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SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera Review

SimpliSafe’s outdoor camera stays true to the brand’s easy, DIY approach to security

SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera Image
SecureScore™: 8.0 / 10 This rating is derived from our editorial team's research, hands-on product testing, and customer surveys.
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8.0 SecureScore™
Customer Service
9.0
Value
7.8
Equipment
6.7
Features & Technology
7.5
Ease Of Use
9.0
SecureScore™
8.0

Editor’s Note: If you’re interested in outdoor cameras, we recommend checking out ADT’s security system setups. They landed at the top of our outdoor security systems list for having the best automation.

SimpliSafe is one of our favorite home security companies. One of the reasons why is because their equipment is both well-designed and durable. That includes the company’s outdoor cameras.

If we’re talking basic specs, these cameras have everything you need in an outdoor camera—1080p HD resolution, full-color night vision, 10x zoom, two-way audio, and a battery that can last up to six months between charges.

These cameras are most powerful when connected to a full SimpliSafe home security system. SimpliSafe’s new Active Guard Outdoor Protection monitoring feature means a professional monitor has eyes on your property any time there’s activity. They can use the cameras’ two-talk to ward off intruders or send video of what’s happening to local authorities. Night monitoring is just $1.66 a day, or you can get 24/7 protection for $2.66 a day.

Looking for a security camera on a budget? Simplisafe’s outdoor cameras are some of the most affordable on the market, but you also have the option to self-monitor if you want. We encourage homeowners to invest in professional monitoring, but the DIY route does mean no monthly payments.

That’s not to say these cameras are perfect. They have weaknesses like every other home security product out there. We’ll talk about those too. Ultimately, though, we like SimpliSafe cameras enough to put them on our list of our favorite outdoor security cameras.

SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera on Garage

SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera on Garage

Pro Tip: The SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera’s biggest drawback? Its limited features. Enjoy the power of AI detection with SimpliSafe’s rival, Google Nest Cam. See our Google Nest Cam review for more details (we loved the Familiar Face Alerts in particular).

PROS
  • Easy DIY installation
  • Smartphone controls
  • High-resolution video (1080p)
  • Motion-activated spotlight
  • 8x digital zoom
  • 140-degree viewing angle
  • Smart motion detection
  • 60-day, money-back guarantee
  • Three-year warranty
  • Cloud video storage available

CONS
  • Wi-Fi fluctuations can cause slow wake times
  • Limited features
  • Camera only works with SimpliSafe equipment
  • Battery needs more frequent recharging
  • No local video storage

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First Impressions

If you’re already using other SimpliSafe devices to protect your property from unwanted intruders, or you’re leaning towards installing a SimpliSafe system, this outdoor camera can make for a great addition. SimpliSafe offers several pre-built packages to choose from, or you can customize your own. An outdoor camera is only going to increase the number of ways you can keep an eye on your property.

Here’s the thing, though. If you’re just looking to install a single camera to keep an eye on the backyard, we might suggest you look elsewhere. While this is a good basic outdoor camera, it doesn’t have enough features to justify a stand-alone purchase.

SimpliSafe Essentials Kit

SimpliSafe Essentials Kit

Pro Tip: Right now SimpliSafe is offering 50 percent off any new system when you sign up. They’ll also throw in a free month of their Core (formerly Fast Protect) monitoring and one of their Wired Indoor Cameras. That way you can monitor your interior as well as your exterior.

As it turns out, you can’t buy a single Outdoor Camera from SimpliSafe. To buy a camera, you have to purchase a base station and a keypad. The good news is that once you’ve done that, you can use the SimpliSafe app to check on live feeds anytime. You’ll also get real-time motion-triggered alerts so you can pull up footage and make sure nothing is amiss when your camera picks up activity. If you purchase a cloud storage plan, you can even record footage for later playback. All said and done, buying a camera will set you back $399.97 – $199.99 for the camera, plus $199.98 for the additional equipment.

Pro Tip: If you’re accustomed to using the cloud for storage, you should find a lot to like in a SimpliSafe alarm system. Read our in-depth SimpliSafe review for more on that.

Installing the Camera

SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera in Box

SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera in Box

Just like the SimpliCam, which we also reviewed, the new SimpliSafe outdoor camera is easy to install. The entire setup took no more than 40 minutes.

It’s a good idea with any battery-operated camera to check the battery first to see if it needs charging. It’s a step I missed when I reviewed the Ring Spotlight Battery, and it led to frustration when I got ready to check the feed. This time, I made sure to dig out the battery from the SimpliSafe Outdoor camera box and charge it in the house before beginning installation.

I plugged it in when the box arrived, then went out to run several errands, and by the time I was back, two hours later, everything was ready to go. That’s a standard charge time in the industry. The battery-operated Reolink Argus 2 camera, for example, takes about the same amount of time to charge.

SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera Inside

SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera Inside

The SimpliSafe Outdoor comes with a magnetic mounting bracket. I’ve become a big fan of this approach to mounting. I first came across it when I was testing out Google Nest cameras. Geeni uses it as well, as you’ll discover if you read my full Geeni review. The SimpliSafe version features a tight connection so you don’t have to worry about it slipping over time. Once you’ve attached the wall bracket, this camera is super easy to adjust. A nudge one way or the other, and you’ve got the exact view you need.

The mounting bracket itself is easy enough to install and can go virtually anywhere. A couple of screws and you’re done. Since I’m accustomed to DIY cameras, this step was no sweat. But if you’re new to home security, check out my thorough security camera installation guide for more tips.

FYI: If you don’t want to hassle with setting up the camera yourself or have physical limitations preventing you from doing so, SimpliSafe offers Pro Setup Help as an add-on service. Starting at $125, a SimpliSafe-approved technician will come to your home and set up the equipment for you.

First, I took the bracket apart, then proceeded to drill those two (very) small screws into the wall adjacent to my home’s garage door using the bottom of the bracket as my guide.

SimpliSafe Garage Door Bracket

SimpliSafe Garage Door Bracket

From there, I sealed up the mounting bracket and popped the camera body into place.

Installing SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera to Wall

Installing SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera to Wall

The tricky part of installing this camera, as with any security camera, is deciding where to place it. Location matters. A lot. This camera can sometimes perform poorly if it’s placed too far away from the required base station or Wi-Fi router. In fact, six to eight feet is usually the maximum distance;3 any farther away, and you can experience delays in loading the camera’s live stream or preparing motion-activated clips. The thing is, you’ll find this limitation with most of the top wireless security cameras. Installation can involve some trial and error, but this shouldn’t add much time to the total installation.

FYI: Get lots more tips on installing SimpliSafe equipment in our complete SimpliSafe installation guide.

SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera Placement

SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera Placement

There is a second consideration when it comes to placement, though. One of the downsides to a magnetic mount camera is that it’s easy for the bad guys to grab it and go. From a practical perspective, this means you’re better off placing cameras in hard-to-reach locations.

Finding a place that is accessible to Wi-Fi but inaccessible to home invaders can be challenging. You can find some great tips, though, in our guide to security camera placement.

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SimpliSafe Outdoor: The Full Experience

As I said previously, this camera works with a SimpliSafe alarm system and won’t record as a standalone camera. So provided you have the SimpliSafe equipment, the camera should be as easy to use as any other wireless camera, from the multi-functional Canary cameras I reviewed to the practical Lorex cameras I tested soon after.

FYI: You never know what your security cameras are going to pick up. Passing cars in the afternoon? A raccoon strolling through your backyard in the early morning hours? How about a dog-food eating burglar who sued his victims for mental anguish? It’s a strange world out there. Keep an eye on it.

SimpliSafe does a great job of making the technology in its devices straightforward and easy to use. I took a few minutes, right at the start, to navigate the app a bit and make sure I knew where the most important browsing settings were located. A couple of clicks later, and I was getting motion-triggered notifications. The camera’s live view showed up in the same spot where I was adding the camera – nice, intuitive design. I had the option to explore my video timeline, record an event, or transfer stored clips to my smartphone or computer. That’s perfect when you need to show those clips to someone else, like, say, the police.

SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera App

SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera App

What did that live view look like, you might be asking? See for yourself:

SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera View

SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera View

Video Quality

On a beautiful early fall day in Central Ohio, the picture quality I got from the SimpliSafe outdoor camera is just about the best you can hope for in a security camera: clear and colorful, thanks to the camera’s 1080p resolution. That’s still the industry standard, and for good reason. It means the camera can capture finer details like facial features – details that could mean everything in the event of a break-in.

Of course, these days you can find 2K and 4K cameras on the market, which offer even sharper details. For what it’s worth, 1080p is a big step up for SimpliSafe. When it first came out, the SimpliCam maxed out at 720p resolution, which was a bit fuzzy. I’m pleased to see SimpliSafe meets industry standards with its newest products. No complaints in terms of video quality anymore.

FYI: Looking for a new doorbell camera? Check out our full SimpliSafe video doorbell review.

Night Vision

When the sun set, things got even more interesting. For one, the camera, according to SimpliSafe, can record in full color at night with a range of up to 10 feet, thanks to a motion-activated spotlight. Now, this wasn’t an earth-shattering discovery, as I’ve tested a number of spotlight cameras and found them to be immensely useful. But I was still impressed with the way this camera handles night vision, for the simple fact that I was able to control when and how I used that spotlight.

If I wanted potential intruders to see the light pop on (that’s usually when they run away), I could set the spotlight to trigger as soon as motion is detected. Or, I could keep the spotlight off for a more discrete approach and rely on infrared (in this case, black and white) night vision. It’s all right there in the app, under the camera’s settings, as seen in this screenshot:

SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera Settings

SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera Settings

During my tests, the camera didn’t miss any motion, but because it’s an outdoor camera Wi-Fi connections can be finicky, it did struggle at times to record in color at night.

Most of the time, what I got were slightly grainy but overall decent motion clips. Would they be usable to the police if the camera happened to capture an intruder or another crime in progress? For the most part, yes. But again, wireless cameras do have their limits at night.

Now, let’s explore more notable features of this camera.

Motion Detection

In a fairly recent development, SimpliSafe’s motion detection can now decipher between people and other types of motion. So if it’s human intruders you’re worried about, turn on people mode so you’ll be notified only when a person enters the frame.

SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera Motion Detection

SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera Motion Detection

For intrusions of the animal variety, turn on all-motion detection to track critters in your flower beds. It’s not anything the average wireless camera can’t do these days (see our analysis of Arlo’s wireless cameras for a slightly glossier experience), but if you’re a SimpliSafe loyalist, I think you’ll appreciate this simple but important feature. It makes a huge difference in cutting down on false alerts.

Two-Way Talk

The camera has a built-in microphone that lets you hear what’s happening around your home, even while you’re away, and talk to relatives or even suspicious lurkers within the camera’s view. This is a standard feature in security cameras, and for good reason: it can actually scare people away.

The audio handled as well as many others in the market, like the affordable Wyze Cam I tested recently. It fell just a bit short of expectations in audio clarity, but it definitely accomplished the task.

What makes SimpliSafe’s two-way talk unique is how it integrates into the new Pro and Pro Plus plans. These plans expand the active guard protection that previously only worked with the Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Camera. That means when it detects an intruder, SimpliSafe’s monitoring agents can use the camera’s two-way audio to interact with the intruder in an attempt to get them to back off.

This feature is special with the SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera. With the indoor version, monitoring agents can only talk to people if your system sounds an alarm. But with the outdoor camera’s built-in AI capabilities, it notifies monitoring agents of potential threats giving you more proactive protection. This only occurs when your system is armed, so you can still enjoy complete privacy whenever your system is disarmed.

Smart Home Integrations

By itself, the SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera doesn’t integrate with any smart home platforms or third-party devices. Since the camera requires a SimpliSafe system to work properly, the only way to sync it up with existing smart home devices and platforms in your home is through SimpliSafe’s smart hub (aka base station). From there, you can set SimpliSafe to pull up your camera’s live stream if the alarm is triggered (and automatically sound the siren).

All in all, SimpliSafe automates well with Alexa-enabled platforms like the Echo Show and Fire TV, but it was a little less intuitive than when I reviewed Blink’s security cameras. SimpliSafe users still have plenty of options to automate with other components, like smart lighting, smart locks, and smoke detectors. For example, you can tell Alexa you’re going out, and Alexa will set the system to Away mode, so it’ll be armed and ready for any suspicious or hazardous activity.

One final note about home automation: You’ll need an Interactive plan to enjoy any home automation feature. Otherwise, SimpliSafe is just a security system. A pretty good one, sure, but one without smart home integrations.

Limited Lifetime Warranty

Many competitors in this market offer one-year warranties by default, with options to extend – and that typically costs extra. With SimpliSafe, the default is one year as well, but you can get a limited lifetime warranty by signing up for Core Monitoring or above before your warranty expires. If you only sign up for Standard Monitoring, you’ll still get an extended warranty, but only for three years. It’s a nice touch, and another reason I’ve been recommending SimpliSafe as one of the best security systems out there.

On top of that, you’ll get a no-questions-asked, 60-day money-back guarantee. During that period, you can return your system and get your money back. It’s essentially a risk-free buy.

SimpliSafe Camera Costs

Side of SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera

Side of SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera

For $199.99, the SimpliSafe outdoor camera is priced fairly, in my view. Some might find it a bit steep, since it only works with a SimpliSafe system and lacks any direct smart platform integrations. Also, as I noted above, the original Indoor camera costs only $99 and the new Wireless Indoor Camera costs just $149.99. SimpliSafe frequently includes one or the other for free in pre-made packages.

We should say that where the outdoor camera is concerned, it’s pretty obvious that it was simply meant to fill a void in SimpliSafe’s product line. Users had long been clamouring for an outdoor model. Compared to $100+ outdoor cameras we’ve reviewed previously, though–like the Reolink Argus 3 camera and its successor, Argus 3 Pro–this one didn’t knock our socks off, but we also understand its primary function: as a component to SimpliSafe’s larger system, rather than a standalone camera.

Pro Tip: Learn more about the hottest SimpliSafe sales and deals throughout the year in our full SimpliSafe discount guide.

It’s a decent camera at a mid-range price. The price, however, appears to reflect the flexibility this camera provides, so I don’t think $199.99 is an unreasonable price for an add-on camera. If you think otherwise, the $80 Night Owl camera might be worth looking at; their cameras tested well and presented a functional alternative.

One final note about pricing — keep an eye out for deals. SimpliSafe offers them throughout the year. For example, SimpliSafe currently offers 50 percent off any new system with a free indoor camera if you sign up for a free month of Core monitoring or any other monitoring plan. It pays to do your homework.

Keep reading for a brief snapshot comparing SimpliSafe’s cameras.

SimpliSafe Cameras: Cost Breakdown

SimpliSafe Product Product Type Price
SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro
  • Doorbell Camera
  • 1080p resolution
  • Wired Installation
$169
SimpliCam
  • Indoor Security Camera
  • 720p resolution
  • Plug-in
$99 (free with some kits)
SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera
  • Outdoor Security Camera
  • 1080p resolution
  • Battery-powered
$199.99
SimpliSafe Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Camera
  • Allows for professional monitoring and response
  • 1080p resolution
  • Battery-powered
$149.99

SimpliSafe Packages: Cost and Features

Interested in what a full SimpliSafe security kit might cost you? Here’s the latest pricing on the brand’s selection of packages.

Pro Tip: SimpliSafe is always running sales on these systems — particularly around the holidays. This past year, systems were a whopping 60 percent off. And even now each one of these packages is 20 percent off. Missed the bigger sale? Don’t worry, as the next one will be coming up soon. Just keep an eye out on our SimpliSafe deals and sales guide for the most up-to-date information.

SimpliSafe Package Pricing

SimpliSafe Package Components Price Sale Price
The Foundation Base station, keypad, entry sensor, motion sensor $249.96 $124.96
The Starter Base station, keypad, three entry sensors, motion sensor $279.94 $139.94
The Hearth Base station, keypad, key fob, three entry sensors, motion sensor, auxiliary siren, smoke detector $409.91 $204.91
The Knox Base station, keypad, key fob, six entry sensors, two motion sensors, auxiliary siren, smoke detector $489.87 $244.87
The Haven Base station, keypad, key fob, four entry sensors, two motion sensors, auxiliary siren, panic button, freeze sensor, smoke detector, water sensor $529.86 $264.86
The Lighthouse Base station, keypad, 3 entry sensors, 1 motion sensor, 1 wireless outdoor security camera, $479.93 $239.93
The Beacon Base station, keypad, 4 entry sensors, 2 motion sensors, 2 wireless outdoor security cameras $729.90 $364.90

SimpliSafe Individual Equipment Costs

In addition to their affordable kits and cameras, SimpliSafe sells their own equipment and add-ons individually, ranging from motion and entry sensors to video doorbells and smart locks. Here are their offerings and what you can expect to pay:

SimpliSafe Offerings

SimpliSafe Equipment Equipment Type Cost
Base Station Control $129.99
Keypad Control $69.99
Entry Sensor Sensor $14.99
Motion Sensor Sensor $34.99
Glass break Sensor Sensor $39.99
Panic Button Remote $19.99
Smoke Detector Sensor $44.99
Smoke/ Carbon Monoxide Sensor Sensor $69.99
Temperature Sensor Sensor $29.99
Water Sensor Sensor $19.99
Key Fob Remote $24.99
105 dB Siren Control $59.99
Yard sign Display $3.99

SimpliSafe Subscription and Monitoring Plans

Part of SimpliSafe’s value lies in its flexible monthly plans. There are no contracts required with SimpliSafe, so you can subscribe to a monthly plan with the option to cancel at any time.

Since neither of SimpliSafe’s cameras allow for local (micro-SD card) storage, the cloud is the only option for storing video. SimpliSafe only has one plan for cloud storage. It costs $9.99 per month and gives unlimited storage for 30 days of recordings with up to 10 cameras. This also gives you full access to the app’s capabilities, remote control of your system, and all of SimpliSafe’s other self-monitoring features. That’s fair compared to other companies in the industry like Ring, which charges $10 a month. Although, their plan supports unlimited cameras.

If you want to connect your system to the authorities for live monitoring, the brand makes it easy to add that on. You’ll need to choose between four SimpliSafe monitoring plans, listed as follows:

Monitoring Costs and Options

Plan Features Monthly Cost
Standard
  • Unlimited 24/7 camera recording
  • Motion alerts
  • Remote arm and disarm
  • 1-year warranty
  • No contract required
$21.99
Core (formerly Fast Protect)
  • 24/7 live monitoring
  • Fast response time
  • Unlimited video recording
  • Video verification
  • 24/7 Active guard protection for the Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Camera
  • 24/7 monitoring for water, fire, and dangerous temperature detection
  • Advanced remote alerts (SMS, email, etc.)
  • Remote arm and disarm
  • Extended warranty available
  • No contract required
$31.99
Pro
  • 24/7 live monitoring
  • Fast response time
  • Unlimited video recording
  • Video verification
  • 24/7 active guard protection for the Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Camera
  • Overnight (8 PM to 6 AM, local time) active guard protection for the outdoor camera
  • 24/7 monitoring for water, fire, and dangerous temperature detection
  • Advanced remote alerts (SMS, email, etc.)
  • Remote arm and disarm
  • Extended warranty available
  • No contract required
$49.99
Pro Plus
  • 24/7 live monitoring
  • Fast response time
  • Unlimited video recording
  • Video verification
  • 24/7 active guard protection for the Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Camera
  • 24/7 active guard protection for the outdoor camera
  • 24/7 monitoring for water, fire, and dangerous temperature detection
  • Advanced remote alerts (SMS, email, etc.)
  • Remote arm and disarm
  • Extended warranty available
  • No contract required
$79.99

Did You Know? SimpliSafe just released the Pro and Pro Plus plans, but they’re only for existing customers. Don’t worry if you’re a new customer though! You can upgrade to either plan as soon as you activate your new SimpliSafe system. Both plans give you access to the new active guard protection feature for the outdoor camera.

Final Thoughts on SimpliSafe Outdoor

SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera, installed, evening

SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera, installed, evening

SimpliSafe started out as a favorite of college students and renters, but it didn’t take long for the brand to become universally beloved by homeowners, businesses, apartment dwellers, retirees, and home security enthusiasts in general.

The addition of an outdoor camera to SimpliSafe’s arsenal only makes it a more well-rounded security solution. Did the camera knock my socks off? Not really. But part of that is because there are plenty of other top security brands that can do the same thing at the same or lower price, and still be on par with this camera in terms of performance.

But those other brands don’t rely on a complete home security system to keep them running, either. With a trusted brand like SimpliSafe, you can’t really go wrong with the new outdoor camera.

If you already have a SimpliSafe system installed — or you’re considering buying one — then this outdoor camera will protect your home with the best of them.

FAQs

  • Does SimpliSafe have outdoor cameras?

    Yes. SimpliSafe’s new Wireless Outdoor Security Camera offers a 140-degree field of view, wire-free installation, and resolution of up to 1080p HD.

  • Do SimpliSafe cameras have two-way audio?

    Yes. Two-way audio works on all cameras in the SimpliSafe system. To speak, hold down the microphone button while viewing the livestream. To listen, release the microphone button to hear audio from the camera. You will not be able to hear the audio while holding down the microphone button.

  • How many cameras can I use with SimpliSafe?

    If you have a SimpliSafe security system with Core Monitoring for $31.99 per month or any of the more expensive plans, you can add up to 10 cameras to your cloud storage. The same goes for SimpliSafe’s $9.99 per month self-monitoring plan.

  • How is the video quality on a SimpliSafe camera?

    The new SimpliSafe outdoor camera records at up to 1080p resolution, the industry standard for HD video. The other SimpliSafe cameras, namely, the SimpliCam and the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell, also have a 1080p resolution.

  • What is SimpliSafe’s warranty?

    SimpliSafe offers a one-year warranty that you can extend to three years with a Standard Monitoring plan or a lifetime warranty with a Core, Pro, or Pro Plus Monitoring plan. You’ll need to sign up for one of the monitoring plans before your warranty expires and if you let your monitoring lapse while under the extended warranty, your warranty will expire as well.

Citations
SafeHome.org only uses high-quality sources to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. PR Newswire. (2017, Jun 21). Introducing SimpliCam — SimpliSafe's $99 Smart Security Camera.
    https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/introducing-simplicam–simplisafes-99-smart-security-camera-300477770.html

  2. PR Newswire. (2021, Aug 31). SimpliSafe Broadens Whole Home Protection with Launch of Outdoor Camera.
    https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/simplisafe-broadens-whole-home-protection-with-launch-of-outdoor-camera-301366058.html

  3. Lorex. (2021). How to Install Security Cameras.
    https://www.lorextechnology.com/articles/extending-wireless-camera-range/R-sc16000061

Written By
Jaime Fraze
Security Camera Expert

Jaime Fraze has 16 years of writing and editing experience, with seven years spent writing about emerging technologies. As our home security camera expert, she has hand-tested and reviewed every major security camera brand and has written more than 300 articles on the topic. Previously, Jaime has contributed to award-winning media outlets such as the Rocky Mount Telegram and the Daytona Beach News-Journal. As a homeowner and mother of two, Jaime is constantly looking for ways to keep her home and family safe. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English/Journalism from the University of Delaware.