SimpliSafe vs Ring: Which DIY Home Security System Actually Protects Your Home?

Based on Security.org testing, Consumer Reports evaluations, and thousands of real user experiences

The short answer: SimpliSafe wins for serious home security. It scores 9.8/10 vs Ring's 7.7/10 on Security.org, offers superior professional monitoring with ~30-second response times, and maintains a cleaner privacy record. Unless you're building an Alexa-centric smart home, SimpliSafe delivers better protection where it counts. Get SimpliSafe on Amazon for $249 →

The Fighters

	SimpliSafe	Ring
Price	$249-$730 on Amazon	$244-$700 on Amazon
Best For	Professional monitoring, standalone security	Smart home integration, Alexa users
Monitoring	$21.99-$79.99/month	$4.99-$19.99/month (+$10 for pro)
SecurityScore	9.8/10	7.7/10
App Ratings	4.8 iOS / 4.5 Android	4.6 iOS / 4.1 Android

Smart home security camera next to smartphone showing monitoring app

The Death Match: 6 Rounds, 1 Winner

We're scoring each round from 1-10. Higher score wins the round. Let's fight!

Round 1: Professional Monitoring & Response Time

This is where SimpliSafe dominates—and where it matters most. When someone breaks into your home, seconds count. Security.org testing found SimpliSafe's monitoring response averages around 30 seconds, with their UL-certified monitoring centers maintaining excellent relationships with emergency services.

Here's the kicker: police departments respond faster to SimpliSafe alarms because the company has lower false alarm rates. That matters when every second counts.

SimpliSafe's Fast Protect plan includes Live Guard—a trained professional can access your camera feed during an alarm. They verify the threat in real-time before dispatching, reducing false alarms while ensuring real emergencies get immediate attention.

Ring claims 30-second response times, but NerdWallet notes this wasn't independently verified. Users report response times of 30-60 seconds, and some mention slower police response because Ring's monitoring is less established with emergency services.

Video-verified alarms are available with SimpliSafe's Core Plan ($31.99/month). When someone triggers the alarm, monitors receive a one-minute clip of security footage. If they see a break-in happening, police are alerted immediately.

SimpliSafe	Ring
9/10	6/10

Round 1 Winner: SimpliSafe — Faster, verified response with better police relationships.

Score after Round 1: SimpliSafe 9 | Ring 6

Round 2: Smart Home Integration

Ring fights back hard here. Amazon ownership gives Ring deep Alexa integration that SimpliSafe can't match. View camera feeds through Alexa devices, control your system with voice commands, and integrate with Z-Wave smart locks, switches, and garage controls.

According to SafeWise, "Ring is more smart home-friendly. In addition to working with Alexa and Google Home, Ring works with Z-Wave home automation devices such as smart locks."

SimpliSafe's integration is catching up—it works with Google Assistant, Alexa, and August Smart Locks—but requires a Core plan or higher. Voice commands can arm the system and check status but cannot disarm it for security reasons.

Neither system supports Apple HomeKit, which frustrates iPhone users who've built their smart homes on Apple's platform.

If you're building an interconnected smart home ecosystem where security integrates with lighting, locks, and thermostats, Ring has a significant advantage. If you want a standalone security system that just works, SimpliSafe's limited integration is actually a feature—fewer attack vectors for hackers.

SimpliSafe	Ring
5/10	9/10

Round 2 Winner: Ring — Superior smart home ecosystem and Z-Wave compatibility.

Score after Round 2: SimpliSafe 14 | Ring 15

Round 3: Equipment Selection & Camera Quality

This round is closer than expected. Ring dominates cameras—dozens of options including video doorbells, indoor/outdoor cameras, and spotlight cams. SimpliSafe offers just three cameras and one video doorbell.

However, SimpliSafe wins on traditional security sensors. Cybernews notes SimpliSafe has "a broader selection of equipment that includes glass break sensors and sirens." Ring lacks garage door tilt sensors, monitored smoke alarms, and gas detectors.

Smartphone showing security notification alert

Camera quality is where Ring should shine—but user reviews tell a different story. Consumer Affairs users complain that Ring "does not pick up all motion, becomes blurry at different times," and "the video quality is meh unless it's perfect lighting." Cold weather users report "can't see anything other than fog."

SimpliSafe cameras aren't perfect either—some users report connectivity drops—but the company focuses on security rather than trying to be a camera platform.

For comprehensive home security with sensors, SimpliSafe wins. For video monitoring with lots of camera options, Ring wins. We'll split this one.

SimpliSafe	Ring
7/10	7/10

Round 3 Winner: Tie — SimpliSafe better for sensors; Ring better for cameras.

Score after Round 3: SimpliSafe 21 | Ring 22

Round 4: Pricing & Value

Ring looks cheaper on paper, but the details matter. Security.org breaks it down:

Equipment: Nearly identical starting points—SimpliSafe at $250.96 vs Ring at $244.95.

Monitoring: Here's where it gets complicated. Ring's Basic plan is just $4.99/month, but that's for a single device. The Standard plan ($9.99/month) covers all devices but doesn't include professional monitoring—that's an additional $10/month.

SimpliSafe's Standard plan ($21.99/month) includes professional monitoring from day one. Their Core plan ($31.99/month) adds video verification.

Hidden Costs: With Ring, you can't arm or disarm through the app without paying for a plan. SimpliSafe lets you do this for free.

Cloud Storage: Ring Premium offers 180 days of video storage at $19.99/month—impressive. SimpliSafe's Core plan includes only 30 days.

The maximum monthly cost with SimpliSafe is around $79. With Ring, it can reach $114 when you add all the features.

For basic monitoring, Ring is cheaper. For comprehensive professional monitoring, SimpliSafe offers better value. But the 60-day vs 30-day free trial gives SimpliSafe an edge for testing.

SimpliSafe	Ring
7/10	8/10

Round 4 Winner: Ring — More flexible pricing options, longer video storage.

Score after Round 4: SimpliSafe 28 | Ring 30

Round 5: Privacy & Security

SimpliSafe takes this round decisively. NerdWallet reports "no public record of privacy breaches at SimpliSafe."

Ring's record is more troubled. In 2023, the Federal Trade Commission alleged that Ring exposed customers' personal information and home monitoring to hackers. When your security system becomes a security vulnerability, that's a fundamental failure.

User trust reflects this. On Trustpilot, SimpliSafe holds 2.3/5 stars while Ring sits at 1.3/5 stars. Neither is stellar, but the gap is significant.

For a device that watches your home 24/7, privacy matters. SimpliSafe's cleaner track record wins this round.

SimpliSafe	Ring
8/10	5/10

Round 5 Winner: SimpliSafe — No major privacy breaches, better user trust ratings.

Score after Round 5: SimpliSafe 36 | Ring 35

Round 6: Installation & Customer Support

Both systems install in under an hour—that's the DIY advantage. Security.org testers "unboxed the equipment, set it up, and had both systems operational" in less than an hour.

SimpliSafe's app gets higher marks. It earns 4.8 stars on iOS and 4.5 on Android vs Ring's 4.6 and 4.1. Users describe SimpliSafe's installation as "highly user-friendly" with "detailed, step-by-step instructions for each component."

Ring's challenge? Wi-Fi setup. Cybernews notes "connecting everything to Wi-Fi can be challenging, especially since you'll need to integrate Ring's Eero network with your existing network."

Customer support shows SimpliSafe's advantage. SafeWise rates SimpliSafe higher for customer service. Ring users on Consumer Affairs report "promised replacements never arriving," "conflicting information from different agents," and even "being hung up on." One user reported being charged for years after cancellation due to "improper cancellation."

Professional installation costs $125 for SimpliSafe vs ~$170 for Ring.

Golden trophy representing the winner of the competition

SimpliSafe	Ring
8/10	6/10

Round 6 Winner: SimpliSafe — Better app ratings, easier setup, superior customer support.

Final Score

Product	Total Score	Verdict
SimpliSafe	44/60	WINNER
Ring	41/60

The Winner: SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe wins where home security matters most—professional monitoring, response times, and privacy. The 9.8/10 SecurityScore vs Ring's 7.7/10 reflects real differences in protection quality.

Yes, Ring offers better smart home integration and more camera options. But a security system's primary job is protecting your home. SimpliSafe's faster police response (thanks to lower false alarm rates), video-verified monitoring, and clean privacy record make it the better choice for actual security.

The price difference isn't dramatic. Both systems start around $250 for equipment. SimpliSafe's monitoring costs more per month, but you're paying for better service—UL-certified monitoring centers, trained professionals who can view your cameras during an alarm, and relationships with emergency services that get faster response.

For anyone prioritizing actual home protection over smart home gadgetry, SimpliSafe is the clear winner.

Ready to buy the winner? Get SimpliSafe on Amazon →

When Ring Actually Wins

Ring isn't right for everyone, but it's the better choice if:

You're an Alexa power user — Deep Amazon integration means everything works together
Video monitoring is your priority — Dozens of camera options with 180-day cloud storage
You want the cheapest option — Basic plans start at just $4.99/month
Z-Wave compatibility matters — Integrate smart locks, switches, and garage controls
You're building a smart home first, security system second

If your home already runs on Alexa and you want security as part of that ecosystem, Ring makes sense. Just go in with eyes open about the privacy concerns and monitoring limitations.

Ring might be right for you: Check Ring Alarm prices on Amazon →

Frequently Asked Questions

Cozy living room with fireplace representing a protected family home

Can I use SimpliSafe or Ring without monthly fees?

Yes, but with limitations. SimpliSafe lets you arm/disarm through the app for free, but you won't have professional monitoring or cloud video storage. Ring's free tier is more restrictive—you can't even arm/disarm through the app without paying. Both systems will sound local alarms without a subscription, but no one will be dispatched.

Which has better camera quality?

Ring offers more camera options, but quality complaints are common. Users report motion detection issues, blurry footage, and poor performance in cold weather. SimpliSafe has fewer cameras but focuses on security rather than being a camera platform. For dedicated video monitoring, consider adding separate cameras from a specialized manufacturer.

Are these systems easy to install myself?

Yes. Both install in under an hour with no drilling required—sensors use adhesive strips. SimpliSafe's app gets better reviews for installation guidance (4.8 vs 4.6 on iOS). Ring's Wi-Fi setup can be challenging if you need to integrate with their Eero network.

Which system do police respond to faster?

SimpliSafe. Police departments have learned to prioritize SimpliSafe alarms because the company has lower false alarm rates. Video verification means monitors can confirm real break-ins before dispatching, which builds trust with emergency services. Ring's monitoring is newer and less established with police departments.