SimpliSafe Cameras Review 2022

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

Mindy Woodall

Managing Editor, Dwelling Security & Smart Home

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We recall of SimpliSafe cameras every bit more like a bonus than a cadre feature. The SimpliSafe habitation security system is i of our favorite DIY options, but SimpliSafe cameras? They're just a overnice extra if you want to go along an center 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. Y'all could find better versions of an indoor photographic camera, outdoor camera, or a doorbell photographic camera from several other brands, but other brands won't work as smoothly with your SimpliSafe alarm arrangement.

SimpliSafe photographic camera comparison

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

SimpliSafe frequently offers complimentary cameras

Deals

SimpliSafe runs deals pretty often, and they almost always offer a costless SimpliCam indoor camera when you buy a new package. Bank check out SimpliSafe's website to come across if there are whatever current camera deals.

How SimpliSafe Cameras Work

SimpliSafe cameras take move-activated recordings and piece of work with SimpliSafe security sensors.

But like all SimpliSafe devices, SimpliSafe cameras are built for budgeters. The SimpliCam indoor camera costs a mere $99, and the outdoor photographic camera and Video Doorbell Pro are yet decently priced at $169. Plus, all these cameras are easy to install yourself. The indoor camera uses a unmarried power cord, the outdoor camera sits on an easy spiral-in mount, and the doorbell camera uses your existing doorbell wiring.

None of SimpliSafe'southward cameras blows us abroad from a tech perspective, but if y'all desire cameras that put the "simple" in "SimpliSafe" and that work with the rest of your security system, and so you could do worse.

SimpliSafe cameras work as standalone devices

A lot of home security companies require you to install a total organization and subscribe to a pricey monitoring program before they'll support cameras. But SimpliSafe offers both of its security cameras as standalone devices.

You tin can buy any of these cameras and use them all on their own without a single other sensor in place. SimpliSafe gives you move-activated alerts for complimentary, but we recommend subscribing to the video back up plan. Information technology starts at $iv.99 per month and gives yous thirty days' worth of cloud storage.

SimpliSafe camera recording subscription plans

# of cameras 1 photographic camera Up to 10 cameras
Price

$4.99

/mo

$9.99

/mo

Deject storage xxx days 30 days
Movement-activated alerts

Icon Yes  Dark Yes

Icon Yes  Dark Yes

Clip download

Icon Yes  Dark Yes

Icon Yes  Dark Yep

Larn more

Data effective every bit of 11/17/21. Offers subject field to change.

SimpliSafe cameras utilise cloud storage (only)

None of SimpliSafe's cameras accept a local storage choice. You tin can either get motion-triggered notifications for gratuitous or pay the fee for thirty days' worth of cloud storage. If you want a camera that lets yous store footage on a USB drive or microSD card, we recommend something like the Wyze Pan Cam or the Eufy Video Doorbell.

SimpliSafe cameras use event-based recording

Both the SimpliCam, SimpliSafe Wireless Outdoor Security Camera, and the Video Doorbell Pro record short clips of video when they sense move and then store that footage in the cloud (every bit long as you lot have a video recording plan). This type of recording is called result-based video recording.

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

Well-nigh people don't need their cameras to record 24/7, but if you're a business organization owner or y'all just want an ongoing recording of your lawn, then heads up that SimpliSafe cameras don't have that feature. Try 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 run into if there really is an intruder in your house.

You need a full-on SimpliSafe security organization to use this feature, merely it'due south pretty cool. Video verification helps prevent false alarms, like when your children leave the door open up just a trivial chip and set off the sensor.

When your alert system goes off, the camera starts recording and sends the footage to SimpliSafe's monitoring center. That way, they can encounter if there's really someone suspicious or if it's just an errant kid.

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

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SimpliSafe SimpliCam features

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

SimpliCam indoor camera

The SimpliCam is a basic little indoor camera. Information technology has decent resolution, a good field of view, and standard features like two-manner audio and night vision. It'southward non bad for its $99 toll tag, but at that place's nothing about it that makes us say "wow." It tin keep an eye on your house and transport notifications when it detects motion, merely that'due south near it.

SimpliSafe SimpliCam features:

  • 1080p HD resolution
  • 120º field of view
  • Night vision
  • Two-way audio
  • Motion detection
  • Person detection
  • Privacy shutter
  • fourteen°–104° F operating temperature
  • Outdoor adapter kit available
  • Free move alerts
  • iii-yr express warranty

Livestream

You can view the SimpliCam'south livestream through the SimpliSafe app on your phone 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 existent-time view.

The livestream is groovy if yous desire to bank check on pets throughout the day or go on an middle on your kids when they're home with the babysitter. Merely remember that if yous want the camera to store movement-activated clips, so you have to subscribe to the camera plan.

Privacy shutter

Indoor security cameras can feel a piddling agonizing. How do you know it'southward non watching yous when you sneak into the kitchen at 2 a.chiliad. to consume the last of that leftover block?

For peace of listen about your hush-hush nighttime snacking (and whatsoever else), SimpliCam comes with a privacy shutter. Non a lot of indoor cameras have this—it's a visible metal shutter that closes around the photographic camera lens then you can run into at a glance that it'south not watching you. Feast abroad.

Outdoor adapter kit

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

The kit does expand the SimpliCam'southward operating temperature range a bit: from xiv°–104° F to -four°–114° F. Only we don't expect information technology to exist the nearly reliable weatherproof camera around.

How to install the SimpliCam

The SimpliCam links to your Wi-Fi network wirelessly, and so all y'all really have to worry nearly is the power cord.

SimpliCam installation steps:

  • Once you have everything unboxed, insert the micro-USB cord into the back of the SimpliCam. Plug the other terminate of the cord into a ability outlet.
  • Slide the SimpliCam body onto the base of operations (unless you lot program to mountain it direct onto a wall).
  • If you 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 photographic camera. Open up the menu and cull Cameras, then tap the Install Camera button.
  • The app will guide you through the process of naming your camera and calculation it to your Wi-Fi network.

Once you accept the SimpliCam set upwardly, you can adapt settings in the SimpliSafe app.

SimpliSafe Wireless Outdoor Security Camera features

It'due south not going to blow you abroad, merely information technology volition more than cover your outdoor security needs

The outdoor camera is a step or two above the SimpliCam. Not simply is it weatherproof (a must for outdoor cameras), it too has colored dark vision, digital zoom, and a spotlight.

SimpliSafe Wireless Outdoor Security Photographic camera features:

  • 1080p Hd resolution with HDR
  • 140º field of view
  • Digital zoom
  • Color night vision
  • Two-way audio
  • Motion detection
  • Motion-activated spotlight
  • Person detection
  • Rechargeable battery
  • Adaptable activity zones
  • Free motion alerts

Color night vision

Exercise you detest trying to selection things out in black-and-white video clips? Good news: the SimpliSafe outdoor camera is the only SimpliSafe cam with color night vision. You'll get colorful photographic camera clips, even in the dark.

Motion-activated spotlight

If the color night vision isn't plenty for your retinas, the camera'due south motion-activated spotlight volition smoothen some lite on whatever intruder it senses. That'll assistance y'all run across more clearly—and may spook off would-be mischief-makers.

How to install the SimpliSafe Wireless Outdoor Security Camera

The SimpliSafe outdoor camera setup is more complicated than the SimpliCam'south, merely information technology doesn't involve whatsoever wiring or a smashing deal of skill.

SimpliSafe Wireless Outdoor Security Photographic camera installation steps:

  • In one case you take everything unboxed, plug the charging cablevision into the battery. Plug the other end of the cord into a ability outlet. Charge the bombardment until the 3 LED lights are solidly lit (about v hours).
  • Twist off the photographic camera's lens and place the battery behind it with the black tab facing out. The camera will chime and flash a low-cal when the battery is placed correctly.
  • If you don't already accept it, download the SimpliSafe app on your phone and log in with the email address and password yous used when you bought the photographic camera. Open up the menu and choose Cameras, then tap the Fix a Camera push button.
  • Press the button on the front end of the camera to connect it.
  • The app volition guide you through the procedure of naming your camera and adding it to your Wi-Fi network.
  • Detach the mounting plate from the magnetic mount.
  • Screw the mounting plate into the wall.
  • Reattach the mount to the plate.
  • Identify your photographic camera on the magnetic mount.

You'll need to remove and recharge your camera ofttimes, ideally once a twenty-four hour period.

SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro features

For the toll, the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro could utilise improve 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 high-definition resolution and person detection.

As video doorbells go, it'south not the smartest model we've seen. (We gotta give that honor to the Nest Hello.) And there are doorbell cams with better smart features that come up at a like price, like the Arlo Video Doorbell or the Band Video Doorbell.

For $169, SimpliSafe'due south Video Doorbell Pro is decent simply not amazing.

SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro features:

  • 1080p Hard disk drive resolution with HDR
  • 162º field of view
  • Dark vision
  • Two-way audio
  • Motility detection
  • Person detection
  • Congenital-in chime
  • Adjustable activity zones
  • Free motion alerts

Similar the SimpliCam, the all-time thing about the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro is that it works with your SimpliSafe security organization. If you don't have a SimpliSafe system and just want a standalone doorbell camera, so we'd skip this one.

Adjustable activeness zones

The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro gives you lot adjustable activity zones, which is bang-up. You gotta cull a doorbell camera that lets yous conform activity zones. If you can't, then you lot're going to get dozens of notifications every day near cars driving down your street.

SimpliSafe doesn't take the best adaptable activity zones nosotros've seen. A lot of doorbell cameras let you draw which areas you want the photographic camera to watch. SimpliSafe gives you lot a grid view and lets you block out tiles over areas you don't want the camera to pay attention to. It's not quite as fancy as the alternative, but it gets the job washed.

Person-only alerts

If you lot want to go even fewer spammy push notifications, then you can plough on person-just alerts for the Video Doorbell Pro. This fashion, the doorbell volition merely notify you when information technology spots an actual human.

Person-only alerts are great if yous're tired of getting notified every fourth dimension a true cat walks through your 1000 or a tree branch waves in the wind.

How to install the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro

The Video Doorbell Pro is a bit trickier to install than the SimpliCam. This cam uses your existing doorbell connection, so you're going to get to know some electrical wiring for this ane.

SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro installation steps:

  • Turn off the breaker to your doorbell's electrical wiring. (This step is very important unless electrocution sounds similar a expert time to you.)
  • Take off your electric current doorbell. You should be able to pry information technology off with just a screwdriver. You lot'll need to advisedly remove the wires from the back as y'all pull the former doorbell away from the wall.
  • Thread the wires through the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro'due south mounting bracket and screw the mounting bracket into the wall. You lot'll want to break out the drill for this bit. (Get information technology? Flake? Nevermind.)
  • Wrap the wires effectually the screws on the front side of the mounting subclass.
  • Slide the Video Doorbell Pro onto the mounting bracket until you hear it click. Screw the little lock screw into the lesser of the doorbell camera to secure it to the subclass.
  • Flip the breaker back on and make sure the doorbell chimes when you lot press the button.
  • Download the SimpliSafe app and log in with the email and password you used when you bought the doorbell cam.
  • Choose the Install a Camera option and follow the instructions to connect your doorbell cam to your Wi-Fi network and adjust the settings.

If the camera works but your doorbell'southward not chiming (or it'southward chiming when it shouldn't), and so you might need to go a chinkle connector from SimpliSafe.

Nosotros think they should just include it in the parcel, but they don't seem to think plenty people need it. (To be fair, you probably won't.)

Recap: Are SimpliSafe cameras skillful?

SimpliSafe cameras are middle of the pack: not bad, merely not great either.

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

If you lot already have (or want to become) a SimpliSafe security organisation, so both these cameras are nice because they piece of work directly with your security sensors. They besides let SimpliSafe use video verification to see what's going on when your warning goes off.

SimpliCam indoor photographic camera: The SimpliCam has HD resolution and person detection, merely the angle isn't easy to accommodate, and information technology doesn't have any smart alerts beyond telling yous when information technology spots a person. We do like the privacy shutter, though.

SimpliSafe Wireless Outdoor Security Camera: This outdoor photographic camera offers color night vision and a movement-activated spotlight, making it more suited to its outdoor duties. Information technology'southward withal not the smartest camera out there, but with these additional features plus digital zoom, information technology'due south a pace higher up the other SimpliSafe cameras.

SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Camera Pro: The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Camera Pro uses your existing doorbell connection, and information technology has a lot of the same features every bit the SimpliCam. We like that it has adjustable activity zones, but it's also lacking smart features beyond basic person detection.

Desire to acquire more than about SimpliSafe? Check out some of our other articles:

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

SimpliSafe cameras FAQ

Does SimpliSafe have outdoor cameras?

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

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

In brusk, if you don't desire to spend the $lxx extra on the outdoor camera, the SimpliCam can do the job. But don't effort to use it outdoors without the silicone instance—it wouldn't survive the next rainstorm.

Tin you use SimpliSafe cameras without monitoring?

Yes, yous can apply SimpliSafe's cameras even if you don't subscribe to a SimpliSafe monitoring plan. Yous tin buy either the SimpliCam or the Video Doorbell Pro by itself and view the livefeed on your phone for gratis. But you won't get whatever motion-activated alerts, and you can't view past recordings unless you lot sign up for a photographic camera storage plan.

You lot don't need a monitoring subscription to sign up for a camera storage program. SimpliSafe lets you sign on to a camera-simply programme for $4.99 per month. The plan gives yous xxx days' worth of cloud storage and will send alerts when the camera detects motion. If you desire more than than one photographic camera, yous can pay $9.99 per month for a storage program that covers up to 10 cameras.

How many SimpliSafe cameras tin can you lot take?

You tin can have upward to x cameras. Nosotros say 10 because SimpliSafe'southward photographic camera storage plan covers upward to 10 cameras for $9.99 per month.

Nosotros call back ten is more than enough cameras for the average person, but if youactuallyneed more, then you can technically use as many as you want. You lot won't be able to view past recordings or go alerts, merely you can view the livefeeds of additional cameras for free. Keep in mind that cameras can strain your cyberspace connectedness. The more cameras you have, the more bandwidth they'll have upward.

Are SimpliSafe's cameras motion activated?

Yes, both of SimpliSafe's cameras are motion activated. Both the SimpliCam indoor camera and SimpliSafe's Video Doorbell Pro have motility activation and person detection, which lets the camera tell the departure between a human being and a machine driving down your street. You can conform the settings for the cameras to alert you lot nearly all motion or only people.

Do SimpliSafe'south cameras record all the time?

No, neither of SimpliSafe'due south cameras record all the time. 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's better to get a model that has local storage if you desire your security cameras to tape all the time. Neither of SimpliSafe's cameras offer local storage, but cloud storage.

Does SimpliSafe brand 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 power cord, and the Video Doorbell Pro hooks into your existing doorbell wiring. If y'all want a battery-powered photographic camera, nosotros recommend you lot bank check out Arlo, Eufy, or Reolink models.

Can yous talk through SimpliSafe's cameras?

Yes, both of SimpliSafe's cameras accept ii-way audio. Y'all can talk through the cameras using your phone, and you tin hear visitors talk back to y'all.

You should know that SimpliSafe's two-way audio works like a walkie talkie. You have to press the microphone push in the SimpliSafe mobile app to talk, and you won't exist able to hear what the other person says until you cease touching the mic push button. Most visitors don't know that that's how doorbell cameras work, so sometimes conversations are a piddling awkward. But if you want to apply the SimpliCam to talk to your kids or pets while you're away, information technology's a corking way to keep an eye (and an ear) on things.

Tin can you view SimpliSafe cameras on your phone?

Yes, SimpliSafe cameras piece of work with SimpliSafe's mobile app. You can use the mobile app to pull up the camera'south livefeed and see whatever the photographic camera's seeing. The mobile app will besides notify you when the camera spots move or when someone rings the doorbell (if you use SimpliSafe'south Video Doorbell Pro).

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

What do SimpliSafe security cameras work with?

SimpliSafe cameras pretty much work but with the SimpliSafe security system, and the SimpliSafe security system has limited tertiary-party compatibility. Yous won't exist able to connect the system to panic buttons, smart thermostats, Ring Alarm products, or many other smart dwelling house devices. Only it volition piece of work with equipment that SimpliSafe provides, similar its glass pause sensor, key play tricks, and motion sensor.

Which is better, Ring security cameras or SimpliSafe?

It depends on what y'all want. Ring has a bigger photographic camera selection and a lot more power source options. You can get 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.

Only Band security cameras won't work with your SimpliSafe security organisation, and information technology's nice to be able to use one mobile app for both. If you utilize Band cameras merely have a SimpliSafe alarm system, then you lot're going to be stuck using two apps to monitor your house.

Mindy Woodall

Written by

Mindy Woodall

Mindy has been writing nearly engineering science 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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