Short Answer: SimpliSafe offers optional 24/7 professional monitoring starting at $19.99/month. While self-monitoring is free, paid plans unlock police dispatch, cellular backup, and smart home integrations. Choose between Flexible or Standard Monitoring, with no long-term contracts required.
What Are SimpliSafe’s Monitoring Plan Options and Costs?
SimpliSafe provides two monitoring tiers: Self-Monitoring (Free) and 24/7 Professional Monitoring (starting at $19.99/month). The paid “Fast Protect” plan ($29.99/month) adds priority alarm response and security camera recordings. All paid plans include cellular backup, mobile app control, and environmental hazard monitoring.
| Feature | Self-Monitoring | Standard Monitoring | Fast Protect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | $19.99/month | $29.99/month |
| Video Storage | None | None | 30 Days |
| Police Dispatch | No | Yes | Priority |
The Standard Monitoring plan strikes a balance between cost and functionality, offering unlimited sensor monitoring and water/freeze alerts. Users can upgrade/downgrade through SimpliSafe’s app instantly – a flexibility rarely found in traditional security systems. For multi-property owners, monitoring fees apply per location, but equipment can be transferred without reactivation charges.
How Does SimpliSafe Monitoring Compare to Competitors?
SimpliSafe’s cellular-based monitoring operates without landline dependencies, unlike legacy providers like ADT. Response times average 45 seconds nationwide, compared to Ring’s 60-second average. However, Vivint’s proprietary technology achieves 30-second responses in metropolitan areas.
| Provider | Entry Price | Contract Required | Smart Home Integration |
|---|---|---|---|
| SimpliSafe | $19.99 | No | Limited |
| Ring | $20.00 | No | Extensive |
| ADT | $45.99 | Yes | Moderate |
While cheaper than most competitors, SimpliSafe lacks professional installation options. Their camera resolution (1080p) also trails Frontpoint’s 4K systems. However, the absence of mandatory equipment leases makes long-term costs 40-60% lower than contract-bound providers over three years.
Expert Views: Industry Perspectives on SimpliSafe
“SimpliSafe’s à la carte monitoring model disrupts traditional security contracts, but users should evaluate response times. While their average 45-second dispatch beats many competitors, urban areas sometimes see faster police notification through legacy providers.” – Smart Home Security Analyst (12+ years experience)
Industry reports indicate SimpliSafe controls 17% of the DIY security market, with customer retention rates exceeding 82% after 12 months. Their UL-certified monitoring centers process over 2.5 million signals monthly, with false alarm rates below 3% – outperforming the industry average of 7%. However, experts note that medical alert integrations remain limited compared to Bay Alarm’s specialized systems.
Conclusion: Is SimpliSafe Monitoring Worth the Cost?
SimpliSafe’s monitoring fees provide critical emergency response capabilities missing from free plans. For homeowners needing reliable intrusion alerts or fire department dispatch, the $19.99/month tier offers strong value. Renters or budget-focused users can leverage free self-monitoring with email/text alerts.
FAQs About SimpliSafe Monitoring Costs
- Does SimpliSafe require monitoring?
- No – use base equipment with app alerts at no cost
- Can I switch plans monthly?
- Yes – change tiers anytime via your account portal
- Is camera storage included?
- Only with Fast Protect ($29.99) – 30-day video history