SimpliSafe vs Ring Alarm
SimpliSafe vs Ring Alarm is the most common DIY home security comparison. Both are self-installed, both offer professional monitoring, and both integrate with smart home systems. The differences are subtle but meaningful.
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Quick Answer
SimpliSafe beats Ring Alarm for most users. It scores 9.3/10 vs 8.7/10 and no long-term contracts required. Choose Ring Alarm if you need excellent video doorbell and cameras.
SimpliSafe
WinnerNo-contract DIY security with professional monitoring
Starting from
$9.99/mo
Ring Alarm
Amazon-integrated security with excellent cameras
Starting from
$4.99/mo
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 9.3/10 | 8.7/10 |
| Starting Price | $9.99/mo | $4.99/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 |
| DIY Install | ||
| Contract Required | ||
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
Ring Alarm
- Excellent video doorbell and cameras
- Deep Alexa and Amazon integration
- Affordable equipment and monitoring
- Easy DIY installation
- Neighborhood community alerts
- No contracts required
- Privacy concerns with police partnerships
- Subscription required for video storage
- Limited third-party integrations
Key Difference
SimpliSafe is independent; Ring is Amazon ecosystem. SimpliSafe has no contracts; Ring's monitoring is also flexible. SimpliSafe works standalone; Ring works best with other Ring products. Ecosystem lock-in is the difference.
Which Should You Choose?
SimpliSafe
Choose SimpliSafe if you want no-contract professional monitoring, prefer a standalone security system, don't use Ring cameras already, or want flexibility to cancel anytime.
Ring Alarm
Choose Ring Alarm if you already have Ring cameras or doorbells, want Amazon Alexa integration, prefer the Ring app experience, or want unified camera and alarm monitoring.
Our Verdict
SimpliSafe wins on flexibility with no-contract monitoring and standalone functionality. Ring Alarm wins on smart home integration if you're already in the Amazon/Ring ecosystem. Your existing smart home determines the better fit.
Thinking of Switching?
Both are DIY, so switching means purchasing new equipment. Consider your existing smart home investments. If you have Ring cameras, Ring Alarm makes sense; if not, evaluate both fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SimpliSafe better than Ring Alarm?
SimpliSafe scores higher in our testing (9.3/10 vs 8.7/10). SimpliSafe excels at no long-term contracts required, while Ring Alarm is better for excellent video doorbell and cameras.
Which is cheaper, SimpliSafe or Ring Alarm?
Ring Alarm is more affordable at $4.99/mo vs $9.99/mo. Ring Alarm offers 50% savings.
SimpliSafe vs Ring Alarm: which should I choose?
Choose SimpliSafe if you prioritize no long-term contracts required. Choose Ring Alarm if you need excellent video doorbell and cameras. Both are solid home security options.
What's the main difference between SimpliSafe and Ring Alarm?
The main difference is SimpliSafe offers no-contract diy security with professional monitoring, while Ring Alarm focuses on amazon-integrated security with excellent cameras.