Short Answer: SimpliSafe discontinued its free monitoring plans in 2020. The company now offers three paid tiers: Fast Protect ($29.99/month), Standard ($19.99/month), and Self-Monitoring (no monthly fee but limited features). These plans include cellular/Wi-Fi monitoring, police dispatch, and optional camera cloud storage. No long-term contracts are required.
What Are the Main Types of CCTV Cameras?
When Did SimpliSafe Stop Offering Free Plans?
SimpliSafe terminated its free monitoring service in November 2020. The decision coincided with their transition to cellular-based monitoring infrastructure. Existing free plan users were grandfathered until April 2021, after which they had to choose between paid plans or lose remote access and professional monitoring capabilities.
What Are the Current SimpliSafe Monitoring Plans?
SimpliSafe now operates three primary tiers:
- Fast Protect ($29.99/month): 24/7 professional monitoring with 15-second alarm verification and priority police response
- Standard ($19.99/month): Basic professional monitoring with 60-second verification
- Self-Monitoring ($0/month): App access only without emergency dispatch
The Fast Protect plan represents SimpliSafe’s flagship service, offering rapid verification through audio and video confirmation technology. Users receive real-time alerts through the mobile app with options to view live camera feeds during alarms. Standard plan subscribers can upgrade response times by purchasing the $5/month Video Verification add-on. Both professional monitoring tiers include environmental protection (fire/CO monitoring) and cellular backup, while self-monitoring users must manually contact emergency services.
| Feature | Fast Protect | Standard | Self-Monitoring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Dispatch | Yes (15s) | Yes (60s) | No |
| Video Storage | Unlimited* | 30 days* | None |
| Cellular Backup | Included | Included | $3.50/month |
How Does SimpliSafe’s Cost Compare to Traditional Security Systems?
SimpliSafe’s Standard plan ($19.99) undercuts ADT ($45.99) and Vivint ($39.99) while offering comparable features. The system’s DIY installation saves $100-$200 versus professional setups. However, advanced smart home integrations cost extra compared to all-inclusive competitors like Ring Alarm Pro ($20/month with eero router).
When comparing total ownership costs, SimpliSafe’s equipment bundles range from $229-$489 versus competitors’ $599-$1,200 upfront charges. The table below illustrates 3-year cost comparisons for mid-tier packages:
| Provider | Equipment Cost | Monthly Fee | 3-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| SimpliSafe | $299 | $19.99 | $1,018.64 |
| ADT | $899 | $45.99 | $2,554.64 |
| Vivint | $649 | $39.99 | $2,088.64 |
Expert Views: Industry Perspectives on SimpliSafe’s Shift
“SimpliSafe’s transition reflects broader industry trends toward subsidized hardware with recurring revenue models. Their 15-second verification in Fast Protect sets new response benchmarks, though the tiered pricing creates feature fragmentation.” – Home Security Analyst, Frost & Sullivan
SimpliSafe Plan FAQs
- Q: Can I revert to free monitoring if I own older equipment?
- A: No – legacy systems require software updates compatible only with paid plans
- Q: Does SimpliSafe charge for police dispatches?
- A: All paid plans include unlimited free emergency dispatch
- Q: Are there discounts for annual payments?
- A: Yes – 17% discount applies to prepaid annual subscriptions
- Q: Can I use third-party cameras with self-monitoring?
- A: Only SimpliSafe cameras work with their proprietary platform
- Q: Is cellular backup mandatory?
- A: Required for professional monitoring plans, optional for self-monitoring