WI
“SimpliSafe is the best choice for those who want professional monitoring without a long-term contract”
The SimpliSafe The Essentials ($199) is recommended with a 8.2/10 consensus score across 10 expert reviews. Experts highlight lowest monitored 5-year cost at $1,278 and no contract — cancel professional monitoring anytime. Wirecutter says: "SimpliSafe is the best choice for those who want professional monitoring without..." Best for: First-time security system buyers, Contract-averse homeowners, Insurance discount seekers.
Recommended10 Expert Reviews
SimpliSafe The Essentials
Security
SHE ScoreAbove Average
SmartHomeExplorer proprietary rating
6.1/10
10 expert sources
Compatibility Breadth5/10
Setup Ease5.6/10
Reliability6.5/10
Value Rating8.2/10
Future-Proofing5/10
The SimpliSafe The Essentials earns a SHE Score of 6.1/10, driven by strong value (8.2/10) with room to improve in future-proofing (5/10). Based on 10 expert sources and SmartHomeExplorer compatibility analysis.
How we calculate the SHE Score →Expert Consensus: 8.2/10 across 10 sources
Last verified:“SimpliSafe is the best choice for those who want professional monitoring without a long-term contract”
Key Features
- ✓ No contract monitoring
- ✓ Peel-and-stick install
- ✓ Insurance discount eligible
- ✓ $17.99/month monitoring
Best For
First-time security system buyersContract-averse homeownersInsurance discount seekers
What Experts Agree On
What Experts Love
- ✓ Lowest monitored 5-year cost at $1,278
- ✓ No contract — cancel professional monitoring anytime
- ✓ Peel-and-stick sensors with 20-minute setup
- ✓ Qualifies for homeowner insurance discounts of 5-20%
Common Criticisms
- ✗ Closed ecosystem — limited third-party device support
- ✗ No HomeKit support
- ✗ Camera quality lags behind Ring and Arlo
- ✗ Monthly monitoring fee required for mobile alerts
What The Experts Say
PC
“The Essentials kit is the ideal entry point — everything you need at the lowest monitored cost”
Ready to buy the SimpliSafe The Essentials?
Check Price on Amazon$199 · 10 expert sources · 8.2/10 consensus
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SimpliSafe The Essentials worth it?
SimpliSafe The Essentials earns a 8.2/10 consensus score across our 12 expert sources. It is rated "Recommended" — First-time security system buyers. At $199, SimpliSafe is the best choice for those who want professional monitoring without a long-term contract
Who is the SimpliSafe The Essentials best for?
SimpliSafe The Essentials is best for: First-time security system buyers, Contract-averse homeowners, Insurance discount seekers. Experts rate it "Recommended" overall.
How does the SimpliSafe The Essentials compare to other Security options?
Among the Security products we have reviewed, SimpliSafe The Essentials ranks above average with a 8.2/10 score. The Essentials kit is the ideal entry point — everything you need at the lowest monitored cost
What smart home systems does the SimpliSafe The Essentials work with?
SimpliSafe The Essentials works with major smart home platforms. Check our compatibility notes on the product page for any setup requirements or hub dependencies.
What are the pros and cons of the SimpliSafe The Essentials?
The main pros of the SimpliSafe The Essentials are lowest monitored 5-year cost at $1,278 and no contract — cancel professional monitoring anytime. The main downside is closed ecosystem — limited third-party device support. Overall, experts rate it "Recommended" with a 8.2/10 consensus score.
Affiliate disclosure: SmartHomeExplorer.com participates in the Amazon Associates program. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This consensus review is based on 10 independent expert reviews — we did not test this product ourselves. Always verify current prices and availability before purchasing.