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If home security is a priority, but you don’t want to spend a bundle or sign a lengthy contract, SimpliSafe Home Security System might be the answer. It’s a DIY system with optional month‑to‑month monitoring and cellular backup. Current plans span free self‑use to 24/7 professional monitoring, with tiers at $9.99, $19.99, and $29.99 per month and no long‑term commitment (SimpliSafe monitoring; plan details). Recent upgrades include video verification and Live Guard agent talk‑down when paired with SimpliSafe’s Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Camera (PCMag review; Live Guard overview).
SimpliSafe is completely configurable, with frequent equipment promos and a Build‑My‑System option to tailor coverage to your home. Monitoring is open 24/7 and month‑to‑month—Standard Monitoring is $19.99/month and Fast Protect Monitoring (flagship) is $29.99/month; there’s also a Self Monitoring with Camera Recordings plan at $9.99/month and a $0 option for local use (plans; support pricing). Compared with earlier generations, the current system adds modern cameras, video verification, RapidSOS‑aided dispatch, and Live Guard agent intervention via the Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Camera (RapidSOS; Video Verification).
Pros
- No long-term contract required
- DIY system that is easy to use and install
- Completely configurable, a la carte system
Cons
- Monthly plan needed for remote control and monitoring
- Video storage fees can be a bit pricey
- Still lacks outdoor camera options
SimpliSafe Packages
| Packages | Price* | Best for | Ease of Use | Type of Installation |
| The Foundation | See site for current price | Small homes, cabins, and apartments | Easy | DIY |
| The Essentials | See site for current price | Condos and single-family homes | Easy | DIY/Pro set up available |
| The Hearth | See site for current price | Single-family homes | Easy/Intermediate | DIY/Pro set up available |
| The Knox | See site for current price | Homes with four or more bedrooms | Intermediate | DIY/Pro set up available |
| The Haven | See site for current price | Large, expensive homes | Intermediate | DIY/Pro set up available |
As of 2025, SimpliSafe’s bundle pricing is highly promotional (frequent 40–60% off). Always confirm live offers on the Shop Packages page before purchasing (Wirecutter).
*Optional financing may be available if paying for equipment over time
SimpliSafe sells preconfigured bundles and a Build‑My‑System option so you can add exactly the sensors and cameras you need. Typical discounted prices range from the low $200s for small kits to $500+ for larger bundles, depending on promotions and whether cameras are included (current packages; CNET review). Refurbished options and seasonal sales can materially lower upfront costs.
All bundles are compatible with 24/7 monitoring and require no long‑term contract. You can try the system at home and return it if you’re not satisfied. DIY setup takes minutes with no drilling or landline required; professional installation is also available for an additional fee (PCMag).
Who is each SimpliSafe package best for?
SimpliSafe’s packages are highly customizable, but here are research‑backed guidelines on the most common kits (official bundles):
The Foundation: A starter kit for apartments or small homes. Typically includes the Base Station, Keypad, one Entry Sensor, and one Motion Sensor—ideal for covering a primary entry and a main room.
The Essentials: A popular small/medium‑home bundle with multiple Entry Sensors and one Motion Sensor, plus the Base Station and Keypad—good coverage for front/back doors and a central area.
The Hearth: Adds life‑safety devices (e.g., Smoke Sensor) and often a Wireless Siren on top of Essentials‑level entry/motion coverage—appropriate if you want fire monitoring in addition to intrusion.
The Knox: Scales up entry and motion coverage for larger homes with more doors and rooms—fits four‑bedroom/expansive layouts where extra sensors reduce blind spots.
The Haven: Adds environmental protection (e.g., Water and Temperature/Freeze Sensors) alongside intrusion and life‑safety—useful for basements, second homes, or areas prone to leaks and freezes.
SimpliSafe Prices
SimpliSafe’s flexibility and frequent promos make it a strong DIY value. Seasonal sales typically knock 40–60% off equipment, and you can size a bundle to your home, then add sensors and cameras as needed (shop packages; Wirecutter guide).
Monitoring options currently include: Free ($0) for local use, Self Monitoring with Camera Recordings ($9.99/month), Standard Monitoring with 24/7 professional dispatch ($19.99/month), and Fast Protect Monitoring ($29.99/month) with full app features, smart alerts, smart home integrations, and video verification/Live Guard when used with the Smart Alarm camera (plans; support; Live Guard). Plans are month‑to‑month; cancel anytime.
Ease of Use
SimpliSafe is straightforward to install and operate with Home, Away, and Test modes. Setup is guided in‑app and by included instructions; most homes can self‑install in under an hour. With compatible cameras, Fast Protect enables Live Guard agent talk‑down during break‑in alarms, and Video Verification can speed police response where supported. SimpliSafe also shares data with 911 centers via RapidSOS to improve dispatch handoffs (video verification).
SimpliSafe Types of Installation
Professional Installation
Professional installation is optional through SimpliSafe and partners for an additional fee disclosed at scheduling (commonly around $100; confirm current pricing during checkout). Doorbell/camera wiring services may carry an extra charge (Wirecutter; PCMag).
You’ll grant the technician access and discuss preferred sensor placement. Pros can optimize coverage and test all devices before handoff.
Pros
- Expert placement and testing
- Fast setup with minimal effort
- Clear fee disclosure at scheduling
Cons
- Extra installation fee on top of equipment
- Appointment required
- Doorbell/camera wiring may add cost
DIY Installation
SimpliSafe is designed for DIY—no drilling or special tools in most homes. Plug in the Base Station, mount sensors with adhesive, and follow the app prompts. Expand coverage anytime by adding sensors or cameras.
Pros
- Save the pro install fee
- Quick setup
- Clear instructions and in‑app guidance
- No strangers in your home
Cons
- Complex layouts may take longer
- Placement decisions are on you
- For wired doorbells, pro help may still be needed
SimpliSafe Types of Monitoring
| Self-monitored | Standard | Fast Protect | |
| Cost | $0/month | $19.99/month | $29.99/month |
| Monitoring | DIY | Professional | Professional |
| Installation | DIY or professional (fee applies) | DIY or professional (fee applies) | DIY or professional (fee applies) |
| Mobile App Control | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
Besides the options above, SimpliSafe also offers Self Monitoring with Camera Recordings at $9.99/month for app access and cloud video without professional dispatch (plan details). Standard includes 24/7 live alarm monitoring, cellular backup, and environmental monitoring; Fast Protect adds full app control, smart alerts, smart‑home integrations, and enables video verification and 24/7 Live Guard agent talk‑down when paired with the Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Camera (support; Live Guard). All plans are contract‑free.
Additional Benefits
- Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for basic arming and status checks; voice disarm is not supported. SimpliSafe also integrates with select August/Yale smart locks via Yale Access for coordinated locking when arming (plan/hardware requirements apply) (Wirecutter; PCMag; Works with August).
- Modern camera lineup, indoor and outdoor. Add SimpliSafe indoor cameras (including the Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Camera) and the Wireless Outdoor Security Camera with integrated spotlight and color night vision. Cloud recording and expanded features require paid plans (Outdoor Camera; Smart Alarm camera).
- Proactive deterrence and faster response. Live Guard lets agents see and speak to intruders during alarms; Video Verification and RapidSOS data sharing can help reduce false alarms and improve emergency response (Video Verification).
Additional Drawbacks
- Review due diligence is essential. In 2024, 98% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses and often look for 4.0+ star averages; recency and volume matter. Check SimpliSafe’s Better Business Bureau profile and recent App Store/Google Play ratings for the latest sentiment (BrightLocal 2024).
- Add‑on costs. Smart locks, doorbells, cameras, and extra sensors increase upfront price; however, SimpliSafe frequently runs 40–60% off equipment promotions—factor sale pricing into your total (current offers; Bazaarvoice 2024).
- Service expectations. Consumers expect fast, effortless support and transparent communications; monitoring and responding to feedback in near real‑time improves outcomes, but experiences can vary by channel and timing (Qualtrics 2025).
Compare Home Security Providers
| SimpliSafe | ADT | Frontpoint | Vivint | Ring | |
| Our Rating* | See independent editorial and app store reviews | See independent editorial and app store reviews | See independent editorial and app store reviews | See independent editorial and app store reviews | See independent editorial and app store reviews |
| Starting Cost | $19.99/month** (Standard Monitoring) | Contracted pro monitoring; pricing quoted with package/region | Contract‑based pricing; quoted at checkout | Contract‑based pricing; quoted during consultation | Professional monitoring via Ring Protect Pro; nationally published on the plan page |
| Installation | DIY/Professional | DIY/Professional | DIY | DIY/Professional | DIY |
| Contract length | No contract | Typically 36 months (24 in some areas) | Contract required (term disclosed at checkout) | Often multi‑year contracts | No contract |
* Our rating context references the Better Business Bureau, independent editorial reviews, and recent app store user ratings. Consumers increasingly rely on fresh, high‑volume reviews; recency and 4.0+ averages are common decision thresholds (BrightLocal 2024). Historical studies like J.D. Power 2019 Home Security Satisfaction Study offer context but should be paired with current sentiment.
** Pricing shown reflects SimpliSafe’s nationally listed professional monitoring starting price; equipment and plan prices can vary by promotion, region, and configuration. ADT contracts are generally 36 months (24 in some jurisdictions) per provider terms; Ring’s professional monitoring is month‑to‑month via Ring Protect Pro (ADT terms; ADT+ with Google Nest; Ring plans; SimpliSafe support).
The Bottom Line
SimpliSafe is a contract‑free, DIY‑friendly security system you can size to an apartment, single‑family home, or larger property. Monitoring starts at $19.99/month for Standard and $29.99/month for Fast Protect, with a $9.99 self‑monitoring camera plan also available. Optional pro installation is available for an added fee (plans; Wirecutter).
Unlike earlier iterations, SimpliSafe now offers outdoor cameras and camera‑assisted verification, including Live Guard agent talk‑down on Fast Protect—features that improve deterrence and response. Combined with frequent equipment discounts and a straightforward app experience, SimpliSafe remains a strong value among modern home security options (Outdoor Camera; Live Guard).
SimpliSafe Home Security FAQ
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