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How much will a SimpliSafe system cost? We’ve got all the answers.
Look, if you want us to bottom-line things for you, we can do that. A basic SimpliSafe system costs between $250 and $480 for equipment (large packages can cost up to $730), and SimpliSafe professional monitoring costs $21.99 to $31.99 per month unless you go with a premium Pro or Pro Plus plan at $49.99 or $79.99 respectively.
With easy DIY installation, there’s no need to pay professionals to set up your system, which means no costs there. You can get your system professionally installed for $125 if you want though. In short, an average-size home can get protection from SimpliSafe for about $300 plus monthly monitoring costs.
Be warned: the bottom line is always a simplification. SimpliSafe is known for offering customers options, like self-monitoring. Choose an option like that, and the whole equation can shift dramatically. Add to this that SimpliSafe has a couple of brand-new options, and you quickly realize that understanding what a system costs isn’t as straightforward as it might seem.
That’s why we’re here, though. We’ve spent years testing and reviewing the best security equipment and systems. That’s given us unique insight into how the home security system industry operates. You can always trust us to give you the straight story and to give it to you in plain language you can understand. We’ll untangle SimpliSafe’s price structures and let you know whether or not this is a system you should invest in.
Before we dive into the ins and outs of SimpliSafe’s costs, we want you to know how we put guides like these together. If you’re going to trust our analysis, you need to know where that analysis comes from.
There’s no big mystery. We perform in-depth research and in-home testing on every single system we review. You can find all the details about a given system in our review articles. For articles like this one, on cost, we focus on the value of the system. This doesn’t mean we ignore system components, but we use these to consider whether the cost of a system makes sense.
We consider a system’s functionality, design, and durability, as well as its monitoring offerings, installation costs, and other fees. Then we compare that to the cost of its services and equipment. In other words, this is not a report on how affordable or expensive SimpliSafe is, but a report on whether the system is worth the price.
With that in mind, let’s put SimpliSafe under the microscope.
Obviously, there’s no system without equipment. This is also your biggest upfront cost when setting up home security. So, let’s start with an examination of what you’ll pay for a SimpliSafe equipment package.
There are two ways to purchase a SimpliSafe system. You can buy a premade package, or you can build your own system. We’ll get to the build-your-own option in a bit. For now, here’s a complete list of the premade options, starting with the smallest packages.
What does it include?
Who is it good for?
One nice thing about SimpliSafe is that it names its packages, and the names are always appropriate. The foundation, for instance, is just what it says it is: a foundation upon which to build your system. It’s basic, which makes it a good system for an apartment or a small home with limited entryways. Or, it makes a good starting point if you’re on a budget and want to create a larger system over time. Keep in mind that SimpliSafe lets you buy pieces a la carte.
How much does it cost?
The Foundation package costs $249.96.
What does it include?
Who is it good for?
The Starter is SimpliSafe’s most popular system, and it’s great for small homes under 1,200 square feet. The entryway sensors cover your front, back, and side doors, and a well-placed motion sensor protects your home from intruders.
How much does it cost?
The Starter package costs $279.94.
What does it include?
Who is it good for?
In terms of security, the Hearth is virtually identical to the Starter package, but it comes with additional safety features in the form of a smoke detector. Make no mistake, though – this system still protects you from break-ins. The Hearth also includes an extra-loud siren that could wake up you and your neighbors should someone try to enter your property.
How much does it cost?
The Hearth costs $409.91.
What does it include?
Who is it good for?
The Knox – as in Ft. Knox – is a great system for larger homes with multiple entryways and ground-floor windows. Similar to the Hearth, it includes SimpliSafe’s extra-loud siren and connected smoke detector, but it comes with additional entry sensors so you don’t have to leave any door or window unprotected.
How much does it cost?
The Knox costs $489.87.
What does it include?
Who is it good for?
The Haven is where we get into comprehensive protection. The included temperature and water sensors protect you from the elements — especially if you live in a colder climate — and the panic button ensures you can summon help at a moment’s notice. Pick the Haven if you need to protect a larger home from multiple threats.
How much does it cost?
The Haven costs $529.86.
What does it include?
Who is it good for?
The Lighthouse is a good option for small to medium-size homes — up to 1,600 square feet — that want the added protection of a security camera. For more information, check out our review of the SimpliSafe Wireless Outdoor Camera and our guide to security camera placement.
How much does it cost?
The Lighthouse costs $479.93
What does it include?
Who is it good for?
I’d recommend the Beacon for folks looking to keep an eye on threats to their property from all angles. If you have a larger property and want to protect your front and back entryways, it’s a good system for you.
How much does it cost?
The Beacon costs $729.90.
That’s it for SimpliSafe’s security packages. But you may have heard that SimpliSafe is one of the most affordable security systems out there. Why don’t these equipment prices jive with that notion?
I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing security equipment, paying particular attention to how their costs evolve over time. A trend I’ve noticed, particularly among DIY security system providers, is to list high “regular” prices but always offer deep discounts. I saw that tactic when I reviewed Cove and again when I tested Frontpoint. It’s a clear marketing tactic — one I’m not a fan of. The false sense of urgency can cause someone to make a snap decision in order to secure some sort of discount.
Pro Tip: Try to plan your security purchases around major holidays, when you’ll see the biggest discounts.
You’ll rarely — if ever — pay full price for SimpliSafe equipment. At the time I wrote this article, all of its systems were 50 percent off. A lot of times they include a free indoor security camera with a Fast Protect Monitoring subscription (more on that in a bit) too.
To give you an idea of what you’ll actually pay for the systems, I made the chart below.
SimpliSafe equipment package | Regular price | Current sale price |
---|---|---|
The Foundation | $249.96 | $124.96 |
The Starter | $279.94 | $139.94 |
The Hearth | $409.91 | $204.91 |
The Knox | $489.87 | $244.87 |
The Haven | $529.86 | $264.86 |
The Lighthouse | $479.93 | $239.93 |
The Beacon | $729.90 | $364.90 |
I can’t guarantee that the 50 percent discount will last forever, but I’d expect at least 30 percent off. For more information, read my guide to how to save on SimpliSafe.
With that out of the way, let’s talk about the second way to purchase your SimpliSafe system: ordering off the a la carte menu.
A security package is convenient, but I recommend building your own security system — particularly if you’re going with SimpliSafe. Why? Because every home is unique, and every homeowner or renter’s needs are different. The odds are slim that one of seven systems has exactly what you need.
Keep in mind that you can select one of SimpliSafe’s packages and supplement it with additional equipment. That’s a good option, but it can feel like putting a square peg in a round hole. If you want comprehensive security, I recommend full customization.
Here’s all the equipment SimpliSafe currently offers, along with their prices. Not included are the base station and keypad. Those are required pieces of equipment, and they’re already factored into your system’s costs at $199.98 for both (without a discount).
Equipment | Price |
---|---|
Entryway sensor | $14.99 |
Motion sensor | $34.99 |
Glass-break sensor | $39.99 |
Wireless indoor camera | $149.99 |
Wireless outdoor camera | $199.99 |
Video Doorbell Pro | $169.00 |
Wired indoor camera | $99.00 |
Water sensor | $19.99 |
Smoke and carbon monoxide detector | $69.99 |
Smoke detector | $44.99 |
Temperature sensor | $29.99 |
Panic button | $19.99 |
Key fob | $24.99 |
Auxiliary siren | $59.99 |
Extra keypad | $69.99 |
Extra yard sign | $3.99 |
These are regular prices. Your discount will be applied when you check out. SimpliSafe currently is offering half off on new systems, but it typically offers between 30 percent and 60 percent off.
That’s similar to Cove’s equipment list, but the retail prices are more expensive. That’s understandable though. I’d argue that you get higher-quality equipment with SimpliSafe. It’s still cheaper than traditional companies with white-glove professional installations. For more on that, read my review of ADT and my in-depth guide to Vivint, which are both great systems in their own right.
Pro Tip: Before you purchase your system, make sure you read our comparison of security companies. You may be surprised about who you end up going with!
That’s all there is to say about SimpliSafe’s equipment, but that’s just one side of the story. Let’s switch gears to SimpliSafe’s monitoring costs.
SimpliSafe changed the way it does monitoring, but I have all the information you need. There are three packages to choose from: Core (formerly Fast Protect) Monitoring, Standard Monitoring, and Self-Monitoring With Camera Recording. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll get with each.
Feature | Core (formerly Fast Protect) Monitoring | Standard Monitoring | Self-Monitoring With Camera Recording |
---|---|---|---|
Professional monitoring | Yes | Yes | No |
Alerts for environmental hazards | Yes | Yes | No |
Active guard protection | Yes | No | No |
Video verification | Yes | No | No |
Cellular backup | Yes | Yes | No |
Unlimited camera recording | Yes | No | Yes |
Cloud storage | 30 days for up to 10 cameras | No | 30 days for up to 10 cameras |
Live view | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Alarm texts | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Remotely arm and disarm system | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Arm system with voice assistant | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Extended warranty | Lifetime | 3 years | 1 year |
Discount on new hardware | 10 percent | No | No |
Price | $31.99 per month | $21.99 per month | $9.99 per month |
FYI: The active guard protection feature currently only works with the Wireless Indoor Camera unless you subscribe to the new Pro and Pro Plus plans at $49.99 or $79.99 per month respectively which expands it to the outdoor camera. This feature lets SimpliSafe’s monitoring agents use the two-way audio in your supported cameras to interact with intruders in an attempt to minimize damage and ensure your safety. With the Pro plan, you get active guard protection for the outdoor camera from 8 PM to 6 AM local time, and with the Pro Plus plan you get 24/7 protection.
SimpliSafe is a good option for full-on self-monitoring too. If you don’t want to pay a subscription fee, you can monitor the system on your own. I don’t recommend that since you won’t get all the security benefits of a paid system, but it’s an option if budget is a concern.
Also worth noting: SimpliSafe is one of the best no-contract systems, which means you won’t have to jump through hoops if you decide to change how your system is monitored. I canceled my Core Monitoring during my test period and self-monitored the system to see how big of a difference it made. The process was pain-free.
With monitoring out of the way, let’s talk about specific recommendations.
How does your home measure up when it comes to security? Take this quiz to see how you score, and get recommendations to protect your home.
I recommend forgoing the equipment packages and building out a bespoke system instead. Here are three custom systems I priced out for my home, which is an average-size place with three doors, four ground-floor windows, and a detached garage.
Budget-Friendly
Equipment suggestion | Total price |
---|---|
Required base station + keypad | $199.98 |
Entryway sensors (3) | $44.97 |
Motion detector (1) | $34.99 |
Self-monitored | Free |
The system cost a total of $279.94 before taxes. I went with the self-monitored option, and I selected the equipment I consider absolutely necessary.
Now let’s take a look at a more complete system.
Middle of the Road
Equipment suggestion | Total price |
---|---|
Required base station + keypad | $199.98 |
Entryway sensors (3) | $44.97 |
Motion detector (1) | $34.99 |
Glass-break sensor (2) | $79.98 |
Wireless outdoor camera (1) | $199.99 |
Video Doorbell Pro (1) | $169 |
Standard monitoring | $21.99 per month |
Before taxes, the system would cost $728.91 for equipment and $21.99 per month for standard professional monitoring. It includes the necessary equipment mentioned above, and it adds two glass-break sensors to cover the downstairs windows, an outdoor camera to keep an eye on my backyard, and a doorbell camera to watch my front door. I consider that a strong security system.
Let’s take a look at a premium option for my property.
Top of the Line
Equipment suggestion | Total price |
---|---|
Required base station + keypad | $199.98 |
Entryway sensors (3) | $44.97 |
Motion detector (1) | $34.99 |
Glass-break sensor (2) | $79.98 |
Wireless outdoor camera (1) | $199.99 |
Video Doorbell Pro (1) | $169 |
Wireless indoor camera (1) | $149.99 |
Smoke and carbon monoxide detector | $69.99 |
Water sensor (2) | $19.99 |
Temperature sensor (1) | $29.99 |
Key fob | $24.99 |
Core Monitoring | $31.99 |
This ultimate system would cost $1023.86 before taxes. That’s a lot, but it includes SimpliSafe’s Core (formerly Fast Protect) Monitoring, which provides active guard protection and video verification through the wireless indoor camera. I also wanted to make sure I was safe from all environmental hazards, so I added a smoke and carbon monoxide detector, and temperature and water sensors for my basement. I included a key fob, too, because, hey, I like convenience. I consider this to be a system that provides complete security for my home.
There are a few things to keep in mind with these recommendations though.
First: Your security needs will differ from mine. I suggest covering at least your exterior doors with entryway sensors and a motion detector to cover the largest swath of your home possible. If you can, invest in wireless security cameras next. They’re exceptional burglar deterrents and help you round things out. Finally, think about nonhuman threats to your property. Are you worried about pipes bursting in the wintertime? What about your hot water heater giving off deadly carbon monoxide? If it’s in the budget, invest in environmental sensors as a tertiary priority.
Second: The prices I included above are SimpliSafe’s retail prices. Like I said throughout this article, the company constantly offers discounts. If I bought that top-of-the-line system today, it would cost around $500 instead of over $1,000. When you price out your SimpliSafe system, remember that it’s likely to be discounted.
To bring things home, I want to tell you about my experience with my SimpliSafe system, and then I’ll give you my final recommendation.
I have more detail in my review of SimpliSafe, but overall I’m happy with the company’s security systems. I’ve worked with its equipment for years and have seen it evolve from a small company focused on protecting apartments and dorm rooms to a major player in the home security space.
Simply put: It’s the best DIY security system I’ve tested. Its equipment is well designed, high quality, and built to last. It’s easy to install and customize as your security needs change. I also love its next-gen monitoring. Active guard protection is some of the coolest technology I’ve seen in this space. The ability for SimpliSafe security experts to interact with you — and would-be burglars — adds a peace of mind not often seen with affordable DIY systems.
Pro Tip: SimpliSafe offers professional installation. It starts around $125, but I wouldn’t recommend it. The SimpliSafe system is designed to be easy to install, even for folks with no handy skills or specialized tools.
There are, however, downsides to SimpliSafe’s systems. First, I can’t figure out why SimpliSafe makes you purchase a keypad. The company has one of the best security apps, and I controlled the system from my phone the entire time I was testing it. I think the analog keypad is an outdated piece of technology that should be phased out.
Next, I’m not a fan of the adhesive strips SimpliSafe provides to mount the equipment. They work for entryway sensors, but the heftier pieces of equipment, such as motion detectors, require more for a permanent hold. I got a lovely 3 a.m. wake-up call when a false alarm was triggered by my motion detector falling off my wall. I recommend using the included hardware to mount heavier pieces so they don’t go rogue.
Overall, those are minor gripes. At the end of the day, it’s a rock-solid system that offers comprehensive security for any property owner.
Based on the retail prices listed on SimpliSafe’s website, systems and equipment are overpriced. Those prices are more of a marketing gimmick than a reflection of what you’ll pay for SimpliSafe, though. SimpliSafe is always running a sale, and you can get equipment for at least 30 percent off and often more. That makes the company’s packages more attractive.
It’s also true that SimpliSafe charges more for monitoring than some systems. If you want real 24/7 professional monitoring, you’ll pay $32. That’s about $12 more than Ring monitoring. SimpliSafe has made that price a better deal, though, by adding advanced monitoring capabilities to many of its cameras. Features like video verification and active guard protection cost as much as $100 per month with other companies, including Ring.
The bottom line is that SimpliSafe has always been a top system if you’re looking to self-monitor. Now it’s become a top system for professional monitoring, too. That’s a pretty unbeatable combination.
It might seem like SimpliSafe is expensive if you only look at their retail prices. But, they’re almost always running a sale which usually gives you about half off your entire system. The best sale we’ve seen was 60 percent off with a free outdoor security camera, a $199 value.
Yes, we think SimpliSafe’s Core monitoring is well worth the extra $10 compared to SimpliSafe’s Standard monitoring. The cloud storage for up to 10 cameras is worth the $10 alone, but you also get video verification and active guard protection.
With the Core Monitoring plan, active guard protection only works for the Wireless Indoor Camera. The Pro and Pro Plus plans expand that capability to the outdoor camera as well. You’ll get overnight active guard protection on the outdoor camera with the Pro plan or 24/7 active guard protection with the Pro Plus plan. But, that comes at a hefty price tag of $49.99 or $79.99 per month. That’s a bit much for us, so we’d recommend the Core Monitoring plan for most people.
The best SimpliSafe sale we’ve seen happened last Black Friday when they offered 60 percent off all new systems and components, a free outdoor security camera, and one free month of Core Monitoring.
For us, the Wireless Indoor Camera was worth it since we subscribed to the Core Monitoring and wanted to try out SimpliSafe’s new active guard protection feature. But, if you want to self-monitor your system or only want standard monitoring and have a convenient outlet, we think the Wired Indoor Camera gives great value.