Rating 4.8 out of 5 stars with 14 reviews
would recommend to a friend
See more imagesDerek Posted
I’ve had the Simplisafe Series 2 Video Doorbell installed for about a week now. The physical installation was very easy. I pulled off my old doorbell camera and installed the Simplisafe unit in about 15 minutes. I’ve had a Simplisafe alarm system for probably 10 years now, so using the app to install the doorbell wasn’t too bad. I got an alert after syncing it to WiFi that I didn’t meet the minimum power requirements, that my transformer was too weak. I had looked into this before ordering the doorbell, and I have a 16V 10VA transformer, both of which SimpliSafe says the doorbell cam should work with (although my transformer output voltage is on the low end of the specs). And for the most part the Video Doorbell does work. But… I did have one challenge and that is the doorbell chime I have, which is mechanical. I connected the SimpliSafe Chime Connector, which SimpliSafe is nice enough to include in the box, which facilitates using a mechanical chime, but it will not work. I suspect that is because the chime needs power to work too, but the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell is also using power, so I need a bigger transformer. I plan on picking up a 16V 30VA unit this weekend to see if that helps. Before purchasing this doorbell cam, I suggest that you double-check (SimpliSafe also suggests this) what voltage/amperage your doorbell transformer is rated at and make sure you at least slightly exceed the suggested rating. Aside from that small issue, the chime works great. The video quality is excellent. The app allows you (in case you can’t get your chime to work) to select the base station as a chime, and that works perfectly. You can make it sound really loud, which is great. So, no real complaints here. Just make sure you have a transformer with enough output to power it and your chime.
PhillipB Posted
I have tested many doorbells so this is a review that has come 2nd nature to me. Setup was supposed to be simple. Typical, pull off old doorbell and replace and go through setup just like I have done for the past 20 doorbells I have tested. Well....... The hardwire coming out of the wall broke. That made things a bit more complicated. Anyway. It took an additional 10 mins for me to get it wired and now I have to go back in and solder a pigtail the next time I have to test another camera. Mounting was simple. It took the standard holes previously drilled and I was in with mounting. Mechanic Doorbell chime unit was easy to install. BTW. Videos for installation is all well done on their website. So super easy to follow after watching. App installation was super easy too. Operation was super easy. Day, low light, no light conditions are good. View angle is good. Only con is you have to have a subscription to get recording. If you do go with the subscription to hen it gives you access to a lot more than just the recording. It gives you monitoring of your home etc. Other than that. All good.
Bebe Posted
Quality and sharp! The camera is great on this device. Better that the previous version.
Boogie2525 Posted
I’ve been putting the new SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Series 2 through its paces for the last two weeks, and I’ve got to say, it’s a massive home run. I’ve actually got multiple SimpliSafe alarm systems and cameras set up across various properties—having used their gear extensively over the years while managing property renovations, their systems have honestly never let me down once. Because of that rock-solid track record, I’ve always had a huge soft spot for SimpliSafe, and I also have one of their indoor cameras that I absolutely love. I used their first-generation doorbell camera and it did a solid job, but upgrading to this new Series 2 brings some fantastic new features. The biggest difference is the super-sharp 2K head-to-toe video clarity. While the original camera gave a great standard view of visitors, the Series 2 expands on that with a wider 150-degree field of view that lets you see everything from the ground up. This means you can easily spot packages sitting right against the door. The AI detection has also been upgraded to easily tell the difference between a person, a package, and random motion, which means way fewer annoying false alarms buzzing my phone. Plus, they added a built-in siren for that extra peace of mind. It integrates seamlessly into the app right alongside my other SimpliSafe gear and indoor camera. Based on my everyday use, here is a breakdown of my personal pros and cons: **Pros:** * **Crystal clear 2K resolution & head-to-toe view:** I love how sharp the picture is, and the expanded field of view means I can actually see packages left right on the ground. * **Smarter AI detection:** It does a fantastic job telling the difference between people and packages versus just random motion, significantly cutting down on false alerts. * **Great night vision with HDR:** The night vision is super clear, and the HDR feature cuts down on glare—it even minimizes the reflection coming off a visitor's glasses. * **Tough, weather-proof design:** The hardware feels incredibly durable and holds up great against the elements. * **Helpful LED ring:** The glowing ring changes color to let me know if I'm speaking (blue) or if a live monitoring agent is on the line (amber), which is a nice touch. **Cons:** * **Hardwired setup:** It requires a hardwired connection, so installation takes a little more effort and DIY know-how if there isn't already an existing wired doorbell in place. * **Requires the SimpliSafe Base Station:** It can't be used as a standalone doorbell; it only works because I am already tied into the SimpliSafe ecosystem. * **Lack of smart home integration & Limited app settings:** Right now, it doesn't play nicely with my other third-party smart home tech, and I feel like the app settings specifically for the doorbell are a bit limited. However, keeping in mind that this is a newer doorbell on the market, I'm sure SimpliSafe will roll out software updates to improve these features soon. **The Verdict:** If you are already invested in the SimpliSafe ecosystem, upgrading to the Video Doorbell Series 2 is an absolute no-brainer. It delivers remarkably crisp 2K video, solves the package-viewing problem with its head-to-toe perspective, and brings the kind of rock-solid reliability I've come to rely on across all my properties. While it would be nice to see broader third-party smart home integration and more granular app controls right out of the box, its core performance as a security camera is top-tier. It's a stellar addition to my front door setup.
Brett Posted
I love my SimpliSafe system - it's cost effective, easy to use and VERY reliable - and this new video doorbell just adds yet another good point that can fully integrate into the system. Installation is quite easy (you DO need to ensure that you have an existing wired doorbell system that has a chime and provides the needed power OR that you're willing to install one as part of this setup) and only really requires basic tools and no real experience. All the parts needed are included in the kit, including extension wires if yours aren't long enough and the corner wedges if you need to angle the doorbell. Once it's physically installed, setup is also easy as it's just a few clicks in the app to add the doorbell to your system (basically just like you would add any other video camera). That's it - and you can adjust the sensitivity and other settings in the app quite easily at any time once you're done. Video quality is GREAT (superior to my old video doorbell) and the two way audio feature and siren are solid as well. Build quality is top notch just like the rest of my SimpliSafe equipment. But, you may say, I already have a video doorbell, why do I need THIS video doorbell. That comes down to the system integration. If you're already using a SimpliSafe system, this integrates seamlessly into it. It also allows the monitoring center to both see outside your front door (or whichever door you put this on) and use the audio / siren features. It captures 5 seconds of video before the alarm is activated, so if someone is breaking into your front door, you'll see it. (Some features require various subscription options, which is of course not included). So if you want to take your SimpliSafe setup to the next level AND you have a wired doorbell today, this could be just the replacement you're looking for. Give it a try today!
mrjlwilliams Posted
So I've been using the older version of their doorbell for over 5 to 10 years maybe, and it was great when it first came out. But when I put it next to this new model...it's mind-blowing how much of an upgrade it is. The video quality: This is the MAIN reason why I wanted to upgrade, and I'm glad I did. It has superior quality vs the older version, and it's simply just better video. The view is crystal clear, and it has a wider field of view to go along with it. The microphone also appears to have been upgraded, because others can understand me now. Speaker quality seems the same, but I've not been using it for too long so I'll find out more later. The hardware: Well, I'm not really a fan of the two tone color, but in the end it's just a doorbell. I'm not the one looking at it daily, others are. No complaints from anyone, if they even noticed I changed my doorbell. It feels strong and should last just as long if not longer than my previous model. Wiring is super easy, and even if you are brand new to doing a doorbell installation. They have video online to help as well. It was easy for me, because I'm just replacing an old one. In the end, I recommend this doorbell, even if you don't have the older models. The price is fair, and it works as described.
Linksys Posted
I first started using SimpliSafe seven or eight years ago and it’s been one of the best and easiest-to-install tech solutions I’ve ever used. I never used their first gen doorbell as until recently I didn’t pay for their monitoring service so it wouldn’t benefit me. Since I now pay for the monitoring I decided to switch to their 2nd generation doorbell to have a fully integrated alarm and video doorbell. I installed SimpliSafe for my aunt about a year ago, she wanted the monitoring service and after seeing how good the monitoring service was with her, I decided to get it myself. Included with the device is everything you need to get it up and running in as little as ten to fifteen minutes depending on your needs. I like the fact SimpliSafe includes the chime connector as I’ve tried other brands that are the same price or more expensive that don’t. Like everything today you have AI features for package and theft protection depending on the plan you have. Video quality is excellent and the150 degree field view helps capture more if you don’t have the most ideal mounting location. If you’re in the SimpliSafe ecosystem and pay for monitoring, their newest video doorbell is a no brainer to have a complete security system.
Jordan Posted
When we bought our fist home in 2015, our real estate agent recommended SimpliSafe for home security. Back then, another three letter company was all the rage. Luckily, we went with what our agent recommended and installed our very first home security system. Fastforward to today, SimpliSafe continues to expand on their system to bring the company and their products up to date. We expanded our system with the addition of the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Series 2. Although we already had an existing video doorbell sysetm, we thought it would be great to have something that was part of our already existing home security system. The installation, just like any other doorbell, was a breeze. I was able to connect the doorbell to our system in just a few minutes. You have multiple mounting options, so just go with what you know. I chose to hardmount my camera for added security. The video and sound quality are great with the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Series 2. I enjoy having that extra peace of mind knowing that my house is protected inside and out. I would highly recommend the SimpliSafe video doorbell!
bc3tech Posted
I have been using this for a little over a week as a replacement for my previous SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro. Overall, this feels like a meaningful upgrade in several key areas, particularly video quality, reliability, and Wi-Fi performance. The installation process was largely straightforward and similar to the previous model. SimpliSafe includes wiring extensions and the setup instructions in the app were clear and easy to follow. Adding the relay for my indoor chime was also simple and I completed the entire installation without encountering any issues in just a few minutes. My biggest complaint is that the Series 2 does not use the same mounting footprint as the previous SimpliSafe doorbell. As a result, I had to drill a new hole in my exterior siding to mount it. For existing SimpliSafe customers upgrading from an earlier model, this is a significant inconvenience. Patching unused holes on the outside of a home can be time-consuming and frustrating, and I think the company missed an opportunity to make upgrades easier for current customers. In daily use, the new doorbell has been excellent. The field of view is noticeably wider than the previous generation and allows me to easily see packages placed directly at my door. The image quality is sharp with good detail during the day, and the night vision performance has also been very good. The wide viewing angle is almost too wide for my installation location and in hindsight I probably should have used the included angled mounting bracket, but this has not created any actual problems. The biggest improvement compared to my previous doorbell has been reliability. The Wi-Fi connection has been significantly more stable and responsive. Alerts arrive quickly and accurately, and over the past week I have not experienced any missed visitors, missed packages, or false notifications. Motion detection and package detection have both worked consistently. I have not yet used the two-way talk feature to communicate with visitors, but the audio I have heard through recordings has been clear. Live view also loads quickly within the app and produces a sharp video feed. Overall, the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Series 2 is a substantial improvement over the previous Video Doorbell Pro. The only reason I am not giving it a perfect rating is the decision to change the mounting footprint, which creates unnecessary work for existing SimpliSafe customers upgrading from older hardware. Aside from that issue, performance, image quality, connectivity, and reliability have all been excellent.
I already have a Simpisafe security system which works very well for me. I have a rather large system with smoke detectors, and it has been well thought out. The Simplisafe Video Doorbell is an addition to this system. It came with multiple adapters, connectors and tools. It does not have a battery and requires an existing (or add on) door bell power transformer. Setting up was ok. Not easy and not difficult. The adaptors helped a lot with mounting as my door had a storm door and a few bushes which got in the way. After mounting and connection, the door bell worked within my security app and worked well. I did have some issues with lag, from the time the button was pushed until I got the notification, and then there was a delay in seeing the active video. The delay was not as bad a my garage door bell (not the same brand), but nevertheless it was a negative! Motion detection was good and so was night vision. My main thing is the delay in connection when the door bell button was pushed and me answering on my phone. All in all, the video door bell was acceptable for video quality, night vision and angle of view. It was not deep enough to see packages left below the camera. I liked having my security system, cameras and door bell camera in one app.