Is the SimpliSafe The Essentials worth it?
The SimpliSafe The Essentials is recommended with a 8.2/10 consensus score. Experts highlight lowest monitored 5-year cost at $1,278 and no contract — cancel professional monitoring anytime. Best for: First-time security system buyers, Contract-averse homeowners, Insurance discount seekers.
Affiliate link — we earn a commission at no extra cost to you
SimpliSafe The Essentials
Security
Expert consensus
How we scoreKey Features
- ✓ No contract monitoring
- ✓ Peel-and-stick install
- ✓ Insurance discount eligible
- ✓ $17.99/month monitoring
Best For
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SimpliSafe The Essentials worth it?
The SimpliSafe The Essentials earns a 8.2/10 consensus score and is rated "Recommended". At $199, it is best for First-time security system buyers. It ranks among the top picks in its category.
How much does the SimpliSafe The Essentials cost?
The SimpliSafe The Essentials is priced at $199. With a 8.2/10 score and a "Recommended" rating, that price represents fair value relative to the ~7.5/10 average for Security products. Prices shift often, so check the live figure before buying.
Who is the SimpliSafe The Essentials best for?
The SimpliSafe The Essentials is best for First-time security system buyers, Contract-averse homeowners, Insurance discount seekers. Experts rate it "Recommended" with a 8.2/10 consensus.
How does the SimpliSafe The Essentials compare to other Security options?
Among the Security products we have aggregated, the SimpliSafe The Essentials ranks above average with a 8.2/10 score. See our full category comparison for head-to-head details.
What smart home systems does the SimpliSafe The Essentials work with?
The SimpliSafe The Essentials works with major smart home platforms. Check the compatibility notes above for any hub dependencies or setup requirements before you buy.
What are the best alternatives to the SimpliSafe The Essentials?
If the SimpliSafe The Essentials ($199, 8.2/10) is not the right fit, the closest alternatives in Security are Ring Alarm Pro, Abode Iota All-in-One Kit, ADT Self Setup. Compare them on price, ecosystem support, and expert consensus to find your match.
What are the pros and cons of the SimpliSafe The Essentials?
The main strengths of the SimpliSafe The Essentials are lowest monitored 5-year cost at $1,278 and no contract — cancel professional monitoring anytime. The most-cited downside is closed ecosystem — limited third-party device support. Overall, experts rate it "Recommended" with a 8.2/10 consensus score.
Decided on the SimpliSafe The Essentials?
Affiliate link — we earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Featured in these buying guides
See how the SimpliSafe The Essentials ranks against the full field in our Security buying guides.
Sources & Methodology
Consensus score based on available data. See how we build consensus scores.
Affiliate disclosure: SmartHomeExplorer.com participates in the Amazon Associates program. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.This is a consensus review — we did not test this product ourselves. Always verify current prices and availability before purchasing.
Independence notice: Smart Home Explorer is an independent publication. SimpliSafe and other product names, logos, and brands referenced on this page are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. This review is not sponsored by, affiliated with, or endorsed by SimpliSafe or any other manufacturer named in this article.