With crime rates rising, SimpliSafe and Smith Thompson are two security systems homeowners often evaluate. SimpliSafe focuses affordability and flexible DIY installation while Smith Thompson provides expert installation yet requires lengthy contracts.
Comparing key features and capabilities helps determine which solution best secures different homes.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | SimpliSafe | Smith Thompson |
| Equipment Cost | $200 – $500 | $850+ |
| Monthly Monitoring Fee | $15 – $25+ | $35 – $80+ |
| Contract Required? | No | Yes |
| Professional Installation? | No (DIY) | Yes |
| Smart Home Integration | Limited | Extensive with Smith Thompson Partners Program |
| Remote Access and Control | Yes via mobile app | Yes via mobile app and web portal |
| Video Doorbell Support | Yes | Yes |
Now that you have a brief overview, let’s dive into the details and compare what each system provides in various categories:
Equipment and Costs Comparison of SimpliSafe And Smith Thompson Home Security
SimpliSafe and Smith Thompson take very different approaches when it comes to equipment bundles and pricing models for those key home protection devices like control panels, door/window sensors, motion detectors, cameras and more.
Most SimpliSafe equipment bundles fall somewhere between $200 and $500 depending on size and components.
For small apartments and condos, you may only need one entry sensor, keypad, motion detector and yard sign starting around $230.
Larger homes require multiple sensors and cameras, pushing equipment packages over the $400+ range pretty quickly even without advanced extras. One nice perk is that SimpliSafe offers a 60-day money back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied.
As an expertly installed and professionally monitored system, Smith Thompson commands premium pricing with equipment bundles starting at $850 for their basic package up to $1500 or more for large, multi-floor homes decked out with cameras, touchscreens, smart locks and more.
They lure customers with “free equipment” offers but the fine print ties you to costly 36+ month monitoring contracts at $40-$80 per month. So you may not be shelling out equipment costs up front but you’ll pay multiples more over your contract term.
One bright spot – Smith Thompson occasionally offers special promotions with bonus equipment plus discounted monitoring fees for 12 months if you ask.
Comparison of Monitoring Services
Along with equipping your home or business with security sensors, alarms and cameras, both SimpliSafe and Smith Thompson provide optional monitoring by live professional central stations.
But what does that mean and what does it cost?
For monthly fees ranging from $15 to $25+, SimpliSafe’s team of US-based security experts will dispatch emergency personnel within 60 seconds of an alarm being triggered then verify whether it’s a real emergency or false alarm before escalating further.
Many customers applaud SimpliSafe’s fast response times and sensitivity for avoiding too many false dispatches which result in fines. Others wish human operators were available 24/7 rather than chatbots managing overnight monitoring requests.
Smith Thompson, of course, positions its UL-listed monitoring station as the gold standard with live agents ready to respond any time of day.
When your Smith Thompson alarm is activated, their Promise Guarantee pledges police will arrive within 30 minutes of dispatch or you’ll receive $1000 in credit towards their services.
Impressive but many users report frustration with excessive false alarms resulting from Smith Thompson’s overeager emergency trigger policies as well as inconsistent response times.
At the end of the day, both companies aim to provide responsive monitoring but SimpliSafe satisfies with effective basic protection while Smith Thompson overpromises.
For most homeowners, SimpliSafe’s affordability and flexibility makes their reliable monitoring capabilities a better choice over Smith Thompson’s steep contracts.
Ease of Setup Comparison of SimpliSafe And Smith Thompson
When it comes to installing a home security system yourself versus hiring a professional, SimpliSafe and Smith Thompson take very different approaches.
As the name implies, SimpliSafe prioritizes quick, easy homeowner installation. Most customers report setting up their SimpliSafe equipment in under 30 minutes just by mounting the slim control panel near an outlet then sticking wireless sensors on doors and windows where needed.
Streaming video camera setup takes a bit longer but SimpliSafe provides guides to walk you through indoor and outdoor placement. If you do get stuck during self-installation, SimpliSafe also offers free support by live chat or phone.
By contrast, Smith Thompson requires full professional installation of their home security equipment plus ongoing service contracts. For homeowners with complex needs or limited technical abilities, having Smith Thompson’s team handle set up can be valuable.
However, you’ll spend a minimum of $99 for basic installation then $50 or more per security device installed. So while Smith Thompson handles equipment positioning and connectivity, you’ll pay a premium for that installation convenience over several hours.
Most users agree SimpliSafe is the better choice if you’re comfortable with easy, do-it-yourself security system setup.
Smart Home Integration Comparison
As smart home gadgets like video doorbells, wireless cameras and smart locks explode in popularity, the ability to incorporate third-party devices is increasingly important.
SimpliSafe and Smith Thompson take very different approaches when it comes to smart home integrations.
Over the past few years, SimpliSafe has expanded partnerships with smart home leaders like Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant.
For example, you can now use Amazon Echo devices to arm your SimpliSafe system, check its status and receive alerts through Alexa’s voice assistant functionality.
SimpliSafe also offers native support for popular video doorbells like Arlo and door locks from August within their mobile app. However, some users report reliability issues when attempting to sync other accessories like Philips Hue lightbulbs.
Overall SimpliSafe now embraces smart integrations but still has room to expand compatibility with new standards and gadgets compared to more robust players like Smith Thompson.
Smart home connectivity has long been a cornerstone of Smith Thompson’s offering under their Partners Program. Smith Thompson’s security panel functions as an automation hub integrating dozens of third-party smart devices from major players like Philips Hue, Lutron and Sonos plus specialty vendors like Neato vacuums and Hunter Douglas blinds.
With deep Google and Alexa integration plus touchscreens throughout the house, Smith Thompson enables sophisticated smart home experiences focused on home automation comforts like scene lighting as much as security monitoring.
However some customers balk at Smith Thompson’s high equipment and subscription costs just to enable that deeper smart home functionality. For seamless whole home control beyond basic security, Smith Thompson has the edge over SimpliSafe but you’ll pay the price.
Comparison of Mobile Access
Mobility and remote management are now baseline expectations for reliable home security systems. How do SimpliSafe and Smith Thompson compare when it comes to accessing your system status, adjusting controls and receiving alerts from anywhere?
SimpliSafe’s free iOS and Android apps earn strong ratings for providing robust tools to monitor and manage home activity from afar.
Within the SimpliSafe app, homeowners can tap into connected security cameras with live streaming video, customize system modes and user permissions, set up alerts and review event history collected by sensors.
While mostly positive, some reviewers caution SimpliSafe’s mobile functionality can be impacted by WiFi connectivity issues more so than professional systems like Smith Thompson with hardwired equipment. But for the price and convenience, SimpliSafe still delivers very capable mobile access.
Unsurprisingly, Smith Thompson offers sophisticated mobile security management harnessing cellular and battery backups when WiFi fails.
Smith Thompson system owners can securely log into their web portal or well-rated mobile app to watch live feeds from security cameras, adjust smart home devices and customize alerts if doors open, motion is detected or alarms sound when they’re away.
Advanced features like geofencing to automatically adjust system status when residents leave and facial recognition for alerts about unknown faces compliment Smith Thompson’s robust mobile access.
However some users report frustration with recurring service charges and inconsistent sensor responsiveness when accessing certain system controls remotely – likely tied to aging equipment in need of repair after their initial free installation period ended.
For reliable mobile administration appropriate to basic home security needs, SimpliSafe is the winner for many homeowners. But Smith Thompson unquestionably provides industry-leading mobile functionality for premium protection – albeit at a cost.
Reliability Reputation Comparison
Technology is meaningless if you can’t count on your home security system working day in, day out.
Equipment flaws, uncertain monitoring practices and lack of responsiveness to issues can quickly take the shine off any security provider.
How do users rate the end-to-end reliability of SimpliSafe vs Smith Thompson home systems once the sales hype fades?
For over a decade customers continue to give SimpliSafe strong reviews for dependable performance protecting homes with their alarm systems. The simplicity of SimpliSafe’s design using wireless sensors paired with responsive in-house monitoring builds confidence their systems will catch burglars and environmental threats like water leaks or fires as promised.
While some complain of cheap plastic housing on certain sensors over time or inconsistent WiFi camera streaming, SimpliSafe reliably delivers effective 24/7 home protection at very reasonable prices compared to alternatives.
Ongoing firmware updates suggest SimpliSafe actively responds to issues reported by customers as well.
By promoting themselves as the oldest and most reputable name in home security, you would expect Smith Thompson to shine brightly versus SimpliSafe when it comes reliable protection you can bank on. Alarmingly, countless Smith Thompson reviews detail unexpected deficiencies given the premium prices users pay.
For example, multiple homeowners report security sensors failing months after installation necessitating costly technician visits pass their initial warranty period. Others struggle with faulty battery replacements, cameras that suddenly lose connectivity and guards who take 30+ minutes to respond once alarms are triggered.
While feature-rich as an end-to-end platform, many Smith Thompson systems falter on delivering truly reliable protection over the long haul.
Ultimately if you prioritize reputable reliability over bells and whistles, SimpliSafe is the safer choice over Smith Thompson when securing your castle.
Customer Support Experience
Even well-designed security systems can occasionally need troubleshooting help or equipment replacements. Beyond reliability of the products themselves, SimpliSafe and Smith Thompson take drastically different approaches when it comes to post-sale customer support too.
How pleasant and effective are their respective customer service experiences?
SimpliSafe prioritizes thoughtful, American-based customer support accessible 24/7 by phone, email or chat. Many SimpliSafe owners compliment quick response times of just a few minutes plus friendly, knowledgeable guidance when needing help.
For common requests like adjusting app permissions or accessing sensor data, SimpliSafe’s chatbot provides instant self-service as well. If hardware issues emerge, SimpliSafe’s Wisconsin headquarters processes replacement equipment orders rapidly in just 1-2 days for most US-based customers.
Returns are also hassle-free within 60 days if you decide their systems don’t meet your needs. Overall SimpliSafe earns high praise for delivering caring, effective support uncommon among discount home security providers.
Given their market dominance plus $1000 response time guarantee, you may expect Smith Thompson support to shine even brighter for customers investing significant sums in their systems.
However user commentary reveals Smith Thompson’s outsourced overseas call centers provide alarmingly poor, unreliable support. Many customers endure extremely long phone hold times of 30 to 60 minutes and report representatives lack training to address security configuration questions or resolve technical issues.
Rather than promptly dispatching replacements, support agents often require onsite technician appointments starting at $50 per incident when sensors fail – even if newly installed.
These common complaints about Smith Thompson’s support bureaucracy and directives to pay for repairs of brand new yet faulty equipment fuel very negative brand experiences relative to SimpliSafe’s stellar service ethos.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Smith Thompson traditionally costs homeowners $850+ for equipment then roughly $40 to $80+ per month for mandatory monitoring contracts spanning multiple years. Beware teaser rates as the average Smith Thompson user spends $1500+ on a bundled system then over $1000 annually for monitoring over 3 years.
SimpliSafe is a private company headquartered in Boston started by Harvard Business School graduates Chad and Eleanor Laurans. Unlike competitors bought out by equity firms, SimpliSafe remains an independent home security disruptor at present.
With over a decade in business plus SECURE certification by leading security associations, SimpliSafe earns strong reviews from thousands of US homeowners relying on them for protection. Their wireless systems require minimal maintenance while proving responsive against intrusions. For affordable 24/7 monitoring, SimpliSafe delivers as promised.
Determining outright “best” security varies by customer priorities like budget, configuration needs and smart home aspirations. However SimpliSafe repeatedly emerges as the well-rounded leader blending substantial protections and support at very reasonable, flexible pricing suitable for most homeowners wishing to safeguard families without complexity. Many security specialists agree SimpliSafe strikes the optimal balance of effective monitoring technology aligned with reputable customer practices too often overlooked by giant incumbents in the home protection space. Savvy shoppers seeking quality home security systems supported by outstanding service need not look further than SimpliSafe, widely considered today’s top option.
Final Thoughts
In summary, SimpliSafe’s affordable, easy-to-use systems satisfy most homeowners’ basic security priorities. Smith Thompson offers greater smart home integration but locks users into expensive, rigid contracts.
For comprehensive value, SimpliSafe wins for blending strong protection with better transparency and support. Determine which system aligns best for your unique needs and budget.
