We compared these wireless home security options side-by-side. Find out which one gets our experts\u2019 vote.<\/p>\n
These key takeaways are just a sampler of what\u2019s to come in this comparison. There\u2019s more to the story. In fact, this is the most comprehensive SimpliSafe vs Arlo comparison available online. So read on to learn about the key differences and similarities.<\/p>\n
Now let\u2019s dig a little deeper to look at the individual categories to see how SimpliSafe and Arlo compare. Remember, the difference is in the details. So let\u2019s find out how they stack up.<\/p>\n
SimpliSafe \u2014 <\/strong>Flashback to 2006 in a Harvard dorm room. That\u2019s where you\u2019ll find the beginnings of SimpliSafe, a security system originally geared toward dorm-dwellers. The founders had perhaps unwittingly created a future big-league player in the home security space. Today, with hundreds of thousands of customers and loads of momentum in a crowded market, SimpliSafe delivers DIY, no-contract home security that you can hang your hat on.<\/p>\n Arlo \u2014 <\/strong>Arlo was founded much more recent. It started in 2014 as a division of NETGEAR, then rebranded as its own entity in 2018. In early 2019, the company had reported nearly 3 million registered users with 11.7 million devices sold. That\u2019s what you call \u2018hitting the ground running\u2019. But Arlo is not without its complaints. For all of the traction they\u2019re gaining, the reviews we found suggest they should focus on retaining customers by offering a better product and service.<\/p>\n Compared to Arlo, SimpliSafe has been around the block a few times over. The company has way more customers than Arlo. And while SimpliSafe is not yet a household name (like ADT for instance), they certainly have more influence in the market than Arlo does.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe \u2014 <\/strong>SimpliSafe is more advanced than Arlo, pretty much across the board. And that\u2019s saying a lot, as SimpliSafe typically isn\u2019t known for offering the latest bells and whistles. The company offers just enough features and tech for the newbie in home security. Among SimpliSafe\u2019s features are door and window sensors, motion detectors, 24\/7 professional monitoring, indoor video (no outdoor video), remote control with keychain fob, enviro monitoring, and of course, easy DIY installation.<\/p>\n Arlo \u2014<\/strong> Unlike SimpliSafe, Arlo is a camera-based system and does not include door and window sensors. However, the high-quality cameras offer crisp and clear imaging, along with infrared night vision, motion alerts, two-way talk, smart home integration, custom activity zones, live-streaming, and more.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe takes the crown for all-around more advanced features and tech. Unfortunately, Arlo does not <\/em>offer whole home protection like SimpliSafe. Arlo\u2019s cameras are great, but the system leaves a lot to be desired.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe \u2014 <\/strong>Get 24\/7 home protection from the pros. SimpliSafe has two packages, with a mile-long lineup of upgrade packages and add-on equipment. Customers can either purchase the affordable professional monitoring plan, or \u2018self-monitor\u2019 and save. All of SimpliSafe\u2019s home security systems are wireless and cellular.<\/p>\n Arlo \u2014 <\/strong>Unfortunately, Arlo does not offer 24\/7 professional monitoring. But the company does offer a $1.99\/mo cloud storage plan. Other monthly video storage options include:<\/p>\n You can\u2019t win a category without skin in the game. SimpliSafe offers 24\/7 professional monitoring, whereas Arlo only offers \u2018video storage\u2019 but no real-time monitoring by emergency monitoring personnel.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe \u2014 <\/strong>SimpliSafe offers wireless, cellular-based home security systems. The system communicates with cell towers to ensure a fast and reliable connection and response. No landline is required, and cellular systems like SimpliSafe are superior to landline-based systems.<\/p>\n Arlo \u2014 <\/strong>Arlo is wireless, but since they do not offer monitoring services, the devices do not use cellular technology. With this in mind, there are no \u2018response times\u2019 to speak of. Do not expect a response from emergency personnel when an Arlo camera is triggered.<\/p>\n With SimpliSafe, you can guarantee fast response times when you need it most. The company claims a dispatch response time of 9 seconds, but most users receive a call between 15-45 seconds on average.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe \u2014 <\/strong>SimpliSafe manufactures its own equipment in-house. This keeps costs low and improves quality control. SimpliSafe\u2019s base package comes with a keypad, a base unit, one door sensor and one window sensor, and a motion detector. Unlike Arlo, SimpliSafe only offers indoor cameras. Of course, this is a major weakness for the company, and something we\u2019d like to see addressed. Their indoor camera is decent quality, but nothing to write home about.<\/p>\n Arlo \u2014 <\/strong>Arlo delivers the total surveillance package, with both indoor and outdoor cameras. The cameras are built to last, and are designed to keep \u201cEvery Angle Covered,\u201d as the tagline goes. The cameras are 100% wireless, and offer easy installation (which we\u2019ll cover shortly). Arlo security cameras also boast a sleek design, with a black and white color scheme, and loads of features to keep watch over your property.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re after a camera-based system, Arlo is your best bet. SimpliSafe\u2019s video capabilities are severely lacking. It is unclear whether or not SimpliSafe plans to add outdoor video cameras to their equipment lineup.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe \u2014 <\/strong>Here\u2019s another element of modern systems that SimpliSafe simply doesn\u2019t deliver. While the home security systems do integrated with Alexa, Google Home, and Nest, you only get basic voice control and nothing more. If you\u2019re looking to create or improve upon a smart home ecosystem, SimpliSafe is definitely not<\/em> the system for you.<\/p>\n Arlo \u2014 <\/strong>The Arlo SmartHub allows users to tap into third-party home automation platforms. Arlo also offers something called Ultra 4k Surveillance which is a 3-in-1 surveillance, security, and automation solution. Control smart lights, remotely lock and unlock doors, and much more. Users will also enjoy access to voice control, as Arlo is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. All in all, Arlo offers a surprising range of smart home capabilities.<\/p>\n Arlo Technologies is actually a home automation company that happens to make home security cameras. So it\u2019s easy to see why they excel in this category. On the other hand, SimpliSafe falls abysmally short when it comes to smart home automation.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe \u2014 <\/strong>The name says it all. These home security systems are up-and-running in just minutes from unboxing. It comes pre-configured from the factory, and only requires a few simple steps to setup. That\u2019s the beauty of DIY. SimpliSafe truly shines when it comes to ease of installation.<\/p>\n Arlo \u2014<\/strong> Much like SimpliSafe, Arlo installation and setup is a cinch. The cameras can be mounted almost anywhere — whether it be walls, roofs, ceilings, and other places. Just set aside 10-30 minutes and you\u2019ll be in business with quality home surveillance.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe and Arlo are both simple to set up. You don\u2019t need any handy skills, and you don\u2019t need to drill into walls. There are no wires to get in your way and risk having criminals snip to bypass your system. If you\u2019re looking for easy installation, you can\u2019t go wrong with either brand.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe \u2014 <\/strong>SimpliSafe maintains a solid A+ BBB rating. And from what we\u2019ve seen, the majority of customers are happy with the service. However, some express disapproval of longer than average wait times and limited service hours. Overall, SimpliSafe makes the grade when it comes to customer service.<\/p>\n Arlo \u2014 <\/strong>You can find help via the Arlo online community of knowledgeable techies. You can also access an FAQ resource page, and their support center chock-full of videos and articles. And if you want more personalized help, hop on Arlo\u2019s live chat and ask away. Finally, even Arlo\u2019s base package includes 90 days of phone support on-the-house.<\/p>\n While SimpliSafe just \u2018makes the grade\u2019, Arlo goes the extra mile to ensure a stellar customer service experience. The company lays out several avenues for customers who have questions, comments, or concerns.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe \u2014 <\/strong>SimpliSafe systems are 100% contract fee. No contracts mean you can cancel at anytime without penalty. This month-to-month service is attractive to most customers, especially renters. You will have to pay $229.96 upfront for the equipment. Finally, the systems include a 2-month money-back guarantee.<\/p>\n Arlo \u2014 <\/strong>Arlo also offers month-to-month, no-contract video storage plans. But if you want access to more than 5 Arlo cameras, or tap into Arlo\u2019s premium features, you\u2019ll have to sign a one-year service agreement. Or you can pay for the full year upfront and skip the contract altogether. Arlo gives options.<\/p>\n Both companies offer month-to-month home security. This gives you the flexibility you need if (or when!<\/em>) you realize the system isn\u2019t for you. Also, if you\u2019re moving into a different living situation, or you simply can\u2019t afford it, having a no contract home security system pays off in dividends.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe \u2014 <\/strong>If you value simplicity and can do without the advanced features offered by companies like Vivint, Frontpoint, and ADT, then SimpliSafe is the home security system for you. Basic security and 24\/7 professional monitoring can be yours for just $229.96 up front, and $14.99\/mo. That\u2019s one of the lowest prices in the industry, and an incredible value. If SimpliSafe did offer outdoor video and home automation, the company would be hard to beat.<\/p>\n Arlo \u2014 <\/strong>If you\u2019re strictly looking for a camera-based system with smart home automation, then Arlo is a safe bet. But if you want even basic entryway protection (via door and window sensors), then you should pass on Arlo. The truth is, for the price you pay for the cameras ($120 for the base camera, $79.99 for the base station, and upwards of $400 for premium devices), you could get outfitted with a complete home security solution. In other words, Arlo isn\u2019t cheap, and the \u2018bang-for-your-buck\u2019 factor just isn\u2019t there.<\/p>\n With SimpliSafe, you can safeguard your home with complete DIY setup starting in the mid $200\u2019s. If you\u2019re willing to spring for the premium packages and add-ons, you can customize your system to your heart\u2019s content. Overall, SimpliSafe delivers tremendous value for the equipment and service you get. This is a go-to system for those who desire fast setup, no contracts, and basic (but solid) home security.<\/p>\n By now you should know these two home security solutions inside and out. They each serve a slightly different purpose when it comes to home protection, and both help to secure your home from break-ins and theft. But there can only be one winner. See below for an at-a-glance breakdown of the category winners.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe and Arlo are two up-and-coming DIY home security systems. But they really are complete opposites. SimpliSafe offers total home protection with door and window sensors, motion detectors, etc. And Arlo is a camera-based system that offers indoor and outdoor surveillance, without entryway sensors.<\/p>\n So go with SimpliSafe if you want easy DIY setup and basic home security. SimpliSafe doesn\u2019t offer outdoor cameras or home automation. It really is a lean, nimble, and incredibly affordable home security setup. With SimpliSafe, you can protect your home and family for as low as $14.99\/mo. Or better yet, purchase the equipment and \u2018self-monitor\u2019 your home and don\u2019t pay a dime on a monthly basis.<\/p>\n Or choose Arlo if you want quality video surveillance inside and outside your home. This can be pricey, but Arlo makes quality products that are built to last. Also, you\u2019ll enjoy a growing list of home automation capabilities and features with Arlo. And if you can forego the fancy video storage options, you\u2019ll be paying as little as $2 monthly. That\u2019s a deal in our book.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Age and Influence Category Winner: SimpliSafe<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Features and Technology\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Features and Technology Category Winner: SimpliSafe<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Monitoring Options<\/strong><\/h2>\n
SimpliSafe\u2019s monthly monitoring plans:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Monitoring Options Category Winner: SimpliSafe<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Emergency Connections \/ Response Times<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Emergency Connections Category Winner: SimpliSafe<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Camera Quality<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Camera Quality Winner: Arlo<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Home Automation<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Home Automation Category Winner: Arlo<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Ease of Installation<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Ease of Installation Category Winner: Tie<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Customer Service<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Customer Service Category Winner: Arlo<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Contracts\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Contracts Category Winner: Tie<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Cost and Value<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Cost and Value Category Winner: SimpliSafe<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
Overall Winner – SimpliSafe<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The Bottom Line<\/strong><\/h2>\n