LET'S REVIEW: SimpliSafe Smart Home Security System
A secure home is a priority for many people and finding the right security system can be daunting. I’ve had both professionally-installed systems like ADT as well as do-it-yourself systems. My first experience with a DIY connected alarm system was around 2011, I believe. It’s been so long that “smart home” was not a term used often, if at all. As I recall, the main and quite possibly the only functionality the app offered was the ability to arm and disarm the system remotely and I thought it was amazing! I’ve played around with several DIY security systems since then and still own a few devices today. There are many great DIY options out there as well as resources to help you choose the best option for you.
The impetus for installing the new system when I did was an upcoming vacation that was scheduled the following week. I needed a better setup and more options to help me feel that my home would be safe and secure. I had the Frankenstein of self-monitored systems in place. Let me explain. I had the Canary all-in-one system for the camera, siren & people detection, Wink Lookout for door and windows sensors, additional siren, Wink hub 2 and Nest security cameras. After several months, it was clear that it was lacking as a fully functioning security system. All of the components did not always speak to each other and it was far from a seamless solution.
Enter SimpliSafe. I went with The Haven package, it’s a robust set of devices that satisfied most of what I needed in an alarm system. It's been 3+ months now since the installation and in that time I’ve gathered enough usage from the system that I feel I can write a solid review. I was immediately impressed with the design of SimpliSafe products. It was clean, simple and would fit right in my home. I have a comfortably large home with almost 5,000 square feet on 3 levels. I was afraid the square footage would be an issue but that wasn’t the case. The sensors and devices are installed all over the house and range have not been a problem.
Installation
Installation of the Simplisafe system was a breeze, I’m not exaggerating. I had quite a few sensors to install and I believe the whole thing took less than 30 minutes. The devices came with adhesive strips for easy installation and the devices connected to the app and base station immediately. I was also able to name each device easily. During the installation, I had an account question that was quickly resolved by the support team at the monitoring center.
Pet Detection
One of the issues I had with the Canary all-in-one system was that it was supposed to detect the difference between a person or a pet. It was not the case for the majority of the time and I would get unnecessary notifications. With the SimpliCam, there have been no false alarms with my dog while the system is armed.
Monitoring fee / Smart Home integrations
Here's the thing, if you want all the features of the SimpliSafe smart home security system, you'll need to shell out $24.99/month (no contract). While the monthly service fee is cheaper than what many are accustomed to paying for a professionally monitored system, one of the only negatives is that you don't get the "smart" features unless you pay for the Interactive Plan. If you want a smart home system + app + $0 monitoring fee, you'll want to skip this one and research other DIY systems. If you are considering a different solution, check out this comprehensive guide to DIY systems!
Cellular Connection
Besides controlling the system via an app, the second most important reason for me to pay for the monthly monitoring fee is the cellular connection service at no additional charge. Cellular connection enables the system to function in the event of an internet outage. No extra phone line is necessary.
I've been pleased with the system since it was installed in July. One of the sensors that came with The Haven was a water sensor that I placed in the basement near the HVAC unit and hot water heater. Lo and behold, the sensor went off while we were on vacation. It was a minor issue with the HVAC system but we were able to take care of it quickly even while away. More recently, our kitchen disposal sprung a leak and we didn't realize it until the water was seen dripping down into the basement. The garbage disposal has been repaired and I'll soon be ordering a new water sensor that will go right under the sink.
I've also linked the system to the Google Nest hub so I can arm the system by voice. What's currently missing from this system is a feature that auto-arms at the same time each night. Admittedly, we sometimes forget to arm it. I understand not being able to auto-disarm is a security issue but I'd like the ability to automate the arming process.
All in all, I’m a fan and I would recommend Simplisafe as a sound investment in your home security system. The few negatives outweigh the many positives and the peace of mind that a good security system brings is worth the relatively low cost. The system also has video verification that you can enable which allows the monitoring center to confirm that there's an intrusion via the SimpliCam in the event of an alarm.
Here’s a complete list of my devices so far: base station, wireless keypad, entry sensor (4), motion sensor (2), panic button, smoke detector, freeze sensor, water sensor, key fob, auxiliary siren, and SimpliCam (add-on).
