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Both SimpliSafe and Ring Alarm offer security systems with no long-term contracts, self-installation and professional monitoring. However, the two have different equipment options. Depending on the type of setup you want, you may opt for one system over the other.
Customer Service & Reputation | ||
Equipment | ||
Technology | ||
Value | ||
Ease Of Use | ||
Overall Winner | ||
View Packages | View On Amazon |
Customer Service & Reputation
The BBB (Better Business Bureau) can be a reliable indicator of how a company handles consumer complaints. How did our two companies fare?
- SimpliSafe: A+ (accredited)
- Ring: A+ (accredited)
SimpliSafe Complaints
SimpliSafe has overall reports of excellent customer service from its customers; however, it does have some complaints.
- Requesting to be unsubscribed from emails and still getting emails
- Continuing to be billed after canceling
- Tech support may require multiple calls to fix an issue
Ring Complaints
Ring, which is owned by Amazon, has reports of excellent customer service as well, but the complaints we found are a little more serious than the ones we listed above for SimpliSafe.
- Referral program being a scam
- Difficulties canceling an order
- Rude or unprofessional customer support agents
- Slow live chat help
We feel that the complaints for SimpliSafe are less severe, so they’re the winner here.
Winner: SimpliSafe
Equipment
Below is a table of the type of security equipment each company offers.
SimpliSafe | Ring | |
---|---|---|
Additional Keypad | ||
Keychain Remote | ||
Door/Window Sensor | ||
Motion Sensor | ||
Indoor Camera | ||
Outdoor Camera | ||
Glass Break Sensor | ||
Panic Button | ||
Smoke Detector | ||
CO Detector | ||
Alarm Smoke & CO Listener | ||
Freeze Sensor | ||
Water Sensor | ||
Additional Siren | ||
Range Extender | ||
Video Doorbell |
We’re disappointed that SimpliSafe has only one security camera and it’s for indoor use only. Meanwhile, Ring has numerous indoor and outdoor security camera options. Some are solar powered, and others have floodlights and a built-in siren. On the other hand, Ring doesn’t have a keychain remote or a glass break sensor.
SimpliSafe and Ring both manufacture their own wireless equipment. SimpliSafe has a 3-year warranty, while Ring’s is only 1 year. There are complaints about SimpliSafe’s equipment not staying connected to the app.
Ring has complaints regarding difficulties getting everything connected to begin with. Additionally, Ring customers say they have issues with pieces of equipment not working, the alarm going off randomly and equipment being finicky in general. (I have Ring Alarm installed in my home and I haven’t experienced any of these issues.)
If cameras are what you mainly want for your system, Ring has more options. However, if you want a system that will alarm you when a sensor is triggered, SimpliSafe has a better reputation for working correctly, which is why it’s the winner here.
Winner: SimpliSafe
Technology
If you want to integrate some home automation equipment in with your security system, Ring may be more appealing to you.
Ring Compatibilities
- Z-Wave and Zigbee devices
- Amazon Alexa
- Google Assistant
- IFTTT
- Smart lock systems from Kevo, LockState, Kisi and Lockitron
- Philips Hue lights
SimpliSafe Compatibilities
- Amazon Alexa
- Google Assistant
- Nest thermostat
- August door lock
Battery Backup
Both systems have 24-hour battery backup in case your power is lost or cut.
Cellular vs Broadband Monitoring
All of SimpliSafe’s plans have cellular monitoring, which is the most secure form because there’s no concern of a burglar cutting your wires for a landline (phone) broadband (internet) connection. Ring’s monitoring is broadband with cellular as a backup.
App Performance & Ratings
Below are the Apple App Store and Google Play Store ratings and number of reviews to give you an idea of what readers think of each company’s respective app.
- SimpliSafe
- Android App 4.6/5.0 (>9,500 reviews)
- iOS App 4.8/5.0 (>64,000 reviews)
- Ring
- Android App 4.0/5.0 (>56,000 reviews)
- iOS App 4.1/5.0 (>63,000 reviews)
SimpliSafe App Complaints
- Closing on its own
- Not updating
- Unable to stay connected with the system
- Having to pay to use it
Ring App Complaints
- Being unable to view notifications
- App not loading or slowly loading
- Delays with video capture
- Not receiving notifications
- App crashes
Ring has more home automation integration options, but SimpliSafe has more reliable monitoring with cellular. In our opinion, cellular monitoring is the most important, which is why SimpliSafe has the edge on this one.
Winner: SimpliSafe
Value
To see how these two would compare in a real-world situation, let’s go over an example of a common configuration in a household with the equipment below:
- 3 door/window sensors
- 1 keypad
- 1 motion sensor
Neither company locks you into a contract, but let’s say you choose to keep your service for 3 years. Here’s an example of how much it would cost you through SimpliSafe and Ring.
SimpliSafe | Ring | |
---|---|---|
Equipment | $259.95 | $208.99 |
Installation | $0 | $0 |
Professional Monitoring | $24.99/month (cellular) |
$10/month ($100/year) (broadband w/ cellular backup) |
Total Spent After 3 Years | $1,159.59 | $508.99 |
Monitoring Stations
SimpliSafe has 6 monitoring stations and Ring has 2. Monitoring stations are important and they can experience natural disasters and power outages just like our homes. If a monitoring company only has 1 station, your call may go unanswered if your system is triggered during this downtime.
Ring is cheaper than SimpliSafe, and it has more than 1 monitoring station. So keep reading to find out why we think it is worthwhile to pay more for SimpliSafe.
Winner: Ring Alarm
Ease Of Use
SimpliSafe | Ring | |
---|---|---|
Wireless Equipment | ||
Installation | DIY | DIY |
Easily Relocate |
We read reviews from customers complaining about issues they had while trying to set up their Ring system. Meanwhile, SimpliSafe customers rave about how simple it is to get their systems up and running.
Winner: SimpliSafe
Final Verdict
If you want a security system that functions well, has multiple monitoring stations and is easy to use, SimpliSafe is a good option. If you’re more interested in security cameras, Ring may be more appealing since SimpliSafe only offers one.
Winner: SimpliSafe
If you’d like to learn more about these companies, read our individual reviews on SimpliSafe and Ring, which include pros, cons, key features and customer testimonials. They are also featured in our best picks for home security systems.
Are cameras or monitoring more important to you?
Tagged With: Ring Home Security, SimpliSafe, VS