SimpliSafe vs. Ring
A Home Security Buyer’s Guide
If you’re comparing SimpliSafe vs. Ring, you’re looking at two popular options for do-it-yourself home security.
Both companies offer security sensors, cameras, mobile apps and optional professional monitoring. Both can also be installed without committing to a traditional professionally installed security system.
But they approach home security somewhat differently.
SimpliSafe is primarily built around a home alarm system, with cameras and other devices added to that foundation. Ring has a broad camera and video doorbell ecosystem, along with its Ring Alarm products.
There is also another choice to consider: working with a professional security company such as Guardian Alarm to design, install and monitor a home security system.
This guide explains the differences so you can decide which approach makes the most sense for you.
SimpliSafe vs. Ring at a glance
Here’s a quick overview before we go deeper:
| Category | SimpliSafe | Ring |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Primarily DIY; professional setup available | Primarily DIY; professional installation available for some devices |
| Professional monitoring | Available | Available |
| Long-term monitoring contract required | No | No |
| Security sensors | Broad selection | Broad selection |
| Cameras and doorbells | More focused product lineup | Extensive product lineup |
| Environmental monitoring | Smoke/CO, water and temperature options | Smoke/CO and flood/freeze options |
| Smart-home integration | Alexa and Google Assistant support | Strong Alexa ecosystem and compatible Z-Wave devices |
| May appeal to | Buyers looking for a straightforward alarm-focused DIY system | Buyers looking for a straightforward alarm-focused DIY system |
How SimpliSafe Works
SimpliSafe is designed around a central Base Station connected to SimpliSafe security devices throughout the home.
Homeowners can build a system using equipment such as:
- Door and window sensors
- Motion sensors
- Glass-break sensors
- Panic buttons
- Indoor and outdoor cameras
- A video doorbell
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detection
- Water and temperature sensors
- A smart lock
Most sensors are wireless and designed for DIY installation. That makes it possible to start with a smaller system and add equipment later.
SimpliSafe can also operate without professional monitoring. Buyers who want monitoring can choose from several service levels, including options that incorporate video verification and live-agent intervention through compatible cameras. You can review the current SimpliSafe monitoring plans for the latest pricing and features.
SimpliSafe may therefore appeal to buyers whose priority is a traditional alarm system but who still want the flexibility of DIY equipment and optional monitoring.
How Ring Works
Ring began with video doorbells and has since expanded into a broader home security ecosystem.
Today, Ring offers a range of:
- Video doorbells
- Indoor cameras
- Outdoor cameras
- Spotlight and floodlight cameras
- Door and window sensors
- Motion sensors
- Environmental sensors
- Smart lighting
- Ring Alarm systems
Ring also integrates closely with Amazon Alexa. Certain Ring Alarm systems support compatible Z-Wave smart locks and other devices.
Ring Alarm Pro goes a step further by incorporating an eero Wi-Fi router into the alarm base station, giving homeowners another option for combining security and home connectivity.
Like SimpliSafe, Ring can be self-monitored or paired with professional monitoring without requiring a traditional multi-year monitoring agreement. Ring maintains a comparison of its current Ring Protect plans for buyers who want to compare available subscription features.
For households already using Ring cameras, Alexa or other Amazon smart-home products, keeping security within the same ecosystem may be convenient.
Comparing SimpliSafe and Ring
Security sensors
Both companies cover the primary components most homeowners expect from an alarm system.
That includes door and window sensors, motion detection and additional devices designed to detect potential intrusion.
SimpliSafe offers a cohesive selection of security and environmental devices within its own ecosystem.
Ring provides similar core security capabilities while also offering integrations with selected third-party devices.
For many homeowners, either platform can cover the primary entry points of a house.
Cameras and video doorbells
This is one of the more noticeable differences between the two systems.
Ring offers a larger camera catalog. Depending on the product, homeowners can choose among battery, wired, plug-in and solar options. Ring also offers cameras with integrated spotlights or floodlights.
Its video doorbell selection is similarly broad.
SimpliSafe offers a smaller camera lineup designed closely around its security system. Its cameras can also support alarm verification, and some monitoring plans allow trained agents to view qualifying events and intervene.
If cameras are a major part of your security setup, Ring provides more hardware choices.
If you primarily want cameras to complement an alarm system, SimpliSafe takes a more streamlined approach.
Professional monitoring
Both Ring and SimpliSafe offer professional monitoring.
With professional monitoring, an alarm signal can be sent to a monitoring center where trained personnel can take appropriate action based on the type of event and monitoring plan.
The companies package these services differently.
Ring combines professional alarm monitoring with features from its larger camera ecosystem under its higher-level plans.
SimpliSafe offers several monitoring tiers. Some include video verification, while higher-tier plans can include live outdoor video intervention using compatible equipment.
Because subscription pricing and plan features can change, homeowners should compare current plans based on the features they intend to use rather than monitoring price alone.
Smart-home compatibility
Ring has a broader smart-home ecosystem.
It integrates closely with Amazon Alexa and supports certain compatible Z-Wave devices, including smart locks. Ring Alarm Pro can also function as an eero Wi-Fi router.
SimpliSafe supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for selected commands and offers its own smart lock.
Neither platform is primarily designed as an open smart-home hub for every device or automation standard.
If home automation is especially important to you, review compatibility with the devices already in your home before choosing a system.
DIY installation
Both SimpliSafe and Ring are designed with DIY installation in mind.
Typical door, window and motion sensors can often be installed without running new wiring. Cameras and doorbells may require more work depending on the model and available power.
Professional installation services are available in some situations, but the basic customer experience for both brands remains largely self-directed.
That flexibility may appeal to renters and homeowners who prefer to choose and install their own equipment.
Should you choose SimpliSafe or Ring?
Instead of asking which company is “better,” it can be more helpful to ask which ecosystem better matches your priorities.
SimpliSafe may be worth considering if you:
- Want a security system centered primarily around intrusion detection
- Prefer a relatively streamlined equipment lineup
- Want environmental sensors within the same ecosystem
- Are interested in monitoring plans with video verification or live-agent intervention
- Want to install most of the system yourself
Ring may be worth considering if you:
- Plan to install several cameras or video doorbells
- Already use Amazon Alexa or other Ring products
- Want more choices for camera styles and power sources
- Want to integrate certain compatible smart locks or other Z-Wave devices
- Are interested in combining Ring Alarm with eero through Ring Alarm Pro
There is also a third question worth asking:
Do you actually want to design and install the security system yourself?
For some homeowners, the answer is no.
Another option: a professionally designed security system
DIY systems such as SimpliSafe and Ring put much of the decision-making in the homeowner’s hands.
You decide how many sensors you need. You determine where cameras should go. You install the equipment, configure the system and troubleshoot issues that may arise.
Some people prefer that level of control.
Others would rather have someone evaluate the property and recommend a system based on the home itself.
That is where a security provider such as Guardian Alarm offers a different approach.
How Guardian Alarm is different
Guardian Alarm is a professionally installed security provider serving communities in select markets across Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, West Virginia, Arkansas and Mississippi. You can check Guardian Alarm locations and service areas to see whether service is available near you.
Rather than selecting equipment and installing it yourself, homeowners can work with Guardian to design a security system around their property.
Depending on the system, Guardian can provide:
- Door and window protection
- Motion and glass-break detection
- Indoor and outdoor security cameras
- Video doorbells
- Smart locks
- Smoke and environmental monitoring
- Smart-home automation
- 24/7 professional alarm monitoring
Guardian technicians professionally install the equipment and help homeowners understand how to use the system.
That creates a different buying experience from a typical DIY system.
DIY security vs. professionally installed security
The choice ultimately comes down to how involved you want to be.
With a DIY platform, you have significant control over choosing and installing equipment. You can generally make changes on your own and avoid a traditional long-term monitoring agreement.
With Guardian, the emphasis is on professional system design, installation and ongoing service. Guardian offers commonly involve a multi-year monitoring agreement, so homeowners should review the specific equipment, monitoring price and agreement terms included in their proposal.
Neither model is inherently right for everyone.
A renter who wants a few sensors and a battery doorbell may prefer a DIY system.
A homeowner who wants cameras, intrusion detection and environmental protection throughout a larger property may prefer having a professional evaluate how those components should work together.
Questions to ask before choosing any home security system
Regardless of which provider you consider, start with your home rather than a particular brand. Ask:
What do I want to protect?
Consider doors, windows, garages and other potential entry points.
How important are cameras?
A home that needs one video doorbell has very different requirements from a property that needs multiple outdoor cameras.
Do I want professional monitoring?
If so, compare what happens when an alarm occurs and what services are included in the monitoring plan.
Do I want to install the system myself?
DIY installation provides more control over setup. Professional installation shifts much of the planning and installation responsibility to the provider.
What other risks do I want to monitor?
Smoke, carbon monoxide, water leaks and temperature changes can be considered alongside intrusion detection. Guardian, for example, offers home security sensors for intrusion and environmental risks.
How long do I expect to live in the home?
Renters and frequent movers may place more value on portable equipment. Long-term homeowners may place greater value on a system designed around the property.
The Bottom Line
SimpliSafe and Ring are two popular approaches to DIY home security, but their systems emphasize somewhat different things.
SimpliSafe takes a relatively alarm-focused approach with a streamlined ecosystem of security and environmental devices.
Ring combines its alarm system with a larger selection of cameras and video doorbells.
Guardian Alarm represents another approach.
Instead of asking homeowners to design and install the system themselves, Guardian can help evaluate the property, professionally install the equipment and provide ongoing monitoring and support.
The right choice depends less on which provider has the longest feature list and more on how you want your home security system to be designed, installed and supported.
Homeowners who prefer working with a security professional can contact Guardian Alarm for a home security quote and learn more about the options available for their property.
