Two of the most sought after home security providers in the industry is SimpliSafe and Nest. As some of the best-recognized names in home security today, these two providers come with some key similarities.
They’re both DIY that offers monthly contracting, so there’s no need to sign your life away for 12 or 36-month contracts. On top of that, each of these offers monthly contracting. You can just sign up for professional monitoring and any of the services and simply cancel at any time.
There are some key differences to take note of too and pricing is definitely one of them, both on the equipment and professional monitoring side. But first, let’s take a look at SimpliSafe vs Nest and what they offer.
SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe prides itself on how easy this system is to install – “no drills…no tools… no special knowledge…”required. And this is true.
It’s a very easy process and everything comes pre-programmed. All you have to do is take out your base station, plug it in, give it a few minutes to synchronize. From there, take out each peel and stick component attach it to a door, window, a wall, or wherever you may need it and, voila…that’s it!
Included are the motion sensor, the contact sensor, and a keypad. Put it up where you’d like to see it You can’t ask more than the SimpliSafe installation experience. Under normal circumstances, the average installation takes about 10 minutes.
The fact that SimpliSafe does not bind you with a contract makes this provider extremely flexible and attractive to many who are exploring a security system for the first time. It won’t matter if you live in an apartment or a multi-level home. The equipment is affordable and, compared to most providers out there, SimpliSafe has cheap monthly monitoring. Moreover, the design, even though feels a bit plasticky, is still stylish.
Cameras
SimpliSafe’s only security camera is the SimpliCam. This indoor video camera offers a 120-degree field of vision along with night vision and a microphone for talking through the camera itself. Footage can be stored on SimpiSafe’s cloud server.
You can also opt for the Video Doorbell Pro. This video doorbell also has two-way communication so that you can not only see who’s at the front door but speak to them too. It has a 162-degree field of view and makes use of person recognition so you won’t receive false alerts when a car drives by.
Simple Design
The equipment offers by SimpliSafe has a really simple design and function. For some, this may be too basic for their needs. You also have some upfront costs and, although not too expensive, upfront costs are a dealbreaker for some consumers.
Nest
Google Nest might look like most other security systems, but it has a few tricks up their sleeve that. With the starter kit, you get a base station with a built-in keypad, 2 motion sensors, and 2 key fob. It also offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. You also have an optional cellular backup subscription plan in case your Wi-Fi is unreliable.
Their ultimate goal is to “create a home that takes care of the people inside it and the world around it”, and with it comes a range of products you can integrate.
Thermostat
The Nest Thermostat is designed to not only learn what temperature you prefer in your home but to also work with a variety of devices to create a truly “smart home” experience. Some of the appliances that work with Nest include:
- Jenn-Air Ovens
- Whirlpool Refrigerators
- Rheem Water Heaters
- GE Wi-Fi appliances
- Samsung Smart Home Products
Cameras
There are other devices that work with the Nest including the Philips Hue and LIFX lighting solutions. Of course, Nest’s own Protect carbon monoxide/ smoke detector also connects to the Nest Thermostat as do several other security devices including the Philips Hue and LIFX lighting solutions.
But Nest hasn’t stopped with thermostats. One of their most popular addition is the Nest Cam IQ camera. This camera is well-built with a sleek design and a 130-degree field of view. It comes with a high-quality two-way speaker and 12x digital zoom.
Limited flexibility
On the downside, the price-tag for a Nest system is a little bit high, and it can also take a bit of time to teach the system just how to function the way you want it to. The system also has some serious limitations if you want some more control and flexibility over your options.
Nest vs SimpliSafe Cost
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Monitoring | $19 or $29 | $14.99–$24.99 |
| Security Plans | 4 packages | 5 packages |
| Contracts | No | No |
| Professional Installations | DIY and professional | DIY and professional |
| Home Automation | Yes | Yes |
| Trial Period | 30 days | 60 days |
| Upfront Costs | $399 | $183.00 to $391.00 |
| Warranty | 2 years | 3 years |
| Remote Panic Button | Yes | Yes |
SimpliSafe vs Nest – Which One is Best?
SimpliSafe and Nest are both reputable home security systems. There are no long-term contracts to lock you in, and you can achieve sensing, detection, and viewing objectives by opting in with one of these providers. SimpliSafe is the less expensive option and represents the more traditional security system. However, although both offer a really good layer of security, it may be slightly too basic for some. On the other hand, a basic system is exactly what some need, so it all comes down to individual needs.
Request a Free Estimate
If you are trying to figure out just how which one of these 2 providers will be perfect for you, why not request your FREE estimate right now? Not only will you be able to get a clearer idea of how much it’s going to cost you specifically, but it also gives you the opportunity to vet your potential provider to figure out who is going to be the best suited to your specific needs.