Overview: SimpliSafe Standard vs SimpliSafe Interactive
Whether you choose the self-monitoring SimpliSafe Standard package or the more advanced SimpliSafe Interactive, either one provides exceptional home security for a price that most homeowners and renters can afford. The system and its devices were developed by Harvard students and the equipment is still manufactured by the company. The system is designed to be effective no matter who monitors the system. All of the devices are easy to install and use allowing for both peace of mind and the confidence that your home is always protected.
Standard Package
The Standard monitoring package costs $14.99 a month (about 50 cents a day). You get the convenience of a third-party monitoring service without the inconvenience associated with a long-term contract. You can start or cancel your service at any time.
Professional Monitoring
SimpliSafe uses C.O.P.S for all of its professional monitoring needs.
Emergency Connectivity
With Standard monitoring, you have the option for both landline and cellular connectivity. All devices are wireless. The cellular connection allows you to receive alerts via email or text message.
The Interactive monitoring package is primarily wireless. The professional staff at C.O.P.S. verify each alarm which can increase response times when needed the most.
Environmental Monitoring
Both Standard and Interactive monitoring packages offer environmental monitoring.
Interactive Package
SimpliSafe's Interactive monitoring costs $24.99 a month or approximately 83 cents a day. There are no contracts and your monitoring is paid for on a month-to-month basis. You can cancel and restart your package at any time without hidden fees or penalties. In addition to all of the features you receive with the Standard monitoring packages, you will also receive the following that provides additional layers of protection.
Remote Connectivity
One of the primary benefits of the Interactive plan is that it allows you to have remote connectivity. You can arm or disarm your system from anywhere simply by accessing the downloadable app on your smartphone. In addition to being able to interact with your system from a distance, you will also receive real-time alerts through the app as well. This lets you know what is going on at your home at any time and from anywhere.
Secret Alerts
A “secret alert” is a private message or notification that is sent to your app by using the “alert only” setting. When a sensor is designated for a secret alert, it means the alert will only notify you, not trip the entire alarm system. This is ideal for medicine cabinets, liquor cabinets, or office areas of your home where you want to know who enters without having to disrupt your entire home security system. This is a great option if you have children or teenagers! It can also be beneficial if you are caring for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia.
Video Alarm Verification
Video alarm verification is a great option to have if there are times when C.O.P.S. professionals may not be able to reach you. This allows them to turn on your cameras to get a visual verification of whatever may be occurring in your home.
Unlimited Video Surveillance
With the Interactive package, you have access to your video cameras 24 hours a day, whenever you want to see what is going on in your home. You can watch streaming video from your smartphone, tablet, or other electronic devices.
Home Automation
The Interactive package offers at least partial home automation with the Original SimpliSafe equipment and full home automation with the New devices. This allows you to add smart locks and thermostats and gives you energy-saving capabilities as well. By being able to pair with platforms like Google or Alexa, you have almost complete control of all of the smart devices in your home simply by accessing your home security system or vice versa.
SimpliSafe Standard vs SimpliSafe Interactive
SimpliSafe Standard is a good choice for anyone who really only needs the basic service. It's affordable and the monitoring service is extremely reliable. No contracts are needed for month-to-month service.
If you are interested in top-of-the-line monitoring with all of the additional perks, the Interactive package will provide you with everything you need without having to deal with a contract.
Read our full review of SimpliSafe
