SimpliSafe - 8pc Outdoor Home Security System - White

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.

This security system was extremely easy to install. You just do everything off of the app, which was very convenient. It’s easy to armed and unarmed, and I could also do it from the app as well so far no complaints. I love it.

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.

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.