If you’ve been hunting for a security system that you can set up yourself and trust to work, SimpliSafe is worth a close look. The brand markets itself as a no‑contract, DIY solution that still offers professional monitoring. That mix of flexibility and affordability makes it a popular choice for renters, first‑time buyers, and anyone who wants solid protection without a long‑term commitment.
What sets SimpliSafe apart is its straightforward hardware lineup. You get a base station, a handful of battery‑powered sensors, and optional add‑ons like cameras or smart locks. Everything plugs into the base and talks to the SimpliSafe app, so you can arm or disarm the system from your phone, tablet, or even a voice assistant. The whole kit runs on battery or the included power adapter, meaning you don’t have to mess with wiring or hard‑wired alarms.
Each sensor is designed to send a clear signal to the base station when it detects motion, a door opening, or a glass break. Because the devices use encrypted radio frequencies, they’re hard to jam or spoof. The base station then alerts the monitoring center – or just you, if you choose self‑monitoring – within seconds.
The motion sensors are particularly clever. They use a combination of infrared and microwave detection to tell the difference between a human and a small animal. That’s why many owners ask, “Will SimpliSafe sensors detect my cat?” In most cases, the answer is yes: the sensors can be set to ignore pets up to a certain weight (usually around 20 lb). If your cat is lighter, you can enable the pet‑friendly mode in the app, and the sensor will ignore its movement while still spotting a person.
Door and window sensors are magnetic – a tiny magnet lines up with a reed switch. When the door opens, the circuit breaks and the base station gets an instant alert. You can also add a glass‑break sensor that listens for the specific sound of shattering glass, giving you another layer of protection for larger windows.
Pet owners love the pet‑friendly setting because it cuts down on false alarms. If you have multiple pets or a particularly active cat, you can adjust the sensitivity or add extra motion sensors in high‑traffic rooms. The app also lets you test each sensor with a simple tap, so you know it’s working before you rely on it.
Another frequent question is whether you need a subscription. SimpliSafe offers three monitoring plans: basic, standard, and premier. The basic plan costs less and still gives you 24/7 monitoring, but it doesn’t include video storage or emergency dispatch for fire alarms. If you’re comfortable checking the app yourself, you can even go unmonitored and just use the system as a deterrent.
Installation is genuinely DIY. The base station plugs into any outlet, then you stick the sensors where you need them using the included mounting strips. Most users finish in under an hour, and the app walks you through each step. If you run into trouble, SimpliSafe’s support team is reachable by phone or chat.
Overall, SimpliSafe delivers a blend of easy setup, reliable hardware, and flexible monitoring that appeals to a wide audience. Its pet‑friendly options help keep false alarms low, and the lack of long‑term contracts makes it a low‑risk experiment for anyone testing home security. Whether you’re protecting a small apartment or a larger house, SimpliSafe gives you the tools to watch your space without breaking the bank.
Wondering who really owns SimpliSafe? This article breaks down the history and current ownership of SimpliSafe, a big player in wireless alarm systems. We’ll dig into the company’s journey, reveal who’s pulling the strings behind the scenes, and bust a few myths along the way. You’ll also get tips on what ownership means for your security system’s future and support. Get practical details, not fluff.