Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- SimpliSafe At a Glance
- Ring at a Glance
- Key Differences Between SimpliSafe and Ring
- Key Similarities Between SimpliSafe and Ring
- SimpliSafe Vs. Ring Comparison
- SimpliSafe Vs. Ring Equipment and Sensors
- SimpliSafe Vs. Ring Packages and Pricing
- SimpliSafe Vs. Ring Installation
- SimpliSafe Vs. Ring Professional Monitoring
- SimpliSafe Vs. Ring Customer Support
- SimpliSafe Vs. Ring Customer Reviews
- SimpliSafe Vs. Ring Home Automation and App
- SimpliSafe Vs. Ring Contracts
- SimpliSafe Vs. Ring Verdict
- More Home Security Comparisons
- Methodology: How We Selected Home Security Companies
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
SimpliSafe and Ring are among the best home security companies, with systems that include alarms, cameras and sensors at affordable prices compared to the competition. Both stand out for their lack of long-term contracts in an industry that traditionally locks customers in for up to three years. While the companies have many similarities, there are some key differences in the home security systems and monitoring plans that each provides. This guide explores those differences to help you decide which home security company might be best for you.
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Key Takeaways
- SimpliSafe and Ring each offer a very similar selection of equipment without contracts.
- SimpliSafe includes a longer trial period and better warranties.
- Ring is slightly more affordable and integrates with more smart home devices.
SimpliSafe At a Glance
SimpliSafe has established itself in the home security industry as a relatively low-cost provider that doesn’t require a contract for professional monitoring. Its equipment can be installed without professional help, and SimpliSafe has a longer trial period than most of its notable competitors. Homeowners can choose a predesigned package or customize their own, and the company’s user-friendly app makes control simple.
Ring at a Glance
Ring
Ring is a relatively new company owned by Amazon. It’s best known for its video doorbells, but for an additional cost, Ring also offers professional monitoring services and a variety of equipment to create full home security solutions. Ring is a budget-friendly option for those who want to keep things simple with user-friendly installation and self-monitoring.
Key Differences Between SimpliSafe and Ring
- SimpliSafe offers a 60-day trial period, while Ring only offers 30 days.
- SimpliSafe connects with a greater selection of smart home systems.
- Ring has lower average equipment costs and monitoring fees.
- SimpliSafe offers free self-monitoring.
Key Similarities Between SimpliSafe and Ring
- Neither company requires a contract.
- Both systems are easy to set up as a DIY project.
- They offer similar selections of home security products and add-ons.
- Both companies offer self-monitoring and professional monitoring.
SimpliSafe Vs. Ring Comparison
We compared SimpliSafe and Ring directly across a variety of categories important to homeowners to find out where they differ and which is better. Below, we delve into contract information, professional monitoring services, ease of installation and more.
SimpliSafe Vs. Ring Equipment and Sensors
Both companies offer most of the equipment and sensors you might want for your home security system. Each has indoor, outdoor and doorbell cameras, as well as sensors for doors, windows, motion and environmental indicators. Each system is also compatible with smart home products.
The companies do differ on a few specifics. Ring offers smart lighting, while SimpliSafe only connects to lighting products from other companies. When it comes to smart home integration, SimpliSafe works with both Google Home and Amazon Alexa, while Ring is only compatible with its parent company’s Amazon devices.
In all, the two companies are roughly even in terms of equipment.
SimpliSafe Vs. Ring Packages and Pricing
The cost of a home security system is one of the most important factors for most homeowners. SimpliSafe stays true to its name with seven standard packages, each offering different strengths at set price points. Ring’s pricing structure is more complicated, with a huge selection of bundles that vary widely in price and equipment included.
SimpliSafe Packages
| FEATURE | THE BEACON | THE LIGHTHOUSE | THE HAVEN | THE KNOX | THE HEARTH | THE STARTER | THE FOUNDATION |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Station | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Keypad | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Entry Sensors | 4 | 3 | $4 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Motion Sensors | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Indoor Cameras | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Outdoor Cameras | 2 | 1 | No | No | No | No | No |
All SimpliSafe packages come equipped with a base station, keypad, sensors and cameras. Additional equipment pieces are available as add-ons.
SimpliSafe Pricing
| PRICING | THE BEACON | THE LIGHTHOUSE | THE HAVEN | THE KNOX | THE HEARTH | THE ESSENTIALS | THE FOUNDATION |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Equipment | $709.90 | $469.63 | $519.86 | $479.87 | $399.91 | $279.95 | $249.96 |
| Monthly (Minimum) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Monthly (Maximum) | $31.99 | $31.99 | $31.99 | $31.99 | $31.99 | $31.99 | $31.99 |
SimpliSafe’s home security packages are priced based on the amount of equipment that comes with each. No matter which package you choose, you’ll have the option to self-monitor or pay for 24/7 professional monitoring. Self-monitoring is free unless you want access to camera recordings for $9.99 per month. Standard monitoring costs $21.99 per month, while the company’s Fast Protect subscription costs $31.99 per month.
Ring Packages
| FEATURE | CONNECTED KITS | ALARM SECURITY KITS | PROTECTED KITS | ALARM PRO SECURITY KITS | WHOLE HOME KITS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Station | Available as an add-on | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Keypad | Available as an add-on | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Entry Sensors | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Motion Sensors | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Indoor Cameras | Connected Basic Kit only | Included in some kits | No | No | Included in some kits |
| Outdoor Cameras | Yes | Included in some kits | Protected Basic Kit only | No | Yes |
Ring has dozens of equipment bundles, many of which are variations of the same package with additional equipment included. This wide selection allows for a bare-bones approach that only includes a video doorbell, a comprehensive, whole-home solution or something in between. This makes it a great security system for apartments as well as large houses, as long as you have the budget for everything you need. However, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming.
Ring Pricing
| PRICING | CONNECTED KITS | ALARM SECURITY KITS | PROTECTED KITS | ALARM PRO SECURITY KITS | WHOLE HOME KITS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Equipment | $199.98 - $479.99 | $244.95 - $784.84 | $344.94 - $454.91 | $389.99 - $633.87 | $444.93 - $944.84 |
| Monthly (Minimum) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Monthly (Maximum) | $20 | $20 | $20 | $20 | $20 |
We’ve included price ranges for the types of bundles found at Ring. Ring allows customers to self-monitor their systems for free, though you’ll need to pay $4.99 per month to access video recordings for one camera through Ring Basic. For $10 per month, you can access recordings for all cameras with Ring Plus. Ring Pro includes 24/7 professional monitoring for $20 per month.
SimpliSafe Vs. Ring Installation
SimpliSafe and Ring are both known for simple, straightforward DIY installation. SimpliSafe installation requires no tools or mounting, as everything can be adhered with peel-and-stick pads. Ring offers a follow-along video tutorial to ensure customers complete installation properly.
Both companies also offer professional installation for those uncomfortable with DIY. SimpliSafe’s costs $124.99 and Ring’s costs $159.99.
The only potential difficulty may arise when connecting individual Ring devices. Some reviewers report that the process of syncing each device can be challenging and requires the use of Ring’s Eero network. For this reason, we give the edge to SimpliSafe here.
SimpliSafe Vs. Ring Professional Monitoring
If you want to upgrade from self-monitoring to 24/7 professional monitoring, both companies have a subscription option that also includes cellular backup and remote arming and disarming.
SimpliSafe’s Standard Monitoring costs $21.99, but it also offers Fast Protect for $31.99. This upgraded plan adds video verification, which allows monitoring pros to instantly see if there’s an intruder in your video footage and notify the authorities. It also includes an HD live view and 30-day cloud storage for video footage.
Ring’s $20 professional monitoring offers better affordability with similar features, though it lacks video verification. Instead, it allows 180 days of video history. Ring definitely wins on cost, but SimpliSafe offers a richer array of features.
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SimpliSafe Vs. Ring Customer Support
Customers can contact both companies through a variety of support channels, including online live chat, dedicated phone lines, the companies’ respective mobile apps and community forums.
SimpliSafe has a good reputation for helpful customer service, but its phone lines are not available 24/7 like its professional monitoring. However, the company’s forums and website are rich with detailed information that may answer your questions even without the help of a representative.
In contrast, Ring’s phone lines are open 24/7, and its return, refund and cancellation policies are straightforward. The company has a similarly comprehensive collection of knowledge resources on its website.
While the home security industry at large is known for below-average customer service, both of these companies score similarly across most major review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau and Consumer Affairs.
SimpliSafe Vs. Ring Customer Reviews
SimpliSafe and Ring score similarly across most major review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau and Consumer Affairs, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars across six platforms we checked.
Customer reviews for SimpliSafe focus on positive attributes like good customer support, user-friendly systems and the lack of a contract. Negative reviews, however, mention drawbacks like the cost of replacement equipment when items break.
Ring customers focus on the company’s recent hike in subscription costs and malfunctioning equipment, though positive reviews praise the high-quality video cameras and the flexibility its lack of contracts provides.
SimpliSafe Vs. Ring Home Automation and App
Both companies allow for extensive smart home compatibility, though that compatibility does not overlap. Additionally, each offers a well-rated smartphone app for user-friendly control and monitoring of your home security.
Home Automation Compatibility
| SYSTEMS | SIMPLISAFE | RING |
|---|---|---|
| Google Home | Compatible | Not compatible |
| Apple HomeKit | Not compatible | Not compatible |
| Amazon Alexa | Compatible | Compatible |
| IFTTT (If this then that) | Not compatible | Compatible |
| Z-Wave/Zigbee | Not compatible | Compatible |
While SimpliSafe cannot connect to Z-Wave or IFTTT devices, it is compatible with Google Home and Amazon Alexa (though not Apple HomeKit). It can also connect to August Locks smart locks. One huge downside is that smart home support is only available for those with a Fast Protect plan, which is SimpliSafe’s most expensive subscription.
Ring, on the other hand, is an Amazon product that only works with Amazon Alexa virtual assistants. It’s not compatible with Google or Apple devices. However, unlike SimpliSafe, it is able to integrate with a network of IFTTT and Z-Wave devices. It can also connect with devices from Schlage, Level, Yale, Chamberlain and other home automation brands.
SimpliSafe App
The SimpliSafe app offers control and monitoring for SimpliSafe systems along with push notifications and the ability to watch video footage. It is generally well-reviewed with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Ring App
The Ring Always Home app is very similar to the SimpliSafe app, with the ability to remotely arm or disarm systems and control connected devices. It enjoys the same average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
SimpliSafe Vs. Ring Contracts
Both companies forgo the traditional binding contract model for a flexible, month-to-month option. Customers are free to cancel at any time without affecting the one-year limited hardware warranties that both SimpliSafe and Ring offer. SimpliSafe users who subscribe to a monitoring plan do have access to extended warranties, which gives it a slight edge over Ring in this category.
SimpliSafe Vs. Ring Verdict
SimpliSafe and Ring are two solid home security options. The biggest difference is price, with most Ring products and bundles being slightly more affordable without any add-ons. Both home security companies offer lots of customization options, though SimpliSafe’s base packages are far more robust. If you’re already an Alexa user or someone with lots of smart devices, Ring may be the most compatible choice. Google users will likely want to go with SimpliSafe.
What We Like About SimpliSafe
- No contracts are required, and the products and services are affordable.
- Installation is easy to DIY.
- It offers a lengthy 60-day trial period.
Learn more: SimpliSafe review
What We Like About Ring
- It seamlessly integrates with a variety of home automation devices.
- The products are highly affordable and come with no contract requirements.
- Ring has several high-quality camera options.
Learn more: Ring review
More Home Security Comparisons
SimpliSafe Comparisons
Ring Comparisons
Methodology: How We Selected Home Security Companies
To determine the best home security companies ranking, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed 22 companies and 133 systems across 68 different attributes including app reviews, customer reviews, pricing and contracts and more.
You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates home security companies and products on our detailed methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is SimpliSafe as good as Ring?
SimpliSafe is as good as Ring when comparing the two brands on professional monitoring, customer support, reputation and reviews as well as general product offerings. However, SimpliSafe tends to be better than Ring when it comes to ease of installation and warranty options. Ring, on the other hand, offers much better smart home integration.
Do Ring and SimpliSafe offer professional installation services?
Ring and SimpliSafe both offer professional installation services. Both brands are known for their DIY approach to installation, which is designed to streamline the process for users and reduce costs. Video tutorials and peel-and-stick equipment make for simple installation without tools. However, those who prefer a professional touch can add professional installation to their setup for an additional fee.
Does SimpliSafe provide a warranty?
SimpliSafe does provide a warranty. All SimpliSafe products come with a one-year limited warranty that covers hardware from defects or faulty installation. However, those who subscribe to the paid plans have access to a three-year limited warranty as long as their service remains uninterrupted. Customers who subscribe to the Fast Protect plan receive a limited lifetime warranty on an uninterrupted subscription.
Is SimpliSafe worth the money?
SimpliSafe may be worth the money for homeowners who want a flexible home security option that they can install themselves and customize to their needs. It’s a relatively affordable home security option that doesn’t lock customers into long-term contracts, and the company’s lengthy 60-day trial period makes it a low-risk option as well.
Does SimpliSafe have a trial or free return period?
Yes, SimpliSafe does have a trial period of 60 days. This is longer than the industry standard 30-day trial period, which is what Ring guarantees. This trial period can help customers who are unsure whether they want to commit to a home security system.
