SimpliSafe Home Security offers several bundles that make it easy to outfit a home without sorting through dozens of individual products. Buyers can also build their own bundles and browse add-on devices, so there is some flexibility in the ordering process.
The company has payment plans with Affirm and often applies discounts of 20 percent or more. It’s important to carefully review the bundles to make sure they fit your home and needs and remember that you’ll have to pay for monthly monitoring after the initial free trial month expires.
If you’re unsure of the bundle or product you need, SimpliSafe’s online selection tool will help you make a decision. The company’s support page is well laid out, making it easy to find the answer you need. Learn more about the company itself in our SimpliSafe review.
| Product | Cost |
| Foundation Bundle | $249.96 |
| Essentials Bundle | $279.95 |
| The Beacon Bundle (Most expensive) | $709.90 |
| Monthly monitoring | $0.33-$0.99 per day |
SimpliSafe Home Vs. Away
SimpliSafe’s security systems work in three states: Away, Home, and Off. The system is armed in the Home and Away modes, but some sensors are off in the Home mode to prevent false alarms. The entry sensor, glass-break sensor, panic button, and extra siren are on in Home mode, while the motion sensors and motion detection cameras are not. All systems are armed in Away mode.
How to Use SimpliSafe Home Mode
When you’re at home, arming SimpliSafe Home mode can be done by pressing the “home” button on your keypad. You can also arm home mode if you’re leaving while other people stay by opening your exit door and pressing the “home” button.
SimpliSafe also offers a remote keychain fob with some plans that allow you to arm and disarm Home mode from outside.
Finally, the available Interactive Monitoring Plan lets users interact with the alarm from a smartphone app that can set Home mode from anywhere with a cell signal or Wi-Fi.
SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera Installation
SimpliSafe recommends a nine-step process to install an outdoor security camera:
- Place the camera near the base station and your Wi-Fi router
- Open the SimpliSafe app and follow the instructions
- Press the setup button on the back of the camera, which will initiate a voice alert on the base station. You will need to name the camera
- Test for a live video connection
- SimpliSafe recommends a six- to eight-foot mounting height, so it’s best to use a sturdy ladder to reach the installation point
- Using a 7/64” drill bit, drill two holes to mount the wall anchors
- Twist the cap off the camera dome and screw the cap to the wall
- Twist the camera dome back onto the cap. It will make a clicking sound once it’s secure
- Attach the camera to the dome using the magnet
SimpliSafe also offers a permanent outdoor camera mount if you want something that will stay in place longer term.
SimpliSafe Home Security Equipment
The company sells a range of products that add security and convenience, making it a competitor against other providers. They range from emergency lighting to HVAC controls and siren systems. They can be purchased with a monthly payment plan or a one-time fee, and SimpliSafe’s website includes guidelines on which add-ons are best at which point in the home security purchasing process. For example, it advises against buying an extra keypad until the system is up and running, saying that adding them later is easy.
SimpliSafe Siren
The SimpliSafe Siren sounds a 105-decibel alarm that the company says is louder than the front row at a rock concert. It is intended to scare burglars and alert neighbors to the problem. Thanks to its water-resistant design, the siren can be mounted outdoors. SimpliSafe charges $2.50 per month or a $59.99 one-time fee for the alarm.
SimpliSafe Phone App
The SimpliSafe app is free to download from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. It lets users arm and disarm their security systems, set notifications for security events, and track live video feeds if they have a camera installed. The app works on devices running Android 9 or iOS 15.0 and higher.
SimpliSafe Temperature Sensor
SimpliSafe’s Temperature Sensor monitors interior temperatures and sounds an alarm if the home falls below 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Users can also set a maximum temperature to monitor and protect plants, pets, and other items. It’s wireless, offers peel-and-stick installation, and provides hourly readings that can be viewed in the app. Each sensor costs $29.99, and they only work with newer base stations, so be sure of your setup before ordering.
Does SimpliSafe Require Wi-Fi?
If you select a monitoring plan with a cellular connection, you do not have to have Wi-Fi, but you’ll miss out on several benefits without it. Wi-Fi lets you arm and disarm with a smart home device, download and install firmware updates, and take advantage of deeper camera functionality, like viewing and downloading video recordings.
SimpliSafe Terms
SimpliSafe makes it pretty easy to get started, and the company has a robust support site with answers to almost any question, but there are still a few things to know before getting started.
SimpliSafe Warranty Details
SimpliSafe backs all of its products with a one-year limited hardware warranty that starts at the original order or purchase date. The company also offers a limited lifetime warranty with its Fast Protect program, but buyers must purchase the protection before the initial warranty period expires.
How to Cancel SimpliSafe
The easiest way to cancel a SimpliSafe subscription is to call the company at 1-888-910-1458 and follow the phone prompts. You will need to authenticate your identity with your “safe word” passcode before being able to cancel.
SimpliSafe Return Equipment Details
SimpliSafe gives buyers 60 days to try its devices and offers free returns with a full refund and shipping within that period. It takes one to three business for the refund to be processed after the company receives the return. It’s important to note that you can only return devices purchased directly from SimpliSafe Home Security, so you’ll need to work with a retailer if you bought the products from a third party.
Can I Use SimpliSafe Without Monitoring?
If you decide to go without monitoring, you’ll still have access to many of the basic features but will lack some of the more advanced services. You can use the mobile app to view live camera feeds, but you can’t save them without a monitoring plan. You’ll also be able to communicate with the system through the app as long as a Wi-Fi connection is available.
SimpliSafe Compatibility
SimpliSafe offers smart home integrations, but you will need either the Fast Protect Plan or self-monitoring with a camera recording plan. It’s worth noting that none of SimpliSafe’s smart home connections offer the ability to disarm by voice for the homeowner’s protection.
Does SimpliSafe Work With Google Home?
SimpliSafe integrates with Google Home devices, but the functionality is quite limited. Users can only arm their systems to Home or Away but cannot get system status or use more advanced voice commands.
Does SimpliSafe Work With Apple HomeKit?
You may find unauthorized workaround solutions online, but SimpliSafe does not offer an official Apple HomeKit integration.
Does SimpliSafe Work With Alexa?
SimpliSafe Home Security’s Amazon Alexa integration offers deeper functionality than the Google Home service. Users can check the system status, ask to arm, and more. Users can also use different phrasing for requests, such as “Alexa, tell SimpliSafe I’m leaving,” or “Alexa, ask SimpliSafe what’s shakin’.”
