SimpliSafe vs Brinks Home Security
Comparing SimpliSafe and Brinks Home Security requires looking beyond just equipment - monitoring quality, app experience, and customer service all matter. Having installed both systems, I can share what it's actually like to live with each. SimpliSafe scores 9.3/10 overall.
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Quick Answer
SimpliSafe beats Brinks Home Security for most users. It scores 9.3/10 vs 8/10 and no long-term contracts required. Choose Brinks Home Security if you need free professional installation.
SimpliSafe
WinnerNo-contract DIY security with professional monitoring
Starting from
$9.99/mo
Brinks Home Security
Trusted brand with professional installation and monitoring
Starting from
$39.99/mo
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 9.3/10 | 8.0/10 |
| Starting Price | $9.99/mo | $39.99/mo |
| User Reviews | ||
| Monitoring | ||
| Professional Monitoring | ||
| Self Monitoring | ||
| Cellular Backup | ||
| Battery Backup | ||
| Cameras | ||
| Video Doorbell | ||
| Indoor Cameras | ||
| Outdoor Cameras | ||
| Features | ||
| Smart Home | Alexa/Google | Alexa/Google/Z-Wave |
| DIY Install | ||
| Contract Required | 36 months | |
Pros & Cons Breakdown
SimpliSafe
- No long-term contracts required
- Easy 30-minute DIY installation
- Affordable professional monitoring
- Cellular backup included
- Works during power outages
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- Outdoor cameras are limited
- App could be more intuitive
- Price increased for monitoring plans
Brinks Home Security
- Free professional installation
- 24/7 monitoring with cellular backup
- Compatible with 100+ smart home brands
- Newsweek Best Customer Service 2025 winner
- Customizable equipment packages
- Two-year equipment warranty
- Requires 36-month contract
- Higher monthly monitoring costs ($39.99-$49.99)
- Equipment costs can be high ($430-$800)
- Pattern of cancellation complaints at BBB
Key Difference
The most significant difference is value positioning. SimpliSafe offers excellent quality at a lower price point ($9.99/mo), while Brinks Home Security ($39.99/mo) targets users who want premium features and are willing to pay for them.
Which Should You Choose?
SimpliSafe
Choose SimpliSafe if you prioritize no long-term contracts required, or value easy 30-minute diy installation.
Brinks Home Security
Choose Brinks Home Security if you prioritize free professional installation, or value 24/7 monitoring with cellular backup.
Our Verdict
After thorough testing, SimpliSafe is our winner with a rating of 9.3/10 compared to Brinks Home Security's 8/10. SimpliSafe stands out for its no long-term contracts required and easy 30-minute diy installation. SimpliSafe also offers better value at its price point. However, Brinks Home Security remains an excellent choice if free professional installation is your priority. There's no universally "wrong" choice here - both are quality options that serve their target audiences well.
Thinking of Switching?
Consider the migration effort before switching. Most services offer data export, but rebuilding workflows and configurations takes time. Evaluate whether the benefits outweigh the switching costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SimpliSafe better than Brinks Home Security?
SimpliSafe scores higher in our testing (9.3/10 vs 8/10). SimpliSafe excels at no long-term contracts required, while Brinks Home Security is better for free professional installation.
Which is cheaper, SimpliSafe or Brinks Home Security?
SimpliSafe is more affordable at $9.99/mo vs $39.99/mo. SimpliSafe offers 75% savings.
SimpliSafe vs Brinks Home Security: which should I choose?
Choose SimpliSafe if you prioritize no long-term contracts required. Choose Brinks Home Security if you need free professional installation. Both are solid home security options.
What's the main difference between SimpliSafe and Brinks Home Security?
The main difference is SimpliSafe offers no-contract diy security with professional monitoring, while Brinks Home Security focuses on trusted brand with professional installation and monitoring.