What is the difference between Ring and SimpliSafe?
Ring and SimpliSafe are industry-leading home security companies that offer a wide variety of standard and smart devices. Equipment pricing is similar, but Ring's monthly monitoring cost is less expensive than SimpliSafe’s. Ring offers a self-monitoring option and a broader range of products, including smart lighting and locks, while SimpliSafe specializes in professional monitoring and offers more security-specific features.
Installation and cost
Installation type
DIY or professional via X Line
DIY
Installation fee
None if DIY
Free
Upfront cost
Equipment ranges from $60 to $1,010
Build-your-own systems start at $129 with interactive monitoring
Trial period
30-day free trial of Ring Protect Plus
60-days; 100% satisfaction or return for full refund
Contract terms
None; discount for prepaying annually
No-contract options available
DIY or professional via X Line
None if DIY
Equipment ranges from $60 to $1,010
30-day free trial of Ring Protect Plus
None; discount for prepaying annually
DIY
Free
Build-your-own systems start at $129 with interactive monitoring
60-days; 100% satisfaction or return for full refund
No-contract options available
Monitoring plans and pricing
Monitoring price range
Free self monitoring; $3 to $10/month for professional monitoring
$15 to $25
Monitoring options
Professional or self-monitored
Professional or self-monitored
Self-monitoring
Free
Free
Upgraded self-monitoring
$3/month to store recorded video
Not offered
24/7 professional monitoring
$10/month
$15/month
Upgraded professional monitoring
Not offered
$25/month
Free self monitoring; $3 to $10/month for professional monitoring
Ring is a home security company that provides both self-monitoring and professional monitoring services. While the company doesn't sell glass break sensors, it does offer a wide variety of smart devices, including smart locks and smart outdoor lighting. Ring offers lifetime theft protection, so if you report a stolen device within 15 days of the incident, you'll receive a free replacement. Products are also covered by a comparatively short trial period of 30 days.
Ring packages
Free: All Ring customers receive a few free services. These services include motion-activated notifications, real-time video, two-way talk and lifetime theft protection.
Basic: The Basic plan offers 60-day video history, video saving and sharing, snapshot captures, people-only notifications and rich notifications. This plan costs $3 per month, or $30 if you pay for a year — an annual savings of $6.
Plus: With the Plus plan, you receive everything in the Basic and Free tiers plus 24/7 professional monitoring, extended warranties on devices and a 10% discount on select Ring products. This plan costs $10 per month, or $100 for an annual purchase, which saves you $20.
What Ring customers say
Ring has overall positive customer ratings on our site. Reviewers comment on the simple installation and remote accessibility features. Through your phone, you can see and speak to people at your door, which makes it easy to keep track of deliveries and unexpected visitors.
It alerts me to persons at my door and activities in the front of my house. Also, there are neighborhood reports to keep me aware of burglaries, break-ins, and other things of concern.”
Occasionally, customers complain about replacing the batteries or network connection issues, but they say the app is helpful and easy to use.
SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe provides reliable, professional 24/7 monitoring through advanced home security devices. The company offers equipment that integrates with smart-home devices, including ones manufactured by other companies. You can purchase a variety of equipment from SimpliSafe, including complete alarm systems, smart locks and cameras. The company offers a 60-day satisfaction guarantee on all products.
SimpliSafe packages
Standard: This base monitoring plan offers 24/7 professional monitoring, including alerts for emergencies and fires. It uses a built-in cellular connection to contact authorities if needed. Standard monitoring costs $15 per month.
Interactive: The Interactive plan expands the offerings of the Standard plan by adding unlimited video recording, video storage, multifactor alerts, private notifications, smart-home integrations, water damage monitoring and temperature monitoring. This plan costs $25 per month.
What SimpliSafe customers say
SimpliSafe has mixed reviews on our site, with happy customers talking about the ease of the DIY install, great customer service and technician support.
The SimpliSafe system is a great system that is easy to set up. I love that it only took me a few hours to have my entire house secured. The app is easy to use and the customer service team is good. I have the smart lock and it works great. I look forward to adding the doorbell...
Customers who experienced issues mentioned equipment failure, including false alarms and sensor issues, and various issues with customer support. Overall, many customers seem happy with the pricing of the system, calling it a cost-effective security solution.
Ring is geared more toward self-monitoring for smart-home systems, while SimpliSafe is great for those who want multiple options with professional monitoring. Both offer similar security devices, but Ring has additional options to expand your home's functionality.
Ring is best for customers who want a self-monitored system with all the bells and whistles.
SimpliSafe is best for customers who want a more traditional, professionally monitored security system with smart-home integrations.
