SimpliSafe 9pc Outdoor Home Security System

This is by far one of the easiest pieces of security system I've ever installed. The SimpliSafe 9PC Outdoor Home Security System is a comprehensive security solution designed to protect your home. It is a wireless, expandable security solution that offers a range of features including 24/7 monitoring, motion detection, entry sensors, a motion sensor, and two outdoor cameras. It is designed for ease of installation and use, with a user-friendly app and flexible monitoring options. However, do note the limitations in camera resolution and challenges with account separation when no longer using the system. • KEY FEATURES: 24/7 monitoring Motion detection Backup battery for added peace of mind Highly expandable, allowing you to add more devices as needed • COMPONENTS: ‣ Base Station: The brain of the system, coordinating all sensors and alerts. Uses WiFi and cellular connectivity (with monitoring subscription). Features: ⁃ 24-hour battery backup ⁃ Loud siren with adjustable noise level ⁃ LED lights and voice feedback for setup and device control ‣ Wireless Keypad: Primary use is to arm/disarm the system. Can also cycle through devices and change settings. ‣ Entry Sensors (x4): Detects when doors/windows are opened. Features: ⁃ Adjustable chime ⁃ Nameable sensors for easy tracking in the app ⁃ Adhesive strip or screw/anchor installation options ‣ Motion Sensor (x1): Detects motion in a designated area. Features: ⁃ Pet-friendly setting to ignore pets while you're away ‣ Outdoor Security Cameras (x2): Series 2 outdoor cameras with 480p, 720p, or 1080p resolution. Features: ⁃ 140 degree field of view ⁃ Motion detection with people-only or all-motion options ⁃ Adjustable sensitivity ⁃ Siren that sounds during an alarm ⁃ Clear and receptive audio with remote mic testing capabilities ⁃ Plug-in or solar panel power options • DESIGN The system has a top-tier design with a sleek and modern aesthetic. The Base Station is the central hub, and all components are wireless, making installation simple and flexible. The Outdoor Security Cameras are weather-resistant and come with adjustable mounting options. • SETUP Setup to bring the system online, all you really need is Wi-Fi in your home and an outlet for the base station. After plugging in, the instructions direct you to download the SimpliSafe app, which then instructs you to create a free account. At this point, you're spammed that your system includes a 30-day trial of professional monitoring, but declining this doesn't disqualify your system from the offer. Once on the home screen, you can begin adding individual devices, including motion sensors, door/window entry sensors, cameras, remotes, and keypads. The instructions call for pulling the battery label and pressing a button found on the sensor device. Then within seconds, the base station says it's paired. The most difficult portion of all this, primarily for those that aren't tech-inclined, is creating a SimpliSafe account and downloading/linking with the app. • PERFORMANCE The system performs reliably in real-world use with minimal issues. Every piece of hardware has multiple customization options to suit your use case. Arming the system takes about 25 seconds in "Home" mode and 60 seconds in "Away" mode. You can change the amount of time it takes to arm from the settings window in the app. Motion detection and entry sensors work effectively, and the app is user-friendly. The potential issue here is with the wireless nature of the unit as it may be less reliable than wired systems, and connectivity with the Base Station can be a concern. According to the instructions, the base station needs to be close to the router but not next to each other. All of your connected devices talk with the base station wirelessly. • TAKEAWAYS In my home, this system has performed admirably. I have come across several mentions of the base station suddenly disconnecting from monitoring, but that isn't something I can complain about as of now. Labeling of the products to detail how to service the units would be something I would have expected from a unit like this. While I like that the base is wireless, it would be far more reliable if it were wired or included the option to hard wire or wireless. Real-time audio has very little to almost no latency. Every piece being wireless means the installation time of a DIY system is incredibly fast. • OTHER CONSIDERATIONS A subscription is required for the system's full range of features like cloud-based motion recording and real-time audio. The system includes a 30-day trial of professional monitoring, which can be declined without affecting the system's functionality. Customer support is available 24/7, and there is a 60-day money-back guarantee. Product separation process is not self-serve and requires contacting support, meaning when you switch products, change/sale homes, or decide to rent your home and want to leave a security system in place for the next user. You will need to contact support, and from my experience, will have a specialist return your call to complete separation. • CONCLUSION Overall, The SimpliSafe 9PC Outdoor Home Security System is a great choice if you don't mind some installation work yourself and have at least a basic set of technical skills. It offers a flexible, easy-to-install, and expandable security solution while it excels in design, usability, and performance, though it has some limitations in camera resolution and account management. A subscription is required for full functionality, and users should be aware of the potential wireless connectivity and account separation challenges. While fully functional as a disconnected, self-monitoring system, it doesn't truly shine unless connected and monitored. This is worth 5-stars.