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.

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Updated · 3 min read
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Written by Dalia Ramirez
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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 user-friendly function 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. However, Ring offers monitoring and video storage at a lower cost than SimpliSafe, which may make it a better choice for some customers.

We tested both systems, and found them both to be great options for home protection at similar price points. For slightly easier installation, we recommend SimpliSafe; for more features, Ring.

More Nerdy Perspective
What home security system did you prefer?

Ring Connected Basic bundle. Image courtesy Ring.

SimpliSafe Foundation bundle. Image courtesy SimpliSafe.

Deciding factors

Ring

SimpliSafe

Better for

Lower monthly monitoring costs.

Easy installation 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.

  • $19.99 per month for professional monitoring without recordings.

  • $29.99 per month for professional monitoring with recordings.

Installation cost

DIY. Professional setup starts at $159.99 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 high-tech features and smart home integration, but SimpliSafe’s installation process pulls ahead. SimpliSafe also has a cleaner security record.

Easy installation

SimpliSafe’s installation is highly user-friendly and straightforward. The app is very easy to use and includes detailed, step-by-step instructions for each component. Most items are wireless and require no drilling or tools to install, and wired items come with built-in cellular backup in case of a power or Wi-Fi outage.

Ring’s equipment setup is fairly easy, but connecting everything to Wi-Fi can be challenging, especially since you’ll need to integrate Ring’s Eero network with your existing network or replace your original network altogether. Individual Ring items, such as cameras, don’t have as strong of a connection without the Eero network, while SimpliSafe’s connected fairly easily for us.

Security history

We could not 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 has 3.5 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, a consumer review website, while Ring has just 1.2 out of 5 stars.

SimpliSafe Security System
SimpliSafe Security System

5.0

NerdWallet rating

 
Get started

on SimpliSafe's website

View details

5.0

NerdWallet rating

 
Equipment cost
$249.96
Base kit includes one base station, one keypad, one entry sensor and one motion sensor. Sometimes you can get a free Smart Alarm wireless indoor security camera and a free trial of professional monitoring if they're running a promotion.

Professional monitoring monthly cost
$21.99
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.
View details

Why you might want to use Ring instead

Ring is still a great option, especially for people who want lower monitoring costs and more video storage.

Monitoring fees

SimpliSafe’s monthly monitoring fees are slightly more expensive than Ring’s.

  • SimpliSafe’s self-monitoring plan costs $9.99 per month, while Ring’s costs $4.99 per month for similar features.

  • Ring’s professional monitoring and SimpliSafe’s basic professional monitoring both cost about $20 per month, though Ring’s plan offers more features. For added features and video storage with SimpliSafe, you’ll need the $29.99 monitoring plan.

Ring’s monitoring plans also offer cloud storage for video recordings for up to 180 days, while SimpliSafe’s self-monitoring ($9.99) and professional monitoring ($29.99) plans include up to 30 days. SimpliSafe’s basic professional monitoring plan ($19.99) doesn’t include storage.

Customizable features

SimpliSafe has plenty of video and alert features, but Ring’s collection of options blows it out of the water. We tested dozens of options, including chime tones, bird’s-eye view motion detection zones, automated seasonal doorbell replies and tandem responses (for example, your doorbell detects movement and triggers an outdoor floodlight to come on). If you’re looking for a highly customizable system that you can tailor to your unique home and needs, Ring may be a better fit.

Ring Security System
Ring Security System

4.5

NerdWallet rating

 
Get started

on Money.com and Amazon.com

View details

4.5

NerdWallet rating

 
Equipment cost
$244.95
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 Wifi router.

Professional monitoring monthly cost
$20
Other features/self monitoring available with plans starting at $4.99 per month. You'll need at least the basic plan to arm and disarm your system remotely.

Hazard detection
Add-on smoke/CO detector and listener, flood and freeze sensor.
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.

ADT Security System
ADT Security System

4.0

NerdWallet rating

 
Read review

on NerdWallet

View details

4.0

NerdWallet rating

 
Equipment cost
$269.00
Base kit comes with 1 ADT Smart Home Hub and 1 ADT Door/Window Sensor.

Professional monitoring monthly cost
$29.99 and up
$44.99 with cameras and $34.99 with other smart home devices. A monitoring plan is required with equipment purchase (1 month minimum for self setup and a several-year contract with professional installation), but you can arm and disarm a self-setup system for free after the first month.

Hazard detection
Add-on CO detector, smoke detector and water/temperature sensor.
View details
Vivint Security System
Vivint Security System

4.0

NerdWallet rating

 
Get started

on Vivint's website

View details

4.0

NerdWallet rating

 
Equipment cost
$599.99
Base kit includes Vivint Smart Hub Control Panel, 4 door/window sensors, and 1 motion sensor.

Professional monitoring monthly cost
$41
Professional monitoring plan is required with equipment purchase; $46 per month if you have cameras.

Hazard detection
Add-on smoke/CO detector and water sensor.
View details

Arlo and Abode, two of our other top-reviewed home security providers, are also good options.

Arlo Security System
Arlo Security System

4.5

NerdWallet rating

 
Get started

on Arlo's website

View details

4.5

NerdWallet rating

 
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 actual smoke/CO detector, and you'll need a paid monthly plan to use the sensor's alarm listening feature.
View details
Abode Security System
Abode Security System

4.5

NerdWallet rating

 
Read review

on NerdWallet

View details

4.5

NerdWallet rating

 
Equipment cost
$159.99
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 also use basic features for free.

Hazard detection
Add-on smoke alarm monitor and leak detector.
No actual smoke/CO detector.
View details
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