SimpliSafe vs Protect America

Wireless home security has quickly become the new standard thanks to its easy installation and minimal red tape. But an often overlooked benefit of wireless is that it’s safer than traditional home security systems that use a phone line to connect to monitoring centers. That’s because a burglar can disable a traditional system by cutting phone lines—but with wireless there are no lines to cut.

If you’re looking for user-friendly system that delivers the ultimate peace of mind, you’ll want to learn more about two excellent wireless home security companies: SimpliSafe and Protect America. 

SimpliSafe offers affordable, 24/7 alarm monitoring every day of the year. SimpliSafe systems come with built-in wireless technology that sends a signal instantly to a monitoring center when the alarm is triggered.

SimpliSafe has several options for monitoring, including two for self-monitoring. On its own without any monthly payment, the system can act as a kind of car alarm, but you won't get access to the full app features or remote arming and disarming for that price. 

Its Self-Monitoring with Camera Recording plan costs $9.99/month, perfect if you prefer to lean more on camera footage than sensors. Professional monitoring starts at $21.99.month. 

And while it's the most expensive, SimpliSafe's FastProtect™ plan adds on perks like free cameras and video verification for $31.99/month. 

SimpliSafe’s customer service is one aspect that sets it apart from the competition. For example, with SimpliSafe you won’t sign a contract and no phone line is needed. SimpliSafe operates off a pay-as-you-go plan, so you can suspend, terminate or re-activate service as you please without being penalized. Best yet, if you’re not 100 percent happy with your SimpliSafe service, you can return the system within 60 days for a full refund, including shipping costs. SimpliSafe is certified by the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL).

Protect America offers year-round 24/7 monitoring. When your home’s alarm is activated, a signal is sent to one of Protect America’s three monitoring stations. It’s important to note that Protect America gives you the comfort of redundant back-up monitoring. That means two monitoring stations are standing by to handle your emergency should something go wrong with the signal sent to the first station. In addition to burglary protection, Protect America offers smoke monitoring, medical panic pendant or watch monitoring, Carbon Monoxide monitoring, freeze and flood sensors, and a number of home automation choices.

Protect America understands that every customer has unique needs, and that’s why they offer three different types of monitoring options: cellular, high-speed broadband and landline.

When you choose cellular monitoring, you’ll enjoy the benefit of Protect America’s SMART Connect apps. You’ll be able to do things like control your home’s security, take charge of home automation, and watch live video right from your smartphone or tablet. Best yet, you won’t be charged for access to these popular features. Your Protect America alarm panel is built with a Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) cellular device that contacts one of Protect America’s monitoring station should an alarm be activated.

In an emergency every second counts. You’ll feel good knowing that this monitoring option delivers incredibly fast response time. In fact, once a secured area has been breached, it only takes two seconds for your high-speed broadband modem our router to send a signal to the monitoring facility. With high-speed broadband monitoring you’ll also get free access to the Protect America’s SMART Connect apps.

Wireless is wonderful, but Protect America knows it isn’t the right solution for everyone. That’s why it offers consumers the option of standard telephone line monitoring. This is a good choice for people who can’t get high-speed Internet or live in an area where cell phone service is unreliable.

When considering you home security choices, keep in mind that Protect America offers a lowest price guarantee. They will match or beat any comparable offer.

SimpliSafe provides customers with seven equipment packages or a build-your-own option. From the The Foundation package with its single entry sensor and motion sensor enough all the way to The Beacon with two outdoor cameras and six sensors, there's an option for homes of all sizes. 

Whatever package you choose, SimpliSafe throws in entry sensors for doors and windows, motion sensors, a keypad, and a base station to tie it all together with a wireless signal. 

You can also add on or opt for packages with hazard sensors that detect fire, smoke, carbon monoxide, water leaks, and temperature changes. 

Every SimpliSafe package is shipped for free, and comes with one free yard sign and two decals so you can warn the bad guys that your home, apartment or business is protected. All packages also include five year batteries and adhesive strips for mounting the system.

Protect America offers “Copper,” “Bronze,” “Silver,” “Gold,” and “Platinum” home security packages. You won’t pay an installation charge or an equipment fee with any of Protect America’s packages, and its “Copper” package has been noted as a “Best Buy” by “Consumer’s Digest” for five consecutive years.

Every package comes with three window decals, one yard sign, one Simon XT control panel and one motion detector. The entry level “Copper” package provides you with three door/window sensors, the “Bronze” package offers seven door/window sensors and Protect America’s “Silver” package delivers the protection of 10 door/window sensors. With the “Gold” package you’ll enjoy the comfort of 12 door/window sensors and Protect America’s “Platinum” package offers the flexibility of 15 door/window sensors.

When it comes to home security, don’t let the promotions and promises of fly-by-night companies fool you. Choose a company like SimpliSafe or Protect America; they’ve both earned a well deserved reputation for superior monitoring and quality equipment.

• Best Home Security Systems
• SimpliSafe Home Security Review
• Brinks Home Security Review