SimpliSafe and Ring are two of the most popular DIY home security systems on the market. Both systems offer a variety of features and benefits, but there are some key differences between the two.
In this article, we'll compare simplisafe vs ring on the basis of price, features, ease of use, customer support, and privacy. We'll also help you decide which system is right for you based on your individual needs and budget.
Price
SimpliSafe is slightly more expensive than Ring upfront. The basic SimpliSafe system starts at $259, while the basic Ring system starts at $199. However, SimpliSafe's monitoring fee is cheaper than Ring's. SimpliSafe's professional monitoring starts at $17.99 per month, while Ring's professional monitoring starts at $20 per month.
Features
Both SimpliSafe and Ring offer a variety of features, including:
- Entry sensors: These sensors detect when a door or window is opened.
- Motion sensors: These sensors detect movement in a room.
- Keypad: This allows you to arm and disarm your system.
- Siren: This sounds an alarm if your system is triggered.
- App: This allows you to control your system remotely from your smartphone or tablet.
In addition to these basic features, SimpliSafe and Ring also offer a variety of add-on features, such as:
- Cameras: SimpliSafe offers a variety of indoor and outdoor cameras, while Ring is best known for its video doorbells.
- Glass break detectors: These sensors detect the sound of breaking glass.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: These detectors alert you to smoke and carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Medical alert pendants: These pendants allow you to call for help in an emergency.
SimpliSafe also offers a unique feature called FreezeProtect. This feature allows you to arm your system while you're home, and it will still sound an alarm if a door or window is opened. This is a great feature for people who have pets or who frequently forget to arm their system when they leave the house.
Ease of use
Both SimpliSafe and Ring are easy to install and use. The systems come with clear instructions, and there are plenty of video tutorials available online if you need help.
SimpliSafe's system is particularly easy to use because it doesn't require any wiring. The sensors are battery-powered and communicate with the base station wirelessly. Ring's system also uses wireless sensors, but the base station needs to be plugged into an outlet.
Customer support
Both SimpliSafe and Ring offer good customer support. Both companies offer 24/7 customer service by phone and email. SimpliSafe also offers live chat support.
Privacy
SimpliSafe has a better privacy reputation than Ring. Ring is owned by Amazon, and there have been concerns about Amazon's use of Ring data. For example, in 2019, it was reported that Amazon was sharing Ring data with law enforcement without the consent of Ring customers.
SimpliSafe, on the other hand, is a privately owned company. SimpliSafe has stated that it will never share customer data with law enforcement without a warrant.
Which system is right for you?
If you're looking for the most affordable system, Ring is a good choice. However, if you're concerned about privacy or if you want a system with a wider range of features, SimpliSafe is a better option.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between simplisafe vs ring:
| Price | Upfront cost is slightly more expensive than Ring, but monthly monitoring fee is cheaper. | Upfront cost is slightly less expensive than SimpliSafe, but monthly monitoring fee is more expensive. |
| Features | Variety of features, including entry sensors, motion sensors, keypad, siren, app, cameras, glass break detectors, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, medical alert pendants, and FreezeProtect. | Variety of features, including entry sensors, motion sensors, keypad, siren, app, cameras, glass break detectors, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and medical alert pendants. |
| Ease of use | Easy to install and use, no wiring required. | Easy to install and use, but base station needs to be plugged into an outlet. |
| Customer support | Good customer support, 24/7 customer service by phone and email, live chat support. | Good customer support, 24/7 customer service by phone and email. |
| Privacy | Good privacy reputation, will never share customer data with law enforcement without a warrant. | Owned by Amazon, there have been concerns about Amazon's use of Ring data. |
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