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SimpliSafe Offers Modular Home Security System with DIY Installation

SimpliSafe provides a modular home security system that users can install themselves without contracts or tools. The system includes a base station, keypad, and optional add-ons such as cameras, sensors, and a smoke alarm listener.

Wired
1 source·May 21, 9:01 AM(8 days ago)·1m read
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SimpliSafe Offers Modular Home Security System with DIY InstallationWired
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SimpliSafe markets a modular home security system designed for self-installation. The setup includes a base station and keypad that connect to a mobile app and support Amazon Alexa and Google Home integration. The Indoor starter package contains a motion sensor, yard sign, and three entry sensors.

The Outdoor starter package replaces the motion sensor with an outdoor camera. Both packages use adhesive strips for mounting and include batteries rated to last several years.

Users can add components at any time through the app.

Available accessories include glass-break sensors, a doorbell camera, a wireless indoor camera, a water sensor, and a temperature sensor. The smoke alarm listener detects sounds from existing hardwired smoke alarms and sends alerts to the app and monitoring center.

The outdoor camera offers an Active Guard Outdoor Protection feature that uses an AI algorithm to identify unusual activity between 8 pm and 6 am on the second-tier plan or 24/7 on the top-tier plan. When triggered, a live agent can speak through the camera speaker, activate a light, or sound a siren.

10 per day. 66 per day. 66 per day. Thirty-day cloud storage is included with no cancellation fees. The smart lock add-on automatically locks the deadbolt when the system arms. Some users have reported occasional connection issues requiring recalibration.

The outdoor camera can experience delays of 30 seconds or more before streaming video. SimpliSafe's monitoring service can dispatch police if an agent confirms a crime in progress. The Active Guard face-matching feature is not available in Texas, Illinois, or Portland, Oregon.

Key Facts

Modular design
Components added via app without tools or contract changes
Monitoring cost
$1.10 per day for basic 24/7 armed monitoring
Active Guard pricing
$2.66 per day for 24/7 monitoring plus outdoor protection
Camera delay
Outdoor camera can take 30 seconds or longer to stream

Story Timeline

2 events
  1. Recent years

    User added smoke alarm listener, CO2 detector, outdoor camera, and smart lock to existing SimpliSafe system.

    1 sourceWired
  2. Six months ago

    Smart lock was installed and required multiple recalibrations due to connection loss.

    1 sourceWired

Potential Impact

  1. 01

    Users can expand coverage by purchasing additional sensors or cameras at any time.

  2. 02

    Monitoring agents may expedite police dispatch when confirming an active incident.

  3. 03

    Residents in Texas, Illinois, or Portland cannot use the face-matching feature.

Transparency Panel

Sources cross-referenced1
Confidence score75%
Synthesized bySubstrate AI
Word count267 words
PublishedMay 21, 2026, 9:01 AM
Bias signals removed1 across 1 outlet
Signal Breakdown
Editorializing 1

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