In this post we take a deep dive into the benefits and drawbacks of SimpliSafe. Find out what this well-known DIY system is a winner and the areas where it fails in the security market for homes.
After I moved into my brand new home One of my goals was to get an alarm system for my home. It was a daunting task to choose from so many choices I was overwhelmed and was unsure of how to begin.
One of the companies for home security that kept appearing during my research was SimpliSafe.
After a few weeks of careful research and advice from friends and family members I made the decision to purchase the SimpliSafe system SimpliSafe I have continued safeguarding my home since.
In this post I go over the advantages and disadvantages of SimpliSafe, so that you know what to get from this diy home security device.
Pros: Simple Installation No contracts, low monthly Cost, and Dependable Security
While researching Home Security Systems, the most important aspects to me were
The equipment is affordable and minimal monthly monitoring costs
A reliable, high-quality system that is durable and of the highest quality.
Customization options to ensure you only have to pay what I really need
Simple setup and installation. The most important thing I didn’t want to do was spend the entire weekend to set up a security system on my own and, worse yet you could end up installing it incorrectly and making the investment ineffective.
Click here for the latest SimpliSafe review UK.
My delight is that SimpliSafe is living up to its reputation. It had one of the lowest costs for the product, it’s high quality, customisable and easy to setup and test.
There are many home security systems that you can choose from, however the advantages which pushed me to select SimpliSafe included:
Cost SimpliSafe is priced at SimpliSafe does not require a contract for a monthly period unlike many companies that attempt to lock you into more than a year. The monthly fees are affordable ($14.99 for basic monitoring, or $24.99 for features that are more sophisticated such as setting settings and receiving notifications via an app. Prices as of November 2019) The one-time purchase of equipment is cost-effective. The equipment is covered by a three-year warranty. This means you will receive a replacement at no cost in the event of any problems.
Monitoring SimpliSafe monitors your home. SimpliSafe utilizes 24/7 monitoring via cellular, so there is no need for the phone line. And even if a telephone line is lost the system will be able to contact assistance. Monitoring is not only for burglary, but also covers flooding and freeze, fire, as well as carbon monoxide. You may also decide not to cover monitoring costs and only make use of the alarm and siren to warn you and deter intruders.
Wireless – In contrast to many systems that are wired to homes, SimpliSafe is completely wireless and allows the user to move sensors around within your home without difficulties.
Easy to use Installation is straightforward and easy, and took me just 30 minutes. There is no need for particular skills or equipment The directions are easy to follow and will guide you through each procedure, so anyone can follow it.
Each system has the following essential components:
Base Station – it will be the central hub which connects the monitoring center using cell phone connections if your alarm sounds.
Wireless keypads are used to arm and set the alarm system. The majority of alarm systems utilize keypads to connect with central monitoring. Criminals are aware of this, therefore one of the things they will do after they enter the house is to destroy the keypad. SimpliSafe can solve this problem by connecting to the monitoring center via the quiet Base Station while distracting the burglar by making a loud sound emanating from the Keypad.
Master Keychain Remote – this lets you arm or disable the system from a distance. It also has an emergency button as well as an USB drive that you can connect to any PC and then change the settings of your system.
When I bought the equipment I was able to pick from various options a la carte. I chose to add a variety of things to ensure that my home was completely covered.
Entry sensors – These are used to detect when a door or window is open
Motion sensors – they detect any movement that is within 30 feet or 45 degrees right, left and up.
The siren’s 105 decibels are created to make burglars flee for their lives and then go blind
Smoke detector
Window and yard signs are only half the battle, isn’t it?
SimpliSafe provides a variety of other features that can increase your security. These include glass break detectors, cameras panic buttons as well as freeze and water sensors, etc.
I decided to put off for a while, but should I decide to include them later on I will be able to easily incorporate the system.
The Setup was incredibly simple.
If you take the keychain out of its box it prompts you to plug the USB drive from the keychain to your computer. When you have done this, a wizard appears up and guides through the procedure.
The wizard for setting up dumbs it down and provides all the data you need. I would often think, “but what about-what about-” and the moment I realized that I realized that the solution was there in the front of me. The directions eased any fears I was having about messing up the installation.
Once you have installed your system, the software provides instructions on how to put it in testing mode to verify that all the sensors and sirens work in a proper manner.
Cons: Problems in staying connected with the Monitoring Center Pros: High up-front cost
There’s no product that is perfect and SimpliSafe is no different.
After we had set up everything and tested it after which we received an error message on the keypad that read “No connection to send out” that meant my system was not connected to the monitoring centre and no means of reaching assistance should it be needed…yikes.
Fortunately, customer support was able to diagnose and resolve the issue quickly. It was a quick fix. Base Station defaults to a T-Mobile sim card in order to communicate with the monitoring system. the T-Mobile service I have in my region is not excellent.
Within an hour and half, they have provided me with a brand fresh Verizon sim card and instructions for installing it and fix the issue.
Update: SimpliSafe’s latest systems include an Verizon Sim card, which is used as the primary.
I’ve seen online reports of systems disconnecting randomly from dispatch many years after they set it up. It’s terrifying considering that this connection could be life-saving.
If, however, the connection ever goes down If it ever goes down, the Base Station will tell you immediately and continue to remind you, which can be annoying but efficient.
Luckily , this hasn’t been an issue since we switched sim cards. Fingers that it wouldn’t come up in the near future.
Another issue worth noting is the high initial price. Contrary to many security companies who let you rent the equipment at a low monthly cost, SimpliSafe requires you to purchase the equipment in advance.
The exact price will depend on the amount of alarms, sensors and detectors that you require however, the average cost will be about $500.
It is true that you must purchase the equipment upfront but should you intend to use the system over time buying it can save hundreds, or even thousands of dollars over the long term.
Final Review: SimpliSafe Is a Reliable DIY Home Security System
In the end, I’m happy with the purchase of SimpliSafe. My family’s safety particularly at home is the top priority for me and SimpliSafe has given me the security I require.
I highly endorse it to anybody searching for a budget-friendly and high-quality system that’s simple to set up.
There are many alternatives, and each has advantages and disadvantages. I chose SimpliSafe as the most suitable choice for my needs.