SimpliSafe - Whole Home Security System 17-piece - White

SimpliSafe has been a go to for DIY home security for years, rated in the top “go get a rate”. I’ve been using one of the older base systems since 2015, having been offered an upsell to the newer systems multiple times in the last few years to a more current model. I finally decided it was time, as the newer systems offer many new features for only a slight increase in monthly cost, but the time savings and feeling of protection are worth the cost. Pros: - Easy first-time setup. - Completely customizable system. - Low monthly subscription cost. Cons: - Upgrading is not as simple, hidden in the menu. - Increased cost with newer system. Setup was a breeze, just download the app and add the base station. Then it’s some settings like connecting to Wi-Fi and entering account details. Can add multiple “call to verify” users. Then you just add each device and label it in the app. There are many standard options for labeling them, and once activated the devices all have Command Strips on the back plus screws with mounting plates that can be detached for easy setup and battery replacement. The catch here, is if you are upgrading, you don’t want to select the setup new system, as this will setup a New Address account, you want to go to the bottom of your current system page to “Upgrade Base Station” to get started with upgrading. Even if you do like I did and mess this up, it’s just a simple phone call to the 24/7 support line to remove the old account. There is a 3 day “no monitoring” period for testing and setting up your new system. This comes standard with all monitoring packages but is very handy while setting it up in case you accidentally trigger an alarm. Outside of that period, if you do happen to trigger an alarm, a dispatcher will call you or the next available contact on your list and ask for the “safe word” you have in the system. This safe word is something you list when setting up the system and will be used for any communication between you and the service team. All the devices worked without issue during setup and testing. The included entry sensors are great for doors and easily accessible windows. The glass break can cover many windows at once. The motion sensors are great, though with limited range, these are better in rooms or hallways that require someone to pass through to access a part of the house. The base station though by default has the light and chime on, looks much better than prior models and blends in, looks kind of like a fancy speaker or diffuser. SimpliSafe is a subscription home monitoring services, of which there are technically 3 service plans and an Unmonitored option: - Unmonitored for 0 per month, which is just that, no services, and no camera features. This would just be the sensors tracking. - Self-Monitoring w/ Camera Recording is $9.99 per month, provides camera recording features. - Standard Monitoring (this is what I have) is $19.99 per month, which provides the previous plus dispatch services for emergency services. - Fast Protect is $29.99 per month and includes additional monitoring services such as video verification, live deterrence, and extended warranties on all products. For what it’s worth, I’ve had the prior basic services plan since 2015, which was $14.99 per month. That finally went up earlier this year to $17.99 per month, but that did include additional features over the years such as adding camera’s or using the phone app. Pricing has stayed stable, with rare increases if any. The Cameras are amazing, especially the outdoor wireless one. We didn’t set it up outside, opting to attach it to a tripod and stick it in the window or around the house. The battery life will depend on your situation, such as if in a high traffic area, the battery life will be greatly reduced. I moved the outdoor camera around the house a lot during the initial few weeks and ended up leaving it in a high traffic part of the house, the battery was down to half charge after 2 weeks. There is an optional power cable not included that could remedy this but swapping out and charging the battery pack is a simple task as well. In our case, the camera works great as a nanny camera to keep an eye on the dog while out. You can see colored day and night vision samples in the photos. The cameras have dedicated pages in the app, which makes it easy to switch over and view the selected camera. You can only view one live feed at a time, but the quality and connection of the feed was solid though that is more dependent on your home Wi-Fi and internet. There’s limited recording functionality on the standard Tier, but the Fast Protect and Self-Monitoring w/ Camera Recording have unlimited recordings for 10 and 5 cameras respectively. Otherwise, the recordings are available for download for 7 days on the standard plan. Having used SimpliSafe for over 8 years, I can say I’m satisfied with the quality and cost of the service. The service is well supported and always improving while the products are easy to use, work as intended for years, and are supported by knowledgeable customer support teams. Luckily, I haven’t had experience using the service for a home break in but can say I do feel safer knowing I can monitor my home while I’m away. Peace of mind is something priceless.

This kit comes with a base station and keypad, 8 door/window sensors, two motion sensors, a glassbreak sensor, one indoor and one outdoor camera, a panic button and a key fob. I setup the system using the available app. Setting up the base station and devices was simple, intuitive and painless. Each half of the door/window sensors need to be placed within a couple of inches of each other to established a closed state, but have a decent range if they need to be offset a bit. All of the included devices are mounted with included, preaffixed tape, making installation very easy. I haven't really been able to "test" the glassbreak sensor as I don't have any glass around that I'm willing to smash. The cameras work well enough, and will store recorded data (triggered by an alarm) for up to thirty days, and can be used by Simplisafe to verify an alarm trigger if you opt for that level of monitoring. You can also easily opt to add additional sensors, such as fire and CO detectors, which I have. An additional outdoor alarm speaker is also available. On the downsides, I don't really feel the need for a panic button and probably wouldn't have picked one up if it weren't in this kit, and the key fob, while a good idea, needs to have some sort of locking switch on it to prevent accidental presses. I feel like it would be a bad idea to toss it in your purse with your keys. I was a little concerned about how reliable a wireless security system can be, but so far I haven't noticed any sort of interference or problems due to connectivity or range, and I think it's solid system for general home protection.

As our neighborhood has grown quickly with new homes and businesses moving into town during the past couple of years we decided it was time to add a whole home security system. The SimpliSafe 17 Piece Whole Home Security Kit was just what we were looking for. As the name implies, this kit supports an entire residence with multiple cameras, window/door sensors, base unit, keypad, etc. It can also be expanded (up to 100 sensors) if needed with additional pieces available from SimpliSafe. In the Box - Base Station (white), Keypad (white), 1 x Wireless HD Outdoor Camera, 1 x Wired HD Indoor Camera, 8 x Entry Sensors, 2 x Motion Sensors, 1 x Panic Button, 1 x Glass Break Sensor, 1 x Key Fob, Yard Signage/stickers and documentation. As we have 7 entry points on the first floor of our home, this package had more than enough sensors to cover them all. Setup - SimpliSafe couldn't make the setup process much easier. There's documentation in the kit that walks through setup as well as the SimpliSafe app that literally walks through the required steps. Once the app is downloaded, create an account, and follow the steps to set up the base station and associated sensors and cameras. There are QR codes on the different accessories that can be scanned to assist with adding them during setup. This package also comes with a free 30 day trial of the monitored system which can be cancelled after 30 days by calling SimpliSafe. One of the features I really like is the magnetic mounting base on the outdoor camera. As the 1080p capable camera is wireless it was super easy to pick a spot and mount the base to the house. Then just connect the camera to the base with the magnet and you're ready to go! The outdoor camera batteries are rechargeable and SimpliSafe also offers a solar panel charger as an accessory. Another welcome feature is that most of the sensors and associated accessories are mounted with tape so there is no hardwiring the system or putting holes in your walls. It also allows for all sorts of options when installing or expanding the system. Mounting the sensors is not only a breeze, there’s no damage to your home. Using the System / Security - Once the system and service are set up the system does what it's supposed to. The cameras functioned perfectly...including spying on our dog! The keypad is super straightforward (Home, Away and Off) and easy to use and the unique pins is a great feature. Multiple unique pins can be created for multiple users on the system. So far we haven’t had any issues with the system. The cameras have a number of customization features for day and nighttime use including sensitivity and resolution settings. One of the new additions to this system which our previous system did not have is the key fob. For me, it’s important to have ease of functionality and the key fob is one of my new favorite accessories. Pros: - Systems easily supports a large residence or business with 17 total pieces - Great build quality of base, keypad and accessories - Ease of setup and overall system configuration and use - Ability to add to the system such as water sensors or solar chargers for outdoor cameras - DIY installation and no service fees if you choose that route - The Key Fob makes an easy to use system even easier! Cons: - Haven't come across any after a couple weeks of tinkering and use with the system Overall, the SimpliSafe 17 Piece Whole Home Security Kit is a great value, easy to setup and use and it's expandable as needs change. It can be used free or there are a couple levels of paid monitoring services offered. I would certainly recommend this system to anyone looking to add the security of a whole home security system to their home or even a small business.