SimpliSafe 8 Piece Wireless Home Security System: A Comprehensive Look at Whole-Home Protection
Home security can feel like a complicated decision, with many systems requiring professional installation, long-term contracts, or expensive equipment. SimpliSafe takes a different approach with its 8 Piece Wireless Home Security System, which is designed to offer a complete, customizable security setup that you can install yourself. This review explores what this bundle includes, how it works, and who might benefit most from this type of system.
Design & Build Quality
The 8-piece system is built around a central Base Station, which serves as the hub for all communication. The Base Station includes a backup battery that is stated to last up to 24 hours, a loud 100 dB siren, and a built-in network backup. This network backup is designed to maintain service during a power outage, though it requires an active professional monitoring plan to function. The idea is that even if your home loses power, your security system can remain operational and connected.
The included Keypad is described as “smash-safe,” meaning it is designed to resist tampering. It features a soft-touch surface and backlit buttons that illuminate when needed and go dark when not in use. This makes it easy to use in low-light conditions. Since the Keypad is wireless and requires no plug, it can be placed anywhere in the home that is convenient for arming and disarming the system.
The system also includes four Entry Sensors. These are designed to protect doors, windows, and cabinets and are intended to blend into the background of your home. Their compact design aims to make them unobtrusive while still providing security monitoring for potential entry points.
Features & Technology
This system includes several components that work together to provide what SimpliSafe calls “whole home protection.” Beyond the Base Station, Keypad, and Entry Sensors, the bundle includes a Motion Sensor and a Panic Button.
The Motion Sensor is designed to detect human movement within a 35-foot range and has a 90-degree field of view. It is intended for full room coverage when placed in a corner. Notably, this sensor is designed for human detection, not pet detection. However, the product information also notes that it “gets along great with pets under 60lbs.” This suggests that the sensor is designed to be placed in a way that avoids false alarms from smaller pets, but it is not a pet-immune sensor in the traditional sense. The distinction is subtle but important: it is built to focus on human-sized movement, yet the manufacturer does not claim it completely ignores all pet activity.
The Panic Button is a dedicated device that can instantly trigger the alarm. It also features a silent panic option, which allows you to discreetly signal for help without sounding an audible alarm. This feature requires a subscription to 24/7 Professional Monitoring to be fully functional, as it is designed to dispatch police quickly.
One of the more interesting features is the Secret Alert function available on the Entry Sensors. This allows you to be quietly notified if someone accesses a private area, such as a safe, medicine cabinet, or home office, without sounding the main alarm. This is a customizable option that adds a layer of discreet monitoring for specific zones in the home.
Performance & Everyday Experience
The stated goal of this system is to provide protection “right out of the box.” SimpliSafe emphasizes that setup is simple: you plug in the Base Station, download the SimpliSafe App, place your sensors, and start protecting your home. The system is wireless, requiring no wiring or drilling, which makes it a viable option for renters or those who prefer not to make permanent modifications to their walls.
For those who need help, the manufacturer states you can contact SimpliSafe directly for installation assistance. This is a good option for users who are not technically inclined, though the system is clearly designed for a do-it-yourself setup.
The system offers complete control through the SimpliSafe App. From the app, you can arm and disarm the system from anywhere. This is a practical feature for those times when you leave the house and wonder if you locked up, or if you want to let someone in while you are away.
The system is also smart home compatible. You can arm the system using voice commands through Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. This integration allows you to incorporate your security system into your daily routines, such as arming the system when you go to bed or leave the house.
Monitoring and Connectivity
The system is designed to work with optional 24/7 Professional Monitoring. This is a subscription service that SimpliSafe offers, and the product comes with 1 free month of professional monitoring for fast police response. The monitoring service is described as having agents who “keep watch even when you can’t” and are ready to alert emergency responders. This service is essential for certain features, such as the Panic Button’s police dispatch function and the Base Station’s network backup during a power outage.
It is important to note that the professional monitoring service is optional. The system can function as a self-monitored alarm, but the full benefits of features like the Panic Button and cellular backup are tied to the subscription. The monitoring service is described as having no long-term contracts or hidden fees, and it is available at a cost described as “starting at less than $1/day.” This gives users flexibility to decide if they want professional monitoring or prefer to manage alerts themselves through the app.
Another key detail is that SimpliSafe products and professional monitoring services are only offered for sale and supported in the United States. This is a crucial consideration for international buyers or those who may move abroad.
Who Is This Product Best For?
This 8-piece system is well-suited for individuals or families looking for a comprehensive, customizable security solution without the hassle of professional installation. The wireless design and lack of drilling requirements make it particularly appealing for renters who cannot make permanent changes to their living space, or for homeowners who want a system they can easily take with them if they move.
The bundle is also a good fit for those who want a system that can grow with them. Since it is a modular wireless system, users can start with this 8-piece set and potentially add more sensors or devices later to cover additional entry points or rooms. The inclusion of four Entry Sensors, a Motion Sensor, and a Panic Button provides a solid foundation for a typical home or apartment.
For tech-savvy users, the smart home compatibility with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa adds a layer of convenience. The ability to arm the system with a voice command or check the status from the app makes it easy to integrate security into a connected lifestyle.
However, those who want the full suite of features, including the fastest police response and the network backup, will need to subscribe to the professional monitoring plan. The system is designed to work without it, but the value of features like the Panic Button is significantly enhanced with the monitoring service.
Final Verdict
The SimpliSafe 8 Piece Wireless Home Security System offers a complete and flexible approach to home security. Its key strengths lie in its simple, wire-free installation and the variety of components included in the bundle. The system is designed to be user-friendly, with a wireless keypad, a straightforward app, and voice control options for smart home users.
The inclusion of the Base Station with a backup battery and siren, along with Entry Sensors, a Motion Sensor, and a Panic Button, provides a well-rounded setup for monitoring main entry points and interior spaces. The optional professional monitoring adds a layer of service for those who want it, but the system is also capable of operating without it, giving users control over their level of protection.
This system appears to be a solid choice for those seeking a DIY-friendly, scalable security setup that can be tailored to individual needs, provided they are located in the United States and understand the optional nature of the professional monitoring services.
