Are you looking for a straightforward home security system that’s easy to set up and gives you flexible monitoring options?
Quick overview of the SimpliSafe 11 Piece Wireless Home Security System Gen 3
This SimpliSafe kit comes with a Base Station, wireless indoor HD camera, keypad, entry sensors, motion sensor, and more to cover most entry points and a main living space. You can start protecting your home out of the box with no drilling or wiring, and you can add professional monitoring only if you want it — there are no long-term contracts required.
SimpliSafe 11 Piece Wireless Home Security System Gen 3 with Wireless Indoor HD Camera - Optional 24/7 Professional Monitoring - No Contract - Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant,White
What’s included and what each piece does
Below is a clear breakdown of the physical components and their primary purpose so you can quickly see how the system protects your home.
| Component | Quantity | Primary function |
|---|---|---|
| Base Station | 1 | Central hub; sounds siren, connects sensors, battery backup and cellular backup with monitoring plan |
| Wireless Indoor HD Camera (Smart Alarm) | 1 | Live video, two-way audio, motion-activated recording, video verification for faster police dispatch |
| Entry Sensors | 7 | Attach to doors, windows, or cabinets to trigger alerts when opened |
| Motion Sensor | 1 | Covers up to 35 feet (90° FOV); pet-friendly under 60 lbs when placed correctly |
| Smash-safe Keypad | 1 | Arm/disarm the system with backlit buttons; wireless placement |
| Window/Door sensor accessories | – | Included mounts and batteries for simple placement |
You’ll also get mounting hardware and batteries in most kits, and instructions for setup. The system is designed so you can place devices where you need them without running wires.
Key features you’ll appreciate
The system packs several user-friendly and safety-focused features meant to make everyday use simple and reliable.
Simple setup and installation
You plug in the Base Station, place sensors and the camera where you want them, and pair devices via the SimpliSafe App or keypad. No drilling or wiring is required, which keeps installation fast and low-stress.
Optional professional monitoring with no contract
You can choose 24/7 professional monitoring for faster police response, or you can operate the system self-monitored using phone alerts only. There’s no long-term contract required, so you can change your mind without penalties.
Two-way audio Smart Alarm Camera with live guard option
The wireless indoor HD camera supports two-way audio so you can speak to someone in your home via the app. With SimpliSafe’s live guard monitoring you get agents who can see a live view and speak through the camera during alarms, which can help stop crimes in real time.
Video verification for faster police response
When you enable video verification on supported plans, monitoring agents can use camera footage to confirm a break-in, which often means priority dispatch. This reduces the chance of delayed response due to uncertainty.
Protection for entry points
The included entry sensors alert you the moment a door, window, or cabinet is opened and can silently send Secret Alerts to your phone for discreet notifications of private area access.
Motion sensors with pet tolerance
Motion sensors cover a room up to 35 feet and include a 90° field of view. They’re designed to ignore pets under 60 lbs when positioned correctly, helping you avoid stray motion triggers.
Base Station resilience
The Base Station includes a backup battery that lasts up to 24 hours and supports cellular backup when you subscribe to professional monitoring. That keeps you protected even if your power or Wi‑Fi goes down.
Smart home compatibility and full app control
You can arm/disarm at home using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, and you control the system remotely via the SimpliSafe App for arming, disarming, live video, and alerts.
How setup and first-time use feel in real life
Setting the system up is deliberately straightforward so you can quickly move from unboxed to protected.
Unboxing and physical setup
You’ll plug in the Base Station, attach sensors using adhesive mounts or screws, and place the camera where it has a clear view. The keypad pairs wirelessly, and the app walks you through device activation.
App configuration and account creation
You create a SimpliSafe account, follow the step-by-step prompts in the app to name devices and assign zones, and choose whether you want monitoring. The user interface is friendly and designed for non-technical users.
First 24–48 hours of use
Expect to fine-tune sensor placement and motion sensitivity in the first day or two. You’ll receive push notifications and can check events and clips in the app, which helps you adjust settings to suit your home.
How it performs day to day
The system balances convenience with reliability so you can rely on it for daily security needs.
Reliability of sensors and connection
Wireless sensors generally have dependable connectivity to the Base Station; battery life is good and the Base Station uses cellular backup to stay connected if Wi‑Fi drops. You should get consistent notifications and alarm triggers.
Camera video and audio quality
The indoor HD camera provides clear daytime video and adequate night vision for typical indoor settings. Two-way audio is handy for talking to visitors or speaking to someone during an alarm.
Motion detection and pets
Placed in a corner and set up according to the instructions, the motion sensor covers most rooms and can ignore pets under 60 lbs. For homes with multiple or larger pets, consider sensor placement and sensitivity adjustments.
False alarms and verification
SimpliSafe’s video verification and live guard options are intended to reduce false dispatches and prioritize genuine emergencies. You can also use Secret Alerts to silently monitor specific entry points without sounding the alarm.
Monitoring plans and what they offer
You can choose to self-monitor or subscribe to SimpliSafe’s professional plans, which differ in response speed and features. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you decide.
| Plan type | Key benefits | Typical use case |
|---|---|---|
| Self-monitoring (no subscription) | App notifications only; no professional response | You want low ongoing cost and will respond to alerts yourself |
| Core Monitoring | 24/7 professional monitoring, cellular backup, police dispatch | You want a basic professional response without video verification features |
| Fast Protect / Video Verification | Includes camera video verification and priority dispatch; live agent video interaction possible | You want faster police response and live agent intervention with camera confirmation |
Note: Names and exact plan features can vary over time. The important distinction is whether you want professional agents and video verification or prefer to handle alerts yourself.
Privacy and data handling you should know about
Privacy is often a top concern with cameras and monitored systems. Here’s how SimpliSafe handles data and what you can control.
Video access and storage
Video clips are stored in your SimpliSafe account if you subscribe to a plan that includes video. You can view recent clips in the app and adjust what’s saved and for how long based on your plan.
When agents can view your camera
Professional monitoring agents typically access live video only during an active alarm or to verify an event if you’ve enabled video verification. SimpliSafe’s live guard option involves agents viewing and interacting through the camera during alarms.
Account and encryption
Your SimpliSafe account is protected with standard account security measures; you should enable a strong password and, if available, two-factor authentication. The system uses encrypted communication between devices and the cloud.
US-only support
SimpliSafe products and professional monitoring services are offered and supported only in the United States, so keep that in mind if you plan to buy and use the system outside the US.
Installation tips and best placement practices
A few placement decisions go a long way to reduce false alarms and maximize coverage.
- Place motion sensors in a corner around 6–8 feet high for best coverage and to avoid pet-level motion.
- Mount entry sensors near the top of doors and windows using included adhesive or screws for a secure connection.
- Position the indoor camera where it can see main entry points and common areas, but not pointed directly at private areas like a bedroom or bathroom for privacy reasons.
- Keep the Base Station centrally located and plugged into a stable power source; ensure it gets a strong connection if you rely on Wi‑Fi for some functions.
- Test each sensor from the app immediately after installation and perform walk-through tests to confirm reliable triggers and appropriate sensitivity.
Pros you’ll notice immediately
- Exceptionally easy, no-wiring installation that you can complete in under an hour for basic setup.
- Optional professional monitoring without long-term contracts, giving you flexibility.
- Two-way audio and video verification capabilities for faster, more accurate response.
- Solid backup features like a 24-hour battery and cellular backup when paired with a monitoring plan.
- Integration with Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free arming and routines.
Cons you should consider
- Advanced features like video verification and live guard require a paid subscription.
- Professional monitoring and some cloud storage features are limited to the United States.
- Pets over 60 lbs or multiple active pets may require careful sensor placement or supplemental devices.
- If you prefer fully local-only systems with no cloud, this system still uses cloud services for many features.
How this system compares to similar options
When compared to some other well-known brands, this SimpliSafe kit emphasizes easy setup and simplicity while offering credible monitoring options.
SimpliSafe vs. other DIY systems (Ring, Arlo, etc.)
SimpliSafe aims for a cohesive ecosystem with a focus on home security (alarms + camera + monitoring) rather than primarily camera ecosystems. It tends to be simpler to configure as a full alarm system, while brands like Ring or Arlo may emphasize camera features heavily but require add-ons for full alarm capabilities.
SimpliSafe vs. professional hardwired systems
Hardwired systems can offer more advanced sensor types and potentially greater reliability in large properties, but they require installation and wiring. SimpliSafe trades that for flexibility and no-install hassles.
Troubleshooting common issues you might face
If something doesn’t behave as expected, try these steps before contacting support.
- Device won’t pair: Restart the Base Station, ensure Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi is enabled on your phone, and follow pairing steps again.
- Camera offline: Check Wi‑Fi strength and reboot your router and Base Station. Ensure the camera has power.
- False motion alerts: Adjust motion sensor placement and sensitivity; check for reflective surfaces or temperature sources causing triggers.
- App not sending notifications: Confirm push notifications are enabled for the SimpliSafe app in your phone settings and that Do Not Disturb isn’t blocking alerts.
- Low battery warning: Replace batteries in the indicated device with the proper type and check expiry dates on replacement batteries.
Accessories and upgrades you can add later
You can expand the system with additional sensors, outdoor cameras, smart locks, and more to tailor coverage to your home.
- Extra entry sensors for more doors/windows.
- Additional motion sensors for hallways or staircases.
- Outdoor cameras for exterior coverage (if you want a full perimeter view).
- Smoke and CO detectors that integrate with the Base Station for safety alerts.
- Smart locks and smart plugs for added convenience and automation.
Who should pick this system
This system is well suited to you if:
- You want a full alarm system that’s quick to install without professional installation.
- You like the option to add professional monitoring but don’t want a long-term contract.
- You want integrated camera and sensor functionality with app control.
- You prefer a system designed primarily for residential use and supported in the US.
This system may be less ideal if you need enterprise-level customization, local-only storage, or you live outside the US.
Final verdict and recommendation
If you want a user-friendly home security kit that protects entry points, gives you an indoor HD camera with two-way audio, and offers optional professional monitoring without locking you into a contract, this SimpliSafe 11 Piece Wireless Home Security System Gen 3 is a strong choice. You’ll get practical protection from the moment you plug in the Base Station, and the mix of wireless sensors and camera features handles most everyday home security needs. Consider whether you want video verification and live guard features before buying, since those require a monitoring subscription to get the fastest response and full benefits.
FAQs you might ask
Q: Do you need a subscription to use the system?
A: No. You can use SimpliSafe in self-monitoring mode with app notifications only, but professional monitoring and video features require a subscription.
Q: How long does the Base Station battery last during a power outage?
A: The Base Station battery can last up to 24 hours. For continued connectivity during outages, a monitoring plan that includes cellular backup is recommended.
Q: Can agents access your camera at any time?
A: Monitoring agents typically view live video only during alarm events or when video verification is enabled and triggered. Normal day-to-day monitoring does not involve constant agent camera access.
Q: Will the motion sensor ignore my pet?
A: The motion sensor is designed to ignore pets under 60 lbs when installed correctly. For larger pets or multiple pets, you may need to adjust placement or sensitivity.
Q: Can you use voice assistants to arm the system?
A: Yes. The system works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for arming and certain commands when configured.
Q: Is the system supported outside the US?
A: SimpliSafe’s products and professional monitoring services are supported and sold only in the United States.
If you want, I can help you compare current monitoring plan details and approximate monthly costs, or help you map an ideal device placement plan for your specific floor plan. Which would you prefer?
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.