Arlo vs. SimpliSafe: Finding The Right Home Security System
Let’s explore how these two top home security companies compare today.
Let’s explore how these two top home security companies compare today.
If you’re a homeowner or have recently moved to a new apartment, you’ve likely been exploring home security systems. Chances are, every website you’ve visited has mentioned Arlo and SimpliSafe.
Both companies provide comprehensive security systems, including cameras, doorbells, sensors, and more. But which one is the right choice for you, and, more importantly, which one offers the best long-term security for your home? Keep reading for an in-depth comparison.
Arlo and SimpliSafe are two well-known home security companies. Arlo, founded in 2014, offers a comprehensive DIY home security ecosystem. SimpliSafe was established in Boston in 2006, and has focused on delivering a bundled DIY home security system to customers.
The main difference is how they package their security systems. Almost every Arlo device can work independently. You could buy just one Arlo security camera if that’s what you need. This approach can give you a more budget friendly security solution, allowing you to slowly expand your security system as needed.
With SimpliSafe, you’ll need their base station and keypad for every device to work. This requires an initial investment of $199.99. After that, you can expand with cameras, sensors, and more, just like Arlo.
Arlo offers smart home integration with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT, and Samsung SmartThings. For instance, it allows you to connect your Arlo security cameras to Google Home and automate your security system. This compatibility extends to most devices and without requiring a subscription.
On the other hand, SimpliSafe offers a more basic, barebones smart home integration approach. You can control your SimpliSafe system with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, but only to arm it. There’s no deeper integration capabilities, like live camera feed in your Google Home app or Google devices.
Yes, both Arlo and SimpliSafe offer optional subscription plans designed to enhance their respective security systems. The Arlo Secure Plan and SimpliSafe monitoring plans provide additional features such as 24/7 professional monitoring, one-tap emergency response, and smarter notifications.
Plus, both Arlo and SimpliSafe security cameras provide live feeds through their mobile apps. However, a subscription is necessary for cloud video storage. Notably, both companies’ cloud storage plans offer 30 days of unlimited camera recordings. Both Arlo and SimpliSafe have dedicated apps for you to monitor your home on the move. Arlo’s seamless app experience is especially notable, offering a modern, easy-to-use interface with helpful, clear instructions.
We aim to provide a fair apples-to-apples comparison, so you can choose the best home security system for you. All comparisons were made based on available information online. Whenever possible, we compare equivalent products in the same price range from each main product category.
Both the Arlo 2nd Gen Essential Security Camera and the SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera provide wireless connectivity, color night vision, and integrated spotlights. Additionally, they offer 2-Way Audio, Motion Detection, and Built-In sirens.
At $189.99, the SimpliSafe Wireless Outdoor Camera features 1080p video capture with a slightly wider 140° field of view. Also, it records HDR footage, basically giving you a broader range of brightness. On the other hand, the Arlo 2nd Gen Essential Security Camera offers a 130° viewing angle. It starts at just $49.99 for the 1080p model and $99.99 for the 2K version.
Apart from HDR, the Arlo 2nd Gen Essential Security Camera offers similar features to the SimpliSafe camera. However, it does this at almost one fourth of the price. Even if you opt for the pricier 2K model, you’ll still save $90. Similar to our Arlo vs. Ring comparison, the Arlo Essential stands out as a great fully-featured budget security camera option.
Also, it’s worth noting that SimpliSafe offers only one camera. Arlo provides a wide variety of security cameras to choose from, according to your need and your budget. You can explore high-end models like the 4K HDR Arlo Ultra 2 Security Camera or the 4G LTE enabled Arlo Go 2 Camera. If extended battery life is a priority, you can choose the Arlo 2nd Gen Essential XL Security Camera.
| Arlo 2nd Gen Essential Wireless Security Camera | SimpliSafe Wireless Outdoor Camera |
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Both Arlo and SimpliSafe indoor security cameras come with similar features. They have 2-way audio, night vision, an automated privacy shield, and motion detection. However, they also come with substantial differences.
SimpliSafe offers two indoor cameras: one wired and one wireless. Priced at $139.99, the SimpliSafe Wired Indoor Camera captures 1536p video footage with a 125° field of view. At $99.99, the wireless version records 1080p footage with a narrower 120° viewing angle.
The Arlo 2nd Gen Essential Wired Indoor Security Camera needs to be plugged into a power outlet but requires no battery charging. it’s priced at just $39.99 for the 1080p version, and $79.99 for the 2K model. Again, this makes the Arlo cameras a more budget-friendly option, while offering similar features. Plus, if you need a wireless indoor camera, you can simply install the Arlo 2nd Gen Essential Security Camera inside.
Considering price alone, the Arlo indoor camera is already a more appealing choice for budget-conscious customers.
Here’s where comparing these two home security brands gets trickier. Both brands offer bundled packages and Build-Your-Own options featuring hubs in some cases. For example, the hub and keypad are central to the Arlo Home Security System. Also, the Arlo system works with All-in-One Sensors featuring 8 detection functions, including water leak detection to prevent damage from leaky pipes and temperature detection to alert you before your pipes freeze in cold weather.
You can purchase Arlo All-in-One sensors separately at $29.99 each. SimpliSafe also offers individual sensors, but their prices vary. Options range from the basic Entry Sensor priced at $14.99 to the smoke & carbon monoxide detector at $59.99.
To monitor a wider range of threats, the SimpliSafe system could potentially end up being more expensive. Arlo’s Home Security System, on the other hand, is a flexible alternative with 8 All-in-One sensors with 8 different detection functions in one compact design including motion detection, open/close detection, water leak and freeze detection, tilt detection, ambient lighting and Smoke & CO Alarm Listening.
At the time of writing this article, the $279.99 5-Piece SimpliSafe System package offers a free wireless outdoor camera as a limited time promotion. However, this bundle only includes 2 entry sensors and 1 motion detector. At $299.99, the Arlo system includes 5 All-in-One sensors and an additional yard sign. It does not include a free camera. Here’s a comparison of the similarly priced bundled packages:
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You’ll want to choose a home security system that fits your needs and budget. SimpliSafe offers additional perks like a free outdoor camera (as a limited time promotion), while Arlo offers budget-friendly security devices to keep you and your loved ones safe. Arlo packs all the expected features—and more—of a modern security system. Go ahead, analyze your options and make the choice that gives you the most peace of mind.
