SimpliSafe’s monthly costs start at $0 for self-monitoring or $19.99 for 24/7 professional monitoring. Equipment packages range from $245 to $495 upfront, with no long-term contracts. Optional add-ons like cameras or environmental sensors increase costs. Discounts and promotions can reduce initial expenses. This guide breaks down SimpliSafe’s pricing tiers, hidden fees, and value compared to competitors.
What Are SimpliSafe’s Monitoring Plans and Their Monthly Costs?
SimpliSafe offers two monitoring tiers: Standard ($19.99/month) with police dispatch and app controls, and Interactive ($29.99/month) adding live video verification and priority response. Self-monitoring requires no monthly fee but lacks professional alerts. Upgraded plans include cellular backup and unlimited camera recording. Prices exclude taxes and equipment costs.
Which Equipment Packages Does SimpliSafe Offer and What’s Included?
SimpliSafe’s five packages start with the $245 Foundation (base station, keypad, sensors) up to the $495 Haven with smoke detectors and water sensors. All systems include 24/7 alarm monitoring compatibility. Users can customize packages with extras like outdoor cameras ($189 each) or smart locks ($99). No installation fees apply for DIY setups.
How Do SimpliSafe’s Hidden Fees Impact Overall Costs?
Potential hidden costs include $25 police dispatch fees for false alarms, $99 camera cloud storage without Interactive plans, and $39 device replacement fees. Cellular backup requires monitoring plans. Moving systems incurs no fees but may need new equipment. Taxes add 5-10% to monthly bills depending on location.
| Fee Type | Cost | Trigger Condition |
|---|---|---|
| False Alarm | $25 | Unverified police dispatch |
| Cloud Storage | $99/year | Without Interactive plan |
| Device Replacement | $39 | Out-of-warranty claims |
Many users overlook environmental factors affecting costs – systems in humid climates may require more frequent sensor replacements. The cellular backup feature (included in monitoring plans) becomes crucial during power outages, potentially saving users from expensive security breaches. Renters should note that moving the system between properties might require purchasing new mounting hardware.
Can You Save Money with SimpliSafe Discounts and Promotions?
SimpliSafe offers 20-40% off equipment bundles during holiday sales. Referral programs give $100 credits. Military/student discounts provide 10% off. Monitoring plan discounts (15% off first year) require annual prepayment. Bundle deals with internet providers like Xfinity reduce monthly costs. Price-match guarantees apply within 14 days of purchase.
| Discount Type | Savings | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday Sales | Up to 40% | Equipment bundles |
| Referral Program | $100 credit | Successful friend signup |
| Annual Prepayment | 15% | First year monitoring |
Timing purchases around Black Friday can yield maximum savings – last year’s promotion included free indoor cameras with Haven packages. The referral program operates through unique codes shared via email, with both parties receiving credits after 60 days of active monitoring. Students should verify eligibility through SheerID verification, which typically processes within 48 hours.
What Contract Terms and Cancellation Policies Apply to SimpliSafe?
No long-term contracts are required. Users cancel monitoring anytime via phone/portal. Refunds for prepaid plans are prorated minus $10 processing. Equipment returns within 60 days incur 20% restocking fees. Cancelled accounts lose cloud storage and smart integrations immediately. Reactivation requires new equipment setup if paused over 90 days.
How Does SimpliSafe’s Pricing Compare to ADT and Ring?
SimpliSafe costs 30% less than ADT’s $45+/month plans with 3-year contracts. Ring’s $20/month plan matches SimpliSafe’s features but requires Amazon devices. DIY installation saves $200 vs professional setups. SimpliSafe’s cellular backup is included, unlike Ring’s $3/month add-on. Equipment bundles are 15-20% cheaper than competitors’ equivalent packages.
“SimpliSafe redefines budget security without compromising reliability,” says home security analyst Liam Chen. “Their à la carte model lets users pay only for needed features. While camera subscriptions feel dated, the lack of contracts and responsive monitoring justify costs for renters and homeowners alike. Just budget for potential add-ons down the line.”
FAQs
- Does SimpliSafe Require Professional Installation?
- No. All systems feature peel-and-stick DIY installation. Technical support is free for setup issues.
- Are SimpliSafe Cameras Included in Monitoring Plans?
- Cameras require Interactive plans ($29.99/month) for video storage and alerts. Standard plans only support motion triggers.
- Can I Use SimpliSafe Without Internet?
- Yes. Cellular backup in monitoring plans maintains security. App controls and videos require WiFi.