SimpliSafe Cameras Review: Indoor, Outdoor, and Doorbell

SimpliSafe strives to simplify the home security experience, and its cameras deliver on that promise. They're easy to install and set up, and using them is as easy as opening the SimpliSafe app. 

Fortunately, simple doesn't mean poor quality. You'll enjoy crisp images, clear night vision, and good audio quality without being bogged down by too many settings.  We'll explain the differences between SimpliSafe's cameras and clue you in on our testing experience so you know what to expect.

All SimpliSafe cameras offer HD video and night vision. They also offer several ways to store your videos, which is great if you want to hang onto your videos a little longer.

We love that these home security cameras are DIY-friendly. If you’ve ever used an app and screwdriver, you’re more than qualified to install and use these home security cameras.

Since SimpliSafe cameras have pretty basic features and limited smart home integration, they work best when added to an existing SimpliSafe system.

All of SimpliSafe’s cameras have these features:

• HD video quality
• Night vision
• A mobile app that alerts you when the camera detects motion

In the SimpliSafe app, you can see what triggered the camera, access stored videos, and even talk to the person on the other side of your camera with the two-way talk feature.

SimpliSafe cameras don’t record 24/7. The video footage is limited to short clips recorded when motion is detected. We like this because it means you don’t have to wade through hours of footage to find an event.

If you want your camera to make friends with other smart devices in your home, SimpliSafe cameras work with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and IFTTT. You can use voice commands to arm your system and check its status once you connect SimpliSafe to Alexa or Google Home.

These security cameras are a great addition if you already have a SimpliSafe home security system. When the alarm on your system is triggered, the SimpliSafe reps at the monitoring center can use your camera to check if the security system was set off by an actual threat or by accident.

SimpliSafe cameras don’t have local storage, unlike competitors such as the Eufy Video Doorbell or the Wyze Cam v3. If you want to save a video, you’ll need to spring for a cloud storage subscription.

Storage is pretty inexpensive, so it won’t stretch your budget. Pricing starts at around $10 per month for up to five cameras. You can add up to 10 cameras for around $30 per month. Learn more about SimpliSafe monitoring in our SimpliSafe price guide.

If you have a SimpliSafe home security system, we recommend getting the Core plan for $31.99 per month. You’ll get professional monitoring and unlimited recording storage for up to 30 days. Plus, the upgrade gives you a lifetime equipment warranty and 10% off future equipment purchases.

You don’t need storage for your home security camera, but it comes in handy. Say, for example, you use the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro and it captures someone stealing a package off of your porch. Saving that video will be vital for helping law enforcement track down the thief.

While many home security cameras are battery- or solar-powered, SimpliSafe cameras are wired— all except for the outdoor and Smart Alarm indoor cameras. SimpliCam has a power cord while the video doorbell is connected to your home’s electrical system.

Wired cameras have their pros and cons. You’ll never need to change or charge the camera’s batteries. But adding one more cord to hog precious outlets isn’t ideal.

Additionally, if you don’t already have doorbell wiring, you’ll need to bring in an electrician to connect the doorbell camera. That kind of nixes the whole DIY ease the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro offers.

Now that you know a little about SimpliSafe cameras overall, let's dive into the specifics of each camera to see how they can fit into your home.

Not a fan of commitment? SimpliSafe doesn’t make you sign any contracts. Even better, you can return equipment for up to 60 days and get a full refund.

For Core, Pro, and Pro Plus plan customers, SimpliSafe offers a lifetime equipment warranty.

The SimpliSafe customer support line is open from 8 a.m. to midnight (EST), seven days a week. Or, you can send customer support an email through this contact form. You can also find answers to your questions at SimpliSafe’s user-friendly Help Center.

If you still have questions or want to talk to other SimpliSafe customers, you’ll find the SimpliSafe forum super handy.

Here’s a more in-depth look at SimpliSafe’s customer support.

SimpliSafe may not have many bells and whistles, but its cameras are easy to use and install. If you already have a SimpliSafe home security system, adding on a SimpliCam, Smart Alarm Indoor Camera, SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera, or SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro will lend a huge security boost.

If you're still shopping around for a home security system and want cameras with more features than SimpliSafe's lineup, check out our picks for the best home security cameras. We'll help you find an awesome camera that fits your needs.

Read answers to more SimpliSafe FAQs.

• How to Install the SimpliSafe Doorbell
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