Friday, May 16th
2025 Home Security System Reviews
SimpliSafe
- $17.99/month for Standard professional monitoring (no visual alarm verification)
- $27.99/month for Interactive professional monitoring (visual alarm verification included)
- $9.99/month for Self-Monitoring
- No cost for 100% unmonitored systems
- Do-it-yourself installation
- 1-year warranty on all equipment
- No required contracts
- 60-day risk-free trial
- "A+” rated and accredited by the BBB
Since 2006, SimpliSafe has been a popular provider of true do-it-yourself home security, including installation and monitoring. Over one million customers in both the US and UK have put their trust in this company for their home protection needs.
Budget-friendly home security
SimpliSafe offers multiple options to build out a customized home security system. For those on a tight budget, they have a Refurbished section that can help you save money. Otherwise, you can either select individual components or choose from one of their six pre-made equipment packages:
- The Foundation: if you've only got one entry point to protect, SimpliSafe's Foundation kit might be just enough for you. It comes with one entry sensor, one motion sensor, one keypad and one base station. List price for this package is $244.96, but it was on sale for $159.22 at the time of this review.
- The Essentials: $178.71 (sale price; regular is $274.95) gets you a basic set-up with three entry sensors, a keypad, a motion sensor and a base station. This would be a good kit if you live in an apartment building where the smoke and fire detectors are already provided.
- The Hearth: you'll pay $256.69 on sale (or $394.91 retail) for this mid-tier equipment package, which comes with three entry sensors and one each of a smoke detector, wireless siren, base station, motion sensor, keypad and key fob.
- The Lighthouse: priced at $302.20 (on sale; $464.93 list), this package takes SimpliSafe's most popular system and adds a wireless outdoor camera. Other equipment included in this security package is three entry sensors, a keypad, a motion sensor and a base station.
- The Knox: for $305.41 ($469.87 list), you'll get six entry sensors, two motion sensors, and one each of a keypad, key fob, wireless siren, smoke detector, and base station. This is where you should start if you have a home with at least four bedrooms.
- The Haven: priced at $331.41 on sale and $509.86 regularly, this 14-piece kit comes with four entry sensors, two motion sensors, and one each of a wireless siren, water sensor, smoke detector, temperature sensor, panic button, keypad, key fob, and base station.
Four different monitoring options
SimpliSafe offers four monitoring choices that include unmonitored, self-monitored with camera recording, standard, and interactive. All of these options give you the ability to arm and disarm the system remotely, receive push notifications, and get alerts for alarms, errors, and camera activity. Additionally, regardless of the number of components you have in your SimpliSafe home security system, you can expect to pay the same monthly monitoring fees.
Unmonitored for truly DIY home security
SimpliSafe's unmonitored option is perfect for those on a tight budget or who value their privacy. You only pay for the equipment and don't have to worry about anyone else watching your property. However, it's important to note that you won't have access to emergency services or text/email notifications, and your activity log will only cover the last seven days. While this might be a bit too bare-bones for most homeowners looking for a home security system, it could be a great choice for keeping an eye on a second home or other property that's frequently unoccupied.
Unmonitored + video
For those who don't want to opt for professional monitoring, SimpliSafe has another alternative. You can pay a monthly fee of $9.99 and use up to five video cameras with limitless recording, unrestricted access to your system's history and timeline, smart home component integration options, and alerts and notifications via all channels like email, text, and push. However, you will still be accountable for monitoring your security system since no one else will do it for you.
2 professionally-monitored plans
But, if you're in the market for a home security system, chances are you're looking for professional monitoring. SimpliSafe offers 24/7 monitoring in two plans: Standard for $17.99/month and Interactive for $27.99/month. The Standard plan covers the basics of monitoring but doesn't include SMS/email notifications, reminders to arm your system, or smart home integrations. The Interactive plan, on the other hand, includes all available notifications and services, and allows you to record on up to 10 cameras in your security system.
Unique benefits with these home security systems
If you opt for the Interactive monitoring tier with SimpliSafe, you'll get access to two unique features that set it apart from other home security systems. The first is their Visual Verification tool, which allows their professional monitoring service to quickly confirm the legitimacy of an alarm or alert, resulting in faster dispatch of first responders. Additionally, you can set up Secret Alerts for specific areas in your home, such as a room or cabinet, and receive silent notifications when they're accessed. You can use this feature to catch anyone snooping around where they shouldn't be, like your kids getting into your secret stash of treats.
60-day trial
SimpliSafe offers a risk-free trial for all levels of monitoring and equipment. You can try them out for 60 days and cancel for any reason within that time. You can also take advantage of a 7-day trial of their professional monitoring services, if you're on the fence between paying the pros and doing it yourself. And, all equipment in SimpliSafe's home security packages is backed by a one-year warranty.
Quality of service has definitely dropped
When you first look at SimpliSafe's reputation, you might think that this is the world's best home security option: an "A+” rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, plus nearly 10,000 five-star reviews on Trustpilot are pretty compelling. But, if you dig into this company's feedback in more recent weeks and months, it doesn't look so good after all. Some customers report having to replace literally every piece of equipment in their home security package - over the first year and a half of use.
Complaints keep rolling in
There are also numerous complaints about cameras that don't function properly, unreliable system performance, keypads that stop performing after the first battery change, and technical glitches with software updates. And that doesn't even cover the problems people have with SimpliSafe's customer service. "Don't call us, we'll call you” seems to be the norm - but then no one from the company ever reaches out to fix the issue.
Not a top pick now
We don't want to write SimpliSafe off completely - after all, it was one of our highest-rated home security providers for many years. But, we have to recommend caution if you decide to give this company a try, based on the overwhelming majority of negative feedback coming from recent customer ratings.
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The 14 Best Home Security Systems
Which Home Security System is the Best?
Home security systems have become increasingly popular in recent years, as people seek to protect their homes and families from potential threats. With a wide variety of options available on the market, choosing the right system for your needs can be overwhelming. We can help you take the stress out of the decision-making process and ultimately select a home security setup that's perfect wherever you live.
Let's get started. As you already know, a home security system is a network of electronic devices designed to secure your home against theft, vandalism, and other possible dangers. A typical system may include sensors, cameras, alarms, and monitoring services.
Home Security System FAQ
Continued from above...
Sensors are the backbone of a home security system. They detect any unusual activity in and around your home and alert the system. The most common types of sensors are door and window sensors, motion sensors, and glass-break sensors. Door and window sensors are placed on the frames of doors and windows and detect any movement when the doors or windows are opened or closed. Motion sensors detect movement within a room, while glass-break sensors detect the sound of breaking glass. Pretty self-explanatory.
Cameras are an essential component of many home security systems. They provide visual evidence of any unusual activity around your home and can help identify intruders. Most cameras are connected to the internet, allowing you to view the footage remotely from your phone or computer.
Alarms are designed to alert you and your neighbors to any potential threats. When a sensor is triggered, the alarm will sound, and a notification will be sent to your phone or monitoring service. These companies monitor your home security system 24/7, and if a sensor is triggered, they will usually contact you to verify whether there is a genuine threat. If they are unable to reach you, they will contact the authorities on your behalf.
Now that you have a solid understanding of the basics of any home security system, what other factors might have an impact on your decision? Here are some criteria to consider:
- Professional install vs. DIY. Professionally-installed systems are designed for those who want a more comprehensive setup, often including cameras, sensors, alarms, and monitoring services. The professional install makes these systems more expensive than DIY systems but provide a higher level of security. DIY systems are designed for those who want affordability and are willing to install and maintain their home security system.
- Cost. Will you pay upfront for the service and/or equipment? What monthly fees are involved? Contracts can often range from 3-5 years, but not every home security system requires one.
- Portability of service. Can you take your home security system with you if you move, either by taking the equipment itself or transferring your contract and having a new install?
- Cancellation. What happens if you decide you don't need a home security system anymore? Many providers have hefty cancellation fees, especially if you signed a lengthy contract in exchange for no upfront equipment costs.
- Trial period. The best home security providers give you a grace period to see how the system works. After all, there's a pretty steep learning curve involved, and you want to make sure your system gives you the coverage and peace of mind you're paying for.
- Satisfaction guarantee/refund policy. Can you get your money back if you don't like how your security system works once it's installed?
- Customer feedback. What do other homeowners have to say about the home security system? Is the customer service team responsive? How often does the system register false alarms?
Top Consumer Reviews brings you the ultimate guide to the best home security systems on the market today. Our comprehensive review and ranking system is designed to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision and protect your loved ones both now and in the future.
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