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Ring vs SimpliSafe

Ring and SimpliSafe are both budget-friendly, DIY home security solutions. They offer similar products and features, including customizable security packages, self-monitoring options, 24/7 professional monitoring plans, and DIY installation. While SimpliSafe has fewer smart products and features than Ring, SimpliSafe customer service ratings are significantly higher. 

When comparing Ring vs SimpliSafe, it’s important to consider the cost of equipment and monitoring and the types of products available. Choosing between SimpliSafe security vs Ring home security often comes down to whether or not you’re looking for a simple security solution or smart security products to add to your system.

Starting priceMonitoring priceInstallation typeDetails
Simplisafe logo$244.96+$24.99+/moProfessional/DIYView packages
Ring logo$199+Optional self-monitoringDIYView packages

Pricing comparison

The cost of a Ring vs SimpliSafe home security system will really come down to what products, features, and monitoring you decide to purchase. Both Ring and SimpliSafe are highly customizable – SimpliSafe offers a “Build Your Own” system option, and Ring sells individual security products so you only purchase the products you need.

Because customers can select the type and amount of products they want from either company, the cost of a SimpliSafe home security system vs Ring is comparable.

 

SimpliSafe vs Ring Security Equipment

While SimpliSafe doesn’t sell individual security products, the company does offer five pre-built security system packages (which you can always add to) and a “Build Your Own” option. The basic package includes a system hub, a keypad, and two sensors. More expensive packages consist of a combination of additional sensors, a smoke detector, keyfob, wireless siren, panic button, water sensor, and temperature sensor. SimpliSafe also has a few smart products available to add to any system. 

See SimpliSafe pricing and packages

 

While Ring is known for selling individual security products like their famous video doorbell, they also offer alarm security systems in five, eight, ten, and fourteen-piece sets. Because of the multiple ways to purchase items from Ring, the prices vary depending on what products you choose. Still, the companies are comparable when it comes to Ring vs SimpliSafe pricing. 

See Ring pricing and packages

 

SimpliSafe vs Ring Home Security Monthly Monitoring

SimpliSafe and Ring both offer self-monitoring and professional monitoring plans, and the costs are similar between the two companies. The biggest difference in their plans is that SimpliSafe offers two plans – one for self-monitoring with video recording and the other for 24/7 professional monitoring – while Ring offers three plans – two self-monitoring (one with video recordings for one device and the other with video recordings for all devices) and one for 24/7 professional monitoring.

If you’re looking for a self-monitoring system, SimpliSafe and Ring are comparable. Ring monitoring will be cheaper than SimpliSafe if you choose self-monitoring with video recording for one device.

Starting priceMonitoring priceDetails
Simplisafe logo$244.96+$24.99+/moView packages
Ring logo$199+Optional self-monitoringView packages

Installation options and cost

Ring and SimpliSafe are DIY home security solutions that do not require professional installation. This reduces costs significantly as customers install and activate their equipment using step-by-step instructions. Because of this, Ring vs SimpliSafe are comparable in terms of installation costs.

Nevertheless, SimpliSafe customers do have the option to purchase professional installation if they are unable or unwilling to install their system on their own. Ring customers only have this option if they purchase a deluxe Ring package from their X Line.

Installation typeInstallation cost
Simplisafe logoProfessional/DIY$99
Ring logoDIYN/A

Monitoring options

Ring and SimpliSafe are DIY home security solutions that do not require professional installation. This reduces costs significantly as customers install and activate their equipment using step-by-step instructions. Because of this, Ring vs SimpliSafe are comparable in terms of installation costs.

Nevertheless, SimpliSafe customers do have the option to purchase professional installation if they are unable or unwilling to install their system on their own. Ring customers only have this option if they purchase a deluxe Ring package from their X Line.

Customer support

When comparing Ring vs SimpliSafe customer support, consider both the types of customer service options each company offers and how past and current customers rate their experience with each company.

SimpliSafe’s customer support team is available by phone every day from 8:00 AM to Midnight (ET). Customers can also chat online with a customer service team member from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (ET). SimpliSafe’s online Help Center is available 24/7 and provides customers with information about products and accounts. 

Ring offers 24/7 phone support and online chat support from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM (MST). Customers can also download Neighbors, Ring’s free, app-based 24/7 neighborhood watch feature that alerts customers to crime and safety events within five miles of their home. Lastly, Ring has an online Help Center with 24/7 access to articles and frequently asked questions.

When comparing SimpliSafe security vs Ring in terms of customer service, SimpliSafe ranks higher than Ring. Whereas SimpliSafe reviews mention a responsive and knowledgeable support team, Ring customers note that it’s hard to get their problems solved in a timely manner.

Ratings and reviews

Ring and SimpliSafe offer budget-friendly, high-quality security products with flexible options for no-contract personal and professional monthly monitoring. The main difference between a SimpliSafe home security system vs Ring system is that Ring sells its security products individually, whereas SimpliSafe customers must purchase a system package. Nevertheless, both companies provide customization options to ensure customers get the type and amount of products they need. For customers who opt to buy a SimpliSafe system, the added satisfaction guarantee gives them 60 days to try and return the system for a full refund if they aren’t 100% satisfied. 

SimpliSafe vs Ring home security reviews show that SimpliSafe is more favorable, receiving a positive average rating amongst past and current customers. Ring, on the other hand, gets a lower satisfaction rating on average. 

Our recommendation: Ring or SimpliSafe?

We recommend SimpliSafe for those who want a complete DIY security system that’s easy to install and easy to use. We also recommend SimpliSafe over Ring if you’re looking for 24/7 professional monitoring, and if good customer support is important to you.

We recommend Ring for those looking for DIY security on a budget or those who may want to expand their collection of home security products in the future, since Ring allows you to buy devices individually (even just a single doorbell camera). We also recommend Ring over SimpliSafe for those who are interested in smart home functionality because Ring offers more smart home products and integrations than SimpliSafe.

Both are suitable for individuals or families, homeowners or renters alike.

Since the two companies are comparable in terms of product offering and installation, it’s a good idea to see how much your ideal system would cost with either company.

$38.99/mo for Pro Install* 

Requires 36-month monitoring contract starting at $38.99/mo. without QSP (24-month monitoring contract in California, total fees from $935.76) and minimum installation amount of $599 for professionally installed systems OR month-to-month monitoring contract for ADT Self Setup systems starting at $24.99 without QSP (one month minimum) and minimum purchase amount of $194.98.    Professional monitoring required for ADT to notify emergency contacts or services on your behalf. Service and installation charges vary depending on system configuration, equipment and services selected. For reactivations of professionally installed systems, a $99 test and inspect fee applies  . Upon early termination by Customer, ADT may charge 75% of the monthly service charges due for the balance of the initial contract term. Quality Service Plan (QSP) is ADT’s Extended Limited Warranty and is available for additional fee. Additional charges may apply in areas that require guard response service for municipal alarm verification. Professionally installed system remains property of ADT. Local permit fees may be required. Prices and offers subject to change and may vary by market. Additional taxes and fees may apply. Satisfactory credit required. A security deposit may be required. Simulated screen images and photos are for illustrative purposes only. For Self-Setup Systems, cancel by calling 888-392-2039 or by following the instructions in your order confirmation email. To avoid contract termination charges, cancellation must occur no later than 30 days after the contract date. Contract termination charges may be applied for cancellation after the initial 30-day period. Equipment must be fully removed and returned before a refund will be processed. Any shipping costs previously paid are non-refundable. Google and Nest Doorbell are trademarks of Google LLC. Some features, including mobile notifications, remote control, video streaming and video recording, require working internet and Wi-Fi. Minimum OS requirements are available at g.co/home/req. iOS is a trademark of Cisco and is used under license. Google Nest products and services featured are designed to make life easier and to build a helpful home and were not designed specifically for life-sustaining or safety-critical use cases. These products and services are compatible with the ADT Self Setup System, and depend upon working internet, Wi-Fi, and, in some cases, the service availability from ADT and/or Google. To learn more, please visit http://g.co/nest/TOS.

6 Month Money-Back Guarantee*

Money-back guarantee only applies after ADT has made attempts to resolve a system-related issue and has not been able to resolve that issue within the first six (6) months of your original activation. ADT Money-Back Guarantee is not transferable. Equipment must be returned before a refund will be processed. Conditions preventing normal system operation cannot be caused by the customer. For professionally installed systems only.

 

Theft Protection Guarantee**

Customer may receive reimbursement of up to five hundred dollars ($500) of Customer’s homeowner’s insurance deductible (if any) if, and only if, ALL requirements for Theft Protection Guarantee are met to ADT’s reasonable satisfaction. Customer must request reimbursement within 60 days of property loss. Request must be mailed to ADT and include: Theft Protection Guarantee certificate signed by Customer, a letter from Customer requesting reimbursement, a copy of the police report, and a copy of the accepted insurance claim. ADT reserves the right to reject any application for reimbursement that does not comply with all of the requirements. For professionally installed systems only.