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Ring vs. SimpliSafe Home Security: Features, Pricing
Ring and SimpliSafe are top home security providers, but SimpliSafe pulls ahead for detection features and privacy ratings.
Dalia Ramirez Writer | Estate planning, home security
Dalia Ramirez writes about home services and estate planning for NerdWallet. She has a Bachelor of Arts in science and technology studies and critical theory from Wesleyan University. Her work has appeared in publications including The Washington Post, Bloomberg and The Associated Press. She is based in New York City.
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Ring and SimpliSafe are two of our top picks for home security providers. Both companies offer alarm systems, cameras, video doorbells and other home security accessories with rich features at reasonable prices, but SimpliSafe ranks slightly ahead of Ring for its AI detection at no added cost and higher privacy ratings.
Both companies offer both self- and pro-monitoring subscription options and charge month-to-month without locking users into a contract. Both alarm systems can be DIY-installed, though you can pay an added fee to have either system professionally installed. Both providers are also compatible with Alexa and Google.
However, Ring offers self- and pro-monitoring at a lower cost than SimpliSafe, which may make it a better choice for some customers.
Built-in smart detection and Google smart home integration.
Hardware cost
$199.99 and up.
$249.96 and up.
Video monitoring cost
$4.99 per month for self-monitoring for one doorbell or camera.
$10 per month for self-monitoring for more than one doorbell or camera.
$20 per month for professional monitoring.
$0 to self-monitor without advanced features.
$9.99 per month for self-monitoring with camera recordings.
$19.80 per month for professional monitoring without recordings.
$29.99 per month for professional monitoring with recordings.
Installation cost
DIY. Professional setup starts at $129.99 with Ring partner OnTech.
DIY. Professional setup starts at $124.99.
Contract
None.
None.
Compatibility
Smart-home integration with Alexa only.
Smart-home integration with Alexa and Google Voice.
Customer support
Live chat 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. MT.
24/7 phone support and a community forum.
Customer service is rated 1.2 stars out of 5 stars on Trustpilot.com.
Live chat 8 a.m. to midnight ET.
Phone support 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET.
Blog and help center.
Customer service is rated 3.5 stars out of 5 stars on Trustpilot.com.
Why SimpliSafe is a better choice
Ring and SimpliSafe both offer advanced features and smart home integration, but SimpliSafe’s AI human detection is built-in, while Ring’s costs extra. SimpliSafe also has a cleaner security record.
Built-in AI detection
SimpliSafe’s cameras have a built-in motion sensor that can differentiate between people and other movements, such as cars and pets, and alert you accordingly. You can adjust your device’s motion sensitivity and alarm triggers.
Ring also offers smart detection for its devices, including person and package alerts, but those alerts require a monthly Ring Protect subscription starting at $4.99 per month.
Security history
We couldn't find any public record of privacy breaches at SimpliSafe, but in a proposed order in 2023, the Federal Trade Commission alleged that Ring exposed customers’ personal information and home monitoring to hackers.
SimpliSafe also rates 3.5 stars out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, a consumer review website, while Ring has 1.2 stars out of 5 stars.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$249.96
Base kit includes one base station, one keypad, one entry sensor, one motion sensor. Sometimes you can get one free Smart Alarm wireless indoor security camera and a free trial of professional monitoring if they're running a promotion.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$29.99
Self-monitoring available for $9.99 per month. You can also access basic features with no plan.
Hazard detection
Add-on smoke/CO detector, water and temperature sensor.
Haven plan includes hazard sensors, alarm system, siren and panic button for $520.
View details
Key facts
SimpliSafe offers comprehensive packages at affordable prices with both self- and pro-monitoring subscription options.
Pros
Offers affordable packages with add-ons and a build-your-own-system option.
Ring is still a great option, especially for people who want lower monthly self- and pro-monitoring costs.
Pricing
SimpliSafe’s equipment and monthly professional monitoring fees are slightly more expensive than Ring’s.
SimpliSafe’s base kit, at $249.96 (sometimes discounted), includes one base station, one keypad, one entry sensor and one motion sensor. Sometimes, if there's a promotion, you can get one free Smart Alarm wireless indoor security camera and a free trial of professional monitoring.
Ring’s base kit, at $199.99, includes an Alarm Base Station, keypad, door/window contact sensor, motion detector, Alarm Range Extender and a free 30-day trial of Ring Protect professional monitoring.
SimpliSafe’s professional monitoring costs $29.99 per month, while Ring’s costs $20 per month.
SimpliSafe’s self-monitoring plan costs $9.99 per month, while Ring’s costs $3.99 per month for similar features.
When factoring in SimpliSafe’s discounts, the equipment may cost more with Ring, but monthly monitoring costs are higher with SimpliSafe.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$199.99
Base kit includes Alarm Base Station, keypad, door/window contact sensor, motion detector, Alarm Range Extender and free 30-day trial of Ring Protect professional monitoring. "Pro" starter kit comes with a Wi-Fi router.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$20
Self-monitoring available with plans starting at $3.99 per month.
Hazard detection
Add-on smoke/CO detector and listener, flood and freeze sensor.
View details
Key facts
Ring offers affordable professional monitoring and a DIY system with high-quality cameras.
Pros
Lowest-priced professional monitoring service among competitors.
Offers a self-monitoring option.
Pro system includes a Wi-Fi router that can replace or extend your existing coverage
Cons
Has had a security breach.
View details
Ring and SimpliSafe alternatives
For homeowners and renters who want a more white-glove experience, a professionally installed and monitored system, such as one from ADT or Vivint, might be a better fit.
"NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews."
"NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews."
Equipment cost
$194.98
Base kit comes with one ADT Smart Home Hub, one ADT Door/Window Sensor and the ADT+ app.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$24.99 and up
$59.99 with cameras. A monitoring plan is required with equipment purchase, but you can choose self-monitoring starting at $24.99.
Hazard detection
Add-on CO detector, smoke detector and water/temperature sensor.
View details
Key facts
ADT is a well-known home security provider, with well-reviewed professional monitoring services.
Pros
Owns its own monitoring stations.
Has a self-monitoring option.
Integrates with Nest cameras.
Cons
Has had a security breach.
Required monthly monitoring fee is on the expensive side.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$599.99
Base kit includes Vivint Smart Hub Control Panel, four door/window sensors, and one motion sensor.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$41
Professional monitoring plan is required with equipment purchase. $46 with cameras.
Hazard detection
Add-on smoke/CO detector and water sensor.
View details
Key facts
Vivint offers best-in-class video and alarm features, including theft deterrence and vehicle protection, with white-glove service.
Pros
Offers top-tier professional installation and features.
Highly rated for security and privacy with no history of breaches.
Cons
Starter package is pricier than other providers'.
Required monthly professional monitoring fee.
Doesn't have a self-monitoring option.
View details
Arlo and Abode, two of our other top-reviewed home security providers, are also good options.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$199.99
Base kit includes one keypad sensor hub, two sensors, and a free three-month pro monitoring trial.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$24.99
Some sensor features not available without subscription. Self-monitoring for cameras starts at $7.99 per month.
Hazard detection
Sensors can detect water and temperature and alert you when a smoke/CO detector goes off.
No smoke/CO detector.
View details
Key facts
Arlo provides a flexible system for a variety of safety needs with 8-in-1 sensors.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$139.99
Base kit includes security hub, key fob and mini-sensor for door/window.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$24.99
Self-monitoring with extra features is $7.99 per month, but you can still use the alarm system for free.
Hazard detection
Add-on smoke alarm monitor and leak detector.
No smoke/CO detector.
View details
Key facts
Abode's security system is compatible with the widest range of smart home products including Amazon Echo, Google Home and Nest.