Which SimpliSafe Monitoring Plan Should You Choose?

SimpliSafe has two different monitoring plans: Standard and Interactive. Get the Interactive plan

Mindy Woodall
Nov 15, 2023
Icon Time To Read3 min read

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SimpliSafe has two professional monitoring plans, the Standard and the Fast Protect, and one self-monitoring plan. We recommend the Fast Protect plan. At $29.99 per month, it costs $10 more than the SimpliSafe Standard plan, but you get a lot more bang for your buck.

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SimpliSafe monitoring plan comparison
Plan
Price
Mobile app access
Video verification
Learn more
Call Now

Self Monitoring with Camera Recordings

$9.99/mo.

Yes

No

Standard

$19.99/mo.

Yes

No

Fast Protect

$29.99/mo.

Yes

Yes

Data effective as of 11/15/23. Offers subject to change.

Why the fast protect plan

SimpliSafe’s Fast Protect monitoring service plan includes features you won’t find in the Standard plan. Those include:

  • Mobile app access
  • Scheduled arming
  • Smart home support
  • Security camera support
  • Video verification

Mobile app access

The Fast Protect plan has mobile app access, but the Standard plan does not

The Standard SimpliSafe monitoring plan is similar to Fast Protect, but you won't get the same smart home support, automation, or video recordings. Sure, it’s backed up by the same 24/7 professional monitoring and access to the SimpliSafe app as Fast Protect, but you only get seven days of video recording history, and you can't use Google Home or Alexa to control your system. You'll also miss out on Fast Protect perks like discounts on homeowner's insurance or 10% off additional hardware and features like push notifications, Secret Alerts, and Scheduled Arming.

Screenshot of the home screen of the SimpliSafe app

SimpliSafe’s Fast Protect monitoring plan gives you access to the SimpliSafe mobile app. The mobile app is pretty basic, but it at least lets you arm and disarm your system or schedule alarms using your phone, which is convenient if you get to work and realize you forgot to set the alarm.

And with the Self Monitoring with Camera Recordings plan, you'll have access to the SimpliSafe app, but you're a bit more limited. This plan is great for those who only have cameras in their system. You'll be able to view your cameras' live stream and manually record from within the app. 

Scheduled arming

The Fast Protect plan lets you schedule your alarm system, but the Standard plan does not

The Standard SimpliSafe monitoring plan is similar to Fast Protect, but you won't get the same smart home support, automation, or video recordings. Sure, it’s backed up by the same 24/7 professional monitoring service and access to the SimpliSafe app as Fast Protect, but you only get seven days of video recording history, and you can't use Google Home or Alexa to control your system. You'll also miss out on Fast Protect perks like discounts on homeowner's insurance or 10% off additional hardware and features like push notifications, Secret Alerts, and Scheduled Arming.

Smart home support

The Fast Protect plan works with Alexa and Google, but the Standard plan does not.

Without the Fast Protect monitoring plan, you don’t have access to SimpliSafe’s smart home integrations. SimpliSafe doesn’t have the most impressive home automation resume, but it does have a few integrations: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and August smart locks.

If you want to arm your SimpliSafe system with Alexa or Google using your voice, then you need the Fast Protect plan to have access to that skill. The Fast Protect plan also lets you sync your August smart door locks with your SimpliSafe system, so they lock or unlock as you arm or disarm your security system.

Security camera support

The Fast Protect plan supports security cameras, but the Standard plan does not.

You don’t need the Fast Protect plan to use SimpliSafe’s security cameras, but it does give them some extra functionality. With the Fast Protect plan, you can view recorded camera events alongside security system events in the SimpliSafe mobile app.

The Fast Protect plan also supports video verification, push notifications, and Secret Alerts through your SimpliSafe cameras.

With Secret Alerts, you can designate specific sensors, when triggered, to send notifications only to you without notifying the base station. 

Screenshot of the SimpliSafe doorbell camera's live view showing a driveway at night

Image source: Reviews.org

Video verification

With video verification, the SimpliSafe monitoring reps can temporarily view footage from your SimpliSafe security cameras if someone triggers the alarm. This only happens when someone sets off your alarm system.

SimpliSafe reps can use the cameras to determine if there’s an actual emergency happening (and if so, what kind), or if your kid just forgot the key code again and it’s really a false alarm.

Some cities charge fines for too many false alarms, so this is a useful way to cut down on calling the cops for no reason. And if it is an actual emergency, then SimpliSafe can give first responders more info about the situation.

Recap: Go with the Fast Protect plan

SimpliSafe’s Standard plan gives you 24/7 professional monitoring, but that’s it. With the SimpliSafe Fast Protect monitoring plan, you get the same professional monitoring, plus access to the mobile app, SimpliSafe’s smart home integrations, security camera support, and video verification for extra security.

SimpliSafe also now offers customers of the Fast Protect plan a 10% discount on equipment add-ons and a lifetime warranty on equipment as long as they maintain their subscription. We think it’s worth the 10 extra bucks per month.

FAQs

SimpliSafe offers two professional monitoring plans for $19.99–$29.99 a month and one self-monitoring plan for $9.99 a month. If you don't want to pay for a monitoring plan, you can use your SimpliSafe system unmonitored.

You can edit your current monitoring plan from your account in a web browser or the SimpliSafe app. 

Web browser: After logging into your SimpliSafe account, click your current plan under "Monitoring" on the left-hand side of the screen. From here, you'll be able to upgrade or downgrade your current account.

SimpliSafe app: Tap the hamburger icon in the top left corner of the page. Navigate to "Plan & Billing" where you'll be able to choose your current monitoring plan and change it.

If you're still confused or would rather talk to a customer service agent, you can call 1-888-783-8441. (Pro tip: have your "Safe Word" ready so SimpliSafe's agent can verify your account.)

You can choose to forgo a SimpliSafe monitoring plan and monitor your system yourself. It will require internet access, but with an unmonitored SimpliSafe system, you'll still get a live video feed of your cameras and the ability to remotely arm or disarm your system from the SimpliSafe app.

SimpliSafe's professional monitoring is sourced through COPS Monitoring. Founded in 1978, COPS is the top professional monitoring provider in North America, offering services throughout the United States, U.S. territories in the Caribbean, and Canada.

Now that you know, here are your next steps.

SimpliSafe
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5

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Mindy Woodall
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.

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