SimpliSafe vs. Brinks

SimpliSafe beats Brinks Home in this matchup. SimpliSafe outshines Brinks with low monitoring and equipment prices, no contract, and a pain-free shopping experience. All of this makes SimpliSafe our pick for the best home security system of the two.

SimpliSafe is one of our top DIY system picks. If you’ve never had a system but always wanted one, it’s a good low-commitment company to start with since there are no contracts. SimpliSafe's equipment packages work for studios and large homes alike. Plus, you can add on sensors, the SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera or the indoor SimpliCam, and even a doorbell cam called the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro.

It’s great for those on a budget too. You’ll pay up to $21.99 every month to keep the service going. With SimpliSafe, you get confidence in your security system without budget anxiety.

Check out our full review of SimpliSafe.

Brinks has the name recognition that makes intruders think twice. Its optional professional installation is top-notch, and it has the widest selection of sensors out of any other top security brand on the market. If you have the budget for pricier equipment and can commit to spending $40/month for three years, Brinks brings the goods.

Read our full review on Brinks to learn more.

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Here are a few things SimpliSafe and Brinks have in common.

• Similar starting packages. Both systems start with a control panel or hub that connects everything, entry sensors for your doors and windows, and a motion detector.
• Tons of optional add-ons. If any of the equipment packages don’t have what you’re looking for, you can add accessory devices like smoke detectors, smart doorbells, cameras, or extra entry sensors.
• Both brands sell average-quality security cameras. Brinks cameras and SimpliSafe cameras get the job done and aren't super glitchy, but they also don't wow us with features and clarity.
• Both let you control your system via a mobile app. SimpliSafe and Brinks both have mobile apps that connect to your system. You can arm and disarm, watch live video, and change settings from your phone. SimpliSafe used to charge extra for full access to the SimpliSafe app, but now it's possible to control your SimpliSafe system remotely no matter what.
• DIY installation. Installing SimpliSafe or Brinks is easy thanks to wireless, pre-programmed equipment, but both let you hire a pro too. Only the doorbells get a little tricky thanks to some mandatory wiring—check out our SimpliSafe doorbell installation guide for a peek at the process.

When taking a closer look, we found more differences than similarities between the two home security companies:

• SimpliSafe doesn’t require a contract, but Brinks (mostly) does. You can cancel SimpliSafe any time and without penalty thanks to its month-to-month plans. Brinks requires a 36-month contract if you choose one of its packages, and you'll owe 100% of the remaining balance if you cancel. 
• Brinks offers seamless home automation; SimpliSafe doesn’t. Both home security systems are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home*, but only Brinks offers proprietary Z-Wave products that turn normal appliances into smart devices. SimpliSafe can connect to Alexa or Google Home for smart home automations, but you’ll need third-party products like smartbulbs, plugs, or hubs.
• SimpliSafe offers simple shopping and price transparency. You can hop onto the SimpliSafe website and check prices, choose your equipment, and even sign up for monitoring plans. With Brinks, you have to call in for quotes.
• Brinks has more equipment options. With several types of cameras and sensors galore, you're more likely to find exactly what you need with Brinks equipment. SimpliSafe has a nice selection of proprietary equipment like the SimpliSafe Smart Lock, but it lacks some options like a smart thermostat. 
• SimpliSafe has better customer service. Brinks Home was recently asked by the BBB to correct a "pattern of complaints" involving cancelation difficulties, repair delays, and poor customer service in general.¹ SimpliSafe has an A+ rating with the BBB, and users rate SimpliSafe more favorably than Brinks on platforms like Trustpilot or the Apple App Store. Learn more about SimpliSafe customer service.

SimpliSafe wins at monitoring thanks to its affordability and two self-monitoring plans. We recommend spending a little extra for Core to get video verification during an alarm event on top of the usual professional monitoring. Those few extra bucks are worth it to avoid false alarm fees.

In the battle between Simplisafe vs. Brinks home security, we take SimpliSafe’s side. It’s an affordable, accessible DIY home security system for almost any budget or living situation. SimpliSafe also offers price transparency, and you can shop for your equipment online.

• SimpliSafe: Easy, contract-free home security for renters and do-it-yourselfers.
• Brinks: Reliable security from a trusted household security name. Good for anyone with a roomy budget who can commit to 36 months of service.

Still undecided? Read our full SimpliSafe and Brinks reviews to learn more, or check out our SimpliSafe FAQs and Brinks FAQs.

We spend a lot of time thinking about home security systems. (It’s kind of our job.) So comparing two of our favorite alarm system companies comes naturally.

We put SimpliSafe and Brinks security under the microscope by testing their products for hundreds of hours, consulting industry experts, combing through customer reviews, and interviewing security companies.

We examined each company’s pricing, equipment, contracting, and smart home features to compare apples to apples. The company with the most benefits for the largest number of people came out on top.

Check out our methodology to learn more about how we review companies like SimpliSafe and Brinks.

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Contributing writer: Katie McEntire

1. Better Business Bureau, "Brinks Home," April 2022. Accessed July 18, 2022.