Ring vs Nest vs SimpliSafe Comparison

Learn more about the best home security systems here: www.security.org/home-securit...
Note: SimpliSafe now offers self-monitoring, although you’ll only get notifications with the Interactive Plan. They also added a Google Assistant integration, and cloud storage is available separately from monitoring. They’ve also added a professional installation option for $79. Nest Secure has been discontinued and is no longer available for purchase on the Google store, but existing systems will continue to function normally.
Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction
1:00 Key Similarities and Differences
3:43 Installation Experience
6:58 Professional Monitoring
9:49 Customer Support
12:30 Mobile Applications
15:12 Recap
If you’re familiar with smart home security, then there’s almost a 100% chance you’re familiar with #Ring, #Nest or #SimpliSafe. The three systems have completely disrupted the traditional security industry with the option to self-monitor, low monthly professional monitoring options, and monthly contracts.
Note: We receive free products and participate in affiliate programs.
#RingAlarm, #Nest, and #SimpliSafe certainly have a lot in common. They all let the customer choose between self-monitoring and 24/7 professional monitoring, they all feature easy, DIY installation, and they all offer flexible, monthly contracting. But which one is the right smart security system for your smart home?
In this review, I’m comparing three systems from Ring, Nest, and SimpliSafe in terms of their components, installation process, subscription options, customer support, and app. I’ll be going over key similarities and key differences between the systems, and finally, I’ll break down who I think each system would be good for. With multiple smart platform integrations, cloud storage options, and equipment add-ons, the possibilities are endless.
Thanks for checking out Security.org! Make sure to subscribe for all things security, smart home, and gadgets galore: / @securitydotorg
Note: We receive free products and participate in affiliate programs.

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Get 5 more entries to this month's giveaway by clicking here: securitybaron.com/get-more-entries

[@jamesstevenson3960]

Fl

[@c-hd5696]

What would have been a great add on to this already amazing video would have been: 1) Data Privacy 2) Cost of extra accessories, for example: SimpliSafe Door/Window sensor VS Ring VS Nest 3) Intergration into Home Automation (to Alexa, Google A or HomeKit). Overall, great job and unbiased opinion.

[@mexicanpoptart17]

Do you have any info on data privacy of these systems?

[@c-hd5696]

@@mexicanpoptart17 Never had a response. All I know is that Ring has had mega scandals with Data Privacy. Not sure about the other 2 though.

[@selftheory5401]

I’m glad that I found your channel, but I’m even more ecstatic about your unbiased opinion about all things pertaining to security. I also love your website. Keep up the good work.👍🏾

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Thank you so much! Glad it was helpful along with the written review (bit.ly/2YHI0NQ for anyone else who's interested).

[@KMac348]

I've been doing a lot of research & watching a lot of videos on various alarm systems. Your videos are the most informative and the least biased. You are awesome, thank you!!!

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Awesome, thank you!

[@madmax19771]

Great reviews, I think you personally did a great job in reviewing each of the 3 systems.

[@bymilliebphotography8249]

Hands down the most organized, most thorough, professionally presented, non-biased, informative, well shot & edited video. Major thank you for putting together this video. I felt well informed & not over whelmed. Keep up the awesome work. Subscribed!!

[@deanaschott8025]

Great presentation. Well thought out and organized review. Love his presentation style which was so professional and hit the needed points without a lot of bias!!

[@dougwagner607]

Professional presentation. I like the "neutral" stance where you let the viewer make the judgement on what features and cost are most attractive! Thank you for the research and insightful commentary. Well done.

[@ldswife5339]

Your videos are great! Quality, editing, graphics. All very professional deserve more subscribers!

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Thanks so much, Cat! I also do written reviews: bit.ly/2YHI0NQ

[@LynzieLou2]

Appreciating the comparisons of different systems! Thank you

[@SecurityDotOrg]

You're welcome! Here's the written version if you want more details: bit.ly/2YHI0NQ

[@emilyharvey4629]

This was exactly the video I needed. Thank you!

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dscotthampton6789]

Thank you. Installing my SimpliSafe system tonight.

[@CL4KFL]

Thank you. I already purchased the Ring System, but you affirm my choice that Ring is best for my situation and need.

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Great! If you want to learn more about your Ring Alarm system, here's my written review: bit.ly/2NKQjUK

[@igorgesse]

Wow, what a great video, comprehensive, objective, very clear in all details. Thank you.

[@MikeAnnarose]

This dude seems like such a cool guy. Your videos are so great man. Keep doing what you're doing. ✌️

[@reginaburrell2967]

Thanks for your tutorial on the ring system you give a full information on the 2and generation great job 👏🏾🤩

[@jcsr47]

I love it Brother! Awesome presentations & attitude! Keep on keeping on!! 💪🏽

[@erobert5697]

Really good review! It gave me a better idea of what I can expect from each product and how it fits my particular needs.

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ShootYourShotApp]

This was a great review. Thank you

[@joules400]

Thank you for all the information, you are amazing!!! You helped us make an educated decision to get the best protection for my family.

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Glad it was helpful!

[@chads.4272]

Thanks for the video! Love your professional content! Executed perfectly. I have a 9 bedroom house and these items really seem to not have enough sensors for me lol

[@SecurityDotOrg]

We're glad you like our reviews. We love putting them together.

[@FleisherFamily]

Great great video. Terrific comparison. I get they all bring something to the table, but which one is best??

[@jaimecsepulveda5747]

Thanks for the insight great points. For adding 4-5 exterior cameras which would be your choice?

[@Gtinajero177]

Wanted to know if you would recomend buying one of these alarms if you live outside the USA?

[@SS-bp8yq]

I have had different systems over many years and I absolutely love SimpliSafe! Thanks for the review.

[@SecurityDotOrg]

You're welcome. Please share the channel with your friends.

[@richardvedvik979]

I appreciate the hands-on approach to this review.

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bryanstephens8613]

Bought the SimpliSafe system for our new home because of your videos. We like it so far. One note though...We ended up screwing in all of our entry sensors because one night one of the sensors fell of the window, which set off our alarm. We didn’t realize the system was hooked linked to the monitors yet and our phones were set to “do-not-disturb.” Needless to say the authorities knocked on our door that night around midnight to see what was up. Not a great intro to home security and in other cities you might receive a fine for that sort of thing. All of that said, I recommend using the tiny screws in each sensor pack to ensure they don’t ever fall off.

[@acb3cab]

Hey Gabe, awesome video. I did a quick search through the channel to see if you had anything comparing ADT cameras and their cloud storage x the Google Nest cams. This is what I'm wondering: should I go all in with ADT and do alarm + cameras (with cloud storage), or should I do alarm + sensors with ADT and get the Nest cams on my own? Would appreciate any insight. Thanks!

[@tothetrail]

Thanks for the great review. Can you tell me which, if any of these security systems uses a USB connection for the AC adapter for its base station?

[@pinanaplayer]

I wish someone would just say what the best one is lol.

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Truthfully, in terms of quality Nest is the best, but it's also a lot more expensive than either Ring or SimpliSafe, so it depends on what your budget is. More info here: bit.ly/2YHI0NQ

[@L77yma]

Yeah, all he did was shuffle the cards and put them back in the deck! Result: Inconclusive lol

[@61britchie]

Personally I love my simplisafe.

[@tomallison7416]

I appreciate his noon commitment to a best because, on the internet, your mileage may vary. What's best for you might not be for me but now we are better informed.

[@lisalocke5472]

I have 2 say for the $'s it's ring. Good luck.

[@snapshot6289]

I have a friend who has Ring and he is happy with the notification of his doorbell. I wanted more monitoring with a good customer service as well as a fair price. I had low batteries on a few items right out of the box and they sent me new fresh units, a return envelope with label for returns and they even gave me a few months of free full monitoring. Yes, I went with SimpliSafe and so far happy but there can and will be improvements with our community input. Great unbiased and factual video.

[@7NewsNow]

Bro!! You’re so talented at presenting and your video/Audio quality is top notch!! You should really review other products other than security :) I would watch!!

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Haha Thanks for the feedback I will keep it in mind!

[@KingZoneOne]

One thing that would have been nice is a review of the main everyday use components (those aside from the base stations): Video doorbells, cameras, and control panels. The quality of camera's (particularly outdoor), the features of the video doorbells (and quality), and the functionality/features of the control panels seem to always be missed in these reviews. None of those were ever mentioned here.

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Honestly J.D, the video would have been hours long if I had to go through all of that! I can tell you that Nest has the highest-quality equipment but it's also by far the priciest. Other than that, you'll have to check out the individual reviews of the Nest, Ring and SimpliSafe video doorbells, cameras and control panels on Security.org.

[@lorenwilliams9479]

Great job in the presentation very detailed thank you so much!

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Glad it was helpful! Seriously, means a lot!

[@bobtammy4466]

Really nice video, easy and clean . No fluff

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Glad you liked it!

[@andreis5975]

Would my ring contact sensor work for my window shattering? And If not, can I buy 3rd party glass break sensors that work for ring?

[@philipmorris6782]

Havent even watched the video yet and i know this will be a good one

[@seascapes152]

IKR 😂😂

[@nr6233]

Philip Morris me too!

[@authorityzero31285]

going to be an epic showdown

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Thank you guys! Here's the written version if you want more info: bit.ly/2YHI0NQ

[@nicolebaker7421]

Philip Morris which one?

[@97JoMiller]

I wish you would have said which one you like the best

[@melmakath]

Can you reverse the door sensors on the Simplisafe like you did on the Ring sensors to show which door is open? That is my biggest problem not knowing vocally which sensor is triggered

[@js8971]

Thank you- information invaluable.

[@Eric19401]

Great information, and effectively presented. Much appreciated.

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Thank you for the kind words. Please share the channel with your friends.

[@NickMcC]

Great video as always!

[@terencebolden5150]

Thank you! Great information

[@SecurityDotOrg]

You're welcome, Terence! More info in my written review: bit.ly/2YHI0NQ

[@barry5402]

Thanks for another informative review. If money was not a factor, which system would you recommend for a new home?

[@SecurityDotOrg]

I would definitely say Nest if money wasn't a factor. More info on Ring vs. Nest vs. SimpliSafe here: bit.ly/2YHI0NQ

[@aramdavid]

This was incredible helpful

[@JaniceLanePalko]

Very helpful video! Thanks.

[@SecurityDotOrg]

You're welcome! More info on Ring vs. Nest vs. SimpliSafe in my written review: bit.ly/2YHI0NQ

[@tennisinme]

Would you recommend getting both Nest and SimplSafe? Nest for its outdoor cameras, doorbell and door lock; Simplisafe for everything else. Or would that be a terrible way to spend your money? Thank you for the amazing video!

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Hi Tim, personally I'd prefer to get one or the other so you can use one app for everything, but Nest is superior when it comes to cameras, doorbells and smart locks. All in all I'd say if you want to save money go with SimpliSafe, but choose Nest if you want better quality devices. Here's my written reviews of each for more info: SimpliSafe: bit.ly/2XAi5ro Nest: bit.ly/2ESy50E

[@ChatGPT1111]

Ring has a couple dozen configurations to choose from ranging in price from $139 on up. You can also easily add a ton more items later. We really like Ring products as the quality is great. Cheers!

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Thanks for your input, Jim! They do have a lot of options available and more coming out all the time. More info on Ring vs. Nest vs. SimpliSafe here: bit.ly/2YHI0NQ

[@GraciousKiller]

Couldn't imagine a more gangsta thumbnail, great job.

[@JohnDeLalio]

absolutely a great video. I would, however like to understand how each of the three systems handles pets (dog and cat) with their motion detection.

[@justinburgos6686]

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[@justinburgos6686]

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[@justinburgos6686]

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[@justinburgos6686]

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[@justinburgos6686]

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[@AuntLALA]

I need to look through the vids and see if you have done cove yet

[@Average_User20]

Is there a video comparing the Nest Hub (Max) vs the Echo Show as it relates to their integrated security systems?

[@SecurityDotOrg]

There is! We put that in our Ring vs. Nest video: bit.ly/2kpHW6D Go to the time stamps comparing the smart displays (in the description of the video).

[@wascalywabbit]

Let's i want security for a one and a quarter room cabin... If i put together 1/2"thick Lexan© boxes around my camera,base station,and motion sensor to give added security for my security,will they still work?

[@mosherphoto]

What is the best system without monitoring service? Is there one that without paying for monitoring alerts your phone?

[@jdbrews]

Really helpful review! thanks for sharing!

[@SecurityDotOrg]

You are very welcome. Please share the channel with your friends.

[@JuliusChaves]

I bought my nest system for way cheaper on ebay. It was like $229. it came new in box and ive used it for more than a year now with no issues.

[@Fiya_gamez]

U hv cell backup?

[@JuliusChaves]

@@Fiya_gamez I don't right now. Sadly Google no longer offers it solo and force you to go with Brinks for $30. No contract though.

[@user-rf6ef5zy7f]

Hi I’m from Israel Will simplisafe work out side the US (I know ring doesn’t) and can I use simplisafe without being connected to a 24/7 base ? I mean just using it for the alarm.. thanks Shay

[@phon-er]

great reviews brother...I got the Simplisafe thanks to your review of the camera outdoor new out 2021 and the app demo on simplisafe.

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Thank you for the kind words. Please share the channel with your friends.

[@jesseyclarke8253]

I have a number of Nest products such as cameras, thermostat etcs but the nest secure isn't in the UK so I'm interested in the Simplisafe. I'm wondering how well this works with Google home?

[@Driveinthemountains]

Great content. Thanks

[@SecurityDotOrg]

You're welcome! More info on Ring vs Nest vs SimpliSafe here: bit.ly/2YHI0NQ

[@rdrun51660]

Excellent and informative video, thank you!!

[@SecurityDotOrg]

You are very welcome. Please share the channel with your friends.

[@tabhbo54]

how many add ons to doors and windows are there for the 3 systems...

[@BrianNaeem]

Ring sorta outsources their monitoring, it is monitored by rapid response monitoring, but they monitor for ALOT of alarm companies, and you can even buy your own wired equipment (Honeywell DSC, ETC.) And have them monitor it for you.

[@johnb2271]

Great video. Thanks I have a situation where I do not have electric outside near a doorbell. I want to install the SimpliSafe system, but their doorbell camera requires voltage outside. (No external battery option.) They also tell me their system will NOT integrate with any other doorbell cameras. My question here, for you and your viewers is : does anyone know of a security system that will integrate with some other brand's doorbell camera? Or, know of a system that has a doorbell camera that works with its own battery? Thanks again

[@johnb2271]

I learned l later that Ring has such a camera. Bought one. Love it!

[@alexisjankowski3281]

I am not really interested in the Ring system, but it certainly has a lower initial cost and lower monthly cost. But I do like the fact that the Nest Secure uses Brinks monitoring because I used them in the past. Their system helped stop two burglars in my home. I don’t like that there are no glass break options for the Nest, but I will still go with them at the $19 per month plan.

[@alexisjankowski3281]

But something to note is the monthly monitoring doesn’t include fire monitoring. Hopefully it will one day. That’s definitely a downside.

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Hi Alexis, Glad to hear you had a good experience with the Brinks monitoring for Nest! Agreed that I wish they had a glass break sensor and that fire monitoring should be included...but i will say that their monthly prices are going to lower in early next year, so that's a plug. More info on Ring vs. Nest vs. SimpliSafe here: bit.ly/2YHI0NQ

[@thisisesko]

Were you using a Nest Security system when those two burglaries occurred? One major thing to know is back in 2010 ADT Security purchased up Broadview Security. BRINKS Home Security spun off and name changed to BROADVIEW Security around 2009. This might be a completely new BRINKS and not have all the original people behind it.

[@sdb1147]

Great presentation. Wondering if parts are interchangeable. Say a Ring Doorbell unit hooked up to say SimpliSafe base unit. Or, is each company’s products proprietary only. Thanks.

[@DogManDan]

all security systems are proprietary for "security" reasons. Also professional systems are the way to go if you actually want protection not any of these 3 low end consumer cash grabs

[@BukuiZhao]

I would actually go with both Nest and ring but I don't have ring yet. I will do a compare video when I get it

[@JFizzle213]

We're looking for a home security system, we have a ring doorbell pro 2 and one of them light fixtures + camera. My concern is the recent reports of Ring sharing data. Should this be a concern? Do you have any details on this at all?

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Hi, great question! So basically, the police have to ask you before they can access your footage, and you can say no. However, there have been many security concerns and it's actually being investigated by the government right now. Here's a news article on the investigation from my website- bit.ly/2rvTI2o Ultimately though, you already have the video doorbell, so it makes sense to continue with Ring for your light fixtures and camera, as you'll be able to use everything in one app. Here's my review of the Ring Spotlight Cam Battery: bit.ly/30jnowx

[@jenniferbartle6593]

Hi! What system (these or any system) would you recommend if we are looking for the following: 5 window/door alarms, keypad, outdoor camera, NO monthly subscription, and we DO want alerts to our phones. (iphones if that matters, and we do have a google home device)

[@ashleystrangeful]

Hi, I'm looking at getting smart home alarm security system but i live ion the UK, do you any suggestions. I want it to be Homekit ingrated and Homekit Secure Video

[@SidneyBeyince]

I’m trying to see if I need one since I’ll be in an apartment. If I do which one should I get?

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Hey Sidney, see our best security systems for apartments here: www.security.org/home-security-systems/best/apartment/

[@axisrender]

what about eufy alarm and cameras?

[@superblueboyandbacon4652]

I’m trying to buy an alarm system for a vacant home . Do i need internet for it to work ??

[@SecurityDotOrg]

To get alerts and livestream footage, you will need Internet or cellular backup. However you could use something like SimpliSafe as a local alarm: bit.ly/2XAi5ro

[@tensai209]

Unfortunately, Nest Guard is being discontinued

[@theREALkorvanica]

Can i use any of these systems without Professional Monitoring ? Are there any options to have it simply notify my phone when something is detected ?

[@jeremytraxel8771]

Tbh that’s just not how home security works. All companies are gonna charge a monthly cost if you want to monitor and control the devices away from home. It’s really stupid I agree there should be a way to monitor your home yourself without paying each month but if you want to pay the company will call police themselves instead of you having to do it yourself

[@Pippi-Longstocking]

I have Nest and it's always loosing connectivity. I'm not the only one having this issue. I have two friends at work that are seeing the same issues. When they go down, all other devices on my network can get to the internet and with my testing software, I can see it's not my WiFi. Moving away from Nest to Simplisafe.

[@TreesOnTheBeach]

I went with Ring, due to the overall price difference (monthly AND up-front purchase). I regret the decision. After a 10-hour drive to install it in my house down south, two hours into the drive home the camera lost wifi connection. Can't get it fixed nor get any support from Ring unless I am at the camera itself, and I know they're just going to ask me to reset it. I have never had to reset my Nest Thermostat. It just always worked, and has for several years now. Wish I had went with Nest.

[@tonyf1556]

Thank you for your video! After watching I think Simply safe is what I leaned towards.

[@phillipketron9632]

Referencing your statement on Nest sensor orientation, please add a note to your video at 6:36 that SimpliSafe allows either the sensor or the magnet to be fixed to the door.

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Thanks for letting us know.

[@donwilliams322]

Most people, I would think, just want to know which one is best (everything considered.) I don't think that this was answered. And, no mention about the batteries the door/window sensors take. Why not?

[@darrellsaturnbigfoot]

Great video, thank you. I live in Canada and have a question. I own nest door bell and google home. Can the ring system be used only as a stand alone ? I only want the system to notify me with my iPhone. Do not want to pay for monitoring. Thanks

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Yes, the Ring can be used as a standalone w/o professional monitoring. You can self-monitor for free with both Nest and Ring. More info on Ring Alarm vs. Nest Secure here: bit.ly/2GXSjWC

[@darrellsaturnbigfoot]

Security Baron thanks man👍

[@FireDoug2001]

Thanks for the video, very informative. Can any of these device be used with out a monthly contracts? There is absolutely no reason to have alarm monitoring..... Law enforcement is not coming out to check on your house no matter what these companies tell you.

[@rideintothesun8106]

That is definitely not true. I have had the police at my house ,based on a call from a monitoring service, a few times over the years. Luckily, all false alarms.😊

[@yelraH111]

If you dont get the monotoring plans do the alarms still work and alert through the apps?

[@SecurityDotOrg]

With Ring and Nest, yes, but with SimpliSafe, no- you'll need to buy the Interactive plan to get notifications. More info in my written comparison- bit.ly/2YHI0NQ

[@danielgrobe]

Do you have to have the 24/7 monitoring on these systems to use the apps?

[@sx20Ramar]

Good video, but what I'm interested in is the camera's these come with and which assistants they work with. I see this video is from 3 years ago, so I need to look elsewhere. Thanks for your info though!

[@prajwalbharadwajm4815]

What is the name of the box ring full name

[@alexbaker7243]

your channel needs more subscribers

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Thanks, I agree! We've been a bit behind because of this whole pandemic but going to start posting videos again soon. In the meantime check out the content on my website: bit.ly/2YHI0NQ

[@jessywabb9360]

Great Information! I think FOR ME I will go with Simpli Safe for the easy install (peel and stick) and plug in the home base. I Love a Simple process.

[@rickkowalczyk3037]

does the 24/7 monitoring allow the people monitoring to access my in home cameras and intrude my privacy?

[@SecurityDotOrg]

They'll only check your cameras if one of your alarms goes off and you don't respond to the notification. More info on Ring vs. Nest vs. SimpliSafe here: bit.ly/2YHI0NQ

[@adielmartinez3054]

So does the no contract mean that i can cancel any time with the ring alarm??

[@MelissaLona]

Yea because it's month to month but you save by paying $99 for the year. For $10 a month you'll pay $120 in a year.

[@shirleymackey3098]

Please let me see which one is best systems for my home OK

[@rafaelbernes2274]

There are some previous Honeywell wireless motion and window sensor installed, Are these sensors compatibles with one of these systems?

[@DogManDan]

no. every security system uses its own proprietary system/devices that is the point of "security". Also these 3 systems are complete junk if you actually want a good system get a professionally installed/monitored system. All three of these mentioned can easily be hacked/bypassed.

[@michaelz6870]

Greetings! Hey, you guys seem like you guys are on the ball - how come no videos for SmartThings?

[@mikey38632]

Can you, if you wish, hang up SimpliSafe's sensors on the wall versus sticking them on? Not all environments will satisfy the use of adhesives, particularly due to temperature and moisture.

[@supaflypriest]

Yes they come with screws as well as adhesive.

[@hollisross3561]

Thanks for the video!

[@SecurityDotOrg]

You are welcome. Please share it with your friends.

[@drec.134]

Does the ring have a cellular connection?

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Yes, if you buy a Ring Protect Plus plan for either $10 a month or $100 a year. More info on Ring here: bit.ly/2NKQjUK

[@babolokimothofela4478]

Hello, how can i contact you privately for more information regarding the purchase of the product?

[@rosieemmons9514]

Good video!!

[@jessiepyron3760]

Wow great video thanks so much for making and sharing this

[@SecurityDotOrg]

You're welcome, Jessie and thanks for watching! More info in my written review- bit.ly/2YHI0NQ

[@robertlindberg815]

Hey. I’m gonna do van life a while. Do you know of any cameras that are sleek? The simplysafe camera has good battery life but it looks big. Anything smaller? My van is black, does the simplysafe outdoor camera come in black? Do you know how much the base station draws in power? Either in watts or amps. This is important as I will live in a van.