Was SimpliSafe a good choice for my first alarm system?

SimpliSafe is the first alarm system I have ever owned.
#simplisafe #alarmsystem #burglaralarm

[@charlesfortune8646]

I installed the base package for my dad and extended it with multiple cameras, multiple smoke detectors, water sensors, and door/window sensors in a two story house. I monitor the system from outside of the state with no issues. The water sensors alone have paid for themselves as we had two water pipe breaks and detected them within minutes so that we could shut the water off without further damage. Love this system.

[@bamagrl26]

How much did all of this cost? Does it make sense to purchase from like Costco or Sams club?

[@porteneur1]

Thank you, Chris. Very informative. Purchased mine tonight. So far I have seen nothing but good positive reviews on this. Thanks again.

[@gp62902]

I have been using SS for 5 years 100% recommend them.

[@freakemshoes]

I also have been using it since 2019. I researched and purchased SS in 2018 for my executive’s 2nd home. Then when we sold our home in 2019 we purchased SS for our townhouse. I swear by SS. I just updated the doorbell camera from the Nest to SS. In 2019 the SS doorbell was not rated highly. Over the years they have better reviews.

[@SkywalkerOne1977]

This is the kind of review I like to see, thanks!

[@jlcotton19681]

Great review Chris. I purchased my system a few months ago and everything is working fine. Not sure if you plan on doing this but it's something to consider... I have an exterior camera mounted on my garage in the front of my house. I drilled a hole through the wood where the camera is mounted and ran a USB to micro cable through it. There is a rubber seal on the rear of the camera that covers the female, micro connection so all you need do is plug the other end into a USB to male, two prong adapter which plugs into an interior outlet in my garage. No more battery charging. 🙂

[@blazemanchannel477]

We ended up exchanging this model for the slimmer version kzbin.infoUgkx0jZ_lGlDVJhDnmagEU8gn47cmfPNlLQU because it was too wide for the only door trim area that made sense to mount it on. However, we should have just noted the dimensions prior to purchasing. Otherwise, we love the doorbell. It works perfectly, and the video is very clear, even at night.

[@Daron-Novotny]

I have door triggers on all my doors and windows including both garages. I also put sirens in both garages and three inside the house not including the bass station. the Cameras working really as well. Ive never had any issues with the system not working. Great set up for the money.

[@michaeljenkins63]

I bought a system 10 years ago and just did a full upgrade, plus I added 3 outdoor and one indoor camera. The system is solid and the app offers a lot of customization to fit your particular needs to feel secure and safe. Your experience with the camera is rare in my estimation, but glad that you stuck with making things right. I also subscribe to the top monitoring tier which also offers a lot of options like being able to record the activity your cameras are capturing, and it's a cost I don't even think about because it's well worth the peace of mind.

[@Msherwood5341]

great video. exactly what I was looking for.

[@ChrisMcDowellDIY]

Glad it was helpful!!

[@Tony-pq3xv]

The alarm system doesn't use wifi or cellular to connect to the sensors. It uses its own built in transmitter/receiver to connect with the sensors. And the range is usually pretty good. The wifi and cellular only come into play to communicate with simplisafe itself to notify them if you have the monitoring service. Also the camera uses wifi to send video.

[@ChrisMcDowellDIY]

Ah, thanks for the clarification!

[@dmherman4208]

You might want to go into your settings and change the entry/exit delays for arming. I get everything and everybody out of the house before arming so have it set to the lowest amount of time. I find the monitoring/dispatch is worth it's weight. You get a call within seconds of a sensor or panic button going off. If you did something accidentally you can cancel the alarm with them over the phone after authenticating. Since you have the camera, you can also activate video verification. Police really prefer that and will respond quicker to an emergency. I also recommend glass break sensors if you do not have already. A window will get broken to avoid frame & door sensors.

[@N-Joy-Life]

We have had SS for some time. There isn't any security system that is 100 percent protection. There are pros and cons period. However, a security system is but one level of security that provides that extra layer of security. The system is an initial warning and deterrent, not and never will be absolute. Any system is an improvement. We prefer SS over the others our choice and we are very happy with their response time and service. They are great people to work with and the system is very easy to set up, and control. The customer has in one sense of the word total control in time, place, and extent of security with SS. As do most services of products have an occasional negative with communications regarding ordering, but you will find this with basically all companies. Any time you have a host of employees you have some communication issues because that involves personality, comprehension, listening and understanding from both parties. For us the very few negatives are not game changers because SS has always made it right. Thanks, SS, for your excellent service and support.

[@michaelbattista1334]

Thank you for the video. I’m on the search for one myself.

[@jgould30]

You shouldn't have the extender right where the base station is located. You are supposed to position something like that towards the far end of the base stations reach to "extend" coverage area. Fyi, the sensors communicate over their own network and protocol, like ZigBee or zwave, not your WiFi.

[@joeydego2]

The installation for the base instructs to put the base somewhere central to your other hardware. You may want some wifi extenders in a bigger home.

[@Knotes191]

I had the original system when it first came out. It worked great! I just updated it with the new version like before I installed it myself. I had a few glitches but the support people helped a lot. We needed to update the firmware. So far so good!

[@deanlockamy2087]

We had Brinks for years and after multiple fee changes, wiring issues and the cost to replace the battery we dropped them. Now a group of felons has moved in across the street and the wife doesn't feel safe, All my research says Simple Safe is going to be what we need.

[@clems6989]

THANKS !! I was considering this system until I watched this video !!

[@robertrose3068]

Have you tested using solar panels for the outdoor cams? Maybe Wasserstein (spelling?) At the moment I have 2 outdoor nest cams with that brand and they work awesome. 👍 13 ft charge cord too. And they aren't in 100% full sunlight. Also with the outdoor cam, do you experience any 5-10 second delays from when motion is detected to when it records? I'm getting ready to move and condidering Simplisafe.

[@WayneTDowdy3]

I, too, experienced difficulties with the SimpliSafe customer service department. My doorbell camera stopped functioning properly and the service technician determined it was defective and volunteered to send me a free replacement within 24 hours. She kept her commitment by placing the order on my behalf. The shipping department did NOT ship accordingly. After not receiving the item, and dealing with customer service on two occasions, I learned that the doorbell camera had NOT been shipped but would be. I did receive it about a week after the conversation. On other matters, my orders were not shipped within the stated time frame. However, when I received the items purchased, everything I received was as ordered with all contents provided.

[@tracyking4372]

How do you set up the monitoring for the fire & police

[@N-Joy-Life]

I would add that we have sensors on everything. We recommend motion sensors located at each entry to enhance the initial alarm of any potential break in. By the way as a customer, we have control in setting the condition on the sensors regarding alarm.

[@s1u8n]

which of the units are the sirens coming out of? base station? motion sensor? door sensor?

[@RickKennedyFilms]

Thank You

[@fernsnotcrying]

Great video!

[@guyrichards]

How long from purchase to delivery? Getting mixed reviews online.

[@FredArd1954]

Thanks for the helpful video. I too just bought first security system which is SImpliSafe. Haven't installed anything yet, thus my KZbin viewing on the subject. Do you subscribe to their monitoring service? Just curious if it can provide any on-site notifications aside from the monitor service. Thanks!

[@thudao2798]

How long the siren will turn off by it self? Thank you

[@juniiordiaz]

Great video ,really good information.. Thanks. BTW what is the color code for the gray paint on your walls? Love that color scheme. Thank you!!

[@ChrisMcDowellDIY]

I have no idea! My wife picked it out and I don’t think we have any more. Sorry!

[@kunalverma2950]

As the cameras need a battery charging is there a way to connect to an electric outlet so always on.

[@armon8399]

Doesn't sound like bad customer service. Just a misunderstanding on their part. They took care of u in the end so that's good customer service imo. Had they gave u a hard time then I'd say bad service

[@ChrisMcDowellDIY]

True

[@davidstevensasidewayslook8831]

great info video, would like to have had some idea as to how much it all cost, I know this goes out of date but ball park costings would be ideal….

[@qornh4197]

Thank u

[@andrewhughes2800]

You don't explain how you use the camera. Is it triggered by motion and do you get a notice and picture on your phone if the system is armed or not armed?

[@N-Joy-Life]

When away you want the warning time at ZERO. The time control is at your fingertips. To know what to do if you are having a problem setting it call customer service and have them walk you through how to do this yourself.

[@alexgordonepic]

cool but what if the bad guy just rips the base part next to door out unplugging it and smashes it to bits. would it still work?

[@billsmith5440]

I had the same question before I purchased the system. Once an alarm is triggered, it’s already sent to the alarm company. Destroying the base after the fact would achieve nothing. It’s too late the alarm company has already been notified of the alarm.The countdown is only giving you time to input your pin to cancel the alarm but the alarm company has already been notified either by Wi-Fi or cellular capability.

[@JT-zy2ft]

So if they destroy it before the alarm is triggered the alarm will not go off. This is stated on their website. So it’s recommend to not keep the base station out in plain site and to turn off the blue light.

[@darrentang7614]

Good video. Question about the outdoor camera. How long does the battery last till you have to charge it again ?

[@dmherman4208]

Not very! SS advertises 3-6 months depending on activity. More like 2 weeks in a typical entry setting. I went with power cable and put a security cage over the cam so it will not get stolen easily. Power cable way to go so you do not get caught with dead battery if you go away on vaca.

[@robertrose3068]

Don't they have solar as well?

[@JT-zy2ft]

@@robertrose3068 they do.

[@JT-zy2ft]

Depends on where it’s positioned. If it’s in a high traffic area and goes off a lot you may get a month out of it. A less traffic area you’ll get multiple months out of it. There’s alot of options you can control to help reduce battery usage.

[@ChrisMcDowellDIY]

Mine lasts about 3 months for a family of 6 going in and out all the time and with all our packages getting delivered and company coming over and all that.

[@dotnetdevni]

Have they updated the system yet to allow u to create groups ie upstairs and downstairs yet thats the only thing annoys me about it

[@BW-kv9wj]

What if they come thru a window?

[@louierockefeller9371]

How far can you go from hearing it like if you go out side and will someone call you to see if you okay and will cops come

[@ChrisMcDowellDIY]

It’s pretty loud. I’m sure it would get the neighbors coming to look if it was just blaring without ever stopping. You can also add more sirens to the system if you want. I keep the siren outside to be sure everyone around hears it.

[@babysoll12191]

Any updates?

[@littleshrimp6905]

I work for them with tech support and customer service its a good system you just gotta be aware that it isnt perfect (like everything on this world) and u definitely can get better prices buying it with a retailor

[@Admiral07]

Do you recommend the doorbell camera?Trying to figure out which doorbell is the best plus provide the best privacy (Information not sold to 3rd party/Hack, etc.)

[@ChrisMcDowellDIY]

I guess that could be an option. We just have on of the external cameras at our door. I haven’t really looked into the doorbell. I didn’t even know SimpliSafe had one.

[@IwCk]

The cameras are not good. They disconnect all the times. Don't waste your money.

[@JT-zy2ft]

Had one for about a year now and haven’t had a problem with ours. Even better if you already have a system.

[@iangonzalez1937]

I recommend the Ring Doorbell, It's safe and uses a blue light to give the burglars a heads up that you use a Ring alarm system but really It's just Simplisafe. BTW This alarm system is really good the alarm gets up tp 100-90 decibels.

[@tyroneturner4128]

Hey Chris. Thanks for the video. It was very informative. I am seriously thinking about purchasing the system. Just wanted to make sure I was correct in my thinking here. WITHOUT THE SUBSCRIPTION, you are able to receive push notifications also arm and disarm the system from anywhere?

[@ChrisMcDowellDIY]

Yes, you can still do all of that even without the subscription. Thanks for watching!

[@baghalman]

If you choose to not pay for the monitoring system, will the app hold recordings from an outdoor camera for a short period of time before erasing? So I can go into the app and review the recordings

[@JT-zy2ft]

No to record footage you need to be subscribed.

[@ChrisMcDowellDIY]

Thay have a $10 per month option that just saves recordings. It’s the only thing I pay for currently.

[@yadiraquiles6841]

Why is it asking me to create a new company account, I bought this for my home.

[@Anonymously_J]

Do you pay the .93c or .33c a day for pro monitoring?

[@breefost9767]

So there's someone monitoring the property if you pay for the extra feature ?

[@ChrisMcDowellDIY]

No, at this point we are not paying. We wanted to test how it works for a while before doing that. We mainly wanted it so that we can hear when one of our kids opens a door. Also for the outside camera to see when packages are delivered and such. You can also talk to people outside through the camera which is pretty cool. Plus we get notifications any time the camera sensed movement, which was another thing we really wanted.

[@dmherman4208]

@@breefost9767 Yes, the subscription is less than a dollar a day for FULL monitoring features. It is a live dispatch who attempt to contact you first. If they cannot reach you in less than a minute , Responders will be dispatched.

[@joshuablanco8486]

Can you monitor the cameras and store footage in their app without having to pay for a 24/7 monitoring plan?

[@zenitfan4life]

No

[@ChrisMcDowellDIY]

Yes. There is a $10 per month option. It’s the only thing I pay for currently. It archives 30 days worth of recordings, but without the professional monitoring. $30 per month would pay for the monitoring as well as camera recording storage.

[@leslienagy5916]

Good video wish you would have demo the camera

[@JT-zy2ft]

What camera are you interested in? I have the door bell, indoor and outdoor camera.

[@tristanarnoux1946]

Why would you put only door sensors? You don't protect your windows, and no PIR at all? So if anyone breaks in and does not open any door the alarm is useless? Or you do have extra protection?

[@tristanarnoux1946]

Also I would recommend the base station to sit somewhere with a detector with no delay, so no one can crash it or drown it in the sink

[@emsmith7729]

I'm going to subscribe cuz yours is the only one that's not a year from now but a year later I mean so do your research on that and get back with us I'd be interested to know what you think about that Wi-Fi jammer thing

[@JuanMeneses36]

Nightmare experience with customer service. I have it running in the basic mode. We had the pro monitoring. The fire alarm would “go off” send an alarm without any noise. We got to know the fire department pretty well. The customer service, luckily, told us that it wasn’t a problem and everything was fine. It happened about 5 times and customer service kept telling us it wasn’t happening. I figured out which fire alarm it was and tossed it. Switched to the normal security and I have never had to deal with customer service again.

[@ChrisMcDowellDIY]

Man, that stinks. We don’t do the monitoring. We basically have it so we can hear when any doors are open. We have small kids still. It has been helpful to have, but I’m not sure I would like the monitoring. We do pay monthly to be able to store camera footage.

[@X.L.B1]

What is “normal security”

[@AmatureAdventureMan]

Why don't people ever say how much it cost?

[@tuurischevagreen2974]

I was wondering how much is it a month?

[@CliftonMurphyjr]

simplisafe monitoring runs about $0.60 per day, or around $30 per month

[@ChrisMcDowellDIY]

I don’t pay for the monitoring. You can keep it free if you like, but the camera video footage does not archive. Since I may want to be able to look at footage from earlier in the day or even the day before, I pay the 10 bucks a month to be able to keep 30 days of camera recordings.

[@DomBurgess]

The door sensors are not using cellular. They'll be using either WiFi or old school radio frequencies (which work at much further distances)

[@emsmith7729]

Oh it's a lady on there doing vivid that's the one I'm interested in she's doing SimpliSafe versus vivid so I got to speak yours up sorry

[@lukemorton7600]

everyone in the comments needs to know that simpli safe uses 433MHz for their equipment which is a very common frequency for smart home devices. baby monitors, garage openers, etc.. They are very easy to bypass with a device that mimics the signal, I'd do more research before investing in the system, or at the very least do not display your yard signs.

[@JT-zy2ft]

Yes the sensors can be blocked if the person breaking into your house knows where their located. Every system isn’t perfect which is why you shouldn’t advertise what system you have. The jammers do not block the camera feeds though.

[@yadiraquiles6841]

Where's the customer service number?

[@Sh4kuRxThuG]

IOS APP IPHONE?

[@emsmith7729]

Okay he said the same thing right but he was able to come in the house as long as he held that thing to keep at gave a signal you know like I was just confusing cuz you're saying even without the Wi-Fi he said that too but he still came in his house and he's going like oh that's a little discons

[@peaves]

I just purchased a Simplisafe system last week. Customer service was fantastic. I was going to have professionally installed on my rental properties for $125. When it actually came time to install it was $125 PLUS 65 per camera...insane!!!

[@stevepernetti4594]

At this point, I'm not at all impressed by SimpliSafe. We ordered a complete system almost two weeks ago, with three day shipping. We explained why we need the system this month and CS assured my wife and I it would arrive on time. Fast forward and after two calls to CS, promised actions, and still the system still hasn't even shipped. CS is in the Philippines and operates by sending email to the "warehouse" in Boston. It makes me wonder if this is a "virtual company" with some people answering phones from around the globe, a small office in the US, and a subcontracted warehouse to trans-ship their products from China. I suspect monitoring operates the same way.

[@joeydego2]

Do NOT put out the yard signs, or get a yard sign from a different alarm company. These types of alarms are jammable IF the thief knows which system they’re jamming. Either throw them off or post nothing.

[@ItsMe-by4fs]

nice beard

[@emsmith7729]

Okay with another lady she used this little wild thing he used that first he already said that that wouldn't work and then he uses walkie-talkie thing and it worked she didn't do that that's why I go like she must be working for them cuz she didn't do that and he got in the house

[@mcarroll78]

Why did u not go with Ring?

[@timburss3335]

Was going get simply safe. Tried call them to get it installed. Was on hold 15 minutes. Then got person. Transferred to on tech. 10 minutes. Another person, Gave number for on tech thier install service. On hold 15 minutes. Got person transferred to another. 15 more minutes. Gave up.

[@paulb8188]

Obviously, the box you received was missing parts, and someone placed it back into circulation, and you got it. They should have not made that mistake. The person who sent you the (first attempt), sent you the wrong product. SimpliSafe is suffering from poor customer service knowledge. They are veryyy courteous, but ask the person how long they're with Simplisafe. Weed out the newbies; they mean well, but can give bad info. Growing pains. I love my system, though. I set all my sensors to "instant trigger", and SO NOT DISPLAY YOUR SIGNS! Why let a burglar know that you have ANY alarm? Just my opinion

[@megalodon1726]

Some (not all!) burglars are deterred by the presence of an alarm system. Some will even study various houses in a neighborhood to figure out which ones do and don't have an alarm, and then target a house which doesn't have one (or doesn't appear to have one).

[@michaelsalcido3736]

Yes. I believe if you advertise, the burglar will “simply” (no pun intended) move on to an easier victim. Burglars/bad guys want the easiest “in & out” method for them. It’s called conspicuous notification which has proven to be a greater deterrent. Why have some scumbag break or destroy a door or window & then homeowner must repair or replace. THAT doesn’t make sense to me. I’m also a LTC/CCW carrier. I have signs that say, This House is Protected by 2nd Amendment - Further notification that would-be bad guys are in for a world of hurt if they fk with my house, property, or family. Additionally, I don’t intentionally want to have to hurt or kill someone (even if they may deserve it), but I’ll then have to go through the headache of legal BS for “Castle Doctrine” issues. Summary: my notifications and/or advertisements deter and God willing keep me from problems & headaches. Btw, yes, I do have LTC insurance (“Right to Bear”) for legal protection, but who wants to go through all that anyway if it can be avoided - hence the advertisement & notifications of alarms AND homeowner consequences.

[@darrylhowe1465]

If you are in a metal building, and wish to deploy external cameras, SimpliSafe is not going to work without some kind of bridge to get you through the metal building wall. The truly bizarre part of it is that SimpliSafe STILL (3 years later) does NOT have a solution. Their customer service is not great. The text interface is canned answers that often time do not even match the context of the conversation.

[@northbee15]

@5:30 your cell phone is German? ;)

[@awrenn]

I caught that “Jetzt” 😂

[@ChrisMcDowellDIY]

Indeed it is.

[@emsmith7729]

And have you heard about the Wi-Fi jammer that this other KZbinr used on it and was able to come in this house how's that make you feel I just bought one I'm going with vivid but he said even if the Wi-Fi went off at the base would use you know let them know but if they can come in your house and hold that equipment and go to your house what the hell good is that they're in your house

[@johnszatkowski6898]

You NAILED it by saying it's very "basic". The cameras have NO option to install a solar panel so how often do you need to get on a ladder to replace the battery? The APP is about as "BASIC" as you can get! There are HARDLY any options for cameras or sensors for that matter and all of this "BASIC" crap for $30 a month. If you did your homework you'd find that Ring alarm is FAR superior has a MULTITUDE of camera options WITH solar panel options and the Ring Pro hub has a built-in Eero WiFi router that also lets EVERYTHING you have connected to it use the backup cellular connection and will also let you use your cellular phone's HOT-SPOT for a cellular backup as well if your internet goes down! Ring also has MUCH more options with devices such as door locks, whole home water shut-off, and lighting in addition to all the "standard" sensors Simplisafe offers as well and all for $20 a month! Ring is also a total DYI install and takes NO longer to setup. Ring ALSO offers battery packs that extend the use of your system in a power outage situation that will last for several days! Simplisafe will only have enough backup power for 24hrs at BEST! Also Simplisafe does NOT offer multiple users with different access codes for each user and allows for only certain control of the system!