SimpliSafe Essentials Review: Worth It in 2026?

SimpliSafe The Essentials Security System Review

As a homeowner, investing in a reliable home security system is crucial for protecting your family and valuables. In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at SimpliSafe’s The Essentials Security System, a comprehensive solution designed to provide peace of mind without breaking the bank.

Design and Build Quality

SimpliSafe’s The Essentials Security System features a sleek and compact base station that serves as the central hub for your entire security setup. Made from durable plastic, the base station is both water-resistant and aesthetically pleasing. At 7.3 inches tall and 5.8 inches wide, it’s easy to place anywhere in your home without taking up too much space. The system also includes a wireless keypad with backlit PIN entry for convenient arming and disarming of the security system.

One notable feature is the inclusion of a built-in 95 dB siren that will alert you to potential threats even when no one is at home. We appreciate SimpliSafe’s focus on user-friendliness, making it easy to install and set up without requiring any technical expertise. The entire setup process can be completed in under 30 minutes, which is impressive given the comprehensive nature of this system.

Performance

In our testing, we found SimpliSafe’s The Essentials Security System to perform admirably, detecting motion and door openings with ease. The system uses cellular connectivity for reliable backup during WiFi outages, ensuring that your home remains protected even when your internet connection is compromised. SimpliSafe’s proprietary technology automatically sends alerts to your phone or tablet in case of a security breach.

Features

One of the standout features of SimpliSafe’s The Essentials Security System is its ability to integrate with popular smart home devices through IFTTT applets, although it lacks built-in support for Zigbee or Z-Wave. Camera integration requires upgrading to a higher-tier monitoring plan, which can be a drawback for users who want to monitor their property without incurring additional costs. If cameras are a priority, standalone options from our best security cameras roundup can fill the gap without a monitoring plan.

The system comes with a user-friendly mobile app that allows you to customize alerts, arm and disarm the security system remotely, and view live camera feeds (if subscribed). We appreciate SimpliSafe’s commitment to user experience, making it easy to navigate even for those unfamiliar with home security systems.

Installation

Setting up SimpliSafe’s The Essentials Security System is a breeze. Peel-and-stick adhesive makes installation a straightforward process that requires minimal effort and expertise. Our testing team completed the setup in under 30 minutes, which is impressive given the comprehensive nature of this system.

Installation Time: approximately 20-30 minutes

Difficulty Level: Easy (no technical expertise required)

Pros & Cons

Pros:

1. No long-term contracts required for professional monitoring: SimpliSafe offers flexible and affordable monitoring plans that don’t require committing to a lengthy contract.
2. Extremely easy DIY setup in under 30 minutes: The system is designed with user-friendliness in mind, making it effortless to install without requiring any technical expertise.
3. Affordable monitoring plans starting at $0.50/day: SimpliSafe’s pricing structure offers competitive rates that won’t break the bank.

Cons:

1. Professional monitoring requires monthly subscription: While not necessarily a con, users should be aware that professional monitoring comes with an additional cost.
2. No built-in smart home hub or Zigbee/Z-Wave support: This may limit integration options for some users.
3. Camera integration requires higher-tier monitoring plan: Camera functionality is only available to those who upgrade their monitoring plan.

Our Rating

Category	Score
Design	8/10 ( compact base station, water-resistant)
Performance	9/10 (reliable detection, cellular backup)
Features	7.5/10 (IFTTT applets, no Zigbee/Z-Wave support)
Value	9/10 (affordable monitoring plans, no contracts)
Overall	8.3/5

Who Should Buy This?

• Buy it if:

  • You’re looking for a comprehensive home security system with robust features.
  • You prioritize ease of use and installation without requiring technical expertise.
  • You want affordable monitoring plans that don’t require long-term commitments.

• Skip it if:

  • You’re seeking a built-in smart home hub or Zigbee/Z-Wave support.
  • You prefer to integrate cameras with your security system without upgrading your monitoring plan.

Final Verdict

SimpliSafe’s The Essentials Security System is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking reliable and comprehensive security protection. With its user-friendly design, robust features, and affordable pricing structure, this system offers peace of mind without breaking the bank. While it may lack some advanced features found in higher-end systems, SimpliSafe has successfully balanced functionality with affordability. We highly recommend considering The Essentials Security System for those seeking a solid home security solution.

To see how SimpliSafe stacks up against the competition, check out our best DIY home security systems roundup. And if you want to pair it with cameras and smart locks for full-home coverage, our guide on how to set up a smart home security system walks you through the entire process.