Compare Ring And SimpliSafe Security Systems: Monitoring, Integration, Doorbell, And More Reviewed

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
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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.

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?