When considering a home security system, one of the most common questions people ask is about the cost. For those exploring SimpliSafe, a popular DIY security solution, understanding the SimpliSafe cost is crucial for making an informed decision. This article will break down every aspect of SimpliSafe pricing, from equipment packages to monthly monitoring plans, helping you determine if it fits your budget and security needs.
SimpliSafe operates on a simple model: you purchase the equipment upfront, and then you have the option to subscribe to a professional monitoring plan for a monthly fee. There are no long-term contracts, which adds flexibility. The total SimpliSafe cost you’ll pay depends on the equipment bundle you choose and whether you opt for professional monitoring. Let’s start by examining the equipment costs.
SimpliSafe offers several pre-configured packages to suit different home sizes and security requirements. The Foundation Kit is the most basic, starting at around $245. It typically includes a Base Station, a Keypad, one Entry Sensor, and one Motion Sensor. This is suitable for a small apartment or for someone who wants to start with a minimal setup. The Essentials Kit, priced at approximately $375, builds on this by adding more entry sensors and a SimpliCam for indoor video monitoring. For larger homes, the Hearth and Haven Kits are more comprehensive. The Hearth Kit, around $450, includes additional sensors, a Video Doorbell Pro, and a 105dB Siren. The top-tier Haven Kit, costing about $550, includes all the above plus extra sensors, a Smart Lock, and a Smoke Detector. These packages provide a significant discount compared to buying each component individually.
If the standard packages don’t meet your needs, SimpliSafe allows you to build your own custom system. This is where the cost can vary significantly based on your specific requirements. Individual device prices are as follows:
- Base Station: $139.99
- Wireless Keypad: $69.99
- Entry Sensor: $14.99 each
- Motion Sensor: $29.99 each
- SimpliCam Indoor Camera: $99.99
- Video Doorbell Pro: $169.99
- Smart Lock: $99.99
- Smoke Detector: $34.99
- Water Sensor: $19.99
- Panic Button: $19.99
- Freeze Sensor: $24.99
Building a custom system lets you tailor the security to your home’s layout, but it can increase the initial SimpliSafe cost if you need many components. For an average-sized home with multiple doors and windows, a custom system might cost between $400 and $800.
Beyond the equipment, the ongoing monthly cost is a major part of the SimpliSafe expense. SimpliSafe offers three subscription plans: Self-Monitoring, Standard Monitoring, and Interactive Monitoring. The Self-Monitoring plan is free. With this plan, your system will sound an alarm if triggered, but it will not contact emergency services automatically. You will receive alerts on your phone, and you can arm/disarm the system remotely. However, you miss out on professional monitoring and many smart features.
The Standard Monitoring plan costs $19.99 per month. This is the core of SimpliSafe’s service. It includes 24/7 professional monitoring, meaning that if an alarm is triggered, SimpliSafe’s monitoring center will attempt to contact you and, if necessary, dispatch police, fire, or medical services. This plan also includes cellular backup, so your system remains operational even if your Wi-Fi goes down or the power is cut.
For the most comprehensive protection, the Interactive Monitoring plan is available for $29.99 per month. It includes everything in the Standard plan, plus advanced features like:
- Smart Home Integrations: Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.
- Video Recording: Unlimited cloud recording for SimpliCams and the Video Doorbell Pro.
- Secret Alerts: Set up sensors to send discreet notifications for specific events.
- Mobile App Control: Full access to arm, disarm, and view camera feeds from your phone.
For many users, the Interactive plan offers the best value, as the video recording feature alone can be worth the extra cost if you have multiple cameras. It’s important to note that without a monitoring plan, some devices, like cameras, have very limited functionality.
When calculating the total SimpliSafe cost, it’s helpful to consider both one-time and recurring expenses. Let’s look at a typical example for a medium-sized home. Suppose you purchase the Hearth Kit for $450 and subscribe to the Interactive Monitoring plan at $29.99 per month. Your first-year cost would be approximately $450 + ($29.99 * 12) = $810. In subsequent years, the cost would be around $360 for the monitoring service alone. Compared to traditional security companies that often require long-term contracts and expensive installation fees, SimpliSafe can be a more affordable option in the long run.
There are a few other potential costs to keep in mind. SimpliSafe frequently offers promotions and discounts, especially during holiday sales, which can reduce the equipment cost by 20-40%. Additionally, while installation is designed to be DIY and free, you might need to purchase extra mounting hardware or tools, though this is uncommon. Also, consider that the system uses cellular monitoring as a backup, which is included in the subscription fee—there are no separate cellular charges.
So, is the SimpliSafe cost worth it? The answer depends on your priorities. The upfront equipment cost is moderate and transparent. The monthly monitoring fees are competitive, especially given the lack of contracts. The flexibility to scale your system and choose your monitoring level is a significant advantage. For renters or those who move frequently, the portability of SimpliSafe adds further value. However, if you are on an extremely tight budget and are comfortable with self-monitoring, the free plan might suffice, though you’ll miss key features.
In summary, the total SimpliSafe cost is a combination of your chosen equipment package and your monthly subscription plan. By carefully assessing your home’s security needs and budget, you can select a configuration that offers peace of mind without breaking the bank. SimpliSafe’s model provides excellent value for those seeking a reliable, flexible, and modern home security solution.