Our Hands-On Experience With SimpliSafe. The SimpliSafe Keypad is perfect for seniors as it comes with a hidden panic button for emergencies.
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.
What is the best overall home security system? We've tested systems for more than 180 hours and nothing beats SimpliSafe's starter kit as the top choice for the average homeowner. It's incredibly DIY friendly while also offering very robust monitoring plans for those who want them.
SimpliSafe is a home security company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.
We think that SimpliSafe is as good as, if not better than, ADT. Unlike ADT, SimpliSafe offers month-to-month professional monitoring starting at $21.99 whereas ADT's monitoring plans start at $29.99 per month.
SimpliSafe does not require a monitoring service. With a free plan, you can view live footage from your cameras.
The equipment you get from SimpliSafe comes outfitted with two features that make your life safer and easier: SmashSafe and SimpliLock™. If the alarm goes off and an intruder destroys the equipment , SmashSafe will still send the signal to SimpliSafe (if you have professional monitoring).
1. Alarm Systems. Burglars hate alarm systems - and for very good reason! Any indication that your home has a security system, such as yard signs, window stickers and a big alarm box, can act as a burglar deterrent and help prevent your home from being burgled.
When one sensor or camera detects danger, it sends a signal to the Base Station, which sounds the siren and notifies you immediately. If it's unplugged or the power goes out, the backup battery that lasts up to 24 hours keeps you covered.
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.
You can use SimpliSafe without Wi-Fi if you choose any professional monitoring plan. They all support cellular backup.
If a potential threat is detected, SimpliSafe's professional monitoring agents can: View a live feed and communicate with potential intruders using two-way audio.
Is SimpliSafe easy to cancel? Yes, SimpliSafe is easy to cancel. Don't be intimidated by the required phone call.
SimpliSafe is our top pick for a security system without monthly fees due to its affordable equipment and flexible monitoring.
You can also use it to arm your system, watch live video from your security cameras, and unlock your SimpliSafe Smart Lock without getting out of your chair. We liked the SimpliSafe app overall for its easy-to-use, glitch-free features. Here's what we found during testing.
Wi-Fi also allows your system to retrieve and download all new firmware updates to keep your system and its devices working properly and at their best. Additionally, there are many key features of a SimpliSafe® system that you will not have access to without a Wi-Fi connection.
Featuring affordable packages and smart home automation, ADT tops our list as the best home security system in 2025, especially with its new Trusted Neighbor feature.
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).
ADT Pricing vs The Competition
It's all about getting the most value for your money. And in that case, ADT is a clear top choice. Not only does ADT provide good equipment, it also offers good monitoring. The $24.99 to $49.99 that you pay per month gives you access to ADT's monitoring network.
We recommend SimpliSafe if you need a security system that works with Verizon and T-Mobile and when the internet is down. We've always found security systems relying on cellular connections more reliable than those that only use home Wi-Fi networks.
The first step to installing your Original SimpliSafe security system is to set up your Base Station. We recommend installing it in a central location to ensure that you can hear it's built in 85 decibel siren from anywhere in your home.
When you need to discard any of your SimpliSafe® products, we recommend keeping it simple and bringing them to your local e-recycling facility. Your municipality may have specific rules and regulations regarding the disposal of e-waste, so you should always confirm with them the best way to handle your devices.