When considering a home security system, one of the most critical questions homeowners ask is about the ongoing monitoring cost. For those exploring SimpliSafe, understanding the SimpliSafe monitoring cost structure is essential for making an informed decision. This comprehensive guide will break down every aspect of the pricing, from the equipment you need to purchase to the monthly monitoring fees, hidden charges, and how it compares to other major players in the home security market. By the end of this article, you will have a clear picture of what you can expect to pay and whether SimpliSafe offers good value for your specific security needs.
At its core, SimpliSafe operates on a hybrid model. You must first purchase the hardware upfront, and then you have the option to subscribe to a professional monitoring plan. This is different from some companies that lock you into long-term contracts where the equipment cost is bundled into the monthly fee. With SimpliSafe, you own the equipment from day one. The monitoring plans are optional, but they unlock the full potential of the system, including the crucial 24/7 professional monitoring that alerts emergency services on your behalf.
Let’s start with the initial investment: the equipment. SimpliSafe offers a variety of packages, or you can build your own custom system. The cost here is a one-time fee.
- The Foundation Kit: Starting at around $245, this includes a Base Station, a Keypad, a Motion Sensor, and two Entry Sensors. It’s designed for small apartments or homes.
- The Haven Kit: Priced at approximately $490, this is their most comprehensive package, including everything in the Foundation Kit plus additional sensors, a Smart Lock, a Video Doorbell Pro, and an indoor camera. It’s built for full-home coverage.
- Build Your Own System: You can also purchase individual components. Entry Sensors cost about $15 each, Motion Sensors are around $30, the SimpliCam indoor camera is roughly $100, and the Video Doorbell Pro is about $170.
This upfront cost gives you a self-monitoring system. You will receive alerts on your phone if a sensor is triggered, and you can watch live feeds from your cameras. However, without a monitoring plan, the system cannot contact emergency services for you. This is where the monthly SimpliSafe monitoring cost comes into play.
SimpliSafe primarily offers two subscription plans: the Standard Plan and the Interactive Monitoring Plan (often called the Fast Protect Plan). There is also a self-monitoring option with limited features for $0 per month.
- Self-Monitoring (Free Plan)
Cost: $0 per month. This plan provides basic app alerts and live camera streaming. However, it lacks cloud recording for videos, and most importantly, there is no professional monitoring. If an alarm is triggered, it’s entirely up to you to call for help.
- Standard Monitoring Plan
Cost: $19.99 per month (or $17.99 per month if billed annually at $215.88). This is the entry-level professional monitoring plan. It includes 24/7 professional monitoring for police, fire, and medical emergencies. The monitoring center will attempt to verify the alarm and dispatch the appropriate authorities if needed. It also includes a secret alert feature for non-emergency notifications, like a freezer sensor going off.
- Interactive Monitoring (Fast Protect) Plan
Cost: $29.99 per month (or $27.99 per month if billed annually at $335.88). This is SimpliSafe’s top-tier plan and is required to unlock the full smart capabilities of your system. It includes everything in the Standard plan, plus several critical features:
- Smart Home Integrations: Works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
- Camera Recording: Unlimited cloud video recording for an unlimited number of cameras.
- Mobile Alerts and App Control: Full control and customization of your system from your phone.
- Video Verification: For compatible cameras, this allows the monitoring center to see a short video clip of the triggered event, which can lead to a much faster police response as it confirms a real break-in.
When analyzing the SimpliSafe monitoring cost, it’s crucial to consider what you are getting for your money. The $19.99 Standard plan is competitively priced for basic professional monitoring. The jump to the $29.99 Interactive plan is significant, but it adds substantial value if you have cameras and want smart home functionality. The cloud storage alone can be a deciding factor, as competing services often charge extra for it.
To put the SimpliSafe monitoring cost into perspective, let’s compare it with a few key competitors.
- vs. Ring Alarm: Ring’s professional monitoring plan is $10 per month or $100 per year. This undercuts SimpliSafe’s Standard plan significantly. However, Ring’s plan does not include cellular backup by default (it’s a $20/year add-on), and its camera cloud recording is a separate subscription (Ring Protect, starting at $3/month per device or $10/month for all devices at a location). When you add these, the cost can meet or exceed SimpliSafe’s Interactive plan.
- vs. ADT: ADT is a traditional security giant. Its monthly fees are typically higher, often starting around $45-$60 per month, and it almost always requires a long-term contract (often 36 months). SimpliSafe’s no-contract policy is a major advantage for flexibility.
- vs. Frontpoint: Frontpoint offers high-quality equipment and monitoring with prices similar to ADT, usually in the $45-$50 per month range, plus a high upfront equipment cost. SimpliSafe provides a more budget-friendly entry point.
- vs. Abode: Abode is another popular DIY option. Its professional monitoring is $8.33 per month with an annual contract ($100/year) or $20 month-to-month. It offers a good balance of cost and features, but SimpliSafe is often praised for its more polished hardware and user experience.
Beyond the advertised prices, are there any hidden fees? Generally, SimpliSafe is transparent. There are no installation fees since it’s a DIY system. There are no cancellation fees because there are no contracts. You can cancel your monitoring plan at any time without penalty. The only potential “extra” cost is if you need additional equipment beyond what comes in your kit, which you are aware of at the time of purchase.
So, is the SimpliSafe monitoring cost worth it? The answer depends on your priorities.
Choose SimpliSafe if:
- You value a no-contract, month-to-month commitment.
- You want the flexibility of DIY installation but the reassurance of professional monitoring.
- You are comfortable with a moderate upfront equipment cost to avoid being locked in.
- You want a system that is easy to self-monitor for free, with the option to upgrade later.
You might consider an alternative if:
- Your primary goal is the absolute lowest possible monthly monitoring fee, and you are willing to forgo some features (in which case, Ring’s $10/month plan is worth a look).
- You prefer the hands-off approach of a professionally installed system and are comfortable with a long-term contract (like ADT).
- Your smart home ecosystem is heavily invested in a platform that SimpliSafe doesn’t integrate with as deeply as another brand.
In conclusion, the SimpliSafe monitoring cost represents a middle-ground in the home security market. It is not the cheapest option available, nor is it the most expensive. For a monthly fee starting at $17.99 (with annual billing), you get reliable, professional monitoring without a contract. The higher-tier Interactive plan, while pricier at $27.99 per month with annual billing, bundles in valuable features like unlimited cloud video recording and smart home automation, which many competitors charge extra for. When you factor in the quality of the equipment, the ease of use, and the freedom of a no-contract policy, SimpliSafe presents a compelling and transparent value proposition for a wide range of homeowners and renters seeking peace of mind.