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If you’re interested in protecting your home with a wireless security system, Ring and Simplisafe are two options worth comparing. Both are DIY-friendly with month-to-month service: SimpliSafe’s professional monitoring starts at $19.99/month (Standard) with an advanced Fast Protect tier at $29.99/month, while Ring Alarm’s professional monitoring is available with Ring Protect Pro at $20/month; each brand also offers lower-cost camera plans if you prefer to self-monitor (SimpliSafe support, Ring support). Ring supports video storage for up to 180 days in the U.S. on eligible plans (Ring storage policy).
This review weighed current plan pricing and features, professional vs. self monitoring, recent satisfaction signals (including the 2024 J.D. Power study and live app-store feedback for SimpliSafe and Ring), and today’s interoperability landscape (Matter 1.3/1.4) to help you decide which home security system fits your home (Matter 1.3, Matter 1.4).
SimpliSafe vs. Ring Overview
| SimpliSafe | Ring | |
| Cost for basic plan | From $9.99/mo (Self Monitoring with Camera Recording) or $19.99–$29.99/mo (Standard/Fast Protect pro monitoring) (details, details) | From $4.99/mo (Ring Protect Basic video) or $20/mo (Protect Pro with professional monitoring for Ring Alarm) (details, monitoring) |
| Monitoring | DIY or Professional (Standard or Fast Protect) | DIY or Professional (Protect Pro required for Ring Alarm monitoring) |
| Fees | Taxes/fees may apply; equipment sold separately (SimpliSafe) | Taxes/fees may apply; equipment sold separately (Ring) |
| Terms | No contract; month-to-month | No contract; month-to-month |
| Standout features | Fast Protect with 24/7 Live Guard Protection; AI-driven Smart Deter on the Outdoor Camera Pro | Pro monitoring via Ring Protect Pro; video storage up to 180 days; radar-based 3D Motion on Battery Doorbell Pro |
*Data current as of 2025. Confirm regional availability and requirements on provider sites (SimpliSafe; Ring).
SimpliSafe
Simplisafe offers no‑contract monitoring with three key options: Standard Monitoring at $19.99/month, Fast Protect at $29.99/month (enables agent‑assisted visual verification and talk‑down via 24/7 Live Guard Protection when you have the Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Camera), and a Self Monitoring with Camera Recording plan at $9.99/month for camera‑focused users (plans, camera plan). Newer hardware emphasizes prevention, such as the AI‑assisted, spotlight‑and‑siren‑equipped Outdoor Camera Pro.
Pros
- Fast Protect monitoring with 24/7 Live Guard visual verification/talk‑down
- No long‑term contracts; month‑to‑month plans from $9.99 (camera) or $19.99 (pro monitoring)
- Proactive deterrence features on cameras (spotlight/siren/AI) via Outdoor Camera Pro
Cons
- Live Guard requires the Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Camera and the Fast Protect plan
- Advanced verification features cost more (Fast Protect $29.99/month)
- No native Matter camera support (cameras are outside Matter’s scope as of Matter 1.4)
Ring
Ring pairs low‑cost video subscriptions with optional alarm monitoring. Video plans include Protect Basic ($4.99/month per device) and Plus ($10/month per location), while professional monitoring for Ring Alarm is included only with Ring Protect Pro ($20/month per location; annual discounts available) (plans, monitoring). Recent hardware advances include radar‑based 3D Motion Detection on the battery‑powered Battery Doorbell Pro and whole‑room coverage from the Pan‑Tilt Indoor Cam. U.S. accounts can keep videos up to 180 days when enabled (policy).
Pros
- Low-cost video plans (Basic $4.99/device; Plus $10/location) and Pro monitoring for Alarm at $20/location (Ring)
- Advanced motion tech (radar‑based 3D Motion/Bird’s Eye View) on Battery Doorbell Pro; 360° coverage with Pan‑Tilt Indoor Cam
- Video storage up to 180 days in the U.S. (Ring)
Cons
- Professional monitoring for Ring Alarm requires the Protect Pro plan; Basic/Plus do not include alarm monitoring (details)
- Subscription price changes (e.g., 2024 Basic plan increase) drew negative customer feedback (report)
Monitoring
Both brands support self‑monitoring and professional monitoring. SimpliSafe’s pro tiers are Standard ($19.99/month) and Fast Protect ($29.99/month, enables 24/7 Live Guard with a compatible camera). Ring Alarm professional monitoring in the U.S. is included only with Ring Protect Pro at $20/month per location (plans).
If you want to avoid pro monitoring, both ecosystems offer camera alerts and cloud video: SimpliSafe’s Self Monitoring with Camera Recording is $9.99/month, while Ring’s video plans are $4.99–$10/month with U.S. retention up to 180 days. Across the DIY market, pro monitoring typically runs about $10–$30/month, with a median near $20; annual prepay discounts are common (e.g., Ring ≈16.7%) (market context, market context, Ring).
Smart home capabilities
Both systems work with major voice assistants (Alexa/Google). Native cross‑platform camera control via Matter isn’t available yet: as of Matter 1.3 and 1.4, cameras aren’t in scope, so you’ll manage video features in each brand’s app. For non‑camera devices (e.g., lights, switches, some sensors), Matter/Thread improvements make mixed‑ecosystem homes more workable, aided by controllers/border routers built into many hubs and speakers (see Google, Apple, SmartThings).
Compatibility
You can expand the limited Ring system with a variety of compatible devices, such as:
- GE and Leviton smart home dimmers, plugs and wall switches
- Dome siren
- EcoLink tilt sensors
- First Alert’s smoke and carbon monoxide alarm
As for Simplisafe, the only device compatible with its alarm systems is August Lock to remotely lock and unlock your doors.
Which Security System is Right for Me?
| If you… | Then you should go with: | Here’s why: |
| Have Google Home devices | Either | Both systems are compatible with Google Assistant; cameras remain app‑centric since Matter doesn’t yet cover cameras (Matter 1.4). |
| Have Amazon home devices | Ring | Ring meshes tightly with Alexa and offers pro monitoring via Protect Pro at $20/month (details). |
| Want affordable equipment | Ring | Ring’s video plans are low‑cost (Basic $4.99/device; Plus $10/location) and U.S. video storage can extend to 180 days; pro monitoring is $20/month. SimpliSafe’s pro plans are $19.99–$29.99/month, with a $9.99/month camera plan (Ring; storage; SimpliSafe). |
| Want professional installation | Simplisafe | The company provides pro installation from a network of approved installers for $79. |
How to compare home security companies
Installation
Most wireless systems are DIY‑friendly, but check for pro install options and any local alarm permit rules for monitored alarms. Also note evolving security labeling: the FCC’s voluntary U.S. Cyber Trust Mark program is launching in 2025 to highlight stronger IoT security, and the U.K.’s PSTI rules (in force April 2024) mandate minimum security baselines like no default passwords and a published vulnerability policy (guidance).
Compatibility
Plan for today’s mixed ecosystems. Matter over IP and Thread improved cross‑platform control for many devices in 2024 releases (Matter 1.3, 1.4), and major platforms act as controllers/border routers (Google, Apple, SmartThings, Home Assistant). Cameras aren’t yet standardized in Matter, so Ring and SimpliSafe camera features remain in their own apps.
Price
Total cost includes hardware plus ongoing service. DIY professional monitoring commonly ranges $10–$30/month (median ≈$20), with annual prepay discounts at some providers (Ring ≈16.7%) (Ring). SimpliSafe lists flat monthly rates without annual-contract discounts (SimpliSafe). Costs vary by features such as cellular backup, video verification, and cloud recording (Consumer Reports, abode, Cove). Equipment is sold separately; verify taxes/fees and any city permit requirements.
The bottom line
Choose Ring if you want the broadest, low‑cost camera ecosystem and precise motion sensing (radar‑based 3D Motion/Bird’s Eye View) with optional pro monitoring via Protect Pro ($20/month). Choose SimpliSafe if you prefer streamlined professional monitoring and advanced response options like 24/7 agent‑assisted visual verification/talk‑down with Fast Protect ($29.99/month) (Ring; monitoring; SimpliSafe; Live Guard).
On satisfaction, both remain well‑regarded DIY options in expert testing and benchmark studies, but price and policy changes can shift sentiment quickly. Ring’s 2024 Basic plan price increase drew notable pushback (coverage). App ratings for both brands generally hover near the four‑star range on Android, but recent reviews (last 30–90 days) are the best indicator of current stability—scan them before you buy (SimpliSafe app, Ring app; see also Wirecutter and PCMag SimpliSafe/PCMag Ring for ongoing expert tests).
Home Security FAQ
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