When choosing a DIY home security system, both Ring and SimpliSafe security systems are major brands on the market. The two systems continue to pave the way in bringing quality security to homeowners. With either option, you can rest assured that your property is safe and secure from any threat from intruders, fire damage, or water damage. Both Ring or SimpliSafe are intelligent smart home security systems making choosing between them tricky, but we can help. We have created this article to help you compare the features of SimpliSafe vs Ring and make your choice an easy one.
You can easily compare which offers better monitoring plans, how the motion sensor works, which system gives you more video recording options and the installation process. The best self-monitored home security system is out there waiting for you!
Table of Contents
SimpliSafe Vs. Ring Summary
The debate continues, Ring vs SimpliSafe. So which of these home security companies comes out on top at the end of this review? Below is a summary of the excellent and not-so-good reviews and features of both Ring and SimpliSafe. The two most popular DIY home security kits are put head to head so you can compare SimpliSafe vs Ring at a glance.
SimpliSafe Summary
Simplisafe security system allows homeowners to connect motion detection, glass break sensors, and other security gizmos to the base station via Z-wave. The Simplisafe package is an intuitive keypad with a display. In addition, the base station has an alarm installed that goes off when any of the motion sensors are triggered. This alarm goes off locally in your home, and you have the option to install additional ringers to SimpliSafe’s sensors if you reside in a larger home.
Monitoring
If you plan to choose professional monitoring, you are in luck, as the SimpliSafe system offers you two professional monitoring plans. The first for only $14.99/month allows your system to monitor remotely. In contrast, the other $24.99/month option offers both professional monitoring and access to a SimpliSafe home security app. This informs you immediately after an alarm goes off.
Smart Home Integration
The SimpliSafe security unit allows you to connect your base station to smart devices like Google Home (google assistant), Amazon’s Alexa and other smart home devices. These integrations give you more functionality, and you can control with simple voice commands.
Equipment
SimpliSafe features revolutionary key fobs that allow you to arm or disarm your system at the push of a button and also feature a panic button you can instantly use to call for help or raise the alarm. The handiness of these key fobs makes them a great addition to your security as you can have them on your person at all times attached to your keychain.
Ring Summary
The Ring alarm security system connects to different Ring products like motion sensors, security cameras, contact sensors, and entry sensors to the base station. In addition, the base station connects to your Wi-Fi network, so you are notified immediately when your sensors trip. This way, you get notifications remotely, allowing you to take necessary action immediately.
Mobile App
One of the selling points is Ring’s app. It is free, intuitive to use, and with an on-screen guide that helps ensure you set up your new home security system hitch-free. In addition, you can easily customize motion sensor zones and take control of the security of your home. The Ring Alarm security kit gives users a lot of value for their money as they have access to a Ring app that allows them to customize their system.
Monitoring
The Ring protect basic plan has a monthly subscription of $9.99. In addition, you have access to Ring’s professional monitoring services. In addition to this, you also have cloud storage for video recording from your security camera and Ring video doorbell.
Equipment
With the addition of cheaper accessories and additional equipment, more security camera choices, Ring is bursting with equipment options. If your Wi-Fi network is disconnected, your security will be intact and features a cellular backup. This cellular backup ensures the device keeps transmitting. And the seamless integration with smart home devices, mainly Amazon’s Alexa, gives you a ton of hands-free, voice-activated controls.
SimpliSafe vs Ring Features Comparison
Below is an in-depth comparison between the SimpliSafe and Ring alarm systems. A comprehensive look at the equipment available to DIY security systems, your preferred monitoring, warranty options available, integration with smart devices, ease of installation, customer support, and warranty.
Equipment
The best smart security systems usually offer users more equipment or components to design their home security around. For example, more monitoring equipment ensures you have your entire house covered and protected from break-ins and other forms of danger. While the components offered by Ring and SimpliSafe overlap more times than not, they differ a few ways. Continue reading to find out these overlaps and differences.
SimpliSafe
- With SimpliSafe, you get the usual suspects. In addition to these SimpliSafe devices, you have the option of fitting a motion detector, smart locks, a keypad to control the system, a contact/entry sensor, and a glass break sensor. However, the stand-out equipment for SimpliSafe is the key fob.
- A small, handy device that is easy to carry around on your person. You can easily store it away on your keychain when you need it, and it features a panic button that can quickly call for help or raise the alarm. In addition, it allows you to arm or disarm your home security at the touch of a button.
Ring
- The Ring alarm allows you to use motion detectors, smart locks, window/door/entry sensor, CO (carbon monoxide) and smoke detector, indoor and outdoor security camera options, and a flood and freeze sensor.
- The CO and smoke detector equipment works by putting it near existing smoke/CO listeners in your apartment. The equipment then sends push notifications to your base station when your existing smoke/CO listener goes off.
- While the security kit does not have a handy key fob like the competition, it makes up for this with its free intuitive mobile app. You can keep track of all the events happening in your home on the mobile app. In addition, it features a panic button and a neighborhood watch feature that allows you to interact with people in your community using the Ring alarm system.
Professional Monitoring or Self Monitoring
You have two monitoring options when choosing or installing a security system. They are Professional Monitoring and Self Monitoring.
Professional monitoring
Professional monitoring services usually require some subscription. It entails hiring a professional security team to monitor your alarm system and take necessary preventive or reactionary steps.
This type of monitoring is perfect if you consider getting security for a large building. However, it is too much work to effectively monitor all the units and components necessary for a larger building by yourself.
The advantage to professional monitoring is that you are employing the services of professionals that can sniff out the trouble that might be otherwise hidden to a newbie. One other positive is that it saves you time as you do not have to do much of anything yourself.
This type of monthly monitoring service is not without its downsides. Besides being the costlier option than doing it yourself, it also requires you to hand over your security to someone else.
Self Monitoring (DIY)
The Self-monitoring option, as it reads, is when you monitor your security yourself. This is the preferred option for smaller housing units or smaller buildings that do not require any form of professional installation. This option might seem a bad idea as you lack the experience and expertise you will get when your security is professionally monitored. Still, the advent of DIY home security systems like Ring and Simplisafe makes it almost effortless to keep track of your home security.
The advantage to monitoring your home yourself is that you do not have to worry about contracts with any monitoring unit. Furthermore, you do not need to worry about subscription costs as you are ultimately in charge of your home security. And who better to loom after yourself, your belongings, and loved ones than yourself.
SimpliSafe monitoring
- Simplisafe is set up to be self-monitored right outside the box. Once you set up the SimpliSafe products around your home and connect them to the base station, it is all set to notify you locally if any sensors trip. The onus is on you to inform local authorities or act as the situation requires.
- But if you have a lot of ground to cover, you can better subscribe to their 24/7 professional monitoring service that attracts some monthly fees. There are two SimpliSafe packages for your consideration, the first being a $14.99/month subscription plan that allows your unit to be monitored off-site. And a $24.99/month plan offers a monitoring plan and access to the SimpliSafe app that confers more DIY monitoring functionality on the user.
Ring monitoring
- Like SimpliSafe, Ring is self-monitored. The significant difference is that it gives you access to the smartphone app right outside the box. This detail means Ring is better suited for DIY or self-monitoring as you do not need to pay to use the mobile application.
- But if you prefer professional monitoring, Ring has you covered with its $9.99/month Ring protect plan to affords you professional monitoring and cloud video storage for the Ring cameras you have installed on your premises.
Contract
Contracts are usually put in place for users to afford a system easily and pay in instalments. But sometimes, not understanding the contract before signing up could mean being stuck in a contract with little to no help. This is why it is crucial to take your time when researching home security contracts.
Below is the Ring vs SimpliSafe overview as regards their contract options or lack of contract options.
SimpliSafe
- Simplisafe does not have any contract options. The fees on the SimpliSafe network are optional and capped at $24.99/month. It is for people interested in their mobile application services and professional monitoring.
Ring
- Ring also does not require any contract to use any of its services. The Ring components are ready to install and operate outside the box. In addition, you have access to the Ring application at no expense, and you only need to pay for the Ring protect plan at $9.99/month for professional monitoring and cloud storage to backup feed from your Ring doorbell cameras.
Warranty
You want to check out the warranty before buying any product, even more importantly, when buying home security systems. This is because they will be in constant use, day in, day out, week in, week out, and this can cause significant strain on the equipment. Therefore, it becomes crucial that you favor a security system with an extensive warranty if you have issues with any components.
Below is an overview of how the SimpliSafe kit compares with the Ring system as far as warranty is concerned.
SimpliSafe
- Simplisafe offers users a warranty coverage of three (3) years.
Ring
- Users get a one (1) year warranty with the option to upgrade to Ring protect plus a one-time fee of $39.95. Ring protect plus extends your warranty by two (2) years, gives you access to a VIP customer helpline, and a lifetime plan to replace stolen or lost equipment.
Installation Options
These encompass two crucial things you can not overlook when considering home security kits. The first is the ease of installation, and the second is the choice between professional installation and DIY (self) installation. Below is how Ring and SimpliSafe go about these installation options.
SimpliSafe
- Simplisafe is convenient to install as the keypad helps you set up the system. But the lack of the SimpliSafe app out the box might make the installation process somewhat cumbersome for less tech-savvy users. Simplisafe also offers professional installation if you are uninterested or unable to set up the system yourself.
Ring
- Ring, on the other hand, is as easy as they come. You get an intuitive mobile application that guides you every step of the installation process. It is near impossible and highly improbable that anyone messes up the Ring installation. It is all done on devices we already use every day, our smartphones.
- There is no professional installation for users. Frankly, no one should need their Ring alarm to be professionally installed, considering how seamless the installation process is on the mobile or any other smart device.
Mobile App
The mobile app is a must-have for any home alarm system. The convenience that being able to arm, disarm and control individual components like the Ring video doorbells in your home alarm system allows you makes it easier to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. However, while both the Ring and SimpliSafe systems have mobile apps, slight differences exist. Find out what these differences are below:
SimpliSafe
- Unboxing the SimpliSafe security unit, all you have set up is the keypad. You can set up your system and monitor it using the SimpliSafe app, but you only have access to the app after joining the $24.99/month SimpliSafe interactive plan.
Ring
- With Ring, you get the mobile application immediately after unboxing. The application makes the setup very easy. It allows you to control and monitor your security unit, arm and disarm your security, and features a neighborhood watch. This lets you interact with people in your community using the Ring platform.
Smart Home Integrations
Smart home integration is how your system adapts and incorporates smart devices. These range from Google Home, Amazon’s Alexa, among others, to tighten up your security. As a result, it gives you more functionality and value for your money. The smart home integration options are available to both Ring and SimpliSafe systems.
SimpliSafe
- Simplisafe users can connect their devices to both Google Home devices and Amazon’s Alexa. To accesso this app and remote control of your home system, you need to subscribe to the SimpliSafe interactive plan for $24.99/month.
Ring
- Users can connect to Alexa devices with Ring. Unlike the Simplisafe home security unit, where you need a subscription, you can connect with the Alexa smart device outside the box.
Trial Period
You can try the product with the trial period for free. However, check out all the features before you commit to buying.
SimpliSafe
- Simplisafe offers users a 60 day trial period.
Ring
- Ring offers users a so day trial period
Customer Support
According to J.D Power, Simplisafe and Ring scored high marks on the 2020 home security satisfaction study. Still, with the SimpliSafe alarm system just edging out the Ring alarm system, they both came first and second.
The PROS and the CONS
SimpliSafe System PROS
- It offers users a 3-year warranty
- Professional monitoring services
- 60 day trial period
- Quality customer care service
SimpliSafe System CONS
- You need a subscription plan to use the mobile application
- Limited security camera options with only the SImpliSafe video doorbell
- There are few indoor cameras for your consideration
Ring Devices PROS
- You can access the mobile application for free
- Affords users cloud storage to store data from the Ring video doorbell
- You have more outdoor camera options
- You have access to the Ring always home app. The Ring always home app sends push notifications to your mobile when some pushes your Ring doorbells.
Ring Devices CONS
- Ring offer users a relatively shorter warranty
- A shorter trial period
Our Winner
Choosing a winner between both systemsis challenging as they offer very similar functionality. Although similar, some differences make either system perfect for different scenarios and considerations.
If you want an affordable system, plug, and play, and you like to monitor your security yourself, then the Ring kit is made for you. But suppose you are not tech-savvy, and you want the option of pro installation, professional monitoring, and you don’t mind spending a little more money. In that case, you need the SimpliSafe kit.
Home Security Systems FAQs
Do I need a Home Security System?
The simple answer is. Yes, you do. However, with the crime rate on a steady rise, just locking your doors at night is not enough to dissuade would-be burglars. Asides from protecting your home from intruders, the right equipment can protect your home.
How is Ring vs SimpliSafe Different?
Simplisafe and Ring differ in a few ways. Ring gives you free access to their mobile app while you need a subscription plan to use SimpliSafe’s app. One other difference is that SimpliSafe offers users a 3-year warranty. In contrast, Ring provides only a 1-year warranty with the option to extend it by 2 years following a one-time payment of $39.95.
What are the Similarities Between Ring and SimpliSafe?
There are many similarities between Ring and SimpliSafe. Still, the one that most stands out is that they offer very similar security attachments and components. One of such examples is the motion detector from either company that incorporates the peel and stick technology.
