We also love the fact that every active monitoring plan includes cellular backup. SimpliSafe is an internet-reliant security system. If your internet is not working, it won't be able to send you alerts. If you're not on any professional monitoring plan, only the base station's siren will work in case of an intrusion.
You can use SimpliSafe without Wi-Fi if you choose any professional monitoring plan. They all support cellular backup. However, you would need Wi-Fi to support any video cameras on the home security system. If you're in a location with poor cellular service, then you would also need to depend on the Wi-Fi connection.
The system operates on a cellular network and will automatically switch to battery power, meaning that it's still able to operate and keep your home secure, even in the event your WiFi goes down.
Not all alarm systems require internet access for operation. Some alarm systems run on traditional phone lines or cellular signals, while others require an internet connection through an Ethernet cable, Wi-Fi signal or voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
Integrating SimpliSafe with other smart home brands requires a subscription. Professional monitoring costs have gone up three times in four years. Limited selection of security cameras.
According to Andrew Zonenberg, a researcher with security consultancy firm IOActive, attackers can easily disable SimpliSafe alarms from up to 30 meters away, using a device that costs around $250 to create a replay attack.
The best SimpliSafe alternative depends on the reason you're looking for an alternative to SimpliSafe. If you want better professional installation and monitoring, we recommend ADT. For better smart home capabilities, Vivint offers some of the most advanced smart features available.
So in those instances, if the wifi router goes down, or indeed the broadband signal from the exchange fails, then you will not get communication from the alarm system. But in all of those instances, the alarm system will, continue to function as an alarm system.
One is Lorex, which offers home security systems that use microSD local storage and also support an Offline Mode to stay entirely internet-free.
The ADT Smart Home Hub and ADT Base include a backup battery that last 24 hours. Communications to the ADT Monitoring Centers may still be disrupted in the event of a power outage if your router and internet communications do not also have battery backup.
Cove and SimpliSafe are excellent DIY security systems. Both have a range of high-quality products and exceptional monitoring services, and they're quick to alert authorities in an emergency. But we believe SimpliSafe is the better choice.
Self Monitoring with Camera Recordings - $9.99 / month
If you only have SimpliSafe Cameras in your system, you can still have access to enhanced features and peace of mind. Please note, this plan does not include professional monitoring.
If your Entry Sensor is showing as offline on the SimpliSafe® Mobile App, this is an indicator that the battery within the device needs to be replaced. The Entry Sensor takes a single (1) CR-2032 Lithium 3V battery and has a life expectancy of up to 5 years depending on placement and usage.
In the event of a power outage, your SimpliSafe® Base Station is equipped with a backup rechargeable battery supply that will keep your Base Station powered for up to 24 hrs. It also features a cellular module and with a professional monitoirng plan will operate on a cellular network instead of Wi-Fi.
SimpliSafe cameras don't support continuous recording, but we prefer cameras that only record events otherwise reviewing footage ends up taking too much of our time.
Top System for Monitoring — Ring and SimpliSafe
But, SimpliSafe gave us stronger monitoring capabilities with its Core plan offering live guard protection. For the lowest cost option, we recommend Ring. If you want top-tier monitoring that still offers great value, go with SimpliSafe.
Although you do not need a computer or Wi-Fi for SimpliSafe® to work for your basic home security needs, access to Wi-Fi and a Smartphone and/or computer are strongly recommended to best take advantage of all of your system's security features.
Yes, security systems are available that do not require an internet or landline connection. Additionally, alarm companies such as Prudential Alarm offer residential and business alarms that run solely on cellular service and offer wireless sensors and transmitters.
In our recent tests, we found that Simplisafe, abode, and Ring Alarm are the top three picks for a no-fee approach. FYI: The no-monthly fee home security systems I'll discuss require you to install the equipment and monitor the devices yourself. This means you'll be contacting emergency services if a situation arises.
You will lose key features in an internet outage. But if your home security system comes with cellular backup, it will stay up and running.
Your Ring Alarm usually communicates with you or your monitoring service through the internet via wifi or an Ethernet cable. Any time your Base Station loses its connection to the internet, regardless of the cause, a cellular backup system kicks in that will allow the system to continue to monitor your home.
Did You Know: You can get an entirely wireless home security system. While most require an internet connection, some function without Wi-Fi entirely by using cellular data instead. Find out more in our guide to the best wireless home security systems.
SimpliSafe is a home security company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.
The Standard Monitoring plan is $21.99 per month and comes with 24/7 emergency dispatch, among other useful features. We'll get into more detail on SimpliSafe's monitoring plans later.
SimpliSafe® CO Detectors (including Smoke/CO Combo detectors) need to be replaced within five (5) years of the manufacture date (found on the label on the back of your device); and Smoke Detectors need to be replaced within ten (10) years of the manufacture date (found on the label on the back of your device).