SimpliSafe Security Cameras: Comprehensive Options and Clear Pricing

SimpliSafe

We consider ourselves admirers of SimpliSafe. The firm provides what we believe to be top-notch home safety solutions, and with various choices available, it’s simple to select devices and packages that match both your protective requirements and financial constraints.

Here’s what happened: Over the past few years, this company has undergone significant transformations, largely centered around their security camera technology. These updates have undeniably enhanced the overall quality of their products. Today, SimpliSafe provides some of the quickest response security cameras available on the market. However, along with this improved performance comes an increase in cost. Additionally, fully utilizing these cameras requires enrolling in one of SimpliSafe’s pricier monitoring services, which can substantially affect your total expenses.

Here are your queries: What is the pricing for SimpliSafe cameras? How can you best utilize their features? Most crucially, does their cost justify their value? Continue reading—we have the insights you seek.

SimpliSafe Security Camera Cost

SimpliSafe offers an affordable camera, which has remained unchanged from when they first introduced it. Previously referred to as the SimpliCam, this device is now called their Wired Indoor Camera. Regardless of what you call it, the price remains at $99. This makes it pricier compared to similar options.
The Ring Indoor Cam we evaluated
, yet it aligns with typical industry standards.

The Wired Indoor Cam isn’t very versatile; it primarily offers a video feed of whatever is in its view. It lacks person detection technology and does not support two-way communication. As suggested by its title, it is designed solely for interior use. We previously criticized SimpliSafe due to their restricted range of cameras.

Type in the Wireless Indoor Camera and the Wireless Outdoor Camera. These gadgets offer advanced technology alongside their video feeds. While we’ll delve deeper into user experiences shortly, it’s important to highlight that their artificial intelligence can distinguish between humans and other mobile entities, as well as recognize when someone lingers on your property for an extended period—more than what would be considered normal. Naturally, superior models command higher costs.

For $149, SimpliSafe’s Wireless Indoor Camera (Smart Alarm) falls into the upper range within the pricing structure for indoor cameras. Although there are pricier options available for outdoor use with SimpliSafe’s $199 Outdoor Camera Pro being an example, this particular model remains somewhat middling concerning cost.

SimpliSafe Camera	Regular Retail Price
Wired Indoor Camera (SimpliCam)	$99
Indoor Wireless Surveillance Camera (Intelligent Security System)	$149
Outdoor Camera Pro	$199

Remember this key point: SimpliSafe consistently runs promotions. They set their equipment prices higher initially, using this strategy to highlight more attractive sale prices later. Discounts on SimpliSafe systems can reach up to 70%. Additionally, the company frequently includes complimentary cameras when packages are purchased. Sometimes, they even provide cameras at no cost to new subscribers who sign up for a security system. Currently, they’re offering a free video doorbell, but be sure to monitor our page regularly for updates on any changes in these deals.
SimpliSafe deals
page.

SimpliSafe Subscription Cost

Here is where SimpliSafe shines with affordability. Despite having equipment costs close to typical market rates, their subscription plans offer flexibility and cost-effectiveness. If desired, we had the choice to use our SimpliSafe cameras under a self-monitoring setup without paying any monthly charges by foregoing video recording capabilities (although this wasn’t preferable for us, the alternative was welcome). Regardless of choosing the complimentary service level, we would still receive instant notifications and have access to view live footage anytime.

SimpliSafe’s equipment appears pricey due to the necessary software and features required for their sophisticated surveillance capabilities. Thus, if you intend to monitor your cameras yourself, you’ll be covering costs for functionalities you may not utilize.

Complete surveillance from SimpliSafe begins at $31.99 monthly for full coverage, while basic monitoring costs $21.99 per month. Similar
monitoring plan from Ring
With video verification and intrusion prevention services costing $100 monthly, SimpliSafe’s basic plan becomes an excellent value proposition. Additionally, SimpliSafe provides premium monitoring options priced at $49.99 and $79.99 each month respectively. These advanced tiers allow your camera’s artificial intelligence to notify SimpliSafe’s monitoring personnel who then use your camera’s two-way audio feature for immediate threat management.

Premium self-monitoring offers an intermediate option. You can subscribe for $4.99 per month to store videos from one camera with this service. It also provides access to Amazon Alexa and Google Home compatibility. Alternatively, paying $9.99 monthly allows you to do so for as many as five cameras. Each subscription includes thirty days of recorded footage retention.

Here’s one final point: SimpliSafe does not enforce lengthy commitments. This flexibility is significant because it allows you to switch seamlessly between self-monitoring and professional monitoring whenever you choose. For instance, you might opt for professional monitoring during your summer holiday in July but revert to self-monitoring come August. Additionally, you have the option to buy a system initially with self-monitored use, planning to upgrade to professional monitoring once you’re financially ready.

Heads up: SimpliSafe frequently includes additional gear at no cost with their security systems. During last year’s Black Friday sale, they offered equipment at 70 percent below retail price, plus a complimentary Outdoor Camera.

The SimpliSafe Camera Experience

Installing the SimpliCam

Today, self-installation is common for home security systems, with many companies refining the camera setup procedure. It’s rare to encounter a camera that requires over thirty minutes to install.
Wyze Cam
For example, it lasted no longer than five minutes.

Despite this, we’ve yet to find a residential security gadget as straightforward to set up as the SimpliCam. Provided you’ve already got the SimpliSafe app ready, all you need to do is plug it in and link it to your Wi-Fi network. It took us just one minute to complete the process. This quick setup time was partly due to our placement of the camera on an end table in the living room, eliminating the hassle of using a ladder or turning screws. Most crucially, though, this ease of installation reflects how uncomplicated the Wired Indoor Camera truly is. Since there aren’t complex video adjustments needed—any motion will activate the camera—you won’t be fiddling with various settings. Additionally, you can relax knowing there are no two-way audio features to configure, as these are not included in the Wired Indoor Cam design.

There is something invigorating about the simplicity of the SimpliCam. After completing its setup, you can essentially forget about it. It provides all necessary home security without complicating things for you. In contrast, consider SimpliSafe’s more advanced option—the Wireless Indoor Camera. While it offers additional features, it demands extra effort from your end as well. Hence, the SimpliCam stands out as an effortless ‘set-it-and-forget-it’ solution.

It’s important to remember that the SimpliCam isn’t designed for outdoor use; it lacks sufficient durability and weather protection. Previously, SimpliSafe allowed customers to purchase a “wetsuit” accessory for their indoor cameras to make them suitable for exterior placement. Currently, they offer another alternative: an outdoor camera featuring many similar capabilities but built tough enough for external environments. This outdoor model comes at a cost of $199.99, offering good value considering typical market prices for such equipment. Nonetheless, this particular camera is compatible solely with SimpliSafe security systems, making us advise caution unless you’re either currently using or intend to adopt one soon.

SimpliCam Performance

Following an examination of the camera specifications, our initial expectations for SimpliSafe’s camera were not particularly high. Despite the company promoting the SimpliCam using flashy marketing lingo, asserting that it features Variable Bitrate Compression1 to enhance picture quality, we were more interested in seeing its actual performance outside theoretical claims and in practical scenarios. Fortunately, the device proved quite capable in several areas during testing.

Initially, our test involved the first-generation SimpliCam, which provides only 720p HD resolution—a level below the common 1080p HD standard, though still quite acceptable. Fortunately, if you purchase a SimpliCam today, the latest model boasts a full 1080p HD resolution.

Once we got the system operational, we began getting mobile notifications right away. Fortunately, we did not receive alerts each time the air conditioner turned on and displaced the paperwork on our desks; such frequent updates would become annoying quickly. The SimpliCam includes intelligent detection technology according to the manufacturer, which uses advanced algorithms capable of identifying human thermal patterns. During our tests, this feature proved quite dependable. Many budget-priced cameras available today, like the Ring Indoor Cam, often generate incorrect triggers.

Using the SimpliSafe app made handling alerts straightforward. With just a flick of your finger over a notification, you can access the live feed directly. It’s worth noting that SimpliCam includes an additional feature called two-way talk. This lets you use the integrated microphone to communicate with individuals like children via the camera—a handy capability indeed. For this function, press and hold the microphone symbol within the application interface. However, ensure you release your touch from the mic button when you wish to hear what is happening instead. While having bidirectional audio communication is beneficial, it has become quite typical among modern systems.

Everything has been going well so far. However, none of these functions stand out as particularly groundbreaking. Still, the SimpliSafe camera does have one distinctive element: a stainless-steel privacy shutter. This component offers greater command over both the video stream and personal privacy. Essentially functioning as an on/off switch for the camera, this mechanism operates solely based on user authorization. Additionally, its design resembles an eyelid opening and closing, giving it what we considered a somewhat cyberpunk aesthetic appeal. For those concerned about potential hacking compromising their privacy via surveillance cameras, we highly suggest opting for the SimpliCam.

Customer Service

Based on our experience, SimpliSafe’s customer support is quite dependable. They offer an extensive Help Center along with various contact options including email, user forums, and traditional telephone assistance. While we found some negative feedback mentioning lengthy hold times, we personally never had to wait longer than a few minutes before speaking with a courteous and competent representative.

Money-Back Guarantee

SimpliSafe offers an impressive 60-day refund policy, demonstrating confidence in both their products and services. Should you choose to send back your gear within this period, SimpliSafe covers the cost of returning it. Quite generous indeed.

Standout Features of SimpliCam

Even though SimpliSafe’s camera has limited features and technology, several aspects are noteworthy. Below are some notable SimpliCam capabilities that can aid in safeguarding your residence and loved ones:

Stainless Steel Privacy Shutter

If you prefer not having the camera monitor your movements indoors, just turn it off. This action triggers a stainless steel privacy shield. Once you exit your home and wish for the camera to resume recording, you can easily remove this barrier through the mobile application.

Intelligent Motion Detection

The SimpliCam includes a cutting-edge feature aimed at reducing false alerts. According to the manufacturer, their algorithms are fine-tuned to detect the specific thermal profile exclusive to human beings. Our testing confirmed that this indeed helped lower the occurrence of such unnecessary notifications.

Internal Microphone

The integrated microphone in SimpliCam enables you to listen to what goes on at home when you’re not around. However, if you wish to capture and save this audio data, you must subscribe to SimpliSafe’s cloud storage plan. We might sound insane, but we believe such features ought to come as standard with no extra charge.

DIY Installation

No one excels at DIY more than SimpliSafety. Keep in mind that this business originated with the aim of providing straightforward security options specifically tailored for tenants. Installing the SimpliCam can take as little as three minutes from beginning to end according to us; we found it genuinely hassle-free.

Three-Year Warranty

Compared to most companies in the field, SimpliSafe offers quite an extensive warranty. Here lies yet another benefit of choosing SimpliSafe over others: many rivals typically provide only one year of coverage. Usually, extending this protection comes at additional expense. In contrast, SimpliSafe provides a three-year warranty, which we consider a thoughtful inclusion.

Integrating Smart Homes and Surveillance Systems

We discovered that SimpliSafe offers limited customization options for smart home devices. However, as usual, the company prioritizes simplicity in their approach, which aligns with their overall strategy.

The positive aspect is this: If you buy a SimpliSafe kit at present and enroll in their Interactive Monitoring service, you’ll gain access to “Visual Verification.” Whenever an alarm triggers, the SimpliSafe monitoring professionals have the capability to stream footage from your SimpliCam for real-time viewing. Consequently, they can confirm whether a break-in is occurring and hasten the arrival of emergency responders. Nab them in the act!

Is the SimpliCam a good choice?

During our evaluation of security cameras, we looked into key aspects such as security measures, privacy concerns, and cost-effectiveness. The SimpliCam indoor model excelled across these areas. It boasts essential security functions including intelligent motion detection, high-quality video recording, bidirectional audio communication, along with a built-in hardware cover for privacy. Priced at $99, it remains reasonably affordable. These elements combine to position the SimpliCam as an excellent choice overall.

SimpliSafe Add-Ons

Along with their budget-friendly packages, SimpliSafe also provides some additional items such as a smart lock and a video doorbell known as the Video Doorbell Pro. Below are their available options along with the corresponding prices:

A Snapshot of SimpliSafe

The tale of SimpliSafe is invariably an engaging one. Founded in 2006 by some enterprising Harvard Business School students seeking ways to deter burglaries, the company swiftly identified a gap in the market—no available security systems provided both easy do-it-yourself setup and contract-free options. Inspired by this realization, they embarked on developing their own product, which led them to create SimpliSafe. Since then, it has become a preferred choice among college students living in dorms and individuals renting homes. Based on our observations, SimpliSafe caters well to those desiring straightforward residential safety solutions.

Concluding Thoughts on SimpliSafe’s Camera

In summary, SimpliCam integrates well with SimpliSafe’s security setups. However, as an independent device, we would not endorse it highly. It falls short on several key features commonly found in modern indoor cameras. Although it distinguishes between humans and pets, it does not offer package detection or facial recognition like Nest cameras do. Moreover, many of its superior functions are also present in more affordable alternatives.

However, the key point is this: generally speaking, opting for a SimpliSafe system would serve you much better than buying just one camera from another brand. This truly highlights its worth. The ease of installation makes it particularly suitable for those living in apartments or frequently moving households. Additionally, budget-minded homeowners favor SimpliSafe due to their affordable monitoring services, which are significantly cheaper compared to leading providers such as Vivint. Despite this, Vivint itself remains quite remarkable; check out our comprehensive review.
Vivint system analysis
For additional details) Adding a SimpliCam still doesn’t significantly increase the cost of obtaining a complete SimpliSafe system compared to purchasing just one camera, yet you receive far greater benefits.

Certainly, if the SimpliCam seems too expensive, there are alternative choices available. Many home security companies such as Ring, Blink, and Zmodo offer numerous indoor camera alternatives within the under-$100 price bracket. Should this be more suitable for your needs, consider browsing our compilation of recommended cameras.
the top affordable camera setups
.

Sometimes an entire system can be more effective than the individual components alone.

SimpliSafe Cameras FAQs