SimpliSafe Home Security System Review: Is it the best DIY system?

Learn more about SimpliSafe here: www.security.org/home-securit...
See our list of the best home security systems here: www.security.org/home-securit...
Hi Folks! Interested in getting to know #SimpliSafe? Well, Corey moved into a new house so we thought it would be a good time to revisit the SimpliSafe Home Security System from scratch. Today's video is comprehensive and hopefully, compelling. We are DIVING DEEP into SimpliSafe home security system and I hope our long video can answer many of your questions!
Time Stamps
0:00 SimpliSafe Home Security System
1:20 System Components
3:20 Installation Process
5:00 Pet Owners
6:11 Start of Features and Functionality
6:24 Professional Monitoring
7:40 Video Verification
8:15 Arming and Disarming
8:45 Amazon Alexa and Modes
10:48 Customer Support
11:30 Mobile Application
13:45 Watching and Downloading Clips
15:00 Notification Speed and Settings
19:30 Final Thoughts
Note: Hi folks, we misspoke here regarding using Alexa to turn off SimpliSafe. You cannot turn off the alarm just using Alexa...that would allow anyone to turn it off. You can use Alexa for other functions, but not for turning off the alarm.
Note: We receive free products and participate in affiliate programs.

[@samanthasamantha1830]

This video is excellent! Thank you so much! I have liked and subbed and I'll be getting this system thanks to your review!

[@SecurityDotOrg]

You are very welcome. Please share us with your friends.

[@DS-ew7sp]

I rarely make product recommendations but I've had SimpliSafe since the company started and I have been absolutely pleased with every aspect of the system/company. I've added to my system over the years and I have recently updated the entire system. It is very easy to use and install and I it is highly reliable. SimpliSafe customer service is top notch too. I highly recommend the system!

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Thanks for your contribution to channel.

[@SARFamily1776]

Do I have to have a monthly subscription to use the app?

[@toanvo427]

​@Hawkeye yes

[@peetslabberts1824]

thank you this helped me make a decision and bought it. Very thorough review.

[@SecurityDotOrg]

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

[@Celinadeexo]

This video was fantastic. Thank you for such a thorough review!

[@INSANEAMV]

I've started working for SimpliSafe this week. It is so good to know that the Customer S. has such good comments. I'll make sure it stays that way.

[@MateenDI]

Such an awesome and comprehensive review without being too long or boring 😅 nice job

[@magikalblackness4838]

Just purchased my first home and you truly helped me decide on this great system I was sold 1min in ty so much

[@SecurityDotOrg]

We are very happy we were able to help you. Please share us with your fiends.

[@timtiernan6080]

OUTSTANDING video! Explained all the features and options available in setting up SimpliSafe. Answered all my questions and more. Impressive presentation.

[@aprildonahoo8650]

Thank you for the video! It was so comprehensive. You helped me make my decision.

[@SecurityDotOrg]

You are very welcome. Please share us with your friends.

[@xcal8br]

Do you have to subscribe and pay a monthly fee to use the phone app to arm and disarm the system and/or view the camera on your phone while you are away?

[@johncrumpley8702]

Nice review. I fired ADT after twelve years and put a complete SS system in my home. Their customer service, pricing, and simple module setups are ten times better than ADT.

[@eugeniustheodidactus8890]

*Well done!* I am only concerned about home invasions while I am home and it's got plenty of functionality for that. Not into cameras to see "what happened" or phone calls from 1000 miles away asking if I am OK. Be armed and have a plan.

[@rickjacoby4542]

I’ve been very happy with the system, and my setup is extensive with every window and door monitored.

[@raheenb]

Amazingly detailed video, thank you! I do wish they had dedicated emergency-type buttons like the older non-smart alarm keypads and even Ring. Maybe the next version. ETA: the buttons I'm referring to are 3 separate dedicated Fire, Police, AND Medical call buttons.

[@SecurityDotOrg]

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

[@rickyflynn5799]

I spoke with them today for the first time, and ran to youtube to learn more. They offered me a panic button, which I'm about to be 30 and don't need. But the panic button is something that looked mobile, like the "I've fallen and can't get up" old school advertisements. Maybe they have what your looking for now!

[@raheenb]

@@rickyflynn5799 oh yeah I actually have the FOB you're referring to (somewhere around here lol). I meant like a dedicated Fire, Police, AND Medical buttons... Because now you have to assign the panic button to just one of those choices which seems like a roll of the dice to me.

[@305Chrisy]

Thank you, great review of this product.

[@SecurityDotOrg]

You are very welcome. Please share us with your friends and don't forget to follow us on social.

[@davidcoates7302]

I just got mine installed. I love it

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Thanks for sharing!

[@stevekrause5931]

Very helpful video. Thank you!

[@SecurityDotOrg]

You're welcome. Please share us with your friends.

[@SkyTightGaming]

Yeah I just watched her last review 2 years ago and it didn't do all these features that is doing now nice little upgrade features that it does

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Thanks for watching. Please share the channel with your friends.

[@biggip254eaglenation2]

Great Video...My Simpli Safe Knox will be in Saturday ..Ready ro get it installed ..

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Awesome! Please share the channel with your friends.

[@analyzer4226]

Is it true that your door and window switches can be hacked with a $2 device from Ebay?

[@biggip254eaglenation2]

@@analyzer4226 I hope not

[@flmatos]

Great video!

[@dh-in8qr]

Does the SimpliSafe system, including cameras, work in a home without Internet connectivity? Thanks.

[@durtydeedsREI]

Thought there would be a little more about the Alexa integration. The time slot you had for that wasn't dedicated to it though.

[@jordanb1759]

Do you have to pay for self monitoring. Will all features/notifications still work?

[@MelonXin]

Can I arm and disarm each individual sensor? For example when I’m home I want just the entry sensors armed but not the motion sensors

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Yes, You can setup different a Home and away security configuration.

[@katefe2654]

Can you delay the sensors ?for example on the garage door, without the siren goes on and you have time to go back and disarm the system?

[@chadkent1158]

Have wanted a SS system for years, as they seem to ensure the privacy of their users more intentionally than other brands; but I am open to recommendations. I prize my privacy, no FB, no Alexa, no skynet, lots of foil on my windows. Barriers for becoming a customer are related to the v2 touch being cheesy to the point where I do not want it in my home; and though I would only buy a cam from SS for their privacy screen which no other brand has, the overall quality of the video content is far, embarrassingly, below competitors... IMO. Thoughts, internet?

[@AeropathX]

I want to setup for a friend but they do not have wired internet to the house or WiFi. Will this hamper the setup of the system, in the video I see you mentioned WiFi a few times during setup like with the keypad. Thanks!

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Simplisafe products require a WiFi connection.

[@dixienormus8097]

If you are in the home mode, where your sensors are active but the motion sensors arent, what if you want to open a window for some fresh air? Is there a way to do that or do you just have to turn the alarm off?

[@SecurityDotOrg]

You would have to either turn off the alarm or change your "home alarm" settings so the sensor on that window doesn't trigger the alarm.

[@stouttaaddis989]

Can you disarm and arm while away using your phone without subscription?

[@etnwhvac]

For some reason I can't switch from home to Away on the keypad! I have to turn it off and then away. Probably not the place to ask for a friend in this regard but I'll also contact Simpli for clarification!!

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Sounds like a defective keypad or a battery issue. If switching out the batteries doesn't work, try contacting Simplisafe support.

[@SkyTightGaming]

Does it take batteries or is it away for it to be charged I'm talking about the accessories

[@SecurityDotOrg]

SimpliSafe takes batteries, however (Pro Tip) If you call their customer support they will send you a years both of batteries for all your devices for free.

[@frankvet1]

I worry about range from brain to to the motion or door sensors. We need something 100 feet through 3 walls for example.

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Not an issue. The connection is through your wifi. As in the sensors talk to your router, the router talks to the base station.

[@Steinninn]

Can it connect to other smart things, like turn on the lights when motion is detected? In other words, connect to ITTT?

[@SecurityDotOrg]

You can connect SimpliSafe to an amazon device, but the system can't interact with other smart systems.

[@Tangeffect]

You still get the app functionality with the $15 monitoring?

[@SecurityDotOrg]

The app controls are dependent on you signing up for the monitoring.

[@WilliamGraves1]

Will the base station announce WHICH exterior door opens? e.g. "Front door is open"

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Yes as long as its programmed into the hub.

[@VenVile]

Okay, but how much functionality do you get without subscribing? A shame you didn't touch on that.

[@FashionExclusivism]

Its still fully functional bro. You dont gotta pay for that monitoring function. The only thing is IF your house gets robbed YOU gotta call the cops YOURSELF which is fine cuz youll know someones in ur house.

[@mandypdx]

@@FashionExclusivismDo you know a way to get alerts when a door opens, motion sensor or camera notices activity? I have it and it seems useless - I’d like to get an alert and not just have the alarm go off when o am lot home.

[@Wizardboy05_]

I think i like the Ring alarm system better because they give you cameras outside as well along with a camera door bell

[@elivasquez5976]

If you purchase the simplisafe "The beacon" RIGHT NOW you get the base, keypad, 2 motion sensors, 4 entry sensors, 2 outdoor wireless cameras, and 1 indoor camera for less than 300$. I had to jump in on it. It was too good of a deal. Just FYI

[@scottscheibe5517]

Simple Safe has a door bell cam

[@gracegutierrez5977]

I did not received any code to use the app. please help me.

[@soju1shotx]

Do you get app alerts for the the alarm system (ie. door/window sensor triggered) without any monitoring subscription?

[@carlosyahirvargaszamora6529]

yes, you do, you have 2 options, self monitoring plan that cost 9.99$ or the free basic service, both includes the app features

[@therealist1103]

Does it allow a secret duress code that will disarm and send a silent panic alert to the monitors?

[@SecurityDotOrg]

That is not a feature of the system, but you can purchase a fob with a panic button.

[@MY_2_CENTZ]

Anyone know what type of batteries the sensors take and how often they need to be changed?

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Here is a link that answers your question. support.simplisafe.com/hc/en-us/articles/360029801311-How-long-do-the-batteries-last-What-batteries-do-my-SimpliSafe-sensors-require-

[@abc123fhdi]

the entry sensors last up to 10 years, but the keypad batteries have to be replaced every 8 months. The other sensors last about 3-5 years according to SimpliSafe. They should make the keypad with rechargeable batteries and an AC plug like Ring. You could use rechargeable batteries with the keypad I suppose but be prepared to charge them often and maybe keep a spare set charged up and ready to go before the ones you're using die, and they will probably last 2-3 months between charges.

[@scottscheibe5517]

The sticky stuff does not stick to laytex paint

[@TheGregEgg]

I've had Simplisafe for awhile now. There are hardware issues that needs fixing/improving; It's internal siren is way too quiet. Even the optional external siren isn't all that loud. I built my own door alarm about two years ago and it's 12v siren was blasting loud (I retired it when I got Simplisafe). The Simplisafe alarm should be that loud. Also, the light on the base station is very bright at nighttime. I actually place a towel over the base station just to dim the light. For some strange reason Simplisafe crashes my network when connected. I can only use Simplisafe through it's cellular connection. I can't explain why this happens. Your results may be different.

[@TheGregEgg]

@Blue Girl I don't want the light off, just dim.

[@fortniteboss2837]

can you buy an outdoor siren like conventional alarm systems

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Simplisafe does not currently offer theat product.

[@rh4709]

Do you need the professional monitoring to be able to use the mobile app?

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Yea you do.

[@saeedahmed_40]

Do I have to have the subscription to have it link to Google Home

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Good question! If we have not answered your question within our detailed hands-on review, we suggest reaching out to the company directly to get more information. Thanks for understanding!

[@analyzer4226]

Is it true that your door and window switches can be hacked with a $2 device from Ebay?

[@j.rcoker9051]

Any system can be hacked...the key to this is to NEVER post a yard sign advertising your systems brand. Why give a criminal an advantage.

[@Alex-jn1ez]

im torn between this or the ring alarm!

[@abc123fhdi]

ring alarm keypad can be plugged in or run off battery power which lasts about 6 months. the SS keypad is battery powered only and you have to replace batteries every 8 months. Ring is backed by Amazon which is a bigger company. Tech reviewers seem to prefer simply safe though.

[@jpthsd]

why and why the base station being a cone gezzz,,,I hoped it were square, flat base station so could stick up on the wall! Is the base station relying mainly on home network wifi and using cellular network as backup? Can I include one of the motion sensor into Home arming mode?

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Yes is the answer to both questions.

[@michianadroneservicesllc858]

I'll be installing in a house without WiFi cause of the extra cost of Wifi. Was wondering if the camera would still work with the system because of that?

[@SecurityDotOrg]

SimpliSafe relies on WIFI.

[@michianadroneservicesllc858]

@@SecurityDotOrg I didn't think the window and motion went through the home wifi. Thought just the camera did. Thanks

[@blackskatenerd4516]

Does the alarm really sound off really loud. I couldn’t tell from the video and the expression given from the guy didn’t leave me with the impression that it was so so loud.

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Ohhh its loud.... no worries there.

[@icemanbrfc]

Would this only work in the US? Or other parts of the world as well?

[@SecurityDotOrg]

They can only provide their services in the U.S. and U.K.

[@postersm7141]

10:17 I find the bass station siren to be pretty pathetic actually therefore I purchased the X ternal siren and holy crap, that one is loud. The idea is I have the external siren upstairs facing the front door and the bait station siren is downstairs on the first floor. It has a dual affect but definitely the X ternal siren is worth it and probably four times louder than the base station siren!!

[@JimV90]

Does this require Wi-Fi if not using the camera?

[@SecurityDotOrg]

The entire system runs off of wifi.

[@jackomalley3687]

What if someone breaks in and steals the base station?

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Well hopefully the system goes off thus deterring a burglar from trying to steal anything.

[@MY_2_CENTZ]

And are the sensors weatherproof?

[@SecurityDotOrg]

SimpliSafe camera's are not weatherproof, but when you purchase their outdoor mounting kit, it comes with a weather proofing sleeve for the camera.

[@MY_2_CENTZ]

@@SecurityDotOrg I was wondering about the window/door sensor. Wanted to maybe mount a few on outside Gates and entryway

[@pbower4378]

Most likely not but I don’t know for sure. They do now have an outdoor camera available now though

[@brieninsac]

How many user codes can you have?

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Just one,

[@Hotshot0225]

so I actually work Simplisafe in the tech support lines. you can have 5, that would be the master and 4 additional for other people. then there is one other that's used for duress. just gotta go into the app in settings to set them up (you may also be able to do it on the keypad but it can be a pain to navigate.)

[@scottscheibe5517]

I had a simply safe system 1 the base died, when I said I was going find another alarm company they replace my system including multiple sensors, smoke, Co2, water, temperature. BTW if you need system 1 parts, I have everything but the base station. The system 2 is not compatible with system 1

[@kyleyork23MGMPROSEQ]

Simplisafe worked like a charm for the first 3 years I had it. This last year has been a complete headache and waste of my time. 4 base station swaps (which you have to re-add all your devices) and 3 keypads later… hours of wasted time and I’m done. Dropping Wifi and not accepting passwords. Switching to Ring. It’s light years ahead of simplisafe with the amount of tech and customization options .their app interface is amazing you can pay $20 /month or $200 annually vs simplisafe $28/mo 366 annually. Simply put don’t get simplisafe it’s outdated , and has minimal options (outdoor cameras, flood lights , outdoor solar landscape list goes on and on) ring offers it simplisafe doesn’t.

[@MurdaMan09]

You said it worked with Different phone systems. Does it also work with Apple HomeKit?

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Yes it does.

[@biggip254eaglenation2]

I just hope installation is as easy as everyone is saying it is

[@SecurityDotOrg]

A few members of our team use SimpliSafe and they swear by how easy it is to install.

[@dilberta6046]

Why does the keypad light come on and nothing is happening, no one is even near it, it’s just on home.

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Its most likely updates from Simplisafe.

[@Hotshot0225]

NGL the keypads kinda have a mind of their own sometimes. it has a little motion detector in it, so when you get close it comes on. past that i've no idea.

[@SARFamily1776]

Do I have to have a monthly subscription to use the app?

[@LeonClayton]

Yes, you have to have the $24.99 monitoring package to use the App

[@diogovitorino2613]

@@LeonClayton so you cant arm and disarm the alarm remotely if you dont go for the monthly subscription?!

[@LeonClayton]

@@diogovitorino2613 correct. Only the $24.99 package allows you to use the app.

[@slivers4007]

Just "uninstalled" a SimpliSafe system after 2 days. Wish they would make it known that the camera motion sensors only have a range of 15 feet as per SimpliSafe! In my case it was more like 10-11 feet. Spent lots of time on the phone with the very helpful tecs but to no avail. Rings cameras on the other hand are 30+ feet!

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Sorry to hear you had that experiance.

[@darrylhowe1465]

One very important caveat. If you're in a metal building, and wish to deploy external cameras, SimpliSafe is not going to work without some way of getting the wireless signal through the metal building wall. The truly bizarre part of it is that SimpliSafe STILL (3 years later) does NOT have a solution. You will be on your own to devise a fix.

[@abc123fhdi]

Wouldn't bother installing motion sensors if you have pets, sure installing it upside down "might" reduce some false alarms but better safe than sorry.

[@SecurityDotOrg]

That's been the experience of some of our staff as well.

[@TheGregEgg]

My cat managed to set off my Simplisafe alarm one day while I was at work. I set the motion sensor to low setting and it hasn't happened since then. There is a switch on the back where you can select the sensitivity of the sensor.

[@jaredsalem5837]

It's not really an alarm system if it has an a massive security vulnerability because of radio frequency

[@abc123fhdi]

It's better than not having an alarm, most thieves aren't trying to jam the signal they just want a simple smash and grab, once a siren goes off they leave and target a home without a security system. They aren't very bright people for the most part or they would find a better way to make a living rather than resorting to thievery in the first place. That being said, I think ring is better because their keypad can run off AC power vs. having to replace batteries every 8 months.

[@Incubate31]

So, this was sponsored?

[@eugeniustheodidactus8890]

I like the good looking signage, which will likely deter any intruder from even entering your property.

[@robertcrawford4202]

You also fail to mention that Ring has "smash and grab" protection and SimpliSafe does not. Finally SimpliSafe is easily jammed with a $40 Chinese handheld radio and Ring uses a more secure and not easily thwarted Z-Wave technology which is a much better solution. Just moved from SimpliSafe to Ring because of those two major flaws in SimpliSafe design.

[@wlf9108]

Ring doesn’t have a key fob tho. Dealbreaker for me.

[@adamrodriguez5854]

I’m worry about the hacking issues and jam the signal it’s all over KZbin how to hack. I rather pay a coupe of more dollars for peace of mind for family. 2 dollars a month for other companies and other have their own monitoring and verification that can give a call to police so they know what is going on with live not after the fact.

[@SecurityDotOrg]

Simplisafe fixed that issue years ago.

[@pbower4378]

Which systems are only $2 a month?? 😯

[@Elfin4]

yes sounds good, but if it can be bypassed with a simple garage remote that operates on the same frequency makes it junk.

[@j.rcoker9051]

Any system can be hacked...the key to this is to NEVER post a yard sign advertising your systems brand. Why give a criminal an advantage.

[@fortniteboss2837]

how would a thief know that you have that alarm until they are in your premises

[@Elfin4]

@@fortniteboss2837 well the external camera model may be a give away or door ring

[@spmadeinusa4594]

Understand up front that SimpliSafe isn't a company in the traditional sense. It is a "virtual company" with a small network of subcontractors and suppliers that handle multiple business entities. The CS is located in the Philippines, and supports a wide variety of customers from a wide variety of business ventures. Their "warehouse" forwards products from China to the end user, which could be a toaster, or a security system. The monitoring follows the same business model. That's what you're getting with SimpliSafe. Major disappointment.

[@georgeulrich3823]

I've had nothing but trouble with this system. I have spent probably 24 hours total on the phone with them. SHIT!

[@GiterDone-cj2rx]

I would have felt better about your video if you would have had ANY kind of problem with this system. If its so superior and unproblematic then why did I buy it for less than half its retail price dude?

[@user-vj2wt7jh7j]

I just bought a Simplisafe system it has been nothing but problems in a larger home. The range of the system is poor. One floor of my house is protected only, the sensors I installed in my basement will not connect to the base station, they are not even sensed. My basement is the most vulnerable part of my home and the sensors are only around 25 feet from the base station but the signal can't penetrate the hardwood floor? The cameras also don't seem compatible with modern 5ghz/2.4ghz wireless systems. I bought three cameras none of which will connect to my wireless network. I even split the bands and gave the 2.4ghz band a separate password and the cameras still would not connect. The system will be going back.

[@jackomalley3687]

Also read it can be hacked

[@SecurityDotOrg]

That loophole was fixxed by the company years ago.

[@ldswife5339]

I like the other review guy better

[@xxbambamxx7261]

It's the most crappy security system you can have to protect you're house! KZbinrs should do some research before pushing crap like this...

[@daslake4061]

Which would you recommend? Looking for a security system for a rental home, meaning wireless and battery operated (no drilling/mounting, etc)?

[@buithuc2848]

This is the second home in which kzbin.infoUgkx0jZ_lGlDVJhDnmagEU8gn47cmfPNlLQU we've replaced our "regular" doorbell with a Ring video doorbell and we really enjoy it. It is very easy to install and it works very well, with a clear picture through the app and good in-home use (we added the chime, which is also easy to install and doesn't require another thought to use).

[@erickveos]

wihout the profesional monitoring, are you able to use the app, and view the camera feed?

[@erickveos]

what are the limitation if you opt out of the monitoring?

[@pbower4378]

You cannot use the app if you want to use the system for free. That also means the cameras will not work for you either. If you go the free route, that means if an emergency/break in happens in your home, the home base station device will go off… but you will only know this if you are home and you hear it so that you can call authorities/help yourself. If you are out of the house, you will not know and emergency services will not be notified on your behalf.

[@Hotshot0225]

@@pbower4378 I hate to pull the actually on you here my man, but you can. you are correct in that it does not call out if an alarm goes off, but you should still be able to use the app and view cameras live if you have them(that being said, you will not have recordings or the ability to record.). the app will also still send push notifications to you as well if you have them set up for alarms sensors mishaps ETC.