SimpliSafe - 9pc Outdoor Home Security System - White

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

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!

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.

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.