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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.
Tina Orem Assistant Assigning Editor | Taxes, small business, Social Security and estate planning, home services
Tina Orem is an editor at NerdWallet. Prior to becoming an editor, she covered small business and taxes at NerdWallet. She has been a financial writer and editor for over 15 years, and she has a degree in finance, as well as a master's degree in journalism and a Master of Business Administration. Previously, she was a financial analyst and director of finance for several public and private companies. Tina's work has appeared in a variety of local and national media outlets.
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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.
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.
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 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.
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
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.