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Ring vs. SimpliSafe Home Security: Which Is Best in 2024
Ring and SimpliSafe are top home security providers, but SimpliSafe wins for detection features and privacy ratings.
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Dalia Ramirez Lead Writer | Estate planning, home security
Dalia Ramirez writes about home security for NerdWallet. She has previously written on topics including estate planning, cryptocurrencies, small business software and personal finance. Dalia has a B.A. in science and technology studies and a certificate in critical theory from Wesleyan University. Her work has appeared in publications including The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, Bloomberg and The Associated Press. She is based in Los Angeles.
Tina Orem Assistant Assigning Editor | Taxes, small business, Social Security and estate planning, home services
Tina Orem is an editor at NerdWallet. Prior to becoming an editor, she covered small business and taxes at NerdWallet. She has been a financial writer and editor for over 15 years, and she has a degree in finance, as well as a master's degree in journalism and a Master of Business Administration. Previously, she was a financial analyst and director of finance for several public and private companies. Tina's work has appeared in a variety of local and national media outlets.
Ring and SimpliSafe are two of our top picks for home security providers. Both companies offer alarm systems, cameras, video doorbells and other home security accessories with rich features at reasonable prices, but SimpliSafe ranks slightly ahead of Ring for its user-friendly function and higher privacy ratings.
Both companies offer both self- and pro-monitoring subscription options and charge month-to-month without locking users into a contract. Both alarm systems can be DIY-installed, though you can pay an added fee to have either system professionally installed. However, Ring offers more features and video storage at a lower cost than SimpliSafe, which may make it a better choice for some customers.
We tested both systems and found them both to be great options for home protection at similar price points. For slightly easier installation, we recommend SimpliSafe; for more features, Ring.
More Nerdy Perspective
What home security system did you prefer?
I chose SimpliSafe instead of Ring because I’m able to arm and disarm the alarm system with the SimpliSafe app without paying a monthly fee, while that same feature costs $10 per month with Ring. When I lived in an apartment building with weaker Wi-Fi, Ring’s mesh Wi-Fi capabilities might have pulled it ahead for me, but now that I’m in a house with capable Wi-Fi, I’m prioritizing smart alerts and convenience without ongoing fees.
I also really appreciate Ring’s many customization features and automation capabilities, but after a home break-in attempt, I was looking for a simple, quick fix that my family could control from their phones.
Dalia Ramirez, writer for home services
Ring Connected Basic bundle. Image courtesy Ring.
SimpliSafe Foundation bundle. Image courtesy SimpliSafe.
Easy installation and Google smart home integration.
Hardware cost
$244.99 and up.
$249.96 and up.
Video monitoring cost
$4.99 per month for self-monitoring for one doorbell or camera.
$9.99 per month for self-monitoring for more than one doorbell or camera.
$19.99 per month for professional monitoring.
$0 to self-monitor without advanced features.
$9.99 per month for self-monitoring with camera recordings.
$21.99 per month for professional monitoring without recordings.
$31.99 per month for professional monitoring with recordings.
Installation cost
DIY. Optional professional setup starts at $159.99 with Ring partner OnTech.
DIY. Optional professional setup starts at $124.99.
Contract
None.
None.
Compatibility
Smart-home integration with Alexa only.
Smart-home integration with Alexa and Google Voice.
Customer support
Live chat 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. MT.
24/7 phone support and a community forum.
Customer service is rated 1.3 stars out of 5 stars on Trustpilot.com.
Live chat 24/7.
Phone support 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET.
Blog and help center.
Customer service is rated 3 stars out of 5 stars on Trustpilot.com.
Why SimpliSafe is a better choice
Ring and SimpliSafe both offer high-tech features and smart home integration, but SimpliSafe’s installation process pulls ahead. SimpliSafe also has a cleaner security record.
Easy installation
SimpliSafe’s installation is highly user-friendly and straightforward. The app is very easy to use and includes detailed, step-by-step instructions for each component. Most items are wireless and require no drilling or tools to install, and wired items come with built-in cellular backup in case of a power or Wi-Fi outage.
Ring’s equipment setup is fairly easy, but connecting everything to Wi-Fi can be challenging, especially since you’ll need to integrate Ring’s Eero network with your existing network or replace your original network altogether. Individual Ring items, such as cameras, don’t have as strong of a connection without the Eero network, while SimpliSafe’s connected fairly easily for us.
Security history
We could not find any public record of privacy breaches at SimpliSafe, but in a proposed order in 2023, the Federal Trade Commission alleged that Ring exposed customers’ personal information and home monitoring to hackers
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$249.96
Base kit includes one base station, one keypad, one entry sensor and one motion sensor. Sometimes you can get a free Smart Alarm wireless indoor security camera and a free trial of professional monitoring if they're running a promotion.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$21.99
Self monitoring available for $9.99 per month. You can also access basic features with no plan.
Hazard detection
Add-on smoke/CO detector, water and temperature sensor.
View details
Key facts
SimpliSafe offers comprehensive packages at affordable prices with both self- and pro-monitoring subscription options.
Pros
Offers affordable packages with add-ons and a build-your-own-system option.
No record of security breaches.
Can be self-monitored for free.
Cons
Only integrates with Alexa, Google and Apple Watch, while other providers have more extensive smart home integration.
Smart home automation and scheduled arming require a paid monthly plan.
Ring is still a great option, especially for people who want more features and video storage.
Lower monitoring fees
SimpliSafe’s monthly monitoring fees are slightly more expensive than Ring’s. Ring’s professional monitoring and SimpliSafe’s basic professional monitoring both cost about $20 per month, though Ring’s plan offers more features. For added features and video storage with SimpliSafe, you’ll need the $31.99 monitoring plan.
Ring’s monitoring plans also offer cloud storage for video recordings for up to 180 days, while SimpliSafe’s self-monitoring ($9.99) and professional monitoring ($31.99) plans include up to 30 days. SimpliSafe’s basic professional monitoring plan ($21.99) doesn’t include storage.
More customizable features
SimpliSafe has plenty of video and alert features, but Ring’s collection of options blows it out of the water. We tested dozens of options, including chime tones, bird’s-eye view motion detection zones, automated seasonal doorbell replies and tandem responses (for example, your doorbell detects movement and triggers an outdoor floodlight to come on). If you’re looking for a highly customizable system that you can tailor to your unique home and needs, Ring may be a better fit.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$244.95
Base kit includes alarm base station, keypad, door/window contact sensor, motion detector, alarm range extender and free 30-day trial of Ring Protect professional monitoring. Pro starter kit comes with a Wifi router.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$19.99
Other features/self monitoring available with plans starting at $4.99 per month. You'll need at least the basic plan to arm and disarm your system remotely.
Hazard detection
Add-on smoke/CO detector and listener, flood and freeze sensor.
View details
Key facts
Ring offers affordable professional monitoring and a DIY system with high-quality cameras.
Pros
Lowest-priced professional monitoring service among competitors.
Offers a self-monitoring option with rich video features.
Pro system includes a Wi-Fi router that can replace or extend your existing coverage
Cons
Has had a security breach.
Can only integrate with Alexa, not Google, unless you use a third-party app.
Requires a paid monthly subscription starting at $4.99 if you want to arm and disarm the alarm system from your phone.
For homeowners and renters who want a more white-glove experience, a professionally installed and monitored system, such as one from ADT or Vivint, might be a better fit.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$269.00
Base kit comes with 1 ADT Smart Home Hub and 1 ADT Door/Window Sensor.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$29.99 and up
$44.99 with cameras and $34.99 with other smart home devices. A monitoring plan is required with equipment purchase (1 month minimum for self setup and a several-year contract with professional installation), but you can arm and disarm a self-setup system for free after the first month.
Hazard detection
Add-on CO detector, smoke detector and water/temperature sensor.
View details
Key facts
ADT is the most established home security provider, with well-reviewed professional monitoring services.
Pros
Owns 6 U.S.-based professional monitoring centers.
Integrates with Google Nest cameras.
Has been operating for over 150 years.
Cons
Has had a security breach.
Required monthly monitoring fees for all plans, ranging from one month to 3-5 years. Monitoring fees are high compared to other providers.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$449.99
Base kit includes Vivint Smart Hub Control Panel,
2 door/window sensors, and 1 motion sensor.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$29.99
Systems with smart home devices start at $39.99 per month and cost an additional $5 per month per camera.
Hazard detection
Add-on smoke/CO detector and water sensor.
View details
Key facts
Vivint offers best-in-class video and alarm features, including theft deterrent protection, with white-glove service.
Pros
Offers top-tier professional installation and features.
Highly rated for security and privacy with no history of breaches.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$199.99
Base kit includes one keypad sensor hub, two sensors, and a free three-month pro monitoring trial.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$29.99
Some sensor features not available without subscription. Self monitoring for cameras starts at $9.99 per month.
Hazard detection
Sensors can detect water and temperature and alert you when a smoke/CO detector goes off.
No actual smoke/CO detector, and you'll need a paid monthly plan to use the sensor's alarm listening feature.
View details
Key facts
Arlo provides a flexible system for a variety of safety needs with 8-in-1 sensors.
Pros
Customizable system with versatile sensors.
No record of security breaches.
Integrates with Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung, Apple HomeKit and IFTTT.
Cons
Cellular and battery backup requires an extra device and a paid monthly monitoring plan.
Cameras only differentiate among motion types if you have a monitoring subscription starting at $19.99 a month.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$159.99
Base kit includes security hub, key fob and mini sensor for door/window.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$24.99
Self monitoring with extra features is $7.99 per month, but you can also use basic features for free.
Hazard detection
Add-on smoke alarm monitor and leak detector.
No actual smoke/CO detector.
View details
Key facts
Abode's security system is compatible with the widest range of smart home products including Amazon Echo, Google Home and Nest.
Pros
Can be self-monitored for free.
No record of security breaches.
The alarm system can be connected directly to an ethernet cable or work wirelessly with your Wi-Fi network.
Cons
Smart detection requires a paid subscription starting at $6.99 per month.
Doesn’t offer an actual smoke alarm, just a smoke alarm monitor.
