Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

If you are looking into security systems, there is a good chance that it means you were recently broken into. I'm so sorry that happened to you. It's so frustrating, and you will feel so paranoid for weeks at least. Get a security system, and perhaps some cameras, but definitely get renters or homeowners insurance. Hopefully soon, you will not feel as upset as you do now, and you can get back to normal. The Simplisafe system has been excellent so far. I've had it a week, and I love how practical it's been. Very easy to use, very intuitive, and extremely expandable. The price point is perfect for us, and the fact that we can activate or deactivate it from our phones means we can feel good about it while travelling. Simplisafe2 is wireless, adding to the easy installation. Many of the sensors use strong double-sided tape to attach, but I STRONGLY advise using the included screws as well. If a sensor falls off while you're away, you will be responsible for the false alarm call. The sounds are nice. The chimes when a door is opened sound aren't annoying, and although I thought I would disable them in the settings, I've grown accustomed to them. The voice of the main unit is very pleasant, and it gives instructions during setup and for tests. ________________________ PROS - NO THREE YEAR CONTRACT. NO CONTRACT AT ALL! The system works just fine if it's not monitored, but if you want SS to be alerted when an alarm goes off, it's not that expensive, and you can cancel any time. Other security companies I was looking into pressure you to let them do the install, and demand a contract. The fact that SS doesn't, really sold me on them. -Setup: We set it up in 30 minutes and it was working great! -Works with home automation: For now it works with the NEST thermostat (to tell it when you're home or away) but hopefully soon it will be compatible with other systems, or maybe ITTT. That would be nice. -Wireless -48 hour battery backup if the power is cut, the system still works. It uses its own cellular signal, so it doesn't rely on your wifi. The base unit is the only part that needs to be plugged into an outlet, so if you get a UPS battery backup, it will last much longer without power. -Works with app so you can turn it on away from home if you're away -Later on, you can get a carbon monoxide sensors and smoke detectors for your system! This was not a feature I was thinking about, but then it started to really appeal to me. My smoke alarm won't do anything when I'm not home, and until the neighbors call the fire department, they won't know there's a fire. Think about being notified at the "still smoking" stage, and the peace of mind you'll get from that feature. -Glass Break sensor detects for sound: This means that the glass break sensor can be used to detect the sound of breaking windows in the room, rather than having to invest in a sensor for each window. I have one room with several windows, and this is a great money saving feature. -Works great with the default settings, but LOTS of customization options for you to try using the website interface. ________________________ CONS (Why only four stars) I LOVE this system, and do recommend it, but the following features should be noted. Hopefully SS will consider them in the future. Keypad does not light up: The photo I'm including was taken in the afternoon, and you'd be surprised how easy it is to get the buttons wrong if it's a bit shady in the room. The LCD display sometimes lights up, but never the keypad. This makes it difficult to use in a shaded room (my lights are usually off there when I'm leaving or coming home) thus making a false alarm a higher possibility. This really isn't the worst thing in the world, and won't affect most users, but it's something to be aware of. Security Weakness: There is a weakness to this system, (and many cellular-based systems), which you can find out about through various articles. To summarize, a professional thief could use a $200 device to wait outside your home, wait until the system sends its unencrypted verification code to Simplisafe, and they have your PIN. This means that the thief would have to know about this weakness, have a device, know that you are using Simplisafe, and use the device as you disarmed the system, to get your PIN. This is a serious flaw, but all security systems have flaws. I use this system, but have decals outside for a DIFFERENT security system to confuse potential burglars (This is a good practice to do if you don't want to make it easier for any burglar to bypass whatever security system you end up choosing). I hope SS fixes this issue in the future, as it keeps them from being able to give total peace of mind. The Keyfob: Do not use it for several reasons. Using it as a keychain, the buttons are very easy to accidentally activate in your pocket. Also, if someone gets the keychain, they are able to disarm your system with it, even if they don't know your PIN. Even leaving the device on a shelf as an extra panic button is a danger, as a worker could grab it and have complete access to your home. The keyfob as it's been implemented is a liability. I recommend smashing it with a hammer or burying it in the back yard. No Motion Sensor customization: If by a rare fluke, your pet DOES set off the motion sensor, it wouldn't happen twice. I do wish SS would allow me to have a one-hit-forgiveness on the motion sensor. I'm a little paranoid about leaving my cat alone with it. TO SUMMARIZE: Overall, I really, really like this system, and LOVE the way the setup and instructions went from their website. I really get the feeling that SS really cares about providing a good service and making the installation experience a pleasant one. I looked at so many options (so many!) and this system stood out as the most intuitive, and potential for expansion and growth. So far, I'm impressed.