How Much Is SimpliSafe’s Monthly Cost?

Highlights

• The average monthly cost for a SimpliSafe home security system is between $0 and $27.99.

• The exact cost will depend on the monitoring plan the customer opts for; customers may choose to finance their equipment instead of paying for it up front, which will increase the monthly cost.

• A SimpliSafe home security system has many benefits, including a large selection of equipment packages, the choice between self-monitoring and professional monitoring, and a relatively low monthly cost.

Need a home security system? SimpliSafe can help. With a comprehensive whole-house solution, you can be prepared for the unexpected. View SimpliSafe systems and prices.

Home security systems are worth it for a number of reasons: They can deter criminals from targeting a home in the first place, alert both the homeowner and the security company about attempted break-ins, provide a loud siren to encourage anyone who does break in to leave quickly, and prompt law enforcement to respond immediately. But the cost of the equipment, installation, and monthly monitoring can be prohibitive for many customers.

In the past few years, a number of DIY-style security programs have changed the security industry, offering cameras and sensors that can be installed and monitored by the purchaser. SimpliSafe is one of those security companies, but how much does SimpliSafe cost? Depending on the equipment package and monitoring plan they choose, customers can expect to pay between $0 and $27.99 per month for a SimpliSafe security system.

Editor's Note: Prices listed in this article are accurate as of the last update, but may vary. For the most up-to-date costs, please see SimpliSafe's website.

How does SimpliSafe work?

Photo: simplisafe.com

SimpliSafe is a bit different from a traditional security system—so how does SimpliSafe work? To get started, customers will first need to choose their equipment. SimpliSafe offers seven equipment packages to choose from that range in size and price. There is also the option to build a customized package if customers do not see one that fits their needs. Customers may also choose either an unmonitored, self-monitored, or professionally monitored plan. SimpliSafe is a DIY security system, meaning it is designed to be easily installed by the homeowner or renter themselves. However, SimpliSafe also offers a professional installation service at an additional cost for customers who would prefer that option.

What is SimpliSafe’s monthly cost?

A number of variables go into home security cost. Usually, security companies lay out the components and bundle them into packages, aiming to offer customers a collection of services that meet their security needs. In addition, many companies spread the cost of equipment and installation over the length of the monthly contract, increasing the monthly total. Because SimpliSafe doesn’t require its customers to sign a contract, the equipment is usually paid for at the outset instead of being added to monthly costs (though customers can finance their equipment if they prefer), and installation is free (because it is DIY with easy pre-attached mounting strips and brackets). As a result, SimpliSafe prices are typically based exclusively on the type of monitoring the customer prefers. Packages include a wide array of services such as:

• 24/7 police, fire, and medical dispatch

• Ability to arm and disarm the system remotely

• Timeline of recorded alarm events

• Base station cellular backup service

• Unlimited camera recordings

• Video verification of alarm

• Smoke and carbon monoxide, water leak, and dangerous temperature detection

• Locking and unlocking a smart lock via mobile app

• Smart-home integration

SimpliSafe monitoring packages are built from these blocks in combinations designed to scale the needs of different customers and are priced accordingly.

Photo: simplisafe.com

Factors in Calculating SimpliSafe Monthly Cost

Depending on which plans and packages a customer chooses, SimpliSafe costs can vary greatly. In order to budget for these costs, it's important to understand how each of these elements add up.

Equipment

SimpliSafe customers have the option to choose one of the company’s preselected equipment packages, or to build their own. The most basic packages include a base station and a keypad as well as entry and motion sensors. More advanced systems also include indoor and outdoor cameras, alarms, and sensors for smoke and water damage. Customers can also purchase individual pieces of equipment at any time if they need to expand their system. Systems can be paid for up front or financed with monthly payments.

Monitoring

There are three SimpliSafe monitoring plans, but those who would prefer not to pay for monitoring at all can select the Unmonitored option. This still allows customers to control the system from their smartphone and view the live video feed from their cameras at any time.

• The Self-Monitoring with Camera Recording plan allows customers to monitor their own system, but also provides unlimited camera recordings, 30 days of cloud storage, HD live view on all cameras, and an extended equipment warranty. It costs $0.33 per day, or around $10 per month.

• The Standard Monitoring plan comes with 24/7 police, fire, and medical dispatch, as well as HD live view on all cameras and an extended equipment warranty. It costs $0.66 per day, or around $20 per month.

• The Fast Protect Professional Monitoring plan provides the maximum amount of coverage, with 24/7 emergency services dispatch, intruder deterrence with live two-way agent audio, video verification, cellular backup, and a lifetime equipment warranty as long as the customer subscribes to this plan. It costs $0.99 per day, or around $30 per month.

Installation Fee

Unlike other companies that charge a security camera installation cost, SimpliSafe self-setup is straightforward, free, and relatively easy. SimpliSafe does offer professional help setting up the system for $79, but there’s no pressure to purchase this. According to SimpliSafe reviews, many customers find that they are able to perform the DIY installation with little difficulty.

Contract Length and Money-Back Guarantee

SimpliSafe does not require customers to sign a contract for any of its plans, which can be canceled at any time. The company also offers a 60-day money-back guarantee—customers can contact SimpliSafe customer service to receive a full refund when they return their equipment to the company.

Homeowners Insurance Savings

Professionally monitored security systems can often reduce costs on homeowners insurance premiums. Insurance companies know that homes with security systems are less likely to be damaged or broken into, and that monitoring means when a break-in, fire, or flood does occur, help will arrive sooner to limit the damage. Therefore, many homeowners insurance companies will adjust the homeowner’s level of risk and their rate will decrease. Self-monitored or unmonitored systems will not carry this benefit, but customers who choose the Fast Protect Professional Monitoring plan may receive a discount of up to 15 percent on their homeowners insurance premiums.

SimpliSafe Packages and Monitoring Plans to Choose From

SimpliSafe monitoring costs are based on the bundle of services selected, and the up-front cost of equipment follows a similar breakdown. Customers can design their own equipment package and tailor the bundle to their precise needs, or they can choose one of SimpliSafe’s prebuilt bundles to start with. It’s important to note that these bundles can be opted for as stand-alones or as complements to additional equipment chosen from the range of à la carte items. All pieces of SimpliSafe equipment work with a built-in Wi-Fi connection, but they include cellular connection as an automatic backup should the Wi-Fi fail or if there’s no Wi-Fi available in the home.

Need a home security system? SimpliSafe can help. With a comprehensive whole-house solution, you can be prepared for the unexpected. View SimpliSafe systems and prices.

Build Your Own Equipment Bundle

SimpliSafe’s build-your-own system provides a wealth of products designed to help customers build a system that protects their home from what they perceive as the greatest threats. Each system begins with a base station and wireless keypad. These items are the heart of the system: Once the base station is plugged in, it will automatically connect with the keypad and all of the sensors, and the system will be ready to go once all equipment is placed. There are a variety of equipment and sensors to choose from, including burglary sensors, hazard sensors, cameras, and optional add-ons.

• Burglary sensors detect if someone has attempted to gain access or has actually done so. The center of this category is the entry sensor, which is a two-piece device that attaches to the door or window and also to the frame. SimpliSafe also offers a glass-break sensor, so if a window is smashed, the base station will register the alert. Motion sensors scan hallways or entryways where they are installed, using special heat sensors to distinguish between pets and humans. Finally, panic buttons can be placed in areas where residents are likely to spend time. If someone is home when a break-in occurs, they can press the panic button and the alarm will immediately be triggered. A SimpliSafe representative from the monitoring center will check in and call the police if there is no response or the customer doesn’t mention their safe word.

• Hazard sensors are designed to trigger an alert for nonhuman threats. Smoke detectors are calibrated to sense both smoke and heat, so they’ll trigger when a fire is still in its initial stages. Carbon monoxide sensors will detect the buildup of this odorless gas and alert residents to the threat before levels have reached a toxic point. Temperature sensors will trigger when the temperature in the house dips below 41 degrees Fahrenheit, and they also allow for custom high-temp settings. Water sensors can be placed in areas where leaks are likely and will sound an alert when their feet get wet so the homeowners know there’s a problem before it spreads.

• Cameras allow homeowners to keep an eye on all parts of their home even when they are away. SimpliSafe offers both an indoor and outdoor camera option for complete coverage. The indoor SimpliCam picks up both audio and video and is capable of night vision. The outdoor camera is wireless (though it must be charged every 3 to 6 months) and weather-resistant with a built-in spotlight. Both cameras require a Wi-Fi connection, and footage can be viewed via the SimpliSafe app. Lastly, the SimpliSafe doorbell camera makes it possible to keep an eye on the front door and receive notifications when motion is detected.

• Optional add-ons can make the system more efficient or easier to use. A key fob makes it possible to remotely arm and disarm the system from outside and is ideal for family members who might forget their passcode for the keypad (as long as it doesn’t get lost!). Smart locks also ensure that doors remain locked at all times and can be controlled remotely. Extra sirens are available, which may be a good option for larger homes or garages. SimpliSafe also offers yard signs to notify potential burglars that the house is protected, further deterring them from choosing that particular home.

Need a home security system? SimpliSafe can help. With a comprehensive whole-house solution, you can be prepared for the unexpected. View SimpliSafe systems and prices.

Preassembled Bundles

SimpliSafe offers seven preassembled packages of equipment. Each package can be purchased as a stand-alone, or customers can add on more sensors or other equipment to meet their needs. The packages are priced for up-front purchase, but SimpliSafe does offer financing beginning at 0 percent interest. The financing is not tied to a monitoring contract—it’s a separate financing contract for the equipment. So even if a customer decides to cancel their SimpliSafe monitoring, they’ll have to finish paying for the equipment. Customers who finance their equipment will pay more per month than those who buy their equipment outright.

Each system includes a base station, which controls everything else in the system and is supported by a 24-hour battery backup, and a digital keypad that connects wirelessly to the base station. The keypad is used to arm and disarm the system and includes a small, partially hidden panic button to summon help immediately.

Photo: bobvila.com

• The Foundation, the smallest bundle SimpliSafe offers, costs $244.96. It’s a great option for smaller homes and apartments, or for those looking to start with a very basic system. The Foundation includes an entry sensor to attach to the main entry door and a motion sensor for a hallway; it’s carefully calibrated to be sensitive enough to capture a person walking through the space but not to trigger if a pet strolls through the hallway in the middle of the night.

• The Essentials bundle includes everything in The Foundation, plus two additional entry sensors to protect several entry doors or vulnerable windows. The Essentials bundle costs $274.95 and is SimpliSafe’s most popular package.

• The Hearth is one of the most popular SimpliSafe packages. It takes a protective step up from the Essentials. For $394.91, The Hearth includes everything in The Essentials package and adds a linked smoke detector, a key fob to arm and disarm the system that includes a panic button, and a 105 decibel (dB) siren for an audible alarm when sensors are triggered.

• The Knox is a more complete bundle for larger homes—it’s aimed at houses with four or more bedrooms. It includes a base station, a keypad and key fob, six entry sensors, two motion sensors, and a smoke detector, plus a siren. Designed to cover multiple entry points, The Knox costs $469.87.

• The Haven adds sensors that make up in complexity what they lack in number. Designed to protect against multiple threats to the safety of the home, it includes the base station and keypad, a key fob, four entry sensors, two motion sensors, a panic button, and a siren—a solid base package to cover a midsize home—then adds a temperature sensor and a water sensor, so the home is protected from floods, leaks, and the damage that can affect pets or the homeowner’s pipes if the HVAC system stops working. The Haven costs $509.86.

• The Lighthouse includes everything in The Essentials package with the addition of a wireless outdoor camera. The outdoor camera is rechargeable, weather-resistant, and includes a built-in spotlight so that homeowners can easily see nighttime footage. This package costs $464.93.

• The Beacon is the largest and most expensive package at $699.90. For this price, customers receive two wireless outdoor cameras, two motion sensors, and four entry sensors, in addition to the base station and keypad.

Need a home security system? SimpliSafe can help. With a comprehensive whole-house solution, you can be prepared for the unexpected. View SimpliSafe systems and prices.

Monitoring Plans and Options

SimpliSafe has three monitoring plans available, along with a fourth free option that doesn’t include monitoring but provides camera support.

Photo: bobvila.com

• SimpliSafe self-monitoring options start with an Unmonitored plan for no monthly fee that requires only an internet or cellular connection. This includes the SimpliSafe app, where live video feeds can be viewed. The system timeline will store up to 7 days’ worth of events, and it can be controlled from the SimpliSafe app. All sensor alerts will be directed to the homeowner’s phone—there is no professional monitoring of any kind.

• The Self-Monitoring with Camera Recording plan is exactly what the name implies: For $9.99 per month, customers get the ability to store recordings from up to five cameras for 30 days, and to manually record while viewing the livestream on the app. They’ll be able to arm and disarm the system from the app as well, and can choose to add person detection to the alert system. This plan provides no professional monitoring: The service is the storage of the video feed from any SimpliSafe camera associated with the account.

• The Standard Monitoring plan, for $17.99 per month, includes 24/7 police, fire, and medical dispatch; supports remote arming and disarming of the system; and provides cellular backup for the base station. Timeline event logs are limited to 7 days, and smart-home integration with services such as Alexa and Google Assistant is not included. The Standard Monitoring plan does not include camera support; no recordings are made, and video verification of tripped sensors is not available. While those interested in truly comprehensive security may see this as a drawback, those who are uncomfortable with video surveillance and recording will be pleased to see this option.

• The Fast Protect Monitoring plan is the highest-level monitoring plan, and it provides 24/7 professional monitoring for $27.99 per month. This plan includes all the monitoring components available, an unlimited timeline event log, and unlimited camera recording for up to 10 cameras. It also includes integration with Google Assistant and Alexa.

Need a home security system? SimpliSafe can help. With a comprehensive whole-house solution, you can be prepared for the unexpected. View SimpliSafe systems and prices.

Photo: simplisafe.com

Benefits of Choosing SimpliSafe

Infinitely flexible, SimpliSafe offers a great balance of prepackaged convenience and customization, allowing customers to choose the security options they need and a level of monitoring with which they’re comfortable. Many people who have considered home security systems have been turned off by being pushed to choose packages through companies that include equipment they don’t need or paying for services they don’t want, along with the weight of carrying a contract for 3 or more years. While those companies do offer great service to their customers and are ideal for those who want and need full service with professional assessment, installation, and maintenance, SimpliSafe’s customization options and flexibility to switch between levels of monitoring will please most customers. These characteristics make SimpliSafe one of the best self-monitored home security systems on the market.

Fully DIY unmonitored systems may be appealing to those who want a little security without paying for monitoring, but full self-monitoring comes with risks as well. After getting a cell phone notification at 2 a.m. that someone’s breaking in the back door, it’s not ideal to be trying to hit record on the video while also calling 911. SimpliSafe provides that coverage without requiring a contract, so if a customer’s home or financial situation changes, they have the freedom to downshift their costs.

Who is SimpliSafe best for?

SimpliSafe is among the best home security systems for homeowners who are willing to take a few minutes to complete easy setup of their sensors, and those whose biggest quibble with more traditional systems is the long-term contract. The full service without a contract and the ease of installation make SimpliSafe a great option for most homes.

Renters will also find that SimpliSafe is one of the best apartment security systems. There’s no wiring, and the equipment is easy to install and uninstall, eliminating worries about losing the security deposit on the apartment or house. Because there’s no contract, it won't be necessary to transfer a contract to another address and pay for reinstallation of the equipment. The sensors, base station, and keypad can be packed away for a while, then reinstalled in a new apartment with new monitoring.

Homeowners who have opted not to choose landline phone service will find SimpliSafe’s built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and cellular monitoring capability to be a pleasant surprise. Most home security companies provide a version of these services, but at an upgraded price.

Need a home security system? SimpliSafe can help. With a comprehensive whole-house solution, you can be prepared for the unexpected. View SimpliSafe systems and prices.

How to Save Money on SimpliSafe Monthly Cost

SimpliSafe’s variety of equipment and monitoring plans make it possible to find a home security system that fits most budgets. However, there are a few ways to reduce costs and ensure your SimpliSafe cost per month is affordable.

• Look for sales. Watch for percent-off sales on equipment bundles. Occasional sitewide sales will take a percentage off your whole purchase, but the bundles are often discounted.
  Watch for freebies. Often a bundle purchase will get you a free camera or other equipment.

• Take advantage of discounts. Ask SimpliSafe about discounts based on military service.

• Choose a bundle. Start with an equipment bundle and build off of it. In addition to frequent discounts, the cost of the bundles is less than the cost of the individual components, so save some money by starting with a bundle and customizing from there.

• Choose financing. Take advantage of the 0 percent financing on the equipment bundles when it’s available, and spread out the payments for no extra charge.

• Choose a lower level of monitoring. While SimpliSafe (and most home security experts) recommend full monitoring, the monthly cost is significantly lower on the Standard Monitoring plan than on the Interactive Monitoring plan. Because you’re not locked into a contract, it’s easy to switch up to the more comprehensive plan later if you choose to.

• Look for insurance discounts. Call your homeowners or renters insurance company and ask about discounts for homes that have monitored security.

Need a home security system? SimpliSafe can help. With a comprehensive whole-house solution, you can be prepared for the unexpected. View SimpliSafe systems and prices.

FAQs

Anyone who has been shopping for a home security system understands how quickly the many options start to run together. It’s important to read the details, however, in order to make the best choice to secure the home. The following are some of the most commonly asked questions about SimpliSafe along with their answers to make it easier for customers to get started.

Q. Is SimpliSafe good as a home security system?

U.S. News & World Report has selected SimpliSafe as the Best DIY Home Security System for 2023. The report cites the pricing, variety of equipment, and easy self-installation, along with the bevy of monitoring options and absence of a contract. The customization options and helpful agents make it possible to build exactly the right system for an individual home, instead of pressing the system into the cookie-cutter shape of all the other homes they protect.

Q. Does SimpliSafe require periodic system updates?

It does. SimpliSafe stays on top of the technological threats to its systems, just as it keeps an eye on human and natural threats to a home. Occasionally, the company may need to update the base station and keypad to adjust and upgrade the system based on the information it has and improvements it has made as a result. These updates require very little from the customer; when they see the gear symbols on their keypad or get a notification in the app, they’ll know that an update is needed. These updates will never go forward without the customer’s approval because the system will need an average of 8 to 10 hours offline to process the update and restart. There is the option of delaying the update for a few days, but it’s best for customers to install updates ASAP as they’re needed for complete home protection.