When it comes to home security, there are a lot of options to choose from. Two of the most popular ones are SimpliSafe and Ring. Both have their pros and cons, but which one is the better option for your family? You can’t go wrong if you choose either one of these, but not all home security systems are created equally and some are just more suitable for the different needs of each family. We take a brief dive into both security systems to help you choose which one is right for you.
Home is where you should feel safe and secure. To make your home achieve that sense of security, you should have an efficient security system that keeps you protected 24/7. People often get confused about two of the most famous home security systems when comparing the SimpliSafe vs Ring Alarm.
SimpliSafe vs Ring Alarm
Home is where you should feel safe and secure. To make your home achieve that sense of security, you should have an efficient security system that keeps you protected 24/7. People often get confused about two of the most famous home security systems when comparing the SimpliSafe vs Ring Alarm. I take a look at the details of the SimpliSafe vs Ring Alarm across multiple criteria: the cameras, installation, customization, and the plan each offers.
Let’s Talk About Cameras
The number of different cameras with Ring systems is four. You can get an indoor, and indoor/outdoor, and then two different types of outdoor cameras. All cameras are high-definition, two for indoor and the rest for outdoor use. You can charge them with batteries or use solar energy. With Ring’s basic alarm packages (8-piece and 10-piece kits), you won’t get a camera. You’ll have to buy those extra. You can find them on Amazon for as low as $50 in some cases and depending on the current deals. Ring also has several different doorbell products I’d highly recommend as additions to their home security system. You can score one of these for as low as $64.99 on Amazon. Now, you might be a little worried about having to purchase extra equipment and having to install it, and sync it with the rest of the system. Rest assured, adding additional Ring equipment to your existing home security ecosystem is really easy. In fact, the Ring app basically does it all for you.
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On the other hand, SimpliSafe’s 10-piece wireless home security kit does come with one wireless outdoor camera and another wireless indoor security camera that is also in 1080p HD. It’s also worth mentioning that you can also buy a doorbell camera add-on from SimpliSafe. Their base model will run you for about $170.
So…which cameras are better? Honestly, they’re tit-for-tat when it comes to resolution and clarity. I’ve tested both out on the same wifi connection and although Ring’s cameras have about a half-second lag (which isn’t that bad), SimpliSafe’s camera lag is a little more than one second. Because of that camera lag, I’d give Ring a slight edge when it comes to cameras.
The Installation Process
In the case of Ring Alarm, it requires a simple-to-follow installation process. After getting the equipment and monitoring delivered to your doorstep, you can use adhesives to create the setup. If you do not want to self-install, many professional technicians can help you for a small, nominal fee. Moreover, the process includes downloading the Ring Home app. This app will let you control the system and will walk you through the installation process. I’m still amazed at how simple Ring makes it to install their products (from scratch or adding a new piece of hardware to the existing home security setup).
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While in the case of SimpliSafe, the installation process is pretty much the same. Although I really like the SimpliSafe mobile app, I don’t think it’s as intuitive or as easy to navigate as the Ring app. It’s still a solid app and will lead even the most novice tech users to a successful installation. However, I’d give Ring a slight edge in this department. SimpliSafe does pride itself on being the go-to platform for the best and easiest DIY home security alarm system, but in my experience in reviewing and testing out the technology of a handful of DIY home security systems…I’d give the slight edge again to Ring with this criteria.
Home Security Customization
A customizable home security system holds many opportunities for users to personalize the experience for themselves. I know some people who are okay with one outdoor camera and one indoor camera and a few sensors. On the other hand, I know some people who want 4 cameras for the outside, one doorbell camera, a couple of indoor cameras, and sensors for every door and window. When it comes to customization options for Ring and SimpliSafe, it’s a toss-up. You’re probably thinking, ‘PICK A SIDE!’, but it is indeed a toss-up. Adding extra equipment to either home security is a seamless process for both brands. I believe that is by (smart) design as well. Many first-timers with a DIY home security system don’t really know what they want (or what they will need) until they get their feet wet with the systems. I commend both companies for tackling this issue and making it really simple to create home security system customizations for their users.
But when it comes to customizations via home automation, Ring is just awesome. It’s one of the top-rated IFTTT-enabled home security systems on the market. IFTTT is essentially an automation tool that allows you to connect other devices and other services to work together. For example, you can program (rather easily too) your Ring doorbell camera to send you an alert and turn on your family room lights when someone approaches your property. Those types of customizations put Ring ahead of SimpliSafe.
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Monitoring Plans
When it comes to monitoring plans, there are things I like and don’t like about each brand. For starters, I love that I don’t have to get involved with long-term contracts. Some of your higher-end professional grade home security cameras do this and I’m just not a fan. The fact that I don’t have to sign up for contracts is great. Both SimpliSafe and Ring have relatively low-cost monitoring plans. One thing I do like about Simplisafe is their 60-day and 30-day trial offers. But what I don’t like about SimpliSafe is you have to subscribe to a monitoring plan to access certain features like remote monitoring and smart home integration. On the other hand, with Ring, their monitoring plans deliver the best value out of any DIY home security system. You can get in on one of their monitoring plans for as low as $3/month (and that plan comes with an extensive 60-day video history).
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SimpliSafe or Ring: Which DIY Home Security System Is Better?
So…which is better? SimpliSafe or Ring? In my opinion, both are extremely affordable home security options and smart ways to make your home a secure place. If you’re looking for an effective method to give your peace while your family sleeps or is away…either one of these is a solid option. Both have pros and cons, as mentioned above, regarding cameras, monitoring, installation, and customization. SimpliSafe has better options when you buy the bundle (you get a camera with some of their kits). I really wish Ring would throw in the camera to one of their kits, but buying an extra piece of equipment isn’t a deal-breaker for me. I don’t like that you have to buy a monitoring plan for smart home integration. Other than that…SimpliSafe is a solid DIY home security option.
But what one do I like the best? I love that Ring has a wide variety of equipment you can easily add on to your existing home security system. I also love Ring’s low-cost monitoring plans. I love Ring’s neighborhood function on the app which keeps me up to date on crime in my community. I love the seamless smart home integrations I can enable with Ring’s technology as well and because of these things (and a handful more), I’d highly recommend and personally use Ring as my pick for the best DIY home security system.
