Customers appreciate the 9pc Outdoor Home Security System's ease of installation and high-quality cameras that provide clear, detailed video, even at night. The reliable motion detection, including pet-friendly options, and long battery life are also frequently praised. Positive feedback highlights the system's overall performance and connectivity options.
This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.
The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
Page 2 Showing 21-40 of 47 reviews
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Good system
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Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Great system, however, wish the cameras were solar powered. Good value for the money.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Simplisafe
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Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Great product
Would recommend to anyone that was looking for a security system
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Great deal for self installation
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Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Great deal for the 9 pieces set. However professional installation costs $260! It was good for self installed customers.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Satisfied Customer
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Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I'm a Simply Safe Satisfied Customer! A very reliable product!
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Excellent product
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Great product couldn’t recommend more! Worth the price
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Battery life, Camera quality, Installation ease
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
SimpliSafe keeps me safe
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Seamless Installation
I have been utilizing SimpliSafe for the past week, and the setup process was remarkably straightforward. I unpacked the components, followed the clearly articulated step-by-step instructions, and completed the installation independently in under an hour. The wireless sensors were easily affixed, and the outdoor camera was securely mounted.
Entry Point Protection
I have installed Entry Sensors on all doors and windows, along with several on cabinet entries. Each time a sensor is activated, I receive an immediate notification on my mobile device. It provides a sense of security to know that any unforeseen movement within the premises will be promptly detected.
Comprehensive Outdoor Monitoring
The Outdoor Camera Series 2 represents a significant advancement in surveillance technology. Its 140° ultra-wide lens is capable of capturing high-definition video at 1080p resolution, while the integrated color night vision feature, enhanced by a built-in spotlight, ensures detailed visibility even in low-light conditions.
Proactive Crime Prevention
The SimpliSafe security system comes with features that, when enabled, allow the SimpliSafe team to confront an intruder through the camera speakers and to call law enforcement.
Robust Base Station Backup
The core component of the system, known as the Base Station, features an impressive 100 dB siren and a battery reserve that lasts up to 24 hours. Even when the Wi-Fi connection is compromised, the cellular backup ensured that the system remained fully operational, thanks to the professional monitoring plan.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Simply Safe
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Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Great item, easy to install
Simply safe is easy to setup
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Camera quality, Installation ease, Overall performance
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Effective, but you have to pay to use features
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The Simplisafe whole home security system nine piece set is a solid DIY home security system. With a base station, wall-mounted keypad, an indoor camera, and outdoor camera, four door / window sensors, and a motion sensor, the nine piece kit contains everything you need for a small home, or as a starter kit for a larger place.
You can set up the system through the app or the keypad. I chose the app, and it was pretty straightforward. Everything except the indoor camera uses wireless connections to the base station, so good WiFi coverage throughout your home is essential for setup.
Once all the components have been connected and placed in the desired location, operation is pretty straightforward. The keypad mounts on a wall and operates on a battery, so there’s no need to locate the base station near a door. Images from the cameras are clear. The outdoor camera does not have a light, relying instead on night-vision infrared. While this works in most situations, it can be difficult to make out facial features without the light. There is frequently a delay between what the camera sees and what it relays to the app, sometimes 15 seconds or so.
In addition to the standard security features, the Simplisafe system also comes with a built-in cellular backup in case your Internet service is down, as well as smash detection on the keypad that automatically alerts the monitoring service if the keypad is intentionally damaged. If your WiFi is down, there is no way for the outdoor camera or the sensors to contact the base station. You will probably want a backup power source for your router, as otherwise simply shutting off power to the home would disable the system.
Simplisafe offers three levels of monitoring plans, ranging from $10 to $30 a month. Without a plan, the system is somewhat useless, as you cannot even store and review video. With the lowest cost plan, you are the monitor – there is no actual monitoring service, just the ability to store videos. Even with the $20 plan, you do not have access to all app features or monitoring. Only with the $30 service are you able to get the full experience. Note that there is not actually appear to be any additional cost incurred by Simplisafe between the $20 and $30 plan. Much like some extortionist car manufacturers, they are charging you to access features that are already in the equipment and app that you already purchased. So, one star off for this.
Overall, the system is effective and easy to use. If not for the subscription concerns, I would have given it five stars. As it is, make sure you factor in the annual cost of monitoring into your cost of ownership before you purchase.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Clarity
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Good product, but not great. Install is a little iffy and clarity during the day not spectacular.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
Simply Safe evaluation
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Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Low rating was simply because it did not deter people from coming into my apartment! They were able to get around it some kind of way. I loved the set up and really wanted some peace of mind. But after I found an unknown key in my apartment and signs of an intruder I had to return it.
Reliable security system with great expandability.
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This is by far one of the easiest pieces of security system I've ever installed. The SimpliSafe 9PC Outdoor Home Security System is a comprehensive security solution designed to protect your home. It is a wireless, expandable security solution that offers a range of features including 24/7 monitoring, motion detection, entry sensors, a motion sensor, and two outdoor cameras. It is designed for ease of installation and use, with a user-friendly app and flexible monitoring options. However, do note the limitations in camera resolution and challenges with account separation when no longer using the system.
• KEY FEATURES:
24/7 monitoring
Motion detection
Backup battery for added peace of mind
Highly expandable, allowing you to add more devices as needed
• COMPONENTS:
‣ Base Station: The brain of the system, coordinating all sensors and alerts. Uses WiFi and cellular connectivity (with monitoring subscription).
Features:
⁃ 24-hour battery backup
⁃ Loud siren with adjustable noise level
⁃ LED lights and voice feedback for setup and device control
‣ Wireless Keypad: Primary use is to arm/disarm the system. Can also cycle through devices and change settings.
‣ Entry Sensors (x4): Detects when doors/windows are opened.
Features:
⁃ Adjustable chime
⁃ Nameable sensors for easy tracking in the app
⁃ Adhesive strip or screw/anchor installation options
‣ Motion Sensor (x1): Detects motion in a designated area.
Features:
⁃ Pet-friendly setting to ignore pets while you're away
‣ Outdoor Security Cameras (x2): Series 2 outdoor cameras with 480p, 720p, or 1080p resolution.
Features:
⁃ 140 degree field of view
⁃ Motion detection with people-only or all-motion options
⁃ Adjustable sensitivity
⁃ Siren that sounds during an alarm
⁃ Clear and receptive audio with remote mic testing capabilities
⁃ Plug-in or solar panel power options
• DESIGN
The system has a top-tier design with a sleek and modern aesthetic. The Base Station is the central hub, and all components are wireless, making installation simple and flexible. The Outdoor Security Cameras are weather-resistant and come with adjustable mounting options.
• SETUP
Setup to bring the system online, all you really need is Wi-Fi in your home and an outlet for the base station. After plugging in, the instructions direct you to download the SimpliSafe app, which then instructs you to create a free account. At this point, you're spammed that your system includes a 30-day trial of professional monitoring, but declining this doesn't disqualify your system from the offer. Once on the home screen, you can begin adding individual devices, including motion sensors, door/window entry sensors, cameras, remotes, and keypads. The instructions call for pulling the battery label and pressing a button found on the sensor device. Then within seconds, the base station says it's paired. The most difficult portion of all this, primarily for those that aren't tech-inclined, is creating a SimpliSafe account and downloading/linking with the app.
• PERFORMANCE
The system performs reliably in real-world use with minimal issues.
Every piece of hardware has multiple customization options to suit your use case. Arming the system takes about 25 seconds in "Home" mode and 60 seconds in "Away" mode. You can change the amount of time it takes to arm from the settings window in the app.
Motion detection and entry sensors work effectively, and the app is user-friendly.
The potential issue here is with the wireless nature of the unit as it may be less reliable than wired systems, and connectivity with the Base Station can be a concern. According to the instructions, the base station needs to be close to the router but not next to each other. All of your connected devices talk with the base station wirelessly.
• TAKEAWAYS
In my home, this system has performed admirably. I have come across several mentions of the base station suddenly disconnecting from monitoring, but that isn't something I can complain about as of now. Labeling of the products to detail how to service the units would be something I would have expected from a unit like this. While I like that the base is wireless, it would be far more reliable if it were wired or included the option to hard wire or wireless.
Real-time audio has very little to almost no latency. Every piece being wireless means the installation time of a DIY system is incredibly fast.
• OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
A subscription is required for the system's full range of features like cloud-based motion recording and real-time audio.
The system includes a 30-day trial of professional monitoring, which can be declined without affecting the system's functionality.
Customer support is available 24/7, and there is a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Product separation process is not self-serve and requires contacting support, meaning when you switch products, change/sale homes, or decide to rent your home and want to leave a security system in place for the next user. You will need to contact support, and from my experience, will have a specialist return your call to complete separation.
• CONCLUSION
Overall, The SimpliSafe 9PC Outdoor Home Security System is a great choice if you don't mind some installation work yourself and have at least a basic set of technical skills. It offers a flexible, easy-to-install, and expandable security solution while it excels in design, usability, and performance, though it has some limitations in camera resolution and account management. A subscription is required for full functionality, and users should be aware of the potential wireless connectivity and account separation challenges. While fully functional as a disconnected, self-monitoring system, it doesn't truly shine unless connected and monitored.
This is worth 5-stars.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Camera quality, Motion detection
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Easy setup, simple, and effective!
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Verdict: I never considered SimpliSafe before. I was wrong. This system provides the perfect blend of quality equipment, seamless setup, intuitive use, and high value plans.
First Impressions. The system is fairly compact. I like the white color scheme.
Physical setup. The wireless setup was straight forward. I used the entry sensors on the front door and made them work for two sliding doors. I used the motion detector on the inside of the house, near one of the glass sliding doors, in case someone breaks it to get in, but I would like another motion detector for the other sliding door. And I used one camera on the patio and one outside the front door (this was the hardest part… had to drill pilot holes and add anchors to mount the magnetic bases for the cameras into a cement wall). One camera is close enough to an outlet to keep powered, and the other will run on the battery, but it’s not mounted very high, so it’s easy to swap out. Key pad is by the front door, but I am primarily using the app for arming / disarming.
Technology setup. Pairing the components to the base station is easy and seamless through the app and step-by-step guide.
Performance. This security system has exceeded my expectations. Setup was seamless and the components work great! The motion sensor performs better than expected. The cameras are excellent (and better than my current system from a different company); resolution is fantastic, I get less lag than with my previous system, night vision works well, and the spotlight serves as a deterrent. The app notifications are timely and exactly what I needed.
Things I like:
- Easy physical setup, and simple software setup; up and running in maybe 30-60 min, depending on your physical setup
- Wireless connection!! I have setup both wireless (from another brand) and wired systems (from yet another brand)… Wireless is always what I recommend
- The app works well and is easy to use
- Small package but provides coverage for key areas
- The base station alarm is quite loud, and it has a battery backup
- The included cameras are actually good! Wide angle, great definition, night vision, and spotlight
- Expandable system to suit your needs
- Monthly subscription is not required, but without subscription, features are limited. There are additional options online, such as the unlimited camera recordings and cloud storage for 30 days for $10 a month. This is what I plan to use once the free trial expires
Things I don’t like:
- I would have liked one more motion detector. With so few entry sensors, you can cover key chokepoints in the house with motion detectors. Adding another one would probably fully meet the needs of most houses.
Overall, I am very happy with this SimpliSafe system. Value for the money is very high. Most importantly, I really appreciate the flexibility that the system provides… not only for expansion, but also for subscription and trying to work with customers’ requirements and budgets. Solid company.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Camera quality, Installation ease, Motion detection
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great ecosytem
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Overall, I'm pleased with the setup. The installation was refreshingly simple — everything is well-labeled, and the system connects quickly to the base station. The mobile app is intuitive, and I appreciated being able to customize settings right away. I love that I can add additional sensors to the system. Everything from temperature and water sensors to additional cameras and smart locks.
One standout feature for me is pet mode, which helps avoid false alarms triggered by my dog. My city fines homeowners for false alarms, and if the fine isn't paid, they won't respond to emergency calls. The sensors and outdoor camera are reliable and responsive, with clear video quality and solid motion detection.
That said, it’s important to note that while the system does function without a subscription, the experience is significantly limited. You lose out on professional monitoring, video recording, and some advanced app controls — which defeats part of the value if you're hoping for full protection and automation. For basic alarm functionality and local alerts, it still works, but it’s a scaled-down version of what it could be.
This is a great system if you're looking for flexibility, expandibility, and ease of use. While I wish that features weren't so hampered without a subscription, you still get peace of mind from this home security setup.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Installation ease
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
A can't miss, with a couple of suggestions..
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Home security is a must this day and age, and it pays to have a quality system that’s easy to install and use and is affordable. SimpliSafe is not only here to live up to their name, but also give you confidence and reassurance while doing so.
Unboxing this system, I first noticed was the quality packaging. It was sturdy with plenty of shock absorbency - very well protected. Each item was separated and easy to identify. After unboxing, I found the quality of the components to be on par with other professional systems I’ve had in the past. One of the things that stood out about the SimpliSafe system is the wireless keypad. You can hang it up and just slide it out of the holster and take it with you anywhere in your home. It offers quite a bit of flexibility in that regard.
Installation was very easy. The keypad can literally walk you through the setup. One thing I would have liked to see was a little more ingenuity in the entry sensor design. Doors rarely have the same depth as their casing, especially when you consider border and trim. It would be nice if there was a design that took this issue into account, offering an effective way to cleanly install these sensors while maintaining the optimal gap and leveling for the best performance. What you don’t want is a sensor that allows the door too much open distance, making the sensor vulnerable to a bypass attempt. Just something to improve on.
SimpliSafe has a very elegant and versatile base unit. It has a wireless connection with built-in cellular back up and battery power. This way, your home can maintain security during power and internet outages – very welcome. There are 3 different plans offered by SimpliSafe. These range from a somewhat shared/self-monitoring option to full, professional monitoring. I’m not sure why anyone wouldn’t select the latter with it costing only about a $1 a day or so.
The system cam with 2 cameras, and my first thought while unboxing them was that they are fairly heavy. They really have some weight on them, so mount them securely. The supplied mounts do the job, but make sure you use proper hardware and location to ensure the camera is securely fastened to the mounting location. The cameras are the biggest surprise, in my opinion. I didn’t expect them to have the level of picture quality they have. Also, the system has a very quick response when alarms are triggered. SimpliSafe should be commended on their monitoring as well. They are very responsive, thorough and professional.
This SimpliSafe starter is a can’t miss in my opinion. With excellent quality, ease of installation and use, and top notch monitoring with flexible options. Add to this the ability to expand this system for whole home coverage, including smoke and CO2 monitors, glass-break sensors, doorbell cam, etc., this is a great option for most homeowners. I highly recommend it.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Installation ease
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Huge improvement over my old system!
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This SimpliSafe home security system comes with a keypad, 4 entry sensors, a motion detector a base station and 2 outdoor cameras. The installation was quick and simple. The entry sensors are peel and stick. I have more doors than the supplied 4 entry sensors and was able to easily get more. The adhesive didn't stick well to my painted aluminum sliding patio doors but some heavy duty 2 sided tape did the job. The base station stands on its own and only needs to be plugged in. The base station and sensors had no issues working with my mesh network spread over 5000 square feet. The keypad has a peel and stick adhesive as well as screws and anchors for the base. The keypad snaps on and off of the base easily so that it may be taken off of the mount when desired. The keypad has a hidden panic button. The 2 outdoor cameras have night vision, a spotlight, a siren, a magnetic mounting system, batteries, ac adapters and a maximum video resolution of 1080P. The cameras must be plugged in to AC to use the outdoor monitoring plan but may be used on battery power with a claimed battery life of 3 months. The cameras come with screws and anchors tor mounting. Aside from mounting sensors each item must be connected to the system through the base station. All of the components are easily connected and named. There are 3 monitoring plans available, each with a months free trial. All plans are contract free and thus cancellable at any time. The most expensive plan costs less than 1/4 of what I was paying for an aging system that had false alarms every thunderstorm. The app allows you to check the system status, set system settings, view cameras and arm and disarm the system from the phone app. This system is so much better than the aging system that came with this home and much less expensive to purchase and monitor. I have yet to decide where to place the included motion detector (and probably purchase more). I will also be adding a couple of indoor cameras. My home is a Mid-Century design and has a significant number of large glass walls. In this home and the three previous homes I have never had actual monitored glass break, yet have had many glass breakage alarms. I will not be adding the glass breakage detectors at this time, perhaps later. I love this system! easily set up. Easy to use. No false alarms so far. Much more economical than my previous systems.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Camera quality, Motion detection
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great security system!
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
If you’re searching for a reliable and affordable home security solution, the SimpliSafe Home Security System with 2 Outdoor Cameras might be the perfect fit. As the name suggests, it’s designed to deter crime and provide optional live outdoor monitoring—giving you peace of mind whether you’re at home or away.
Here’s a detailed review of the system using a 5-point rating scale:
Installation – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
SimpliSafe is renowned for its quick, do-it-yourself setup, though professional installation is also available. The guided process through the mobile app is simple and typically takes less than an hour. It’s ideal for both homeowners and renters.
Camera Quality – ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
The system includes two HD indoor/outdoor cameras offering clear resolution and night vision. Live streaming is smooth, though occasional lag may occur depending on Wi-Fi strength. Motion detection is responsive, but not as advanced as some higher-end systems with AI-based tracking.
Monitoring & Alerts – ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
SimpliSafe is very good with real-time alerts and professional monitoring. You’ll receive instant push notifications and text messages for motion or entry detection. The system is highly customizable, allowing you to tailor sensors and alert preferences to your specific needs.
Mobile App Experience – ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
The SimpliSafe app is intuitive and user-friendly. You can arm/disarm your system, view live camera feeds, and receive alerts—all from your smartphone. While core features are free, video history and cloud storage require a subscription. Still, the app provides full remote control of your security setup.
Affordability & Value – ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
With no long-term contracts or hidden fees, SimpliSafe offers excellent value. Users can choose between self-monitoring or affordable monthly monitoring plans. Considering its performance, flexibility, and ease of use, this system delivers outstanding value for the price.
Customer Support – ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
SimpliSafe’s support team is friendly and knowledgeable, with most issues resolved efficiently. However, wait times can vary during peak hours.
System Reliability – ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
This system is highly dependable, featuring battery backup and cellular connectivity to keep your home protected during power outages or internet disruptions. Its advanced sensors and durable cameras help safeguard every corner of your home.
Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5 Stars
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Battery life, Installation ease
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great overall!
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I've always been a big fan of SimpliSafe products, and this system is no different!
The setup process was a breeze. The devices are wireless, which makes installation incredibly smooth, no messy cables or complicated configurations. I had everything up and running in no time, and it honestly felt like a plug-and-play experience. The only part that took a little extra effort was the security cameras. I chose to hardwire them to get the most out of them, and while that took a bit more work, it was definitely worth it.
One thing I appreciated was the free month of professional monitoring included right out of the box. It gives you a chance to test it out and decide if it’s something that fits your lifestyle. There are a few different monitoring plans available too, so you can find one that aligns with your needs. Additionally, the base station has a backup battery, so even in an outage, you're good to go.
The app deserves a shoutout too; it's clean, intuitive, and super easy to navigate. Managing your system from your phone is seamless, and the notifications are timely and helpful. That said, the biggest downside is that you do have to pay for a membership to unlock all of the features. It’s a bit of a bummer, especially if you were hoping for a one-and-done setup. That said, the system itself delivers on what it promises: reliable, user-friendly home security that you can count on. Definitely worth it!
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Don’t buy
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Didn’t like it , still sitting here in box, u better off getting a ring
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Camera quality, Installation ease
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Easy to set up, fantastic coverage
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The SimpliSafe system is incredibly easy to set up. Everything connects wirelessly and you can go about 30ft away from the base station in any direction, so it’ll cover most non-mansion houses. All the sensors are peel and stick, and the cameras are simple to mount, so you can be up and running in lass than 30 minutes. SimpliSafe agents are always super knowledgeable and friendly. Cameras are clear and detailed, now with a speaker so you can tell the delivery driver where to put your shipped orders. Battery life on the camera isn’t great, so I’d recommend getting an optional solar panel if you don’t have power in your attic. Otherwise it’s a great starter system that I’d recommend for any house and any skill level. My 70yr old mother installed hers with no problems, so you can too! Really no complaint about them. Their prices have remained reasonable despite the growing economic uncertainty in the world. The technology is easy to understand, and you aren’t locked into a contract. All signs point to this being a big win in my book!
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Camera quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
A Perfect Choice!
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I am writing this review for the SimpliSafe Series 2 Home Security System With 2 Outdoor Cameras.
I want to start off by saying that I am a long-time user of SimpliSafe security products. I have always enjoyed the reliability and usefulness of their products. So I was really looking forward to adding the Series 2 system to my home security system.
Out of the box, SimpliSafe states it is a 9-piece kit, but actually there is quite a bit more inside. Because the system is wireless, the cameras require rechargeable batteries, so also included are two 6” charging cords, two 16’ outdoor USB power cables, and unlike most other companies, SimpliSafe actually includes two charging cubes so you don’t have to go searching for any you can spare when needing to recharge the battery. The system also contains two mounting bases with hardware, in addition to two outdoor cameras, a base station, keypad, motion sensor, and four entry sensors. Bottom line is there is a lot of stuff in the box.
I was excited about this system because I already have SimpliSafe incorporated into my home security system. I was also a bit concerned that I might end up having to choose between using either the current SimpliSafe system or this new one because of compatibility issues. But that was wasted worry as there were zero issues in merging the two systems into one.
Setup is extremely easy and simple. Out of the box the batteries are at about 50% charged, but I decided to charge them to full. Using just normal charging (not fast charging), it took several hours to charge them. After charging, the SimpliSafe app easily walks you through the setup process using a well thought out instructional presentation. The most difficult aspect of the entire process is to choose exactly where you want to place the cameras. Mounting the cameras is fairly easy and involves mounting the magnetic base upon which the camera itself sits, and making sure the viewing angle is exactly how you want it. Now, these are outdoor cameras, and from previous experience I made sure to mount them so they are not exposed to full sun as this can affect the quality of the image. But this is true of any camera. But since it is recommended to place them 8’ to 10’ high with a downward angle of 30 degrees, this is some great latitude in placement choices.
USING THE SYSTEM
Once everything is setup, there is a very simple learning curve to navigate…simply learning how to arm/disarm the system, how to silence it should an alarm be triggered, and how to access activity logs and videos. This system comes with four entry sensors that can be used almost anywhere, including cabinet doors. I had never thought about that before, but after reading it in the literature, a whole range of possibilities entered my mind, including gun safes, liquor cabinets, etc. Of course the traditional entry doors and windows is probably the most likely choice. These sensors can be placed discretely so that they aren’t fully visible from the outside. And of course there is the motion sensor. I have to add that the motion sensor works amazingly well, and can sense movement from all the way across the room. I have tried to circumvent it by moving as slowly as possible, but it still alerted on me.
Like I said, I already had a SimpliSafe system, so the added sensors were a big bonus. Also an additional keypad that I mounted at the back door. That way I didn’t have to hurry and get to the front door (where the first keypad is mounted) to enter the shut-off pin. I am grateful SimpliSafe envisioned its customers wanting to expand their existing systems and incorporating additional keypads, etc. One thing I love about the keypad is that if you are being forced to disarm it, you can enter a panic pin which deactivates the alarm but is actually sending an SOS to police. This way the intruded is fooled into thinking he is safe.
As with almost all store-bought security systems, SimpliSafe offers optional professional 24/7 security monitoring. I have to admit that its pretty darned good, especially since it utilizes cellular backup in case of power failures so that you are not placed in a vulnerable situation. The monitoring included law-enforcement notifications whenever a security incident occurs, video recordings (off site), with a rolling 30-day storage limit.
So what’s the bottom line? As a new stand-alone system it is a fantastic choice. Two cameras are adequate, especially as they offer 140 degrees field of view. Four entry sensors will give you a good start on protecting points of entry, and the motion sensor is a great option for protecting a room in which you might not be able to protect otherwise. The optional professional monitoring is a good low-cost option. As an addition to an already existing SimpliSafe system, this is a fantastic option to take your system to the next level, easily adding four more entry sensors and an additional motion sensor and keypad! The recordings are very high quality during both daylight and nighttime hours, and the app makes controlling the system super easy.
I absolutely recommended my first SimpliSafe system to my family members and friends, (and the ones who chose to purchase their own thanked me several times after getting it) and I will most certainly be recommending this one as well.