SimpliSafe - Defend Wireless Home Security System - White

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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.

• Rated 4 out of 5 stars

  Great Security

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  • My Best Buy® Elite Member

  The safety is great, but set up wasn’t quite as “simple” as I hoped. The nice thing about the SimpliSafe packages is that all the pieces come preconfigured in the box to work together. The base station will automatically sync with the keypad, entry sensors, and motion sensors. You can later add pieces as you want to add smoke detection, temperature monitoring, glass shattering, and water detection. I wish this kit had come with glass shattering sensors, but I know it will be an easy item to add in the future. Once installed, the batteries on the individual devices are supposed to work for several years and the pieces themselves seem built to last. The base station is a bit bigger than I expected, but it reaches the entire house. Physical installation of the system is easy. The only piece that has to be plugged in to an outlet is the base station. The other pieces adhere in place with 3M tape that does a good job keeping the pieces where you want them. However, the motion sensors needed their tape in a different spot as you can’t stick them to the corner with the current tape placement. You also have the option of screwing the pieces in if the 3M tape isn’t secure enough for you. But most people will probably be fine using the 3M tape. Setting up the software was a bit more confusing than I would like. The entry key also functions as a usb setup device for the system. You plug the key into a computer and the software walks you through the process and then syncs your settings with the base station. But it was also a bit confusing as the software would open up multiple windows and not tell me I needed to go back to the main window to finish setting up the base station and the entry keypad. It has also taken me the better part of an afternoon to get all of this working. I found out after installing the system that my town requires a permit for security systems. I filled out the required municipal forms, but it appears I have to wait until I send the permit number to SimpliSafe for my system to truly be ready. All-in-all, this system is easily worth the price. Monitoring is not free. You currently have the option of two monthly monitoring plans that you can cancel at any time. Only difference I can see between the two plans is that one allows you the convenience of using the SimpliSafe smartphone app to arm and disarm the system and the other plan does not. Seemed like that should have been a default plan feature to me. There is no long term commitment. However, my plan seemed locked into the more expensive option of $24.99 per month by default and I have to call SimpliSafe to change my current plan settings. So in summation: the safety is worth it and I like how easy it was to get he hardware setup. I wish the software had been a bit more straightforward, but so far the system works great and it can easily be expanded in the future.

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  Posted 8 years ago by RedScorpion

• Rated 5 out of 5 stars

  Great wireless security system!

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  • Top 100 Contributor

  Great little package to keep you home secure. What I like the most of it is that its wireless. No need to poke holes on your home and wiring. All of the devices have a replaceable battery (supposed to last long) and they all attach with included double sided tape (pre applied). Setup is simple, you could either follow the instructions to do it pairing with the keypad or you could plug the keychain (which has an usb male port) to the base and then plug it in a computer and the do the setup via their windows program. The package includes door opening sensors and motion sensors, however you could add more by simply buying them from their website (I'm planning on adding a co2, smoke and glass break detector). The only thing I don't like much is the pricing for their monitoring plans, they're $15 and $25. The second one lets you monitor your system remotely via their app, I wish this was included anyways, since what is the cost? All you need is data on you phone and wifi on you home, none of which they are paying... If you don't get the plans, no notification to the police or emergency services, just your in home siren. I wish the pricing of the service would be something like $10 and $20. I hope they reconsider their cost, being that the package isn't that cheap either. At least you get a free month. This is my only con, other than that, the system is a very nice one and I would recommend it to anyone (remember you may get a discount on home owners insurance and/or renters, mention you have an alarm system to your insurance guy).

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  Posted 8 years ago by JamexRZ

• Rated 5 out of 5 stars

  SimpliSafe-SECURITY for My Family & Peace of Mind

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  It's name says it all, SimpliSafe. Designed for DIY folks like myself (and You), it is ingenious in its simplicity. For its price point and ease of installation there is no valid reason not to have this SimpliSafe Defend Wireless Home Security System protecting your home and family. Over the last 20 years I have had my home broken into twice. Thankfully, was not home either occasion. Had a national alarm system company monitoring my home during each break-in. However, the thieves cut my land line and had no problem pilfering and taking whatever they wished, even the kids 'Piggy Banks' and some of their toys. Yuk! After the break-ins I collaborated my with neighbors so that we would look out for each others homes when someone was away. Regardless of the security system this is always a great idea. However, sometimes my immediate neighbors were also away at the same time. So, I jumped at the chance to receive a complimentary SimpliSafe Defend Wireless Home Security System for review. First, let me explain that the nationally-known, security company I once had also has a 'basic', wireless home security package now, which includes, supposedly, free installation. However, a phone estimate of what additional sensors I needed to match the Defend security system, two-year monitoring contract, monthly monitoring costs, and Alarm Permit Fees. It was cost prohibitive - over six times what the SimpliSafe Defend Home Security System cost to include the basic monthly monitoring charges (14.99), certification by a locally licensed alarm installer, and permit fees. SimpliSafe Defend Home Security System is a no brainier choice, and especially, since two of my neighbors already have SimpliSafe Security Systems installed in their homes. They did give me one bit of good advice though. During the installation process affix all of my device sensors to the building with screws. To get the system permitted in my county, an outside, licensed alarm installer, must certify my system for permitting. Of course there is a ridiculous fee for this service. The 'local' alarm companies, not wanting DIY competition, will not certify adhesive tape, fastened devices. No big deal, SimpliSafe provides fastener screws for each sensor just for that purpose. It only takes a few extra minutes to fasten each sensor to your window and door frames. Keep in mind that SimpliSafe also recommends that you check with your local authorities if a home security permit is required and what other hoops you may have to jump through. When it is all said and done – if it complies with local authorities and keeps your family safe and secure – it is well worth it. WooHoo! The Defender Kit includes eleven pieces: six entry sensors, keychain remote, keypad, base station, and two motion sensors. Also included is one FREE month of monitoring towards either of the two plans SimpliSafe offers. There are extra sensors available for purchase, like a smoke detector, CO detector, glass break sensor, water and freeze detectors, camera, and panic button. You can also order extra entry sensors, siren, keychain remotes, and keypads if you did not have enough for your home in the Defender Kit. What I really like about the entry sensors is that they have no 'right' or 'wrong' way to install them. Vertically, horizontally, upside down, or, even at odd angles. As long as the magnet is parallel and aligned within two inches of the sensor's marked grooves, it will work. Another great feature is the voice assistant of the base station for installation and guidance. I have used the Defender Home Security System for over a week now as a 'Stand-Alone' unit until I can get my SimpliSafe System certified and permitted so I can use the SimpliSafe monitoring service. I look at it this way – without 24/7 monitoring – who is really going to look out for your home and family's security? Additionally, you can utilize the camera and settings features, remotely, from your Smart Phone,Tablet, or Laptop while you are away with the Premium Service for (24.99) – change settings, and allow entry for friends, relatives or neighbors checking on your place, all done remotely. And, there is NO Annual Contract – you can cancel at any time. I am really impressed by this SimpliSafe Defender Home Security System. It is super-cost-effective and gives me the peace of mind because of the protection for my family. You can choose Away, Home, and OFF for your system. The 'Home' mode activates your alarm while you are at home, and, to me is the most important of all the settings. The sensors all have batteries, which may last up to five years. The keypad should be replaced yearly. The Base Station has an eight hour back-up should you lose power, and can communicate with the monitoring service using its battery back-up. Anytime you make changes utilizing your USB keychains to your desktop, laptop, or computer – update the keychains at the Base Station to keep your system current. They have a battery and at this writing it is unknown how long they last. In summary SimpliSafe Defender Home Security System is probably the most cost-effective security system on the market, and, one of the simplest to install, modify, and expand. I am super-happy I have this system installed and have already ordered the smoke detector, extra entry sensors, additional siren, and glass-break sensor as suggested by my neighbors. I highly recommend this SimpliSafe Defend Home Security System. It may not have all the sensors you need, but it is easy and affordable to order additional devices. Just make a phone call to your local alarm installer and monitoring agency for estimates and 'packages' – you will be convinced of its cost effectiveness for security.

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  Posted 8 years ago by pauldar