SimpliSafe systems are quite popular, but since you’re reading this article, either you already have one that you aren’t 100% happy with, or you’re considering alternatives that are more affordable or have fewer limitations. Either way, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best SimpliSafe alternatives available.
- Ring Alarm
- ADT DIY LifeShield
- Frontpoint Security
- Abode Home Alarm
- XVIM 1080P Home Security Camera System (No Professional Monitoring)
- YI Home Camera Surveillance (With Professional Monitoring)
All these systems have their own unique advantages and disadvantages just like the SimpliSafe system. Before we go into the finer details regarding the above alternatives, let’s just get a basic overview of the SimpliSafe system.
Overview Of SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe is a home security system that will trigger an alarm if one of the entry or motion sensors are activated. There’s an option for a SimpliSafe camera but that will cost you extra. SimpliSafe also doesn’t have any outdoor camera options.
SimpliSafe offers an optional 24/7 professional monitoring service and cloud recording to make sure your footage is safely backed up online. The monitoring service will assist with dispatching police, the fire department, or medical assistance if need be. Although there are cheaper options within the alternatives laid out below.
The SimpliSafe system is not compatible with all Z-Wave and Zigbee devices so you need to make sure to check for compatibility when buying any other smart devices to connect to it.
Although there are no fixed-term contracts with SimpliSafe, there is a “pay-as-you-go” method of payment which you can stop at any time. NB: If you don’t pay for the monitoring service you will not be able to access the system remotely from your phone. This is the main cause for concern regarding the SimpliSafe home security system.
The Simplisafe 8-piece option has the following components:
- 1 X Base Station
- 1 X Keypad
- 1 X Motion Sensor
- 4 X Entry Sensors
- 1 X Panic Button
This is how the 8-piece SimpliSafe system looks on Amazon.
With the most important details of the SimpliSafe security system out of the way, let’s look at the alternatives. All of these suggestions are easy DIY set-up systems so you don’t have to worry about paying anyone to come and install everything for you.
List of SimpliSafe Alternatives
Ring Alarm
The Ring Alarm is a reliable home security system that allows remote access from your phone without charging you for it. Ring also has outdoor camera options if that’s what you found lacking in SimpliSafe.
Ring also has outdoor smart security spotlights for outdoor surveillance. It’s also fully compatible with Alexa for voice control.
The subscription for professional monitoring is also very fair but you can do self-monitoring at no extra cost.
WIth the eight-piece system, you can monitor 4 windows or doors and cover a large area with motion detection as well.
The Ring Alarm uses Z-Wave to communicate.
The Ring Alarm 8-piece option includes the following components:
- 1 X Base Station
- 1 X Keypad
- 4 X Contact Sensors
- 1 X Motion Detector
- 1 X Range Extender
ADT DIY LifeShield
ADT has been creating security solutions for almost 150 years so it’s no surprise that they have some of the best options available to keep your home and family safe.
Not only do you get four contact sensors and a motion sensor like the Ring Alarm but you also get a fire sensor and some other extras to sweeten the deal. This system has a built-in battery that will last up to 24 hours if the power goes out.
ADT is also compatible with Alexa if that’s what you’re looking for and there are no extra fees if you want to self-monitor the system. The customer support consultants are helpful and friendly and notifications to your phone and email come through promptly.
ADT uses Z-Wave to communicate throughout it’s network.
The 11-piece ADT security system includes the following components:
- 1 X Base Station
- 4 X Door and window sensors
- 1 X Pet-friendly motion sensor
- 1 X Entry Keypad
- 1 X Fire Sensor
- 1 X Keychain Remote
- 1 X Yard Sign
- 4 X Window Stickers
Here’s the 11-piece ADT system on Amazon.
Frontpoint Security
Frontpoint is known as a solid smart security solution with features like smashing failure protection, back-up battery power, and efficient emergency call centers.
Frontpoint offers all types of security devices to create a unique solution for every type of home. Whether it’s a flood detector or outdoor camera, Frontpoint has the device for you.
Frontpoint not only secures your home, but it also gives it a brain with a range of home automation capabilities with other smart devices like thermostats, locks, and lights. You can even schedule out certain things to happen automatically like temperature settings to warm up or cool down the house on your way home.
Frontpoint hardware doesn’t come cheap but it is definitely some of the highest quality hardware available. It’s going to cost you almost double the amount to match up the components with what you get with SimpliSafe.
The subscription plan is also a bit more expensive but you get what you pay for and Frontpoint is a true top of the range security solution.
Frontpoint uses Z-Wave to communicate with other devices in the network.
Take a look at the Frontpoint system on the official website.
Abode Home Alarm
Abode is a very fast-growing security solution across North America and expanding rapidly across the globe. It’s one of the most highly-rated security systems on Trustpilot.
It offers self-monitoring including phone access if you pay a smaller subscription which is lower than the SimpliSafe subscription. Unfortunately, if you were looking for an alternative to SimpliSafe that has outdoor cameras, you won’t find any here.
There is a large selection of other home security devices to create your system with and the professional monitoring isn’t very expensive either. Cheaper than SimpliSafe once again.
Abode communicates using Z-Wave, Zigbee, and can also control Philips Hue lightbulbs. Abode can communicate with Google Home but not with Echo or Apple Homepad.
Have a look at Abode options on the official website.
XVIM 1080P Home Security Camera System
Before you dismiss a smart camera system as an effective security system, consider this, these smart cameras can do almost everything a SimpliSafe system can do and more.
An audible siren and an option for professional monitoring are what’s missing here but for many of us, that’s not what we want.
All these cameras can sense motion and can also monitor doors and windows for any movement, so that covers motion and contact sensors.
With eight cameras you should be able to monitor your entire property for motion and be able to view and record live video feed even in the dark.
This camera system is for those people who don’t want to pay any subscriptions and don’t need professional monitoring, air quality detectors, and flood sensors. You can always get those items as stand-alone components separately if need be.
This system comes with its own 1TB HDD to record on, whether it’s recording motion detection or manual recording. These cameras also work well indoors and outdoors so you can monitor your whole property, unlike the SimpliSafe camera.
This is an affordable system that lets you monitor your property at any time from anywhere with the use of a free app without paying a subscription.
Take a look at the current options on Amazon.
YI Home Camera Surveillance
If you’re looking for a camera system including the option of 24/7 professional monitoring, the YI cameras should serve you well.
Of course, these cameras have all the benefits of a modern smart camera giving you the ability to look in on the situation at home at any time from an app on your phone.
Two-way audio allows you to communicate with anyone on the other side of the camera. Cloud storage is also an option so you never have to worry about lost footage.
Not only do these cameras pick up audio, but they also detect what type of audio they’re picking up and alert you accordingly, like a baby crying for example.
The components of this system are completely comprised of cameras but you can get a pack of four to get your price per camera reduced. Here are the options on Amazon.
Conclusion: SimpliSafe Alternatives
The alternative to SimpliSafe that you’ll choose will depend on your specific needs.
If you don’t care about paying for a professional monitoring service, get the XVIM camera system and monitor things yourself, with the help of motion detection.
If you’re looking for a more premium product and don’t mind paying for it, go with Frontpoint as their hardware and services are among the best.
Cheaper options that also include professional monitoring are the Abode and Ring Alarm system. Ring also has self-monitoring options.
Make a note of what you need in your security system and choose the system that checks off all your boxes.
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