Vivint vs SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe is a privately owned home security company that originated about 15 years ago. In 2006, two Harvard students, Chad and Eleanor Laurens designed a home security system when their community at the time had more unexpected break-ins than usual. They wanted to provide a safe environment for those renting in the area. SimpliSafe is known as a security provider that offers multiple features as well as an easy installation process. This product has two versions, the original SimpliSafe and the generation 3 SimpliSafe.
The difference between the two is the design and extra components that were added in January 2018. Chad and Eleanor Laurens worked on this development from their own home from 2006 to 2008. They then began to test out the system by getting feedback from their friends’ residence usage. That method obviously did well because they were able to get started by providing security in their community. SimpliSafe headquarters is in Boston, Massachusetts. That is the only office location, but in 2020 SimpliSafe announced the opening of another call center in Richmond, Virginia. In May 2014, SimpliSafe was listed as the second fasting growing company in the Boston area. This security systems plan requires a month-to-month contract and will allow you to expand your equipment pieces at any time, no matter where you are living. The point of the month-to-month plan was to give you the option to take your equipment with you if you decided to move and would not be held down by a long-term contract.
SimpliSafe home security offers a variety of security cameras and motion sensors of its own. Although, you can get your system installed, this equipment is designed for individuals who are interested in installing equipment themselves such as simply installing the device with adhesive strips to stick to any surface. The adhesive strips also allow the camera and sensors to be easily moved without all the hassle of wires. There is a main base station to this system that connects wirelessly to all sensors and monitoring services. When setting the base station up, you must properly place it within 400 feet of your sensors and 100 feet from the main keypad. SimpliSafe also has several other equipment pieces such as: Simplicam, Video Doorbell, Entry Sensors, Motion sensors, Keypad, etc. When it comes to monitoring, SimpliSafe has three different options that connect to the base station.
The first option is “Complete Home” which allow 24/7 monitoring and full access to the SimpliSafe phone app and all its features. You then have your second option being “Pro monitoring only” which gives connects 24/7 access to dispatchers. Lastly, you have “Camera recording only” which allows recording and storage of all footage. The batteries in this system are known to last up to 10 years, which is a huge advantage of not having to keep up with the battery life. SimpliSafe has three main modes which are home mode, away mode, and test mode. The home mode activates the entry sensors when you are at home and just need to feel safe. The away mode activates the entry and motion sensors when you are away. The test mode allows you to test your sensors every so often to ensure they are working correctly. Another interesting feature is the secret alert only option. Basically, you have the option to put a door entry sensor some place you do not want others to have access, once they open that entry you will get a secret alert. The person who opens the entry will not be notified if it’s on secret alert only mode. SimpliSafe is an affordable home security provider when comparing prices to other companies because you are not required to sign long term contracts. They offer something called the month-to-month contract. The month-to- month contract was designed for cancelling or moving your equipment at any given time and not be stuck with a long-term contract.
