Customer Ratings & Reviews

This security system was very easy to install and set-up. The dialpad and sensors linked quickly to the base station and work as expected. This is a great system as a starter system for an apartment or small home. There are plenty of accessories to add to the system as your needs grow. I purchased this system on sale and it has been worth it. The camera alone was worth more than the entire system at regular price. Note: You will need to purchase a subscription to view recorded video. This is not a good fit if you want to integrate it into a smart home ecosystem but is definitely well worth it as a standalone security system for your home.

Quite simple and easy to install and configure, Extra cameras connect automatically

I got this for a great deal. And I love the fact that it comes with plenty of accessories in the box and to buy separately but I was looking for something a little different.

This Simplisafe 8 piece outdoor home security system is a great system that is ready to go right out of the box. You get yourself the base station, keypad, 4 entry sensors, an outdoor camera, and a motion sensor. This is a great beginner set in the Simplisafe ecosystem that allows for a starting point. I like the availability offered to expand the accessories if I'd like when I'm ready to grow into the ecosystem further. The Simplisafe app is a fantastic app that guides you through the installation process effortlessly and step by step. I love the simplicity this system offers with the perfect variety of accessories I need to be up and running. I had no issue getting the entry sensors installed. I opted to put an entry sensor on each of the doors in our home that lead to the outside, and they work very well with a chime alerting me that a door is open or left ajar. The motion sensor is placed and mounted on the wall in a high traffic and central location so that it will sense a person's movement with ease. The outdoor camera is placed effectively in view of anyone that may approach so that they'll know they are being recorded and monitored. It's a nice 1080p outdoor camera that offers 2 way communication and can withstand the elements. The base station is a nice elegant pattern shaped much like a vase, so it looks pleasant sitting out on our counter or tabletop. The base station also creates a loud siren of 100dB to alert the intruder and any nearby neighbors that something unusual is taking place. The keypad is convenient and I like that it's wire free, so I can place it anywhere I prefer in my home. Another deterrent to keep intruders away is the outdoor sign that easily shows that your home is secured with Simplisafe, and sometimes that is enough to keep an intruder away. There are cellular connections available for professional monitoring if a power outage was to occur, so that's another piece of mind component. With this particular boxed set I get a 1 month free trial usage of professional monitoring which is a nice added bonus to know that I have access to fast police responses if needed. I can certainly opt to use the Simplisafe system without a monitoring subscription, but it's just an added layer of protection and peace of mind. Overall I like the security system right out of the box and I like the ecosystem that Simplisafe has built and made very user friendly. Protect your home and loved ones with a very easy to use and setup home security system.

I have been very impressed with this security system in the review period. Setup is easy and all devices work extremely well together. Installation couldn’t be easier. Pros: Easy set up Great interconnectivity Large ecosystem of devices Cons: No Google Home or Homekit support Installation: Setup starts with the base station. After registering it with your account, you add devices. I added the keypad, door entry sensors, a motion detector and two cameras. Setup is usually as simple as opening the app, selecting the correct device, applying power to the new device and pressing the setup button. Most devices are mountable with included adhesive but can be installed with included screws as well if desired. Every item I installed uses batteries, though the cameras have a power cable included if so desired and there is an optional solar attachment. App: The Simplisafe app is well designed with instant access to system state (off, home or away) and cameras on the main screen. This is also where you will view camera history for 30 days (with subscription) which can also be downloaded. Additionally you can edit your security system settings such as pins, timing, video quality, announcements, and more from within the app. Users can be added within the app as well. Security: Everything seems to work well as intended. I accidentally forgot my PIN and set off the alarm the first day, the alarm from the base station is extremely loud and will scare someone away. Keep in mind, this system is meant to be used with the Simplisafe Professional monitoring service. The service comes with a 1 month free trial and any alarms and video recordings will go to the monitoring center and alert first responders. The motion detectors seem reliable and work within 2” of each side. My motion detector seems to work as intended as well. There are other devices available on the website for purchase to expand the system such as glass shatter detectors, additional panic buttons, water sensors, smoke alarms and more. Camera quality is good and can use LED Infrared sensors at night, or an LED spotlight. The highest quality is 1080p but the video appears very clear to me. In the event of an alarm event, the video will also be sent to the monitoring center.

I'm really happy with this security system. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to install and setup. I've help some friends install some other security packages in the past, and they were a chore to install, not this one. They include 4 entry sensors, a motion sensor, two outdoor cameras, a keypad and a base station. The also include a quick start guide and some extra double side tapes. Setting the system up was easy, once you download their app and create an account, it will guide you step by step and even with videos to setup each item. You create a master PIN and safe word (for if the event they call you, you must provide that in case of a false alarm). First was the base station, you pull the little sticker to make the internal battery kick (each sensor has this little tab) in and then plug it in power, it paired with my phone and the app and with my wifi network. Once done, you can start adding devices. I started with the keypad, you can either wall mount it with included screws or with the sturdy double sided tape (all have this dual option, very convenient!), then onto the entry sensors, each one was easy to install and paired automatically with the base station (if one didn't pressing the little button on them paired them instantly). Then the motion sensor (also easy to install with either dual sided tape or screws). The motion sensor has an option for PETs in case you have PETs roaming around your house, so it doesn't throw false alarms. Then I did the camera last. They include a magnetic wall mount which was easy to install (you either drill on concrete or hard surface or wood, they include all the anchors). The magnetic mount was super strong, however since the camera can be easily taken out, I would recommend you install it high enough so no one can grab it. this is my only con, I feel they should have also included the permanent more secure mount (they do sell it as an accessory). The camera can be used plugged in for permanent power (the included USB cable has a plastic seal so no water or weather elements can get it, very nice) or you can use it with the included rechargeable batteries (they seem super heavy and sturdy and hold charge super nice, they say up to 3 months, must be because mine is going strong at 100% for a couple of days, the nice thing is you can tell it to only record people or all motion, I have it at just people). The camera also has a spot light and has night vision. Another con, is that it doesn't have local storage, its all in the cloud and you must pay for their monthly monitoring service (which gives you more benefits). I feel the base station should have had a usb port or Micro SD card port to allow you to record video locally too. Just and FYI. The camera videos are clear, very wide and they stream fast and you get alerts almost instantly, no delays, which I like, compared to other ones I've had where the alerts were slow. Now, this package is really complete if you sign up for their monthly Core level monitoring service, which they give you a free month to try and see if you like it. Their security agents monitoring to request dispatch for break-ins and emergencies. If your cameras capture video evidence of a crime in progress agents can all law enforcement. If privacy is an issue, you can limit within the app what they can monitor and how much or even exclude a camera fully from it. You can use the included keypad to arm and disarm the system or you can do it also from within the app, you can fully customize the system with the app to (like the light on the base station, I did find a little bug though. I turned off that status light in the app because it was super bright at night, and nothing, It would not turn off. Came to find out, there is also a setting in the keypad which is not in the app -bad simplisafe! this should be in the app too- where the light will stay on to indicate is powered, once you turn this off, then the base station light goes off!). The base station also speaks whenever a mode is changed or alerts you of something. You can tweak what and the volume too. Everything worked out of the box and had no issues and I feel secured now specially at night. They also sell many other addons (like glass breakage sensors, CO sensors, water sensors etc.). I will be adding a couple of other sensors soon too. I'm testing their additional monitoring service for this month and will see if I keep it, but for $30ish something bucks a month, doesn't feel bad for the extra protection it gives so I may keep it (heck its a couple of lunches less out a month). In all, if you want an easy to setup and something that works great out of the box home security system, I highly recommend it!

I have had a couple SimpliSafe systems over the past years and not a whole lot has changed about them. I have always liked the fact that you can pull it all out of the box, set it up and instantly have a home security system. By default, you don’t have to pay for their monthly protection plan, which provides a level of live protection and cell backup service. However, with the addition of the camera, it is nearly useless unless you pay for a plan. You still get a battery backup base station that helps keep everything connected. It provides a light hue of visual confirmation the system is armed as well as being the siren for the whole system. You still get the wireless keypad which I have always found useful for a security system because you can keep it central in the house, or take it to bed with you at night. You get 4 door sensors which have included sticky pads or you can screw into place. The sticky pads are amazing for people that rent and don’t want to worry about repairs when they leave. You also get a motion sensor that can be mounted with the sticky tape or screws as well. Some wall textures might not hold up well with the sticky tape though. But, all of this is simple to connect with the app or the touchpad and will all trigger the local alarm system depending on your setting. You can get push notifications from the app, provided your system is connected to an active Wi-Fi signal as well. However, should the power go out, the main hub has a battery backup and you will still get a local siren from the device, but no push notifications unless you subscribe because it won’t have the Wi-Fi/Internet connection. Now, the camera that comes with it can work wired or wireless. Depending on that connection also depends on what it is capable of, but it really just becomes a 2 way webcam with motion notifications unless you pay for a subscription. There is no local recording, it is only based on your subscription level with up to 30 days of storage. You can however, record with your phone, should you be watching the camera at the time of the notification. Like most wireless cameras, they are slow to react. They stay in a low power state to conserve battery, so they only cut on after they detect motion, which could be seconds to late for whatever the incident that occured. If you aren’t paying for a subscription and don’t open the push notification the moment you receive it, you may never know what happened other than “Motion detected”. Now, if you are close enough to an outlet, you can use the included USB power cable and adapter which improves its reaction time. Plus, you can take advantage of their AI detection and zone assignments to prevent unwanted motion detection. However, you still won’t have any recordings unless you subscribe. With all that said though, they do offer 1 free month of their professional services and then depending on the services you want, will range from $9.99 to $49.99 a month at the time of this review. You can cancel any time, there are no long term contracts, and you can change your level of plan right through the app. Oddly enough, I declined the 1 month and now they offer me 3 months free to upgrade my plan from self monitoring to anything else, but that might be a limited and personal offer. Overall, SimpliSafe is still a good self-installation and self monitoring system. The camera can be good for live monitoring, but if you want to see any missed footage, you have to have at least the minimum subscription to store recordings for up to 30 days. It’s a quick, simple and great option for some piece of mind security.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review for the [SimpliSafe 8pc Outdoor Home Security System](https://www.bestbuy.com/product/simplisafe-8pc-outdoor-home-security-system-white/J362VFSGHT/sku/6623892?fs=tffl37&utm_medium=feed&utm_source=chatgpt.com) I’ve been very impressed with this security system so far. The setup was simple and straightforward, even without professional installation. Everything connected quickly through the app, and the wireless design made it easy to place cameras and sensors exactly where needed. The outdoor cameras have excellent video quality, clear night vision, and reliable motion alerts. I especially like that the notifications come through quickly and the app is easy to use and monitor from anywhere. The system gives a real sense of security whether I’m home or away. Another big plus is that there are no long-term contracts required, and the optional monitoring service adds extra peace of mind. The equipment feels modern, durable, and well made. Overall, this is a great option for anyone looking for an easy-to-use, reliable home security system with strong outdoor coverage and smart features. Highly recommend

This is the second SimpliSafe system that I own, nothing is wrong with the other system, it’s at another location. Our new system has a keypad for the front door, four door/windows sensors, a motion sensor, and two external cameras. One of the things I really love about the system is how easy it is to set up and modify by adding additional equipment. The cameras have two settings for recording at night, Standard which uses infrared to illuminate the area and it captures video in black and white. The other setting uses the spotlight which does burn up your battery faster, but it records in full color. The cameras also are attached by a magnetic base which helps when changing batteries. This system also comes with a power cord to use outside instead of having to charge the battery. SimpliSafe has a great app to arm and disarm from anywhere, set up the system, change settings on your cameras, sensor or other system settings. I like the fact that you can set up multiple scenarios for monitoring. Home mode will arm all of the door sensors and cameras but will keep the motion sensor off, so you wont set it off when you get that midnight snack. With the Door sensor the base unit dings to let you know a door/window was opened, even with the system unarmed. You can also set it up to tell you which sensor was opened instead of the basic ding. The system is also compatible with google home or Amazon Alexa. I travel a lot for work and will feel comfortable knowing that I have a multi-level security system protecting my house and loved ones.

I purchased this, along with a separate remote control with a panic button. I'm pretty sure it took longer to unpackage everything than the basic setup did. It's simple and intuitive and I'm confident my 4th grader could've handled it. The app is equally simple to use. We're opting to use the system without monitoring and mostly to alert us should someone break in. Police response is 20+ minutes away, so that's useless, and I don't think someone coming over a speaker would dissuade a criminal any more than the siren or our large dog would. If we're not home, whatever, that's what insurance is for. As an alert system for us, it works really well. My quibbles, though minor: I opted to use the screws to attach the sensors for the portion housing the battery that will need to be removed. The screw size is fine, but the head of the screw requires a ridiculously small screwdriver. There's no reason they couldn't have cut a larger Phillips head into the same screw, making installation easier. The siren isn't particularly loud. Even the dog just cocked his head to one side when testing. The app could use a few more options for setup, but it was pretty solid overall. The camera (with the newest updates) is still a little glitchy when using the speaker to talk to someone. The video quality is good and the mounting system was very cool. The audio sounds crisp and clear when you're just watching the video. When you talk to someone via the app, your voice comes through the camera speaker clearly. After you talk though, the return audio from the person you're watching becomes really loud and garbled, so it is useless. Hopefully a future update will fix this. Having some adjustable volumes in the app would be very nice, for both transmitting and receiving. Overall, VERY MUCH worth the sale price I purchased at. At full price, a decent product, but I probably wouldn't have purchased it. Wait for a sale.

Simplisafe’s 3rd generation system has been around for a while, but that hasn’t prevented them from improving on the sensors and offerings over time. It’s become my go-to ecosystem of home security and smart home sensors for several years now - saving me from several water leaks and giving me some peace of mind after we had an actual break-in a few years back. This bundle shows that there was even more room to extend their tech. __ Outdoor Alarm Triggering __ When I first discovered the Gen 2 Outdoor cameras in this set, I wasn’t sure what to make of them… I was fairly accustomed to outdoor cameras being unable to trigger alarms as it’s typically not an easily controllable environment - with visitors coming to doors or wildlife triggering motion events. But with advancements in identifying people separate from other motion, it makes total sense to bring them into the mix. Once someone has accessed your home, they’ve likely already caused damage to a door or window. Simplisafe’s newer indoor cameras smartly allow agents to access the camera during alarms and thanks to these new outdoor cameras, they’re now able to do this if a person is seen at odd hours outside the home - scaring away intruders even before they get in. It’s a great concept, even if it costs a bit more per month if you choose to get monitoring in this way. Luckily, Simplisafe has always been great for allowing you to control how much monitoring you want, if at all. I personally benefit from a true, monitored service ever since I failed to notice the basic app notifications from our prior smart home cameras during an actual 4am break-in. Luckily we weren’t home at the time and it appeared to be a crime of opportunity, but it still pains me that I narrowly missed being awake at a time when calling the police would likely have prevented such a loss of our belongings and sense of security... and an initial failure to capture the burglars red-handed. Either way, I discovered that camera footage is incredibly useful in actually putting these guys behind bars, so a system like this can be useful in capturing needed evidence, even beyond the event itself. __ Design and Ease of Use __ If you’re new to Simplisafe, it’s one of the easiest to set up. After the base station is setup in your home, sensors and cameras are super easy to add. Guided steps help in very straightforward ways for placement and you’re given the choice between using built-in 3M clean strips or screws (or both). Your setup doesn’t have to be permanent. Most sensors are battery operated and last a long time before their batteries need to be replaced - no cables are needed. From there, you can easily set how sensors trigger alarms or notifications based on your ‘off,’ ‘home’ or ‘away’ settings. Over 5 years and dozens of sensors later, my system is still going strong - protecting and informing me of my home. I’ve avoided damage from several water leaks thanks to their handy water sensors (purchased separately) and monitor my attic temperature with one of their temperature sensors. This starter kit has just about everything you’d need to get up and running with the basics for their new outdoor service - but again, paying monthly for a monitored plan is not required. It’s very flexible and adaptable. For me, I’d add one of their interior cameras to this mix for better overall view into my home. __ This Kit’s Offering __ Simplisafe has a number of bundles for sale. This one is focused on outdoor surveillance and interior sensing. It has a nice mix of door/window sensors, their improved motion sensor (for triggering alarms and avoiding false alarms due to pets) and two of their improved outdoor cameras. These cameras have what I call a ‘chin’ - housing improvements to 2-way talking to potential lurkers and allowing for more careful person recognition. I was happily surprised that unlike my existing Gen 1 outdoor cameras, these new models allow for continuous charging with an included (long) power cable and water resistant charger for each camera. My cameras last a long time on a single charge, but I appreciate the flexibility of just plugging them in and never having to think about that anymore. It’s a nice bonus. Night vision is as clear as ever and daytime footage is accurate and colorful. You won’t get continuous recording, but capturing events has been reliable. __ Summary__ If you’re looking for better home security, I can’t recommend Simplisafe enough. I’ve had very few false alarms over the last 5 years (user error, not the system) and I love how I’ve been able to build the system out with their useful sensors. This bundle is a great way to start - it’s very simple to set up, looks great, and just works. You’re not locked into any monthly fees, and if you choose, monitored service has been stellar - with fast response times from their agents during alarms. *** Good Stuff *** - Great design and ease of use - Can extend with smart home sensors for a range of things - water sensors, temperature, smoke & carbon monixide, etc. - New Gen 2 cameras come with power cables/chargers to allow for continuous power. - No contracts, no requirement to use their monitored service. *** Less than Good Stuff ** - Gen 1 outdoor cameras look slightly nicer (IMO) - A single motion sensor may not be enough to cover a home if not utilizing their outdoor monitoring service.

Having so many options in this home security option now sure has differentiated from the days when ADT , Brinks and others ruled the roost. No longer do we need to spend an entire day of low-voltage techs drilling holes in walls, emptying your closets to hide control panels , and then being locked into a multi-year monitoring contract. Now we have wireless sensor options, using inexpensive CR32 batteries in sensors. SimpliSafe provides a complete system, all you need, double sided tape, central hub station, door and window magnetic sensors, motion sensors, and wireless outdoor security cameras. Setup was a breeze, no wires, just download the SimpliSafe app and follow the step-by-step directions. You then add the components as you see fit, door window sensors, quickly identify, name the zone, and then repeat for the other devices. camera setup is as easy as scanning a QR code, note: the high-capacity battery takes about 6 hours to fully charge, unfortunately not yet USB-C. COMPONENTS *Base station central hub *Keypad w screen *motion sensor *outdoor camera (battery + USB charger) *4 door / window sensors *24/7 monitor security signs, and decals OPTIONAL ADD-ONs :External Siren :smoke detector :carbon dioxide detector :panic button :door lock system :wireless and wired cameras :indoor and outdoor :solar panel :water bug sensors :temperature sensor :key fob :more PROS +ease of use +excellent value +refined setup process +2-sided tape is great +non-industrial design +weatherproof USB power connection +long-life batteries CR32 +individually boxed components +battery backup +base station is sturdy and solid -guided QR code scan camera setup +color night vision +bi-directional audio +magnet attachment +did I mention it’s wireless? +24-hour backup battery CONS -requires subscription for time-lapse -no local recording capability like Arlo -cameras good but not 4k resolution -lacks Apple HomeKit Secure Video -recording require cloud monitoring service CONCLUSION SimpliSafe offers homeowners a quick, simple seamless home security solution. Guests like the chirp chirp when doors or windows open, and the ability to log into the app and see real-time camera feeds. It would be more helpful if there was local storage, or better yet, Apple HKSV integration, so I use a separate camera system, and this for security. Recommend : Buy

Home security has come a long way. The time of hard wired entry point sensors and lengthy contracts is over. This 9 piece outdoor set is exactly what every home needs to feel safe and protected. This system comes with a base unit, keypad, 1 motion sensor, 4 entry point sensors and 2 external cameras. All pieces and their respective functions conveniently managed through the Simplisafe App too. This is great because there is not messing around with multiple apps that manage multiple functions. The main reason I enjoy this kit is because of how user friendly the app is and how easy it is the set everything up. Set up literally took me less than an hour for all sensors. The cameras took a bit longer as I opted to mount them. Its a simple as setting up keypad and base station and then syncing each its within the app. Similar to pairing a blue tooth speaker. Once paired an audible ring is heard from the base station. The primary piece in this kit that sold me are the cameras. Mounting was pretty straight forward. The in app functions are pretty straight forward. You can record, export clips and even speak through the cameras if desired. The clarify is high resolution too, no more grainy pictures or still wondering what triggered recording to occur. All in all, if you need a solid home security starter kit then I would recommend this brand as this kit has all of the bells and whistles you would want without the inner wall wiring or lengthy contracts.

This SimpliSafe alarm system is an excellent DIY home security solution that's extremely easy to install and set up. Right out of the box, it instructs you to download the SimpliSafe app, available on both major app stores. The app plays a central role in the setup process, guiding you through everything with ease. After downloading it, you’ll create a free account, then follow the prompts to begin setting up the devices. This bundle includes four entry sensors, one motion sensor, a keypad, and an outdoor camera series 2. The base station is the first component to install and connect all devices. Each entry sensor comes with pre-applied 3M adhesive, making installation on doors and windows quick and straightforward. Before mounting, it's a good idea to test them by placing the sensor halves together and then separating them to simulate an open door, this triggers an audible alert from the base station. Once installed, you can label each sensor in the app, front door, back door, etc. The motion sensor is also equipped with 3M tape and can be angled to cover high-traffic areas like living rooms and hallways. I found the response time of the entry sensors to be very quick, with virtually no delay. The motion sensor also performed well. After installation, I activated the system using the app, which I prefer for everyday use. You can easily toggle between “Home” and “Away” modes depending on your needs. Alternatively, you can use the included keypad, which is solidly built, has a black and white LCD display, and runs on four AA batteries that are claimed to last several months. The base station includes a backup battery that provides up to 24 hours of power during outages. I was surprised to find that it came with rechargeable Duracell batteries. I also tested the alarm volume and it is very loud. Loud enough to deter any intruder. The app itself is simple and intuitive, though it lacks more advanced customization options unless you pay for a subscription. Smart home integration with systems like Alexa or Google Assistant requires at least the $9.99/month plan. Without a subscription, you're limited to basic functionality with no local video recording. The system includes a free month of professional monitoring, but you can opt for self-monitoring instead. Keep in mind, however, that self-monitoring without a subscription strips away features like video storage. The included outdoor camera delivers excellent video quality, even at night. It has a strong magnetic mount, supports wired or wireless use, and features two-way audio with clear sound. The only real downside of this system is the lack of smart home integration without a paid plan. That limitation may be a dealbreaker for users wanting more automation. Overall this is a well-designed, high-quality DIY home security system that’s easy to set up and use. It’s a strong choice for anyone looking to secure their home without the complexity of a professional installation. This particular bundle includes everything you need to get started. In the box you get the base station, four entry sensors, one motion sensor, a keypad, a 1080p outdoor camera, a yard sign, and user manuals.

I’m really happy with this system so far. It was super easy to set up and seems to work well. The motion sensor is set up in my garage where there are no pets, so if it goes off, I know it's not them. It works even in the dark since it uses infrared, which is great. I opted out of the full remote monitoring service and chose to go with self-monitoring instead. After trying the free trial, I’ve already decided I’ll be sticking with it. It gives me peace of mind and fits my needs perfectly. The design of the components blends in nicely with the rest of my home. The base station looks like a regular smart device—it’s clean, modern, and the soft blue light is subtle. Everything feels well-made and was packaged professionally. One of my favorite features is the battery only lost 3 percent in in 24 hours after facing a very busy street. (I wanted to test it out on just battery power alone and am quite impressed.) I really like how much you can personalize the notifications, especially with motion zones and types of motion. Also, a sturdy yard sign came with it, letting people know the house is protected by SimpliSafe 24/7. I haven’t needed to use the keypad to disarm anything yet, but I know it will come in handy. Overall, this is a great system, especially for someone just getting started. It’s easy to set up, the app is very user-friendly, and everything works as it should. I plan to keep using it and would definitely recommend it to others who want a simple, nice looking home security system that's affordable and has different options of monitoring and notifications.

I was excited to set up this SimpliSafe 8pc Outdoor Home Security System for our home. I have heard of this brand before, and wanted to move away from some of the other more popular DIY camera systems. I was really impressed with how this box was shipped, with each of the devices nicely packaged inside for easier identification for your home. Downloading the app and setting it up was very easy and effortless. There was a firmware update that was needed immediately after connecting the basestation to my home WiFi. The app easily walks you down the steps for installing the other security devices. This comes with door/window sensors (4), motion sensor, keypad, outdoor camera, and display merch (2 stickers and yard sign). It also came with additional doublestick tape should you need to move and keep the system. Every device can either be attached to the wall via doublestick tape or screws (for more permanent setup). The doublestick tape works amazingly, no device falling off the wall. I found the camera to be the most disappointing of the set up. From where I wanted to install on the outside to the basestation is about 30 feet. The WiFi range was adequate but it failed twice on installation before it was able to be set up. The camera can be powered by either plug or battery. It also is set up on the wall by a magnetic knob, where you can adjust it in directions of about 30-degrees. The camera quality is decent, but no night vision and no way of rotating it from the app. I noticed in the morning that the camera had dipped facing down. The 30-degree down angle will make it fall forward so I had to have it look more ‘straight’ ahead. It does cover a decent area which is adequate for me. It also does pick up everyone walking down the street or even vehicles driving past the home. The app is simple to navigate as well, making it easy to toggle the system ‘OFF’, ‘HOME’, or ‘AWAY’. When you click on the live view of the camera automatically turns on the speaker so it was rather annoying. You can also change the times of when arm/disarm occurs when you are leaving or returning (I like doing it for about 45 seconds to a minute which is enough time for us to get out of the home). For the past week I have been happy with this security system. I am just annoyed with the camera falling forward. I am curious to getting the video doorbell and the smoke/CO2 detectors for the future. There is a free 30-day trial that allows you to have 24-hour surveillance. After that it costs $31 which is not too bad compared to the home system we already subscribed with.

I'll start by saying I've had alarm systems dating back to the 1990s so I do have some experience with them. I've heard of the brand SimpliSafe but this is the first product I've owned. SimpliSafe is regarded as one of the best DIY home security systems available, and after spending the last week setting up and getting familiar with it, I can see why. I'll explain why in my review. *Design & Build* First of all, the packaging is very well designed. It offers eco-friendly packaging and it's surprisingly easy to unpackage. I can see they though of all of the little things to make this as easy and comfortable as possible. I would give the packaging and small details an A+ here. Everything just feels like a lot of thought was put into it. The quality of the components and the way they installed really exceeded my expectations. Everything just clicked right into place. I'm not sure how long SimpliSafe has been around but the design and quality of this system can't be overstated. I'm really impressed. *Features/Performance/Specs* Base Station - This is the brain. The base station coordinates all of the sensors and alerts. It uses wifi, but also uses cellular (if you have a monitoring subscription.) There are different levels of subscriptions so you can choose which one fits your budget. The base station has a 24 hour battery backup if you lose electricity so if your power or internet goes out, you're still protected. The siren gets loud. You can test it, and also adjust the noise level but it's recommended to be max volume. That's the whole idea, right? There's a band of LED's at the bottom (Can be turned off) and there's voice feedback that helps with setup and adding devices. Wireless Keypad - The primary use is to arm/disarm the system. You can also cycle through your devices and change settings as necessary. You press the top of the keypad to cycle through menus. It's completely wireless so you can install the keypad wherever you would like. I placed mine by the front door. You can use the app for the same purpose but the keypad works well for family members that don't have the app, needing to arm/disarm the system. This is your classic alarm keypad. Entry Sensors (x4) - There are 4 entry sensors that guard your doors/windows. Each sensor instantly detects when one of these entry points is opened. There's also an adjustable chime when a door opens. You can name each sensor which also makes it easy to track in the app. I used 2 for my front and back door, and 2 on windows. I only used the adhesive strip but there are screws and anchors available if you want to go that route. I must say my walls do not do well with adhesive but the SimpliSafe devices use a high quality adhesive that worked very well with my walls. Motion Sensor (x1) - I put my motion sensor on the wall by the front door where I have a full view down the hallway of the back door. This sensor by default is set for when you are away. You can also turn on a setting to ignore pets if you have any little guys running around while you are gone. Outdoor Security Cameras (x2) - These are series 2 outdoor cameras. I screwed in a small round plate and then attached the plate to a magnetic ball. From there, you can attach the camera directly to the magnet. I'm amazed at how well these magnets hold the camera. The design and ability to adjust position is outstanding. These record 480p, 720p, or 1080p with a 140 degree field of view. You can also set it to record in color but it's recommended to either plug-in or use a solar panel. There's also a siren that will sound during an alarm. I tested the Mic and audio and they're both clear and receptive. I actually talked to my dogs remotely from work to keep them in the yard. Motion detection can be set to all or people only. You can also set the sensitivity that defaults to high. Personally, I left mine on high because, "why would I want to miss an alert?" These cameras can also be plugged in with the included cable. SimpliSafe App - This app is really, really good. The opening screen has an easy "Off", "Home", and "Away" button you can use to arm/disarm your system. There's a short history of motion detection at the bottom of the page. The next screen over is your cameras. You can access live streams and history of every camera you have installed. On the next screen to the right is your timeline in which you can see a detailed history of every event. The last screen is your system settings. This is where you can get into the intricated details of your system. There are even settings to manage permits with the fire and police departments if necessary. SimpliSafe has everything covered here. The learning center is a great resource if you need/want to learn more about your system/devices/alarms etc... I've never used SimpliSafe but I'm just really glad I've had the opportunity. This DIY system has an exceptional design from hardware to setup to software. The ease of installation and guidance through each step is really well done. This kit comes with everything you need and it's really easy to install. They even though about signage and stickers for your yard and windows. Out of everything I've reviewed, this is one of the top products I've seen. I highly recommend this if you're looking for a DIY alarm system. It's extremely well designed, easy to install, and you can grow your system at your own pace with additional components. *Pros* *Top Tier Design* *Flexible Monitoring Options* *Wireless* *Expandable system *Easy to Install *App is exceptional *Suggestions/Needs Improvement* *1080P is the highest camera resolution *Keypad is fairly basic, but it does the job If you're considering this system, you won't be disappointed. I wish I had discovered this security earlier.

SimpliSafe - 8pc Outdoor Home Security System - White Is a great starter security system. You can easily purchase more cameras or Entry Sensors to add to this system. This set by itself offers a great way to monitor my home from anywhere using the SimpliSafe App on my phone. I found it to be efficient by itself but as crime gets higher I plan to add more camera to it. It comes with everything I needed to set it up including a sign for the front yard warning people that my home was monitored 24/7. The sign comes with a post to install it in the ground. It also has stickers to attach on windows. I set this sign up first just to make myself ambitious enough to get everything else set up quickly. It was quick to install everything and I did it myself. I downloaded the App that was free and followed the directions on it to set up my entire system. It was so easy. There is also a booklet included that tells you how to install but the company recommends the use of the APP. After setup I just used the APP to arm and disarm my system from anywhere. I love that I can also view my camera feed when I am not at home. At night when I hear a noise I no longer need to get up, find the flashlight and go through the house checking windows and looking outside for intruders. I just pick up my phone and pull up the APP. I know that I am safe and secure. This kit also comes with free 30 day recording storage. I accepted the offer so I could test that part out before I decided if I wanted to purchase it or not. I have added a photo of the APP in my review. Next I installed the 4 entry sensors. They come with batteries already in them so you just need to pull out the little strip. I cleaned the window pane/door with alcohol before I installed them so they would stick good. They come with little tab things to put on them to install. The base system is supposed to be installed in the center of you home but I live in a brick home that has fireplace and more brick. I found that I had better reception off to the family room side of the house. The brick seemed to hinder its ability to work properly. Easy Fix I just relocated it. It comes with installed batteries and electrical cord as well. Setting up my keypad was easy as well. I had to choose a pin that I could remember. At my age that is a problem. I tend to forget things when I am stressed. Using the keypad makes it easy to arm or disarm the system. I love that I can do this when my phone with the APP on it is not near. My favorite part of this system is the outdoor security camera. I decided to place it close to the door so I could see people who are there. It comes with everything I needed to install it and it looks very clear on APP. I love it!!! And I did it myself!!

The SimpliSafe system has proven to be a trusted choice for safeguarding both my home and businesses since 2018. Its reliability and the assurance it provides my family have been impeccable over the years. Beyond its dependability, what truly sets it apart is its user-friendly design. The SimpliSafe system stands out for its ease of installation and maintenance, from the Base Station and Cameras to all accessories. It could not be simpler. Installation and setup: The system is designed to transition smoothly from unboxing to having your home or business online and secured. Install the app on your phone, connect the base, and add devices. Mounting cameras and sensors is straightforward. The updated device of interest is the new SimpliSafe Outdoor Security Camera Series 2 with AI Technology, which comes with the SimpliSafe KT076-01RU. “SimpliSafe AI Active Guard Outdoor Protection” The Series 2 camera AI can identify animals, vehicles, and threats. When in monitor mode, SimpliSafe staff can access the cameras, communicate via two-way audio, activate the spotlight, or sound the siren. Given that most criminal activities are completed within minutes before law enforcement can respond, this stands out as an effective option. Based on experience, I can confirm that SimpliSafe personnel respond promptly when a monitoring event is triggered. - The Series 2 cameras arrive with new 16 inch “Waterproof” USB cables connecters attached to the ends of cable, along with a charger that is apparently water resistant/proof. The camera USB connection is designed with a recessed waterproof plug. - nice - Perfect for my two back deck cameras, attaching USB cables from house under the deck roof and down to 4x4” posts to camera mounts - Camera batteries with only a charge/ last up to two months in my backyard area The Parts: - Base Station is reliable with both 24hr battery backup and Cell backup to Wi-Fi and blends in easily with home décor - Motion and Entry Sensors are reliable and can be attached with adhesive backing (which I use) or screw mount - Keypad(s) easy management and installation plus smash proof - APP and PC system setup and management “Arm, disarm and protect anytime, anywhere” - Optional FOB and Panic buttons Returning to my priorities, I have utilized three distinct security systems over the past twenty years. In conclusion, I entrust the safety and security of my family to SimpliSafe. Simply – it works

Over the years I've used various self- and professionally- monitored security systems with varying amounts of sensors, cameras, etc. I've seen simplisafe but mostly didn't pick it up because at the time I had something else I was already using, but with the move to my new house it was time to try something new. I'm finding it to be a bit of a mixed bag, so here are my thoughts. Packaging: Packaging is actually nice, everything is individually boxes (each sensor, the base, the keypad, etc). It's clear what everything is and what you're supposed to do with it. Inside each package is the screws and mounting pieces, all of which include something akin to command strips to attach temporarily or screws for something more permanent. Setup: Setup is super straightforward, although it's slightly annoying that you have to select a plan before you finish the setup of the base, as in my case I had set up the base before I did any of the sensors, so you kinda feel like you're "on the clock" since you've already activated your subscription but nothing is set up. And I will say it's kinda a dedicated afternoon or even a couple of days to get it all set up because of the number of sensors, how things are powered, placement, etc. Not to mention right after I set up the subscription the system went into "practice mode" which means it wont notify emergency services for a short time, but it exited that practice mode before I managed to get all my sensors finished. Not very thought out. It should allow you to activate the service when your system is set up, even if it is nonfunctional until that point, and practice mode should be as long as you see fit, not some predetermined length of time. Which brings me to mounting the sensors. I hate these tiny screws. They require you to use a precision screwdriver to use them which means you have almost no leverage when screwing them in. Screwing these little things into a steel insulated outside door even with a pre-drilled hole is just annoying, and into a hardwood front door is nearly impossible without stripping the screw. I've instead chosen to use a very slightly larger screw from the previous homeowners security system simply because it uses a standard Phillips head instead of the precision size included, but unfortunately that doesn't work everywhere. Subscription: I'm not thrilled with the price. It's definitely more expensive per month by around 25% than one of the largest competitors in the market that everyone would know by initials. The self-monitoring is affordable, but if you want professional monitoring, it's overpriced. Functionality: The system works the same as any professionally installed security system with door announcements, motion alerts, camera settings, etc. It's actually quite nice in this regard. The view from the camera is great and the included cloud storage is excellent. It really does deliver the professionally installed functionality without having to bring in an installer or another company. Overall: Simplisafe has become a well known name in the DIY home security sector and if you want all the benefits of the big name brands while installing it yourself, it can do it. However the install is more difficult than it needs to be (different screws is all it would take) and the pricing is higher than competitors for similar offerings. That, and the requirement to actually have a plan in place to finish setup is kinda annoying and in my opinion costly. So while I'm going with this for now, I'm likely going to back down from the professional plan to self-monitoring which is actually affordable once my free month is done. I can't in good conscience recommend this.