will stop working until power is restored.