SimpliSafe Cameras Review 2022

SimpliSafe offers 3 basic security cameras: an indoor photographic camera, outdoor camera, and a doorbell cam

Mindy Woodall

Managing Editor, Abode Security & Smart Home

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Nosotros recollect of SimpliSafe cameras every bit more than like a bonus than a core feature. The SimpliSafe dwelling security organisation is one of our favorite DIY options, but SimpliSafe cameras? They're just a nice actress if y'all want to keep an eye on your living room or your porch.

The three cameras SimpliSafe offers are the SimpliCam indoor camera, the wireless outdoor camera, and the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro. All are decent, affordable models. Yous could find ameliorate versions of an indoor camera, outdoor camera, or a doorbell photographic camera from several other brands, only other brands won't work every bit smoothly with your SimpliSafe alert organization.

SimpliSafe camera comparing

Data constructive equally of eleven/17/21. Offers bailiwick to change.

SimpliSafe frequently offers free cameras

Deals

SimpliSafe runs deals pretty often, and they almost always offer a free SimpliCam indoor photographic camera when you buy a new package. Check out SimpliSafe'south website to see if in that location are any current camera deals.

How SimpliSafe Cameras Piece of work

SimpliSafe cameras have motility-activated recordings and piece of work with SimpliSafe security sensors.

Simply like all SimpliSafe devices, SimpliSafe cameras are built for budgeters. The SimpliCam indoor camera costs a mere $99, and the outdoor camera and Video Doorbell Pro are nevertheless decently priced at $169. Plus, all these cameras are easy to install yourself. The indoor camera uses a single ability string, the outdoor photographic camera sits on an like shooting fish in a barrel screw-in mountain, and the doorbell camera uses your existing doorbell wiring.

None of SimpliSafe'southward cameras blows us away from a tech perspective, only if you want cameras that put the "simple" in "SimpliSafe" and that work with the rest of your security system, then you lot could do worse.

SimpliSafe cameras work equally standalone devices

A lot of dwelling house security companies require you to install a total system and subscribe to a pricey monitoring plan before they'll back up cameras. Only SimpliSafe offers both of its security cameras as standalone devices.

You tin buy any of these cameras and use them all on their own without a unmarried other sensor in place. SimpliSafe gives you move-activated alerts for free, only we recommend subscribing to the video support program. It starts at $4.99 per month and gives you thirty days' worth of cloud storage.

SimpliSafe camera recording subscription plans

# of cameras 1 photographic camera Upward to 10 cameras
Cost

$four.99

/mo

$9.99

/mo

Cloud storage 30 days xxx days
Motion-activated alerts

Icon Yes  Dark Yes

Icon Yes  Dark Yes

Clip download

Icon Yes  Dark Yes

Icon Yes  Dark Yes

Learn more than

Information effective as of 11/17/21. Offers subject to change.

SimpliSafe cameras apply cloud storage (only)

None of SimpliSafe's cameras have a local storage option. Y'all can either get motion-triggered notifications for complimentary or pay the fee for xxx days' worth of cloud storage. If you want a camera that lets you shop footage on a USB drive or microSD card, nosotros recommend something like the Wyze Pan Cam or the Eufy Video Doorbell.

SimpliSafe cameras employ event-based recording

Both the SimpliCam, SimpliSafe Wireless Outdoor Security Camera, and the Video Doorbell Pro record short clips of video when they sense motion and then shop that footage in the cloud (equally long as y'all have a video recording plan). This type of recording is chosen effect-based video recording.

On the flip side, some cameras offer continuous video recording that keeps the camera going 24/7 and gives you a complete timeline of footage you can wait through.

Near people don't need their cameras to record 24/7, but if you're a business owner or y'all just want an ongoing recording of your lawn, and so heads up that SimpliSafe cameras don't have that feature. Effort the Nest Cam IQ Indoor or the Arlo Q instead.

SimpliSafe offers video verification

With video verification, SimpliSafe monitoring reps can temporarily access your cameras to meet if there actually is an intruder in your firm.

Y'all need a full-on SimpliSafe security system to use this feature, but it's pretty cool. Video verification helps prevent false alarms, similar when your children leave the door open just a little bit and set off the sensor.

When your alarm arrangement goes off, the photographic camera starts recording and sends the footage to SimpliSafe's monitoring center. That way, they tin see if there's really someone suspicious or if information technology'southward just an errant child.

If the idea of some monitoring center rep seeing your camera footage freaks you out, no worries. Video verification is optional—you tin plough it off.

Banner advertising latest deals for SimpliSafe - Click to learn more

SimpliSafe SimpliCam features

The SimpliCam doesn't have any "wow" features, but nosotros like the privacy shutter.

SimpliCam indoor camera

The SimpliCam is a basic piddling indoor camera. It has decent resolution, a good field of view, and standard features similar two-style sound and night vision. It's non bad for its $99 cost tag, but there's nothing about it that makes us say "wow." It can continue an centre on your business firm and send notifications when information technology detects motion, but that's most it.

SimpliSafe SimpliCam features:

  • 1080p Hard disk drive resolution
  • 120º field of view
  • Dark vision
  • Two-mode audio
  • Motion detection
  • Person detection
  • Privacy shutter
  • 14°–104° F operating temperature
  • Outdoor adapter kit available
  • Free movement alerts
  • iii-yr limited warranty

Livestream

Yous can view the SimpliCam'south livestream through the SimpliSafe app on your telephone or through a web browser. The live view shows you lot what's happening at any given moment. Aside from a few seconds of lag time, you have a real-time view.

The livestream is great if yous want to check on pets throughout the day or continue an eye on your kids when they're home with the bodyguard. But remember that if you want the camera to store motility-activated clips, then you take to subscribe to the camera plan.

Privacy shutter

Indoor security cameras tin can feel a little disturbing. How do you know it'south not watching you when you sneak into the kitchen at ii a.thousand. to eat the last of that leftover cake?

For peace of listen near your secret night snacking (and whatsoever else), SimpliCam comes with a privacy shutter. Not a lot of indoor cameras have this—it's a visible metal shutter that closes around the camera lens so you lot tin can come across at a glance that it's not watching you. Banquet away.

Outdoor adapter kit

SimpliSafe doesn't have a proper outdoor security camera, just information technology does sell an adapter kit that lets you outfit the SimpliCam to use likean outdoor photographic camera. It's really merely a silicone cover that helps keep out water and dust. It also comes with a longer power cord.

The kit does expand the SimpliCam's operating temperature range a bit: from 14°–104° F to -four°–114° F. But we don't wait it to be the most reliable weatherproof camera effectually.

How to install the SimpliCam

The SimpliCam links to your Wi-Fi network wirelessly, and so all you lot really have to worry about is the power string.

SimpliCam installation steps:

  • Once you have everything unboxed, insert the micro-USB cord into the back of the SimpliCam. Plug the other end of the string into a power outlet.
  • Slide the SimpliCam body onto the base (unless yous plan to mount it directly onto a wall).
  • If you don't already have it, download the SimpliSafe app on your phone and log in with the electronic mail address and password you used when y'all bought the camera. Open the menu and choose Cameras, then tap the Install Camera button.
  • The app will guide yous through the procedure of naming your camera and adding information technology to your Wi-Fi network.

Once you have the SimpliCam set upward, you can adjust settings in the SimpliSafe app.

SimpliSafe Wireless Outdoor Security Camera features

Information technology's not going to blow y'all away, but information technology will more than than comprehend your outdoor security needs

The outdoor camera is a pace or ii above the SimpliCam. Non but is it weatherproof (a must for outdoor cameras), information technology also has colored night vision, digital zoom, and a spotlight.

SimpliSafe Wireless Outdoor Security Camera features:

  • 1080p Hard disk drive resolution with HDR
  • 140º field of view
  • Digital zoom
  • Color nighttime vision
  • Two-way audio
  • Move detection
  • Movement-activated spotlight
  • Person detection
  • Rechargeable bombardment
  • Adaptable activity zones
  • Free move alerts

Colour night vision

Do you hate trying to selection things out in black-and-white video clips? Practiced news: the SimpliSafe outdoor camera is the only SimpliSafe cam with color dark vision. Y'all'll become colorful camera clips, even in the dark.

Move-activated spotlight

If the color night vision isn't plenty for your retinas, the camera'south movement-activated spotlight volition polish some light on any intruder it senses. That'll help you run into more clearly—and may spook off would-be mischief-makers.

How to install the SimpliSafe Wireless Outdoor Security Camera

The SimpliSafe outdoor photographic camera setup is more complicated than the SimpliCam's, only it doesn't involve any wiring or a great deal of skill.

SimpliSafe Wireless Outdoor Security Camera installation steps:

  • Once you take everything unboxed, plug the charging cable into the battery. Plug the other end of the cord into a power outlet. Accuse the bombardment until the 3 LED lights are solidly lit (nigh v hours).
  • Twist off the camera's lens and place the battery behind it with the blackness tab facing out. The camera will chinkle and flash a light when the battery is placed correctly.
  • If you lot don't already have it, download the SimpliSafe app on your telephone and log in with the email address and password y'all used when you bought the camera. Open the menu and choose Cameras, so tap the Fix a Camera button.
  • Press the button on the front of the camera to connect it.
  • The app will guide you lot through the process of naming your camera and adding information technology to your Wi-Fi network.
  • Detach the mounting plate from the magnetic mount.
  • Spiral the mounting plate into the wall.
  • Reattach the mount to the plate.
  • Place your photographic camera on the magnetic mountain.

You'll need to remove and recharge your camera oft, ideally once a twenty-four hours.

SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro features

For the price, the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro could utilize better smart alerts.

SimpliSafe Doorbell Camera Pro shown installed on a house next to a front door

The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro has a lot of the same features as the SimpliCam, including loftier-definition resolution and person detection.

Every bit video doorbells go, it's non the smartest model we've seen. (Nosotros gotta give that accolade to the Nest Hello.) And there are doorbell cams with meliorate smart features that come at a similar toll, like the Arlo Video Doorbell or the Ring Video Doorbell.

For $169, SimpliSafe'south Video Doorbell Pro is decent but non amazing.

SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro features:

  • 1080p HD resolution with HDR
  • 162º field of view
  • Nighttime vision
  • Two-way audio
  • Motility detection
  • Person detection
  • Built-in chime
  • Adaptable action zones
  • Free motility alerts

Like the SimpliCam, the best matter about the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro is that it works with your SimpliSafe security system. If you don't have a SimpliSafe system and but want a standalone doorbell camera, so we'd skip this one.

Adjustable activeness zones

The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro gives y'all adjustable activeness zones, which is great. You gotta cull a doorbell camera that lets you adjust activity zones. If you tin can't, then you're going to get dozens of notifications every day virtually cars driving down your street.

SimpliSafe doesn't take the all-time adjustable activity zones we've seen. A lot of doorbell cameras let you draw which areas you desire the camera to watch. SimpliSafe gives yous a grid view and lets you block out tiles over areas y'all don't want the camera to pay attention to. It'southward not quite as fancy equally the culling, but it gets the task done.

Person-only alerts

If you lot want to go even fewer spammy push notifications, and then you can plough on person-only alerts for the Video Doorbell Pro. This way, the doorbell will only notify you lot when it spots an bodily man.

Person-only alerts are great if you're tired of getting notified every time a cat walks through your yard or a tree co-operative waves in the current of air.

How to install the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro

The Video Doorbell Pro is a chip trickier to install than the SimpliCam. This cam uses your existing doorbell connection, and then you're going to become to know some electric wiring for this one.

SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro installation steps:

  • Plough off the breaker to your doorbell'southward electrical wiring. (This step is very important unless electrocution sounds like a good time to you.)
  • Take off your current doorbell. You should exist able to pry it off with simply a screwdriver. You'll need to advisedly remove the wires from the back as you pull the old doorbell abroad from the wall.
  • Thread the wires through the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro's mounting subclass and screw the mounting bracket into the wall. You'll want to interruption out the drill for this scrap. (Get it? Chip? Nevermind.)
  • Wrap the wires around the screws on the front side of the mounting subclass.
  • Slide the Video Doorbell Pro onto the mounting subclass until you hear it click. Spiral the trivial lock screw into the lesser of the doorbell camera to secure it to the bracket.
  • Flip the breaker dorsum on and brand certain the doorbell chimes when you press the button.
  • Download the SimpliSafe app and log in with the email and countersign you used when you lot bought the doorbell cam.
  • Choose the Install a Camera selection and follow the instructions to connect your doorbell cam to your Wi-Fi network and arrange the settings.

If the camera works just your doorbell's not chiming (or it's chiming when it shouldn't), then y'all might need to get a chime connector from SimpliSafe.

We think they should only include it in the parcel, just they don't seem to call up enough people demand it. (To exist fair, yous probably won't.)

Recap: Are SimpliSafe cameras good?

SimpliSafe cameras are middle of the pack: bully, but not great either.

Truthful to the brand name, SimpliSafe cameras are simple. SimpliSafe cameras have pretty basic features we expect from any decent security photographic camera. That said, both cameras are relatively affordable, and we think you'll get your money's worth.

If y'all already accept (or desire to get) a SimpliSafe security system, and so both these cameras are nice because they piece of work directly with your security sensors. They also let SimpliSafe utilize video verification to see what's going on when your alarm goes off.

SimpliCam indoor camera: The SimpliCam has HD resolution and person detection, merely the bending isn't easy to adjust, and it doesn't have whatsoever smart alerts beyond telling yous when it spots a person. We practise similar the privacy shutter, though.

SimpliSafe Wireless Outdoor Security Camera: This outdoor camera offers color night vision and a motility-activated spotlight, making information technology more suited to its outdoor duties. It's still non the smartest camera out there, but with these additional features plus digital zoom, it's a footstep higher up the other SimpliSafe cameras.

SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Camera Pro: The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Camera Pro uses your existing doorbell connection, and it has a lot of the same features as the SimpliCam. We like that it has adaptable activeness zones, but it'southward as well lacking smart features beyond bones person detection.

Desire to learn more almost SimpliSafe? Cheque out some of our other manufactures:

  • SimpliCam Indoor Camera Review
  • How Does SimpliSafe Work?
  • Which SimpliSafe Monitoring Plan Should You lot Choose?
  • How Much Does SimpliSafe Cost?

SimpliSafe cameras FAQ

Does SimpliSafe have outdoor cameras?

SimpliSafe finally has a dedicated outdoor camera, the SimpliSafe wireless outdoor security camera.

You can also buy a silicone cover that lets y'all use SimpliSafe'southward indoor camera, the SimpliCam, outdoors. It makes the camera reasonably water resistant, and, with the silicone case, the SimpliSafe photographic camera's operating temperature is -4º to 114º Fahrenheit. (That's -20º to 45º Celsius.)

In curt, if y'all don't desire to spend the $seventy actress on the outdoor photographic camera, the SimpliCam can do the job. But don't effort to use it outdoors without the silicone case—it wouldn't survive the next rainstorm.

Can you use SimpliSafe cameras without monitoring?

Yes, you tin use SimpliSafe'southward cameras fifty-fifty if y'all don't subscribe to a SimpliSafe monitoring program. Yous can buy either the SimpliCam or the Video Doorbell Pro by itself and view the livefeed on your phone for free. But you lot won't become any motion-activated alerts, and you can't view past recordings unless you sign upwardly for a camera storage plan.

Y'all don't need a monitoring subscription to sign up for a camera storage plan. SimpliSafe lets yous sign on to a photographic camera-only plan for $iv.99 per calendar month. The program gives you 30 days' worth of deject storage and will send alerts when the camera detects motion. If yous want more than i camera, you can pay $nine.99 per month for a storage programme that covers up to x cameras.

How many SimpliSafe cameras tin can you take?

Yous can accept up to 10 cameras. We say 10 because SimpliSafe'southward photographic camera storage plan covers up to 10 cameras for $9.99 per calendar month.

We think 10 is more enough cameras for the average person, but if youreallyneed more than, then you tin can technically use as many equally you lot want. You won't be able to view past recordings or get alerts, but you can view the livefeeds of boosted cameras for free. Continue in mind that cameras tin strain your internet connection. The more cameras y'all have, the more bandwidth they'll accept up.

Are SimpliSafe's cameras motility activated?

Yes, both of SimpliSafe's cameras are motion activated. Both the SimpliCam indoor camera and SimpliSafe's Video Doorbell Pro have motion activation and person detection, which lets the photographic camera tell the departure between a homo being and a car driving downwardly your street. You lot can adjust the settings for the cameras to alert you about all motion or only people.

Do SimpliSafe'due south cameras record all the time?

No, neither of SimpliSafe'due south cameras record all the fourth dimension. SimpliSafe doesn't currently offer 24/7 continuous recording for either the SimpliCam or the Video Doorbell Pro.

That kind of recording uses up a lot of internet information, and it'due south better to get a model that has local storage if you want your security cameras to record all the time. Neither of SimpliSafe's cameras offer local storage, but cloud storage.

Does SimpliSafe make a wireless camera?

No, SimpliSafe doesn't currently have any wireless (aka wire-free) cameras. Both the SimpliCam and the Video Doorbell Pro need some sort of ability connection to work. SimpliSafe's SimpliCam uses a regular ability string, and the Video Doorbell Pro hooks into your existing doorbell wiring. If you desire a battery-powered camera, we recommend yous cheque out Arlo, Eufy, or Reolink models.

Tin can you talk through SimpliSafe's cameras?

Yep, both of SimpliSafe'due south cameras take ii-way audio. You tin can talk through the cameras using your telephone, and y'all can hear visitors talk back to you.

You should know that SimpliSafe's two-way audio works like a walkie talkie. You have to press the microphone push button in the SimpliSafe mobile app to talk, and you won't exist able to hear what the other person says until you stop touching the mic button. Near visitors don't know that that'south how doorbell cameras piece of work, and so sometimes conversations are a little awkward. Simply if you want to use the SimpliCam to talk to your kids or pets while yous're away, it'southward a smashing fashion to proceed an eye (and an ear) on things.

Tin can you view SimpliSafe cameras on your phone?

Yes, SimpliSafe cameras work with SimpliSafe's mobile app. You tin use the mobile app to pull upward the photographic camera'south livefeed and encounter any the photographic camera'south seeing. The mobile app will also notify you when the photographic camera spots motion or when someone rings the doorbell (if yous use SimpliSafe'due south Video Doorbell Pro).

You can also watch past recordings in the SimpliSafe app. If you subscribe to a camera storage plan, or to SimpliSafe's Interactive monitoring programme, and so you have access to 30 days' worth of cloud storage in the mobile app.

What do SimpliSafe security cameras work with?

SimpliSafe cameras pretty much work only with the SimpliSafe security system, and the SimpliSafe security organization has express third-party compatibility. You won't be able to connect the system to panic buttons, smart thermostats, Ring Alarm products, or many other smart home devices. Merely information technology will work with equipment that SimpliSafe provides, like its glass break sensor, primal trick, and motion sensor.

Which is ameliorate, Ring security cameras or SimpliSafe?

It depends on what you want. Ring has a bigger camera option and a lot more than ability source options. You can go Ring cameras (and video doorbells) that run off batteries, power cords, or solar panels. Ring also has more advanced camera features than SimpliSafe, including more adjustable motion zones and smarter alerts.

But Band security cameras won't work with your SimpliSafe security system, and it's nice to be able to use one mobile app for both. If you utilize Ring cameras simply have a SimpliSafe alarm arrangement, then you're going to be stuck using 2 apps to monitor your house.

Mindy Woodall

Written by

Mindy Woodall

Mindy has been writing most technology for seven years. She covers all things smart home for Reviews.org, and keeps track of the latest robot gadgets. Mindy attended the University of Utah and her work has been featured on the likes of Parents.com, Digital Care, Hostfully, and more than.

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