SimpliSafe vs. Eufy 2024
If you’re looking for reliable DIY home security, SimpliSafe edges out Eufy. We share it all in this in-depth comparison.
- Monthly subscription plans
- Fast and easy DIY installation
- Reliable professional monitoring
- Professional monitoring costs $21.99 or $31.99 per month
- Camera recording for up to 10 cameras costs as little as $9.99 per month
- Packages range from $250 to $730
When it comes to the best DIY home security, you have options. And it goes without saying that some of these options are better than others. But how can you tell the difference? A lot of these systems seem to offer the same components, comparable monitoring, and charge about the same prices.
Today we’re going to take a look at two security systems in particular — Eufy and SimpliSafe. I always cheer for a dark horse (that’s Eufy), but is there a reason Eufy is relatively unknown compared to SimpliSafe? Is there a reason SimpliSafe dominates in this space?
Spoiler alert: yes. After extensive testing, I found SimpliSafe to be a much better system than Eufy, but there is definitely some nuance to explore here. Before we get into that, though, I want to tell you how I developed this comparison.
Our Methodology: How We Test Security Products
Our team of experts has been putting security systems and equipment to the test for years and years, developing some of the most detailed analyses in the industry today.
Everything always starts with research. We look into company claims, consumer guides, and customer reviews to get a good idea of what each system brings to the table. Then we purchase and test the equipment ourselves, installing everything in our own homes for a period of a few weeks to a few months.
We put our qualitative and quantitative data side by side to make a recommendation on which system is better.
Now let’s take a detailed look at what these two systems offer and where their shortcomings might be.
SimpliSafe vs. Eufy: Equipment
Probably the most important category when comparing security systems is the equipment. This is, obviously, the backbone of your protection, so we’re going to go through it piece by piece to really get a feel for what these companies offer.
Cameras
Security cameras are one of the best theft deterrents you can buy, so I always start my investigation of any security company by investigating their camera offerings. And hoo boy, does Eufy have a ton of cameras. Indoor cameras, outdoor cameras, camera packages, solar-powered cameras, 4K cameras, 2K cameras — you name it, they’ve got it.
Pro Tip: You need to make sure you’re placing your cameras appropriately for maximum protection. Don’t worry, I’ve written an entire guide on installing security cameras.
SimpliSafe? Not so much. While all of their cameras are high-quality, they only offer four — the SimpliSafe Doorbell Camera, two indoor cameras, and an outdoor camera. I’d argue that these four cameras can cover a lot of ground when it comes to protecting your property, but when it comes to options, Eufy takes the cake.
Camera Winner: Eufy
Sensors
The next important equipment category to consider is a security system’s sensors. This includes entryway sensors, motion detectors, and environmental sensors. Eufy offers all three but not much else. If they’re your security provider, you’ll be able to purchase motion sensors, entry sensors, water and freeze sensors, and smoke detector listeners. At one point they offered a garage door sensor, but it looks like that product is no longer available, which is a shame. It could have been included on my list of the best security systems for homes with garages if they kept it around.
SimpliSafe, on the other hand, offers a few more options when it comes to sensors. They cover the basics with entryway, water, and motion sensors, but they also add acoustic glass-break sensors, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and temperature sensors. Simply put, more options means more comprehensive protection. This one goes to SimpliSafe.
Sensor Winner: SimpliSafe
Keypad
The final category I like to take a look at when comparing equipment is a system’s keypad. A lot of today’s best home security systems are controlled by an app, but many still include high-tech touch-screen keypads that can serve as the nerve center for your system.
Unfortunately, that “many” doesn’t include Eufy or SimpliSafe. Both providers are stuck in the proverbial Dark Ages when it comes to their keypads, sticking with analog buttons that look like they’re from the 90s. Both Eufy and SimpliSafe lose points here, so I’m calling it a tie.
Keypad Winner: Tie
Now that we’ve talked about the equipment generally, let’s talk about how easy this stuff is to get set up and installed.
Installation
This is a tough comparison. Both Eufy and SimpliSafe have made it apparent that they really prioritize simplicity when it comes to setup. I’ll put it this way — both systems are extremely easy to install and don’t require any special skills or tools. Eufy can get a little more difficult when you start talking about hardwiring cameras into your network, but for the purposes of this comparison, I’m sticking to their security system alone.
When I tested both systems, it took me under half an hour to have everything up and running. That isn’t just because I’m an expert with this stuff, either. If you can follow basic instructions, peel the backing off an adhesive strip, and stick it to your door frame, you should have no problem installing either system.
But there’s one thing to watch out for with the SimpliSafe system; I found that their motion detector was a little heavy, and the adhesive strips had a bit of trouble staying stuck. This tendency to fall created more than one false alarm during my testing period, and I ended up using the included hardware to affix it to my wall more permanently. I don’t really fault SimpliSafe for that, though — more so the Southern humidity and my old plaster walls.
In my estimation, it couldn’t have been easier to install either system. This one’s a tie as well.
Pro Tip: SimpliSafe does offer professional installation through a third party if the letters D, I, and Y freak you out. I would really recommend trying to install it yourself and saving yourself the $100 or so. Trust me, it’s easier than you think.
Installation Winner: Tie
Comparing Costs
Now that we’ve talked about the equipment and how easy it is to install, let’s talk about a major deciding factor in anyone’s search for a security system — the costs. If you’re interested in cutting to the chase, both Eufy and SimpliSafe are great affordable security options. There is, of course, some variation to that, so let’s explore it a little more in-depth, starting with SimpliSafe’s prices. They offer a few different packages you can choose from, but here’s the a la carte menu:
Equipment | Price |
---|---|
Entryway sensor | $14.99 |
Motion sensor | $34.99 |
Glass-break sensor | $39.99 |
Wireless indoor camera | $139.99 |
Wireless outdoor camera | $189.99 |
Video Doorbell Pro | $169.90 |
Wired indoor camera | $99.99 |
Water sensor | $19.99 |
Smoke and carbon monoxide detector | $59.99 |
Smoke detector | $34.99 |
Temperature sensor | $29.99 |
Panic button | $19.99 |
Key fob | $24.99 |
Auxiliary siren | $59.99 |
Extra keypad | $69.99 |
And here are the security system offerings from Eufy:
Equipment | Price |
---|---|
Water and Freeze Sensor | $34.99 |
Smoke and CO Alarm Listener | $39.99 |
Security Siren | $39.99 |
Entry Sensor | $29.99 |
Motion Detector | $29.99 |
Indoor Cam | $129.99 |
SoloCam | $129.99 |
Outdoor Cam | $79.99 |
Indoor Cam (Plug-In) | $29.99 |
I understand that this list looks a little anemic, but keep in mind this is strictly their security equipment offerings. Eufy has scores of security cameras and smart home equipment that will all integrate into this system. Good for adding convenience to your life, but not so good for your physical security, which is why it wasn’t included.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for the best smart security system, check out my review of Vivint. They’re expensive, but you can set the system up to help you live like you’re in the year 2055.
Overall, Eufy and SimpliSafe are in the same ballpark when it comes to costs. The ace in the hole, though, is that SimpliSafe is almost always offering some sort of deal, which really drives your overall price down. Right now, for instance, you can get a free advanced indoor camera when you sign up for their powerful Fast Protect monitoring, which I’ll talk more about below. For now, I’m going to give this category to SimpliSafe.
Cost Winner: SimpliSafe
Monitoring
Beyond equipment, another extremely important aspect of any security system is the strength and flexibility of its monitoring packages. Let’s take a quick look at SimpliSafe’s offerings:
Feature | Standard monitoring | Fast Protect monitoring |
---|---|---|
Professional monitoring | Yes | Yes |
Alerts for environmental hazards | Yes | Yes |
Intruder deterrent | No | Yes |
Video verification | No | Yes |
Cellular backup | Yes | Yes |
Unlimited camera recording | No | Yes |
Cloud storage | 30 days | 30 days |
Live view | Yes | Yes |
Alarm texts | Yes | Yes |
Remotely arm and disarm system | Yes | Yes |
Arm system with voice assistant | Yes | Yes |
Extended warranty | 3 years | Lifetime |
Discount on new hardware | No | 10% |
Monthly cost | $19.99 | $29.99 |
One thing that I want to point out before I move on to Eufy’s monitoring plans is the video verification included in the Fast Protect monitoring package. A lot of security systems offer some version of this feature, but SimpliSafe is the only one I’ve tested that actually allows technicians to converse with you — or an intruder — through the camera’s onboard speaker. When I tested this out, I was impressed with how quickly they were able to connect, how clearly I could speak with them, and how professional they were after I explained it was a test alarm.
Now for Eufy’s monitoring. Administered by Noonlight, Eufy’s monitoring is pretty bare-bones. Here’s what you get:
Feature | Eufy | SimpliSafe |
---|---|---|
24/7 professional monitoring | No | Yes |
24/7 emergency dispatch | No | Yes |
System integration | No | Yes |
Custom monitoring settings | No | Yes |
False alarm forgiveness | Yes | Yes |
Tap for dispatch | Yes | Yes |
Practice mode | Yes | Yes |
Monthly cost | $4.99 | $9.99 |
While Eufy’s monitoring is certainly cheaper, it’s definitely not as feature-rich as SimpliSafe’s offerings. I’m going to have to give this category to SimpliSafe.
Pro Tip: Both SimpliSafe and Eufy are good options for folks who want to self-monitor, as well as those looking for a quality no-contract home alarm. Both are month-to-month, so you won’t be locked into a payment for years like you would with a more traditional system like Vivint or ADT — although those systems definitely have their virtues, too.
Monitoring Winner: SimpliSafe
User Experience
So far we’ve dealt with some pretty quantitative comparisons — equipment prices, monitoring packages, etc. — so before I give my final recommendation, I wanted to speak a little bit about the more qualitative aspects of these two systems.
First, when it comes to the buying experience, SimpliSafe wins hands down. Their website is well organized, and it’s really easy to find all of the information you’re looking for to make an informed decision. Eufy’s website, on the other hand, can be a little confusing, and it’s difficult to pinpoint where everything is. It took me several minutes to find information on their monitoring packages, if that gives you any idea what I mean.
Next, let’s talk about the quality of their equipment. SimpliSafe’s pieces are all well-designed and feel very durable. I wouldn’t want to run over one of their cameras with my truck, but I feel like I could if I wanted to. I don’t feel the same about Eufy. Some of their pieces feel a little flimsy to me. And while I’ve never had something break while I’m testing it, I wouldn’t want to see what happened if I dropped it down the stairs.
Overall, SimpliSafe just feels like a more complete, well-thought-out security system. If you’re looking for comprehensive protections, SimpliSafe gets my vote.
User Experience Winner: SimpliSafe
The Final Word: SimpliSafe or Eufy?
If you were to ask me on the street which system you should go with, my immediate response would be SimpliSafe. Like I said above, it just feels like a more complete system — not a security camera company that decided to make some motion sensors. That said, if you’re looking to fill some very specific needs with very particular types of security cameras, Eufy might be your go-to. For instance, I was blown away by their video doorbell, which has a downward-facing camera to keep an eye on packages and prevent porch piracy. That was a real “Why hasn’t anyone else thought of that?” moment.
Overall though, if you’re looking to build a robust security system that covers all the bases, SimpliSafe is the safer bet. They beat out Eufy on almost every level aside from camera selection. There’s a reason why they’re one of the best security systems on the market today, and why they continue to be one of my favorites.
Frequently Asked Questions: SimpliSafe and Eufy
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How difficult is it to install a DIY security system?
Installation difficulty can vary. Many DIY systems are designed to be easy to install with adhesive backing and simple setup instructions. Some may require a bit more technical skill, especially if they involve wiring or configuring multiple devices. SimpliSafe and Eufy, though, are on the easier end of the spectrum. Either system can be installed in about 15 minutes.
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Do DIY security systems require a monthly fee?
Many DIY systems, like Eufy and SimpliSafe, offer optional professional monitoring services for a monthly fee. However, basic functionality like recording footage or sending alerts to your phone won’t require any subscription. Both of these systems can be fully self-monitored — although that’s not really recommended.
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What are the advantages of using a DIY security system over a traditional one?
The main advantages of using a system like Eufy or SimpliSafe include lower initial costs, zero installation fees, full customization, and no long-term contracts. Personally, I prefer the flexibility of a DIY system to a more traditional one.
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What components typically come with a DIY security system?
DIY security systems like Eufy and SimpliSafe will include cameras, motion detectors, door and window sensors, and a central hub. Some systems, like Eufy, include smart home devices that aren’t really important for security, but can increase your creature comforts.
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Are DIY security systems as safe as traditional ones?
When thoughtfully considered and installed correctly, a DIY security system like those from SimpliSafe or Eufy can be just as effective as a more traditional system. Just make sure all entry points to your property are covered and supplement your protections with professional monitoring if possible.