Skip to content 
I’ve tested my fair share of DIY home security systems, but SimpliSafe Home Security System stands above the competition when it comes to seamless whole-home protection.
In this in-depth SimpliSafe review, I’ll cover my experience setting up their system, the wireless sensor performance, camera video quality, and other key features after using it for the past 3 months.
What’s Included in the SimpliSafe 10 Piece Kit
SimpliSafe offers various bundle options depending on your coverage needs. I chose the 10 piece kit as a starter set for my 2 bedroom apartment.
Here’s what comes included:
- Base station – the hub that controls the system
- Keypad – for arming and disarming the system
- Motion sensor x2 – detects movement
- Entry sensors x4 – for doors and windows
- 1080p outdoor camera – monitors yard and entrances
- 1080p indoor camera – keeps an eye on living spaces
- Assorted batteries – wireless components are battery powered
- Yard sign and warning decals
This gave me plenty of monitoring for my apartment’s entrance, windows, living room, and outdoor balcony. You can always expand with more sensors and cameras!
How Easy Is It to Install?
One of SimpliSafe’s biggest selling points is how fast and easy it is to set up their system yourself without any tools or wiring expertise needed.
Installation took me around 30-45 minutes total:
- I plugged in the base station and paired it with the keypad.
- I used the adhesive strips to mount sensors on doors, windows, and other points of entry.
- I placed the motion sensors in main living areas.
- I positioned the indoor camera on a shelf pointed toward the living room and mounted the outdoor camera over my balcony.
- In the SimpliSafe app, I connected each device one by one following the prompts.
And that was it! Everything linked up wirelessly and I was able to arm the system and customize monitoring settings right from my phone. Definitely the most user-friendly security install I’ve ever done.
Just How Good Is the Camera Video Quality?
With any home security system, the camera image quality is imperative. You want crisp and clear footage day or night.
After testing the 1080p SimpliSafe cameras, I can confirm the video is sharp, with excellent color quality during the day and clear black and white night vision.
The outdoor camera in particular stands out, covering a 140° field of view and capturing fine details like faces and license plates up to 50 feet away.
I could clearly identify people coming and going from my apartment. And the night vision footage picked up subtle motions from over 30 feet
During playback, footage is smooth with no buffering or hiccups. The SimpliSafe app makes it easy to scrub through historical events and download clips.
While 2K and 4K cameras provide even sharper imaging, the 1080p resolution is perfectly suitable for most home security needs.
Reliability of the Entry Sensors
No matter how good the cameras are, any home security system is only as good as its external sensors.
I’m pleased to report that SimpliSafe’s entry sensors for doors and windows have worked flawlessly during my time with the system.
Every time a door or window opened, the base station sounded an alert within one second. I also received instant push notifications on my phone.
The range is impressive too. I’m able to open my front door and walk 30+ feet into my unit before the connection cuts out. No more false alarms from briefly stepping outside!
For apartment dwellers or renters who can’t alter doors and windows, I found the adhesive entry sensors easy to mount without any drilling or permanent modification. Each sensor has a 5 year battery life too.
Professional Monitoring Options
SimpliSafe stands apart with their flexible options for professional monitoring.
You can self-monitor for free through the mobile app and get alerts from the base station. But professional monitoring starts at just $15/month with no contracts required.
I opted for the monitoring plan for extra peace of mind. If any sensor is triggered when I’m away from home, the monitoring center can visually verify an intrusion via the cameras before dispatching police.
You can also enable advanced features like water leak detection, temperature alerts to prevent pipe bursts, and 24/7 fire monitoring with professional monitoring.
Helpful Smart Home Integrations
SimpliSafe plays nicely with other smart home ecosystems.
The system integrates with Amazon Alexa allowing you to arm, disarm, or check system status with voice commands.
You can also incorporate it with Google Assistant routines for automation based on when you arm/disarm the system.
Other supported integrations include Apple Watch, August Locks, and Philips Hue lighting.
Power Outage Protection
My area frequently deals with power and internet outages during storms. I was relieved to find SimpliSafe’s base station includes 24 hour battery backup in case electricity goes out.
It will keep the system active so sensors still trigger alarms. There’s also a cellular data backup option that switches to cellular connectivity if your WiFi is down.
These backup measures ensure your home stays protected even during inclement weather and power disruptions.
What Owners Have to Say About SimpliSafe
Don’t just take my word for it! Here are excerpts from other SimpliSafe customers about their experience:
“Installation took about 30 to 45 minutes and was super easy. The system is very durable and quality made. It easily picked up motion and movements with the cameras. Works great indoor and outdoors for detecting any activity around the home.”
- Angie M., Miami FL
“I am very happy with the quality of the sensors and cameras that come with the system. The footage that the camera records is very clear and crisp. I would recommend SimpliSafe to anyone looking for an easy-to-use home security system.”
- James T., Phoenix, AZ
“The wireless feature for the sensors and cameras makes set up a breeze. No drilling or wiring required! The mobile app is extremely user-friendly. I can monitor activity and arm/disarm my system from anywhere. I have total peace of mind.”
- Miranda G., Salt Lake City, UT
“When there was an attempted break-in at my elderly mother’s home, the SimpliSafe system did its job perfectly and alerted the monitoring center right away. The police arrived in under 10 minutes and apprehended the criminal. I’m so thankful we had SimpliSafe protecting her.”
- Ryan S., San Diego, CA
The consensus is SimpliSafe delivers simplified but robust home protection. Customers praise the straightforward wireless setup, mobile access convenience, and 24/7 monitoring responsiveness.
SimpliSafe Pricing and Packages
SimpliSafe offers both equipment packages and monitoring plans. Here’s a breakdown:
Equipment Packages:
- Essentials Kit – $229
- Foundation Kit – $259
- Smart Security Kit – $314
- Home & Business Kit – $409
The Essentials kit is a good starter bundle I’d recommend for apartments or small homes. Scale up from there for expanded coverage.
Professional Monitoring:
- No Monitoring – Free
- Standard – $15/month
- Interactive – $25/month
- Video – $40/month
I suggest starting with Standard monitoring which gets you alarm response and smart home integrations. Upgrade to add live video verification and live agent support.
SimpliSafe Review: The Verdict
In closing, SimpliSafe hits the mark with easy DIY installation, reliable wireless sensors, crisp 1080p camera footage, and affordable monitoring options.
For renters or homeowners wanting robust coverage without wiring headaches, SimpliSafe is a top choice. I give them 5 out of 5 stars for delivering seamless whole home protection.
Ready to secure your residence? Visit SimpliSafe’s website now to customize your system and get $100 off your purchase this month!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the range on the wireless sensors?
The wireless sensors reliably work from up to 1000 feet away from the base station even through walls and floors. I’m able to walk 30 feet away before the signal cuts out.
Do the cameras pan, tilt, and zoom?
No, the cameras have fixed fields of view and do not pan/tilt/zoom. You can position them in the optimum direction during setup.
Does SimpliSafe make you sign a contract?
Nope! There are no long-term annual contracts required like some companies. You can cancel monitoring anytime.
What smart home platforms does it work with?
SimpliSafe integrates with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Watch, August Locks, and Philips Hue lights.
How long do the wireless sensor batteries last?
The batteries in the entry and motion sensors last around 5 years before needing to be replaced. The camera battery life is 4-6 months.
