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 AI detection at no added cost 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. Both providers are also compatible with Alexa and Google.

However, Ring offers self- and pro-monitoring at a lower cost than SimpliSafe, which may make it a better choice for some customers.

Ring Connected Basic bundle. Image courtesy Ring.

SimpliSafe Foundation bundle. Image courtesy SimpliSafe.

Lower monthly monitoring costs.

Built-in smart detection and Google smart home integration.

  • $4.99 per month for self-monitoring for one doorbell or camera.

  • $10 per month for self-monitoring for more than one doorbell or camera.

  • $20 per month for professional monitoring.

  • $0 to self-monitor without advanced features.

  • $9.99 per month for self-monitoring with camera recordings.

  • $19.80 per month for professional monitoring without recordings.

  • $29.99 per month for professional monitoring with recordings.

DIY. Professional setup starts at $129.99 with Ring partner OnTech.

DIY. Professional setup starts at $124.99.

Smart-home integration with Alexa only.

Smart-home integration with Alexa and Google Voice.

  • Live chat 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. MT.

  • 24/7 phone support and a community forum.

  • Customer service is rated 1.2 stars out of 5 stars on Trustpilot.com.

  • Live chat 8 a.m. to midnight ET.

  • Phone support 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET.

  • Customer service is rated 3.5 stars out of 5 stars on Trustpilot.com.

Why SimpliSafe is a better choice

Ring and SimpliSafe both offer advanced features and smart home integration, but SimpliSafe’s AI human detection is built-in, while Ring’s costs extra. SimpliSafe also has a cleaner security record.

Built-in AI detection

SimpliSafe’s cameras have a built-in motion sensor that can differentiate between people and other movements, such as cars and pets, and alert you accordingly. You can adjust your device’s motion sensitivity and alarm triggers.

Ring also offers smart detection for its devices, including person and package alerts, but those alerts require a monthly Ring Protect subscription starting at $4.99 per month.

Security history

We couldn’t 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.

SimpliSafe also rates 3.5 stars out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, a consumer review website, while Ring has 1.2 stars out of 5 stars.

SimpliSafe Security System

SimpliSafe Security System

NerdWallet rating

 

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 rating

 

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, one motion sensor. Sometimes you can get one free Smart Alarm wireless indoor security camera and a free trial of professional monitoring if they’re running a promotion.


Professional monitoring monthly cost

$29.99

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.

Haven plan includes hazard sensors, alarm system, siren and panic button for $520.

Why you might want to use Ring instead

Ring is still a great option, especially for people who want lower monthly self- and pro-monitoring costs.

Pricing

SimpliSafe’s equipment and monthly professional monitoring fees are slightly more expensive than Ring’s.

  • SimpliSafe’s base kit, at $249.96 (sometimes discounted), includes one base station, one keypad, one entry sensor and one motion sensor. Sometimes, if there’s a promotion, you can get one free Smart Alarm wireless indoor security camera and a free trial of professional monitoring.

  • Ring’s base kit, at $199.99, includes an Alarm Base Station, keypad, door/window contact sensor, motion detector, Alarm Range Extender and a free 30-day trial of Ring Protect professional monitoring.

  • SimpliSafe’s professional monitoring costs $29.99 per month, while Ring’s costs $20 per month. 

  • SimpliSafe’s self-monitoring plan costs $9.99 per month, while Ring’s costs $3.99 per month for similar features.

When factoring in SimpliSafe’s discounts, the equipment may cost more with Ring, but monthly monitoring costs are higher with SimpliSafe.

Ring Security System

NerdWallet rating

 

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 rating

 

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 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 Wi-Fi router.


Professional monitoring monthly cost

$20

Self-monitoring available with plans starting at $3.99 per month.


Hazard detection

Add-on smoke/CO detector and listener, flood and freeze sensor.

Ring and SimpliSafe alternatives

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.

ADT Security System

NerdWallet rating

 

“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 rating

 

“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

$194.98

Base kit comes with one ADT Smart Home Hub, one ADT Door/Window Sensor and the ADT+ app.


Professional monitoring monthly cost

$24.99 and up

$59.99 with cameras. A monitoring plan is required with equipment purchase, but you can choose self-monitoring starting at $24.99.


Hazard detection

Add-on CO detector, smoke detector and water/temperature sensor.

Vivint Security System

NerdWallet rating

 

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 rating

 

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

$599.99

Base kit includes Vivint Smart Hub Control Panel, four door/window sensors, and one motion sensor.


Professional monitoring monthly cost

$41

Professional monitoring plan is required with equipment purchase. $46 with cameras.


Hazard detection

Add-on smoke/CO detector and water sensor.

Arlo and Abode, two of our other top-reviewed home security providers, are also good options.

Arlo Security System

NerdWallet rating

 

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 rating

 

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

$24.99

Some sensor features not available without subscription. Self-monitoring for cameras starts at $7.99 per month.


Hazard detection

Sensors can detect water and temperature and alert you when a smoke/CO detector goes off.

No smoke/CO detector.

Abode Security System

NerdWallet rating

 

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 rating

 

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

$139.99

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 still use the alarm system for free.


Hazard detection

Add-on smoke alarm monitor and leak detector.

No smoke/CO detector.

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