Xfinity and SimpliSafe provide customizable options for home security systems. Both have preselected equipment packages to choose from — SimpliSafe offers five packages and Xfinity offers three, but both make it easy to purchase additional equipment.
Installation and cost
Installation type
DIY
Professional
Installation fee
Free
$100
Upfront cost
Build-your-own systems start at $129 with interactive monitoring
Equipment cost of $360 to $600+; financing available
Trial period
60-days; 100% satisfaction or return for full refund
30-day money-back guarantee
Contract terms
No-contract options available
Two years
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
Professional
$100
Equipment cost of $360 to $600+; financing available
30-day money-back guarantee
Two years
Monitoring plans and pricing
Monitoring price range
$15 to $25
$30+
Monitoring options
Professional or self-monitored
Professional and self-monitored
Self-monitoring
Free
Self protection feature available (live recorded video) for $10/month
Upgraded self-monitoring
Not offered
—
24/7 professional monitoring
$15/month
$30+
Upgraded professional monitoring
$25/month
$40+
$15 to $25
Professional or self-monitored
Free
Not offered
$15/month
$25/month
$30+
Professional and self-monitored
Self protection feature available (live recorded video) for $10/month
—
$30+
$40+
Security equipment
Wired or wireless?
Wireless
Wireless
Camera options
Indoor and outdoor cameras
Indoor and outdoor cameras
Video doorbell
—
Control panel
Motion sensor
Entry sensor
Glass break sensor
Keychain remote
—
Siren
Not specified
Panic button
Via touch-screen control panel
Yard sign
Wireless
Indoor and outdoor cameras
Wireless
Indoor and outdoor cameras
—
—
Not specified
Via touch-screen control panel
Smart-home features
Smart locks
Compatible with August, Kwikset and Yale
Smart lights
Compatible with GE (Jasco), Leviton, LIFX, Lutron Castéta, Phillips Hue, Sengled
Smart thermostat
—
Compatible with Carrier Cor, ecobee, Zen
Garage door control
—
Compatible with Chamberlain LiftMaster
Temperature sensor
—
Water sensor
—
Smoke detector
CO detector
—
—
—
Compatible with August, Kwikset and Yale
Compatible with GE (Jasco), Leviton, LIFX, Lutron Castéta, Phillips Hue, Sengled
SimpliSafe is known for easily integrating with home automation equipment and smart devices, including Alexa and Google Home. It also provides five equipment package options to meet a variety of budget needs.
Much of SimpliSafe’s equipment can be self-installed, but you can choose to have it professionally installed for $79 if you prefer. As of the time of publication, you receive a 25% discount on equipment if you opt in to 24/7 interactive monitoring.
SimpliSafe plans
The Foundation ($229): The Foundation includes a base station, one entry sensor, a keypad and one motion sensor.
The Essentials ($259): The Essentials is SimpliSafe’s most popular package. It includes the base station, one motion sensor, three entry sensors and a keypad.
The Hearth ($374): The Hearth includes one base station, a keypad, one motion sensor, a siren, a key fob, three entry sensors and a smoke detector.
The Knox ($449): The Knox includes a base station, six entry sensors, two motion sensors, a keypad, a key fob, a siren and a smoke detector.
The Haven ($489): The Haven has the most equipment of SimpliSafe’s packages — it includes the base station, a key fob, a siren, a panic button, four entry sensors, a keypad, a smoke detector, two motion sensors, a temperature sensor and a water sensor.
Build Your Own System ($184+): The Build Your Own System starts with a keypad and base station. More equipment can be added for an extra cost.
What SimpliSafe customers say
Many SimpliSafe customers mention the ease of setup and installation in reviews left on ConsumerAffairs. Users enjoy monitoring their system remotely through the app and mention positive experiences with the SimpliSafe customer service team. Some customers did experience issues, with a few mentioning equipment not functioning properly and needing to be fixed.
I’ve had them for many years. The system is easy to install yourself, the people are wonderful, very helpful and they work with you to figure out any problems you may have. Customer service is alive and well with Simpli Safe!
Xfinity provides home security systems with two monitoring options. You don’t need to sign a contract for monitoring, and you can self-monitor through the phone app. There are three equipment packages to choose from, and you can easily add on equipment. Xfinity partners with several companies to provide smart-home integration.
Xfinity plans
Base Home System: The Base Home System includes a touch-screen controller, three door/window sensors, one pet-friendly motion sensor and a battery/cellular system backup. Pricing is $15 a month for 24 months or an upfront payment of $360.
Complete Home System: The Complete Home System is $20 a month for 24 months or $480 upfront. This system includes the touch-screen controller, five door/window sensors, a wireless keypad, a pet-friendly motion sensor, one HD indoor/outdoor camera and a battery/cellular system backup.
Ultimate Home System: The Xfinity Ultimate Home System has the most equipment included for $25 a month for 24 months or an upfront cost of $600. This package includes the touch-screen controller, 10 door/window sensors, a pet-friendly motion sensor, two HD indoor/outdoor cameras and a battery/cellular backup.
What Xfinity customers say
Xfinity Home has mixed feedback on ConsumerAffairs. Customers who enjoy the system like the HD cameras, mobile app and quality and price of the service. Customers who left negative feedback recount difficulty getting issues resolved via customer service.
I am pleased with the way my home is monitored and I haven't had any issues with false alarms like many people experience. [The] system is fully operational. I experienced NO glitches or service interruptions so far, and I couldn't be happier."
SimpliSafe and Xfinity are both great options for customers who are looking for equipment packages with the option to add on devices. Both provide multiple options for different budget types and have equipment that can be installed by the customer or by a professional for an additional fee.
SimpliSafe is best for customers who want more equipment package options with the ability to add more equipment.
Xfinity is best for customers who need the home security system to integrate with other smart devices.
