Google Nest Secure vs. SimpliSafe Review

Google’s Nest Secure alarm is like a higher-tech version of the affordable SimpliSafe system.

4.25

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4.5

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By Mindy Woodall

Managing Editor, Home Security & Smart Home

November 10, 2020

3 min read

Last Updated: several months ago

Google discontinued the Nest Secure home security system in October 2020. This review is no longer being updated.

If you’re an early-adopter technophile who wants all the latest and greatest features, then Google’s Nest Secure system is just what you’ve been looking for. It’s an innovative DIY alarm option that will take your smart home up a level.

But if you have more of a practical, budget-conscious mindset, then Nest Secure might not be your jam. (All those cool bells and whistles come at a price.) SimpliSafe is like Nest’s down-to-earth older sibling. If you want home security without an eye-watering price tag, then SimpliSafe is for you.

Google Nest Secure and SimpliSafe comparison

Company	Google Nest Secure	SimpliSafe
Monitoring price range	$19–$29/mo.	$14.99–$24.99/mo.
Installation type	DIY	DIY
Contract length	No contract OR 36 mos.	No contract
Smart home integrations	Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Thread	Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
Starter kit price	$399	$229
Mobile app control	Yes	Yes*
Learn more	View Plans	View Plans

Data effective 2/6/2020. Offers subject to change.
* Mobile app control not available with all monitoring plans.

What we like about Google Nest Secure

Nest Secure has some unique features we can’t help but get psyched about. Its entry sensors (the little devices you put on doors and windows) can also detect motion. You usually have to buy a separate motion sensor for that, but Nest puts the two together.

We also like that Nest’s door sensors have a “Quiet Open” feature, that lets you press a button and open the door for a second without disarming your whole security system. It’s pretty great if you have a dog who just has to go outside at 2 a.m.

Also great for that 2 a.m. outing? Nest’s Pathlight feature, where the sensors give off a little light so you can find your way.

What we like about SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe keeps things affordable. It’s not the absolute cheapest system out there (that designation goes to Ring Alarm), but it’s pretty close. You can get a full range of home security sensors, as well as environmental sensors like leak and smoke detectors from SimpliSafe—and all for a price that won’t hurt your financial soul.

Even SimpliSafe’s monitoring is cheap, at only $14.99 or $24.99 per month. Not a bad deal compared to other brands out there.

Google Nest Secure and SimpliSafe pros comparison

Google Nest Secure pros:

Cool tech features
Integration with other Nest products
Free self-monitoring

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SimpliSafe pros:

Good range of equipment
Cheap equipment
Low-priced professional monitoring

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What we don’t like about Nest Secure

Nest Secure is cheaper than it used to be. (A starter kit used to cost $499, and now it’s $399.) But it’s still not the most affordable DIY security system we’ve seen. That said, we think the features are worth it if you’ve got the cash.

Our real complaint is that Nest doesn’t always play well with others. Rather than the popular Z-Wave or Zigbee, Nest uses the smart protocol Thread. Thread is an up-and-coming thing that will probably be super popular in a few years, but for now, it’s kind of niche.

All of that is to say, Nest might not work with other smart home devices you already have. But if your other smart home stuff is also from Nest, then you’ll be good to go.

What we don’t like about SimpliSafe

Speaking of limited smart home options, SimpliSafe isn’t much better. SimpliSafe does work with Amazon Alexa, but we’re still waiting on a Google Assistant integration for this system. Plus, SimpliSafe doesn’t have Z-Wave or Zigbee (and we doubt it will get it anytime soon—if ever).

If you want a whole smart-home system you can customize the #$%! out of, then there are better home security systems for that. (A few of our favorites are Vivint, Abode, and Scout.)

Google Nest Secure and SimpliSafe cons comparison

Google Nest Secure cons:

Pricey starter pack
Higher-priced professional monitoring
Few third-party smart home options

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SimpliSafe cons:

Limited smart home options
No Google Assistant integration
No Z-Wave, Zigbee, or Thread capability

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Which one should you choose?

If you want a higher-end system that you can still monitor yourself through an app, then Google’s Nest Secure alarm is an easy choice. If you’d rather save some money, and you want more affordable professional monitoring, then SimpliSafe is a solid choice.

Want to learn more?

Want to compare some other home security options? Check out our other reviews.

Written by

Mindy Woodall

Mindy has been writing about 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.