Simplisafe alarm system--any thoughts or experiences?

**Ed L.** · 07-29-18, 20:28

I am considering buying Simplisafe Alarm system https://simplisafe.com/.

It is a wireless system that is modular, with a do it yourself installation that looks simple. You can build it to be what you want with door & window sensors, motion sensors, cameras, fire and smoke detectors, carbon monoxide sensors. The basic level of monitoring is $15.00 a month and meets all of my needs. The company doesn't have any long term contracts and you are free to cancel at any time.

I would be interested in hearing any experience or thoughts.

thanks,

Ed

**mack7.62** · 07-29-18, 21:23

Couple of thoughts off the top of my head, if your internet connection is not battery operated what happens if power is shut off? Also how long before wireless jammers are available and common?

**SteyrAUG** · 07-29-18, 22:43

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**titsonritz** · 07-29-18, 23:18

Originally Posted by SteyrAUG

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For sure.

**Jer** · 07-30-18, 08:38

Anything they or any other company can offer you right now you can do yourself and make it both better and less expensive. It comes down to how much time you're willing to invest to figure it all out. If the answer is little/none then skip everything below and place a call to someone like SimplySafe and have a system in place within days that will require minimal time on your part but comes at the cost of more money up front and long-term.

As with any security system layers are your best friend. Nobody said you can't use dogs, alarms, cameras, fake security signs/stickers, door locks, safe(s), etc. That said, each layer should also have it's own layers. In the case of security cameras or alarms; some allow for 3G/4G internet connection to protect in case of loss of internet. There's many options for battery backup which I would highly recommend to include putting all of your network/PC components on as well. Along these lines I would also look into your home network hardware/software to make sure it's strong against potential threats that could compromise your data and security before we go onto the next steps of the conversation because a weak firewall on your router/gateway for instance will leave you vulnerable to attacks regardless of what system you opt for.

With a branded package like SimplySafe I'm sure all of this can be had for a cost. Personally, I prefer to run my own system made from components that have zero monthly cost associated with ALL of the features available. You can get a camera or two from manufacturers like Foscam, Hikvision, etc. These may cost more up front but you have 100% of the features available to you out of the gate with no monthly service fees which will eat you up over the years. You can then couple with free apps like IP Cam Viewer which will give you lots of functionality with the primary use being alerts on motion to your mobile device or watching live. Taking it to the next level you'll want to invest in something like BlueIris software and pair it with either a PC, server or network attached storage to record video 24/7. More flexibility, more features and function and less $$ on the long-term. I despise paying monthly fees for anything I don't have to. This option would require a little more time to research and setup but well worth the time invested IMHO.

Up next, couple with door, window & motion sensors on a smart home controller for a customer security system. Again, for purpose of avoiding monthly fees I went with Z-Wave sensors & controls plus a VeraLite smart home controller. I've got over 50+ Z-Wave devices and it has added SO much convenience to our lives to be able to control countless things in our home regardless of if we're there or away. Scenes to automate processes you do daily or regularly are super nice.

From there, sky's the limit. You're only limited by your imagination & budget.

**FromMyColdDeadHand** · 07-30-18, 08:45

I have a Arlo system by Netgear and I wouldn't do a cloud-only based system again. The internet is down and your system is useless and if there is someone at the front door, by the time the system routes through Ireland or whereever their server farm is, the person has left. You do get OK recordings, but it is a monitor, not a security guard...

Cloud is good because we are away from the house a lot, but it lacks real time ability. The audio function is USELESS on Arlo.

The reality is that BGs don't give a crap about cameras. Maybe that will change as they become more common and 1080 and higher resolutions actually give identifiable pictures.

**Adrenaline_6** · 07-30-18, 09:43

The bottom line is, just like we advise everyone here about equipment. Buy once, cry once. You get what you pay for. Cameras do a great job if they actually capture an identifiable image. The cheap stuff that you find in kits, usually doesn't suffice. I design commercial systems for sales people as a profession. If someone tells you this $25-50 camera is just as good as this $500 camera is, it is the same as them telling you a Delton is just as good as a KAC.

**Honu** · 07-30-18, 13:18

I feel monitoring is a must ? mainly cause you will not always be around to check your remote phone and so on and in our case insurance discount about equals it out
reckon as the base layer that is a must
really only a couple monitoring companies out there and all the other ones tend to use the same ones anyway
they all suck but for insurance and so on ?

I do think a quality safe in the home would be the best security to have
door window sensors and glass break and movement are all needed from what I understand since folks can get in various ways

key deadbolts on all doors as in key from inside IF bad guys come in through a window or small opening most open the door to make quick work of getting everything out this slows them down some or can stop the quick dashers