When considering a home security system, one of the most critical questions homeowners ask is about the ongoing monthly expenses. For those evaluating SimpliSafe, understanding the “SimpliSafe cost per month” is essential for budgeting and determining the overall value of the system. Unlike some competitors that lock you into long-term contracts, SimpliSafe operates on a flexible monthly subscription model, but the total cost can vary significantly based on the equipment you choose and the level of monitoring service you desire. This article will provide a detailed breakdown of all the factors that contribute to your monthly SimpliSafe bill, helping you make an informed decision for your home’s security.
The foundation of SimpliSafe’s pricing structure is its equipment. The company sells various pre-configured kits and individual components upfront, with no mandatory financing. This means your initial investment is separate from your recurring monthly fees. However, the equipment you select can indirectly influence your monthly cost, as more advanced sensors or cameras might necessitate a higher-tier monitoring plan to unlock their full potential. The core of the monthly expense, therefore, lies in the optional professional monitoring plans. You can use a SimpliSafe system without any monthly plan, but you’ll lose critical features like 24/7 professional monitoring, cellular backup, and remote app control, essentially reducing it to a local alarm only.
SimpliSafe offers two main monthly monitoring plans: the Standard Plan and the Interactive Monitoring Plan. The pricing for these plans is straightforward, but the features they include are what differentiate them and justify the SimpliSafe cost per month.
- The Standard Plan: This is the entry-level professional monitoring service. Priced at approximately $19.99 per month, it provides the essential security blanket that most users are looking for. Key features include:
- 24/7 Professional Monitoring: A dedicated team monitors your alarm signals and will dispatch emergency services if needed.
- Cellular Backup: This is a crucial feature. If an intruder cuts your internet line, the system uses a cellular connection to communicate with the monitoring center, ensuring you’re never unprotected.
- Police, Fire, & Medical Alerts: The monitoring center can contact the appropriate emergency services for alarm triggers.
This plan is an excellent choice for anyone who wants basic, reliable professional monitoring without extra frills.
- The Interactive Monitoring Plan: This is the premium offering from SimpliSafe, typically costing around $29.99 per month. It includes all the features of the Standard Plan and adds a suite of smart home and remote control functionalities. The added features include:
- Remote Arm/Disarm: Use the SimpliSafe mobile app to control your system from anywhere in the world.
- Mobile Alerts: Receive real-time notifications on your phone for any alarm triggers, allowing you to see which sensor was activated.
- Video Verification: For users with SimpliSafe cameras, this feature allows the monitoring center to view live footage when an alarm is triggered, helping to verify a real threat before dispatching police, which can lead to a faster response.
- Secret Alerts: Set specific sensors to send you a silent alert when triggered, perfect for monitoring a drawer or cabinet.
- Unlimited Camera Recording: For owners of SimpliSafe’s Smart Alarm Indoor Camera, this plan provides unlimited cloud storage for recorded video clips.
- Smart Home Integrations: Includes the ability to control certain smart locks and thermostats from the SimpliSafe app.
This plan is ideal for tech-savvy users who want full control over their system and the added security layer of video verification.
It is crucial to note that these monthly prices are for the monitoring service alone. If you choose to add additional devices beyond your initial kit, such as extra cameras, sensors, or panic buttons, these are one-time purchases and do not increase your monthly subscription fee. However, to use features like cloud recording for cameras, you will need the Interactive Monitoring Plan.
To put the SimpliSafe cost per month into perspective, it’s helpful to compare it with the industry average. Many traditional security companies have monthly fees starting at $30 to $50, often with long-term contracts that include penalties for early termination. SimpliSafe’s pricing, particularly its Standard Plan at $19.99, is very competitive. The value becomes even more apparent when you consider the lack of a contract. You can cancel or change your plan at any time without facing a fee, providing unparalleled flexibility. This no-contract approach is a significant part of the brand’s identity and a major differentiator in the market.
Beyond the core monitoring plans, there are a few other cost considerations. SimpliSafe often runs promotions that can reduce the upfront cost of equipment, but the monthly fees generally remain consistent. Additionally, while taxes and fees are not typically a large portion of the bill, they can vary depending on your local jurisdiction and may add a small amount to your final monthly charge. It’s always a good practice to review the final checkout page for a precise total.
So, how do you decide which SimpliSafe cost per month is right for you? The choice between the two main plans boils down to your lifestyle and security needs.
- Choose the Standard Plan ($19.99/month) if: Your primary goal is reliable, professional monitoring and police dispatch. You don’t need to remotely arm or disarm your system via an app, and you either don’t have SimpliSafe cameras or don’t require cloud recording for them. This plan is perfect for a straightforward, no-fuss security solution.
- Choose the Interactive Monitoring Plan ($29.99/month) if: You want the convenience of controlling your system from your smartphone. You value receiving instant alerts and knowing exactly what triggered an alarm. If you own or plan to own SimpliSafe cameras, this plan is almost essential to unlock features like video verification and unlimited cloud recording, which significantly enhance your home’s security posture.
Ultimately, the question of “SimpliSafe cost per month” does not have a single answer. For a basic system with standard monitoring, you are looking at a very affordable $19.99 per month. For a fully-featured, smart home-integrated system with video capabilities, the cost is a competitive $29.99 per month. When compared to the industry standards and weighed against the freedom of a no-contract commitment, SimpliSafe presents a compelling and transparent pricing model. By carefully assessing which features are must-haves for your household, you can select the monthly plan that offers the best protection and value for your investment, ensuring your home and family are secure without breaking the bank.