SimpliSafe Equipment Compatibility: How Does It Work?

The base station is the brain that links and controls every sensor in the security system.

It stores the backup battery that keeps your system going during power outages. It also powers the cellular connection that contacts the monitoring center if the alarm triggers.

The base station has a built-in 95 dB alarm that sounds whether or not you use professional monitoring.

SimpliSafe includes one Base Station with every package—it doesn’t sell the device on its own. You'll need to purchase a custom package, which starts around $250 and includes a Base Station and Wireless Keypad.

The keypad is a staple of security systems new and old.

If you don’t have access to the SimpliSafe app, the keypad can arm and disarm your security system.

And, because it’s separate from the base station, you’re still protected if the keypad is damaged.

Every SimpliSafe package comes with a free wireless keypad, but you can purchase an additional one for $69.99.

SimpliSafe’s motion sensor detects motion up to 30 feet away and 90° around.

It’s small enough to fit on a shelf or stick to the corner of a room. Plus, it's a pet-friendly motion detector that distinguishes between humans and pets up to 50 pounds.

Some SimpliSafe packages come with additional motion sensors, but you can add them to your existing system for $34.99 each.

The SimpliSafe entry sensor comes with a battery pre-installed and a door chime setting to tell you when someone enters or exits the house.

We recommend placing entry sensors on doors or windows, but they can also be used for medicine or liquor cabinets.

Some SimpliSafe equipment packages include multiple entry sensors. You can add one to your system for $14.99 each.

Just like the fob on your car keys, the SimpliSafe key fob arms and disarms your security system with the touch of a button.

We recommend buying multiple fobs if you live with other adults. Each fob costs $24.99.

This siren lets out 105 dB of startling noise and can be installed either inside or outside the house.

Add a siren to your SimpliSafe kit for $59.99 each.

The SimpliSafe smoke detector sniffs out smoldering fires and sends an alert to the monitoring center as well as sounding a loud siren.

If you have the SimpliSafe app, you’ll be notified if the smoke detector sounds while you’re away.

If you have a Google Home speaker, you can integrate it and your Nest Protect smoke detector with your SimpliSafe system.

Add a smoke detector to your SimpliSafe system for $44.99 each or SimpliSafe's combo smoke and carbon monoxide detector for $69.99.

The panic button is a one-touch device that triggers your alarm instantly. In case of an emergency where you can’t reach your phone or call for help, this personal alarm can reach the monitoring center.

Add a panic button to your package for $19.99 each.

The temperature sensor is designed to sense freezing temperatures that could threaten your pipes.

Leave this in your basement or crawlspace to warn you when things get too chilly for safety.

Add a temperature sensor to your kit for $29.99 each.

Water sensors catch puddles before they become ponds.

Place the water sensor under your sink, near appliances like washing machines, or in your basement near the pipes to catch a leak or flood before it gets worse.

Add a water sensor to your SimpliSafe system for $19.99.

The SimpliSafe glassbreak sensor isn’t included in any of the security equipment packages, but you can add it to your system for $39.99 per sensor.

It’s a useful addition to any area near a window or door with glass. This small sensor is calibrated to detect the sound of smashed or broken glass. If an intruder smashes a window, for example, the sensor will sound.

The SimpliSafe Smart Lock (about $120) is affordable compared to most smart locks but doesn't match competitors' advanced features like August's open-door detection and Yale's smart home versatility.

It's also slightly harder to add to a custom system since it doesn't show up in any starter kits or SimpliSafe's customization menu. Instead, you buy it separately, which is disappointing since the lock doesn't work without a SimpliSafe system. It's also not available to SimpliSafe UK customers.

The SimpliCam security camera (about $99) is a standalone device that you can use without other SimpliSafe equipment. It’s a fairly average device compared to other security cameras but has a few noteworthy goodies: 

• Physical privacy shutter
• Motion detection alerts
• Optional cloud video storage
• Optional outdoor case (UK customers only)

The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro (about $169) is one of the more affordable smart doorbells. But it doesn’t have the same robust night vision as competitors like Ring, Google Nest, and Arlo.

It’s also far more limited because it integrates only with SimpliSafe equipment, rather than the broad range of smart home devices that work with the competition.

We go into more details in our SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro review.

The SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera (about $170) is SimpliSafe's only wireless camera. The outdoor camera has 1080p HD video that's super clear, fantastic two-way audio, and 140° field of view. The night vision is well defined and it's easy to see faces in the black and white footage.

It doesn't have any additional features, though. We wish it had the option to adjust sensitivity, add privacy areas, and create multiple motion zones.

For more, check out our SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera review.

As long as this solar panel gets at least three hours of direct sunlight each day, your SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera battery will stay charged. Without it, expect to remove and recharge the camera's battery every three to six months. 

The solar charging panel costs $79.99 from SimpliSafe.

If your camera is set up in a shady spot where the solar panel won't work, consider this 25-foot USB power cord instead. It's rated for outdoor use but it wouldn't hurt to add extra protection with an electrical outlet cover.

It costs $29.99 and comes with cable management clips.

When it's time to charge the SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera's current battery, swap in this second one for continuous power and protection.

It costs just $29.99.

This TP-Link Wi-Fi extender plugs into a wall outlet. Use it indoors but as close as possible to your Outdoor Camera or Video Doorbell Pro to improve video feed quality in the SimpliSafe app. 

The TP-Link Wi-Fi Extender costs $24.99 from SimpliSafe, which is the same as what it costs from retailers like Amazon. 

SimpliSafe uses proprietary add-ons for its system, a unique feature for a DIY security system that comes with a trade off.

By creating its own devices, SimpliSafe reduces costs and controls the quality of the products. But that means it only supports a fraction of the third party devices competitors like ADT and Vivint can.