Smart security systems play a vital role in ensuring the safety of our homes and families. With the introduction of the DIY home security system, home security has become even more inexpensive and accessible now. But selecting the proper security system can be a really tough choice. Hence, in this article, we will compare two of the best DIY home security systems, SimpliSafe and Nest Secure and find out which one amongst them is the best one for a majority of houses.
Our Verdict
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While SimpliSafe seems to be a clear winner in terms of features and specifications it provides, we would still go with Nest Secure for its complete value of money. In addition to providing a number of features similar to SimpliSafe for free, the professional monitoring system of Nest Secure is more dedicated as well. Hence, if you are willing to provide abundant security to your house at a reasonable price and control your security systems on your phone, Nest Secure would be a better choice.
SimpliSafe Vs Nest Alarm: Comparison Chart
| Category | SimpliSafe | Nest Alarm |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | Diameter: 4 inches Height: 8.5 inches | Diameter: 3.7 inches Height: 2.1 inches |
| Color | White/Black | White |
| Connection | Wireless (hub to router) | Wireless (hub to router) |
| 24/7 Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Backup | 24 hours | 12 hours |
| Hub Sensors | NA | Motion, Tamper, and proximity sensors |
| Keypad | Separate, wireless | Keypad is present on the hub |
| Sensors | Motion, Entry, Glass-break, Smoke, Carbon Monoxide, Temperature, Water | Motion sensor by Nest Detect |
| Home Automation | Limited Options | Google Home & Alexa |
| Surveillance Cameras | Indoor Cameras, | Indoor & Outdoor Cameras, |
| Voice Control | Compatible to Google Assistant and Alexa | Compatible to only Google Assistant |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Compatible to Apple Watch, Nest Thermostat, and August Smart Lock | Compatible to Wink, Nest Hello doorbell, Nest x Yale lock, and Nest Connect mesh Wi-Fi |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Differences
1. Design
SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe has a diameter of 4 inches and a height of 8.5 inches. This device is available in two colors, white and black and looks quite sleek and sophisticated. Due to this, it will fit anywhere amongst your furniture without standing out.
Nest Secure
Nest Secure is a bit more compact than SimpliSafe since it has a diameter of 3.7 inches and a height of 2.1 inches. Although it is also quite sleek and can blend in with your furniture, it is available in only one color which does not leave the customers with many choices.2. Cellular And Battery Backup
SimpliSafe
One of the disadvantages of SimpliSafe is that you will have to opt for a subscription plan if you want to have a cellular backup. Whereas in the case of battery backup, SimpliSafe provides backup for almost 24 hours due to which it comes out at the top when compared to Nest Secure.
Nest Secure
With a battery backup of 12 hours, Nest Secure provides almost half of the battery backup as SimpliSafe. But the fact that Nest Secure has a standalone plan that can give you a cellular backup at just $5 per month makes it a worthy option.
3. Keypads
SimpliSafe
One of the major advantages of the SimpliSafe system is that you can have multiple keypads at a time. Although the system comes with only one keypad by default, you can buy extra keypads to place it where you need them.
Nest Secure
The only keypad in Nest Secure is located on the top side of the base unit. Hence, one of the biggest disadvantages of Nest Secure is that you cannot add multiple keypads to your device.
4. Presence Of Extra Siren
SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe provides an additional siren with its device in case the intruders destroy the main siren. This feature ensures that your house always stays protected and you get to know about any attempts of a break-in with a secondary siren even if the primary one gets broken.
Nest Secure
The absence of this extra siren in Nest Secure may pose a threat to your house if the intruder is smart enough to break the siren beforehand. Since there is only one siren available in Nest Secure, if it gets destroyed or detached, your house might get stuck in danger.
5. Panic Button
SimpliSafe
Due to the presence of a remote panic button, SimpliSafe is advantageous even in this field. This panic button is easily accessible to you and if you press this button in case of an emergency, the notification is sent to the professional monitoring department. They will then call you back to make sure if you are okay, and if you fail to respond, a police force is sent to your location as soon as possible. The best part is that the intruders will have no idea about all of this since this panic alarm functions in a silent mode.
Nest Secure
Nest Secure also comes with a panic button but it is not as convenient as SimpliSafe. The panic button is located in the base itself which might make it difficult for the user to have access to it in case of an emergency. Besides, it does not contact the police force when you press it. Instead, the panic button will make a loud sound that may or may not scare the intruders away.6. Number Of Sensors
SimpliSafe
Another advantage of SimpliSafe is the wide range of sensors that it has to offer. Motion sensor, an entry sensor, glass-break sensor, smoke sensor, Carbon Monoxide sensor, temperature sensor, and water sensor are all the sensors that are available with SimpliSafe.
Nest Secure
Nest Secure only works with the Nest Detect motion sensor. Although this sensor is quite flexible in a way that you can place it on a door or window and it’ll work as a motion sensor and open/close sensor, and on walls, it will act as occupancy sensor and let you know when someone walks by. But the absence of a number of other sensors that SimpliSafe has to offer puts Nest Secure in a position of disadvantage.7. Subscription Plans
SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe offers two different plans: Basic and advanced subscription. The basic plan includes 24/7 Live Alarm monitoring, Cellular Connection, and Environmental Monitoring. The advanced subscription lets you control your systems from your phone like receiving alerts and unlimited video recording storage in your cloud for 30 days.Nest Secure
Nest Secure also provides subscriptions to its users, where it offers a professional monitoring plan that offers 24/7 monitoring and cellular backup with a 3-year contract or a monthly one with no commitment. Unlike SimpliSafe, you can control your systems from your phone for free which makes it more advantageous for us to invest in Nest Secure.
8. Other Differences Between SimpliSafe And Nest Secure
- Unlike Nest Secure, SimpliSafe offers a wide variety of kits and package options that are available at different prices. You can select one according to your home requirements.
- Both of these companies provide a third-party monitoring system. While SimpliSafe uses COPS monitoring and dispatches police and firemen when you are in trouble, Nest Secure uses a more dedicated company, Brinks. This company is dedicated to providing protection and security to its users and hence is a better alternative than SimpliSafe.
- SimpliSafe is compatible with both Google Assistant and Alexa, and also provides smart home compatibility with Apple Watch, Nest Thermostat, and August Smart Lock. But on the other hand, Nest Secure is compatible with a wide range of Nest devices including Wink, Nest Hello doorbell, Nest x Yale lock, and Nest Connect mesh Wi-Fi. It is also compatible with Google Assistant but doesn’t yet provide compatibility with any other voice command system.
Similarities
1. Presence Of Wireless System
Both these systems offer a wireless hub to router connection due to which you won’t have to deal with a mesh of wires. All you have to do is plug in the base and you’re good to go.
2. Customizability Of Both The Systems
One of the perks of using these security systems is that you can customize and expand its coverage according to your own needs. While SimpliSafe comes in various packages and kits, to expand your Nest Secure, you can add more Nest Detects and Nest Tags. This way, you can add more sensors to your system, and then you’re good to go.
3. Ease Of Installation
Both SimpliSafe and Nest Secure are DIY security systems which makes it very easy for you to install these systems in your house even without any professional help.
4. Professional Monitoring
Although both SimpliSafe and Nest Secure will charge you for providing 24/7 professional monitoring, it is a feature that they have in common. It is a very useful feature that your security system provides, especially if you are unable to provide self-monitoring to your house.
5. Some Other Similarities Between SimpliSafe And Nest Secure
- Both of these security systems provide an optional monthly-contract-based subscription which makes it easier for you to terminate it whenever needed.
- Both of the systems provide a user-friendly interface where you can control your system directly from your phone. Although SimpliSafe takes an extra charge for it whereas Nest Secure provides it for free.
- Both SimpliSafe and Nest Secure provide video monitoring services. While Nest Secure integrates with any Nest Cam, SimpliSafe has a camera of its own that provides 1080pixels video quality.
Features And Technical Specifications Of SimpliSafe
- Manufacturer: SimpliSafe
- Dimensions: Diameter of 4 inches and a height of 8.5 inches
- Color: White/Black
- Connectivity: Wireless hub to router connection
- Sensors Present: Motion, Smoke, Glass break, Entry, Temperature, Carbon Monoxide, and Water sensors
- Keypad: Separate, wireless
- Smart Home Compatibility: Apple Watch, August Smart lock, Nest Thermostat
- Voice Commands: Compatible with Google and Alexa
- Battery Backup: 24- hours
- Warranty period: 1 year
Features And Technical Specifications Of Nest Secure
- Manufacturer: Nest
- Dimensions: 3.7 x 3.7 x 2.1 inches
- Weight: 03 oz.
- Color: White
- Surveillance Cameras: Both indoors and outdoors
- Power: 100-240V AC
- Battery Backup- 12 hours
- Encryption: WEP, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK
- Technology: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Thread/Weave
- Motion Sensor: 10 feet detection range with 90° field of view
- Connectivity: Wireless
- Sensor present: Nest Detect motion sensor
- Subscription: $19/month for 3 year- contract
- Wireless Protocol: 802.11a/b/g/n, 802.15.4, Bluetooth 4.0 LE
- Hub Sensors: Motion, Tamper and proximity sensors
- Operating Conditions: 32-104°F,60-80% Humidity
FAQs
Q.1) Are Nest cameras secure?
While other security cameras rely on local storage that is easy to tamper or may even get lost, the video and footage from Nest cameras are stored in the cloud. Hence, these videos can neither be tampered nor can get lost easily.
Q.2) Which products does professional monitoring work with?
Professional monitoring works with Nest Secure, including the Google Nest Guard keypad. It also works with a motion sensor plus any Google Nest Detect activity sensors.
Q.3) How do I make sure that my professional monitoring is working?
You can find all the information about your professional monitoring service in the Security section of your Nest app. From there, you can call your professional monitoring service and confirm if they’re receiving updates from your Nest secure alarm system.
Q.4) What should I do after moving Nest Secure to a new home?
You can simply contact your professional monitoring service and let them know about the updating of your address. As long as you keep the Nest Detect and the Nest Guard in your Nest app account, they will continue to work with your monitoring service.
Q.5) Can Nest Secure work if Wi-Fi goes down?
Nest Detects use a Weave technology to communicate with the Guard. Hence, even if the Wi-Fi is not working properly, it can sound the alarm.
Q.6) Can I arm and disarm my Nest Secure?
Yes, there are 3 ‘arm and disarm’ options that are available to you:
Away and Guarding
Home and Guarding
Off
Q.7) Do I need to monitor SimpliSafe?
You can use SimpliSafe as a self-monitored local alarm system without paying any monthly fees.
Q.8) Are SimpliSafe cameras secure?
256-bits encryption or “Bank-level encryption” is used in SimpliCam. This makes your SimpliCam very secure.
Q.9) What is Home mode on SimpliSafe?
When you switch to Home mode, SimpliSafe will protect the entryways but motion sensors will be dormant. Hence, when you’re home, you won’t have to put off the alarm each time the sensors sense your motion.
Q.10) Is SimpliSafe compatible with Alexa?
Yes, SimpliSafe is compatible with both Google Assistant as well as Alexa.
Bottom line
Home Security is very important for all of us. With an introduction to DIY home security, protecting our houses and families has become even easier than before. But selecting the right security device for your house can be a tiresome job. You should check out the comparison between simplisafe and adt
In this comparison, we studied two major names in the world of Smart Home security and tried to understand which one would be a better fit for our homes. If you feel like Nest Secure is not for you, You can try comparing simplisafe with abode.
While you should opt for SimpliSafe for the greater number of features and great functionality, Nest Secure would be the right choice if you want to protect your house and be able to remotely control it at an affordable price. At last if you feel like you don’t want simply safe you can go for adt vs nest secure to pick the best for you.
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