How Does SimpliSafe Work Without Monitoring? A Close Look

Do you wish to know how does SimpliSafe work without monitoring? Yes as homeowner, you can be used without monitoring, but the app will have limited functionality.

As a busy mother of two young kids, I struggled to comprehend how SimpliSafe security could reliably protect my family without professional oversight.

After all, doesn’t response time and emergency support suffer without 24/7 monitoring?

My 9 year old daughter overheard my confusion and recounted tearfully how frightened she felt when burglars canvased nearby homes last month.

Right then I resolved to dig deeper into SimpliSafe’s unique unmonitored offerings before deciding whether standalone mobile alerts might suffice or if we needed monitoring for true peace of mind.

After speaking with SimpliSafe experts and carefully reviewing capabilities like HD cameras enabling self-verification, extremely loud deterrent alarms, and customizable sensor triggers, I better understood how SimpliSafe empowers users themselves to become highly capable caretakers.

Below I’ll clearly explain key features functioning independently without monitoring and fair limitations to factor so you can determine what meets your family’s needs too.

Let’s dive in.

Overview of Key Topics

This in-depth guide to unmonitored SimpliSafe covers all the key areas for you to consider:

• What is SimpliSafe and how does it work?
• What core features are included without monitoring?
• What are the main benefits and limitations?
• What types of users is it best suited for?
• How does emergency response differ for unmonitored systems?
• What alternatives exist beyond SimpliSafe?

We’ll explore all these topics in detail throughout the article. But first, let’s start with the basics.

What is SimpliSafe and How Does it Work?

SimpliSafe is a popular DIY wireless home security system known for its simple setup process, flexible monitoring options, and intuitive functionality.

Unlike traditional wired security systems requiring professional installation, SimpliSafe uses self-adhesive sensors and camera modules that instantly connect to the central hub/keypad via WiFi and RF signals without complex wiring.

The core components of any SimpliSafe system include:

• The Base Station: Acts as the control panel to arm/disarm the system and receives signals from all connected devices.
• Various sensors and detectors: Including motion sensors, entry sensors for doors/windows, smoke detectors, water leakage sensors etc. These “watchdogs” of your home trigger the alarm whenever suspicious activity is detected.
• Indoor and outdoor cameras: Provide crystal clear footage day and night for real-time visual verification and historical review through the SimpliSafe app.
• Keypad: Allows arming/disarming your system using a unique PIN code. Keypads also have a built-in panic button to instantly trigger the 93dB alarm.
• Siren(s): SimpliSafe sirens emit an ear-piercing noise (upto 105dB) with flashing light to deter intruders and alert neighbors of trouble.
• Panic Button: Triggered by the keypad, base station, or SimpliSafe App, this instantly activates the sirens and sends notifications to your phone.

SimpliSafe app ties all these components together and acts as the central control hub. Users can remotely arm/disarm, view live camera feeds, receive instant alerts, customize system settings, and access system activity history to identify security threats or unusual activity patterns.

But here’s where SimpliSafe distinguishes itself from most security companies:

You have the flexibility to use SimpliSafe either with or without professional monitoring.

This opens up an affordable DIY smart security option for cost-conscious homeowners while still providing robust functionality like customized sensors, mobile access, and real-time alerts to user notification and emergency dispatches for those who prefer live monitoring services.

Now that you understand the basics of how SimpliSafe works, let’s take a closer look at what features and benefits you can expect when choosing the self-monitoring plan.

How Does SimpliSafe Work Without Monitoring: Core Features of Unmonitored SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe without monitoring still equips homeowners with a comprehensive set of DIY security and monitoring features:

Remote Arming/Disarming

Monitor home status and arm/disarm your system no matter where you are using the SimpliSafe app or the keypad.

This allows you to control your system anytime from your smartphone. No need to run home just to disable the alarm if you forget to disarm it before returning.

Customized Alert Notifications

Configure real-time mobile alerts based on sensor activity or system events like arming/disarming.

Receive text and app notifications for motion events, entry sensor triggers, smoke/CO2 detection, temperature changes or moisture detection by water sensors.

Live Video Streaming

View crystal clear HD streams from SimpliSafe’s wireless indoor/ outdoor cameras on your phone. Keep an eye on pets, kids or check activity around entry points when you’re away from home.

7-Day Event Timeline

Review a detailed log of all system events, detections and alarm triggers over the past 7 days. Identify activity patterns or suspicious events.

This visual timeline makes it easy to monitor unusual behaviors and strengthen home security.

105+ dB Siren(s) with Flashing Light

SimpliSafe sirens emit ear-piercing alarms up to 105dB, louder than some industry alternatives.

This works as an effective audible deterrent while alerting neighbors of a potential threat. Sirens also have a flashing strobe effect to visually signify the triggered alarm.

Customized Detection Zones

Fine tune motion detection for each camera by setting up custom activity zones.

Get notified only when motion is detected in zones that matter instead of harmless passerby foot traffic near the periphery impacting the street or sidewalk. This drastically reduces false alerts.

24/7 Sensor Monitoring

The system remains vigilant round the clock, keeping watch over every entry point and room protected by sensors.

Detection events instantly trigger mobile notifications and siren alarms – no unwatched blind spots!

This set of self-monitoring functionalities enables users to achieve fairly robust protection without incurring monthly monitoring fees.

But every coin has two sides! Let’s analyze some notable limitations users should be aware of before committing to unmonitored SimpliSafe.

Limitations of Unmonitored SimpliSafe

While skipping professional monitoring provides more wallet-friendly home protection, the trade-off is reduced responsiveness during actual emergencies.

No Emergency Dispatch

The biggest limitation is the lack of emergency service dispatch in response to alarm triggers or panic button activation.

There is no monitoring center automatically alerting police, fire or medical responders to dispatch help promptly.

Response relies solely on the homeowner contacting authorities manually after receiving mobile alerts.

This unavoidable delay makes unmonitored systems less suitable for vulnerable groups or users with higher security needs.

No Automated Analysis of Suspicious Activity

Without professional oversight scanning sensor logs, there’s an increased risk of missing early warning signs of security breaches or criminal activity.

While SimpliSafe collates sensor data history, analyzing long-term patterns and pinpointing anomalies requires rigorous human analysis which is missing for self-monitored users.

Limited Deterrence to Serious Threats

For opportunistic burglars staking out neighborhoods, SimpliSafe’s loud siren and flashing strobe light provides effective visual and audible deterrence.

However, more determined, aggressive criminals are less likely to be discouraged without rapid involvement of authorities.

No Long-term Storage for Video Footage

24/7 cloud storage and retention of security footage is reserved only for SimpliSafe’s paid monitoring plans.

Unmonitored users can live stream feeds and review events from the past 7 days but older footage gets deleted automatically. This hampers forensic video analysis after a major incident.

Prone to False Alarms

Pet owners in particular find that animals frequently trigger motion sensors resulting in a barrage of false alerts.

And without professional verification, each smartphone alert elicits panic and adrenaline until the user manually reviews camera feeds to confirm a false alarm.

Reduced Peace of Mind

Despite mobile access and real-time notifications, the lack of emergency backup can cause persistent worry and anxiety especially for vulnerable groups like seniors/disabled individuals living alone or female/LGBT homeowners in dicey neighborhoods. The absence of a reliable safety net is unnerving.

Reliance on Internet/Cellular Connectivity

Any Wi-Fi or cellular outage prevents remote system access or mobile alerts until connectivity is restored. Without redundancy options like alarm-triggered landline calls, system functionality hinges greatly on uninterrupted internet uptime.

Understanding these limitations provides a realistic idea of whether unmonitored SimpliSafe meets your household’s unique security needs.

Now let’s explore which user profiles tend to benefit most from opting out of monitoring services.

Who is Unmonitored SimpliSafe Best Suited For?

While professional monitoring provides greater responsiveness and forensic oversight, it also costs $15-$25 per month which adds up over time.

For certain user profiles, choosing unmonitored security delivers the best return on investment.

Budget-Focused Households

Families sticking to a tight budget appreciate the significant cost savings from avoiding monthly monitoring fees.

Unmonitored systems remove the recurring overhead helping homeowners maximize ROI while still benefiting from SimpliSafe’s robust self-monitoring capabilities.

Average Monthly Cost	Monitored	Unmonitored
1st Year	$488	$364
3 Years	$1,164	$364

Tech-Savvy Users

Individuals well-versed with smart home gadgets and mobile apps often enjoy tinkering with systems themselves instead of relying on external monitoring personnel.

They prefer the hands-on experience provided by SimpliSafe’s highly customizable self-monitoring platform.

Low-Risk Households

Users living in relatively secure neighborhoods with limited crime rates or break-in history may find professionally monitored systems overkill for their needs if primary goal is deterrence.

SimpliSafe’s loud siren and camera feeds likely provide adequate protection against opportunistic threats.

Vacation Homeowners

Owners who occasionally visit a secondary vacation property for short periods actually have limited need for emergency dispatch.

They simply want to check home status remotely and enable self-monitoring when on-site.

For occasional occupancy, unmonitored SimpliSafe delivers robust functionality at lower overhead.

Renters & Students

Tenants and dorm residents struggle with complex wired security systems or restrictions on modifying rented apartments.

SimpliSafe’s wireless modules solve this headache allowing hassle-free installation without drilling, wiring or damaging property owner’s infrastructure.

Now that you understand the types of users best suited for unmonitored arrangements, let’s analyze a critical consideration – how SimpliSafe emergency response differs without monitoring.

How Does Emergency Response Differ Without Monitoring?

During life-threatening emergencies like medical crises, fire hazards or violent home invasions, delayed emergency response endangers lives and escalates property loss.

Understanding how SimpliSafe’s remediation processes differ with and without monitoring illuminates a key trade-off users face.

Emergency Situation	With Monitoring	Without Monitoring
Home Intrusion	SimpliSafe’s call center receives intrusion alert and verifies with visual review by monitoring agent before instantly dispatching police.	App notification relies solely on homeowner to view cameras, assess threat level and manually phone 911 for police dispatch after the incident occurs.
Smoke/Fire Detection	Monitoring center gets automatic early warning on detection of smoke/elevated home temperature. Agent confirms via camera before dispatching fire services immediately.	Fire dept. only notified if homeowner gets alert and calls emergency services reactively after some delay. Greater risk of fire spreading rapidly.
Carbon Monoxide Leak	Dangerous CO concentration triggers instant automated call and agent alert to emergency dispatcher for earliest possible hazard response team visit.	Notification sounds locally but risks occupants losing consciousness before calling for help. No guaranteed rescue response.
Medical Emergency	Automatic fall detection alert triggers live agent to assess video, confirm senior fell, and urgently coordinate ambulance dispatch with no relying family inputs during crisis.	Senior may be immobilized after bad fall with no capacity to call for medical help on their own. Risk of life endangerment escalates without urgent assistance.

This comparison highlights how professional monitoring provides an invaluable lifeline getting first responders to the scene of disasters faster based on early detection alerts instead of reactive delayed 911 calls by residents.

Without emergency dispatch integration, SimpliSafe cannot automatically initiate and coordinate assistance by EMTs, law enforcement or hazard response teams during dangerous scenarios.

Instead homeowners must self-assess emergencies before manually phoning for help after some delay.

For households with caregivers, seniors, infants or medically vulnerable residents, self-monitored security exposes occupants to greater harm during fires, gas leaks or home invasions when rapid response is paramount.

Otherwise SimpliSafe provides quite robust remote access and self-monitoring safeguards.

Now that you understand SimpliSafe’s core capabilities, limitations and suitable user profiles clearly, let’s discuss some alternative options on the market beyond SimpliSafe worth considering depending on your priorities.

SimpliSafe Alternatives to Consider

While SimpliSafe pioneered the DIY home security space with its award-winning solution, various alternatives exist to suit different needs and budgets:

Professionally Monitored DIY Systems

• Ring Alarm offers customizable components like SimpliSafe but backed by the assurance of professional monitoring (starting at $10/month). However mobile access, siren loudness and camera visuals are better with SimpliSafe.
• Vivint Smart Home provides truly smart DIY components with intelligent automation but locks users into a multi-year contract. Upfront costs are higher than SimpliSafe and flexibility is lower.
• Frontpoint Home Security competes aggressively on monitoring plans starting at $35/month. But hardware customization lags SimpliSafe with limited sensors or detection gadgets to choose from during setup.

Self-Monitored DIY Systems

• Wyze Home Monitoring costs just $20 for the hub, one entry sensor and one motion sensor making it ultra-budget friendly to start but functionality is barebones unless you purchase more add-ons.
• Compared to Wyze, Eufy Homebase supports HomeKit integration and provides local storage for video clips unlike SimpliSafe but suffers from connection reliability issues and very limited device and system control options.

Smart Home Platforms

• Amazon Alexa Guard and Google Nest Secure provide basic security integrated with existing smart home ecosystems but lack more advanced detection sensors, loud sirens, professional monitoring and intelligent automation natively supported by SimpliSafe.
• However home automation platforms provide a peek into the future direction of converged smart security.
  
  The next wave of home protection solutions seem likely to leverage AI analytics applied across data from video, audio and sensor feeds to extract contextual insight and patterns automatically without relying solely on rules-based configurations.

DIY Camera & Sensor Kits

• Ultra-budget options like Kangaroo Privacy Camera provide barebones motion detection for under $30 but absence of any window/door sensors or smart analysis makes it basically just an IP camera rather than full-fledged security system.
• EZVIZ C6CN Pan Tilt Camera also disappoints with very delayed and unreliable activity notifications to mobile apps while image quality fails to impress – still limited to 1080p only in 2023!

When comparing SimpliSafe against alternatives, keep in mind factors like upfront costs, hardware capabilities, monitoring options, contract lock-ins, integration flexibility etc. in addition to core features.

The optimal choice depends on your budget, customization needs and reliability expectations.

Key Takeaways from This SimpliSafe Guide

• SimpliSafe offers flexible self-monitoring and live monitoring options to suit varying budgets and security needs.
• Unmonitored SimpliSafe focuses robust remote access, app alerts and self-verification via indoor/outdoor camera feeds.
• Trade-offs without monitoring center dispatch include slower emergency response, limited analytics of events, lower intruder deterrence and possibility of missing early warning signs.
• Unmonitored systems best suit cost-conscious homeowners, tech-savvy users, and part-time vacation property owners given the limitations.
• For households with vulnerable residents, the extra assurance and faster reaction of professional monitoring provides more reliable protection during dangerous scenarios.
• Comparison shop across alternative DIY providers like Ring, Wyze or Vivint to find the optimal balance of customization flexibility, components quality and monitoring services matching your unique priorities.

Weighing these factors helps determine if unmonitored SimpliSafe or a competing solution is your best fit. SimpliSafe undeniably spearheaded the DIY home security revolution with its design accolades and loyal customer base.

FAQs

Does Simplisafe Need Monitoring?

No, SimpliSafe does not require monitoring as one of its major differentiators is providing robust DIY home security features without mandatory monthly fees.

Its award-winning design and flexible plans have made SimpliSafe very popular.

You have the option to add professional monitoring for $15-$25 per month if you desire live agent support, visual verification of events and fastest emergency dispatch.

But the system functions effectively even in self-monitoring mode given its loud 105dB siren, SMS and push notifications to smartphone apps, storage of activity timelines for past 7 days, and crystal clear live streaming from indoor/outdoor cameras.

For budget-focused households or those in relatively low-crime neighborhoods, SimpliSafe essentially equips homeowners with an advanced DIY security toolkit to protect home and receive mobile alerts without needing monitoring.

But users can easily enable it anytime (or disable auto-renew) based on evolving life situations.

Will Simplisafe Work Without Subscription?

Absolutely! SimpliSafe is designed specifically to provide comprehensive smart security features and mobile alerts even without paying monthly subscription fees.

You simply purchase the SimpliSafe hardware kit one time covering components like motion sensor, entry sensors for doors/windows, high-decibel siren, keypad etc. These connect wirelessly to the base station.

Without any subscription, you can then remotely monitor sensor status, arm/disarm the system, receive SMS and push notification alerts and even live stream camera footage.

Note that advanced features like professional monitoring with visual verification of events before emergency dispatches or long-term cloud archiving of video footage require monthly subscriptions.

But the core security functionality works perfectly out of the box without having to pay monthly like some competitors require.

This avoids locking you into a long term contract and offers flexibility to enable/disable monitoring subs as needed.

Can I Use My Security System Without Monitoring?

Definitely! Many modern DIY security systems like SimpliSafe are intentionally designed to offer robust functionality even without professional monitoring services.

You can absolutely self-monitor your home and receive mobile alerts as long as your WiFi internet and cellular connections reliably transmit sensor data from doors, windows, motion detectors etc. to the controller base station.

Without monitoring subscription, security systems essentially transform into advanced self-monitoring toolkits providing features like:

• Instant SMS, email and push notifications of sensor events
• Loud siren and strobe light activation by sensors
• Remote system arming/disarming from smartphone
• Live streaming from indoor/outdoor security cameras
• Local storage for footage over past 7 days

The key trade-off is slower emergency dispatch in case of true break-ins or fire hazards since you won’t have a 24/7 alarm monitoring agent to confirm events visually and urgently notify first responders on your behalf after analyzing video feeds.

But major platforms like SimpliSafe are still extremely effective for DIY home protection without monthly subs.

Can I Use SimpliSafe Without A Smartphone?

SimpliSafe security systems are designed with mobile access and control in mind as a core capability considering the smartphone ubiquity. However, they can definitely still be operated without a smartphone in your home.

Here are the key options to arm, disarm and monitor your SimpliSafe system without mobile apps:

• Keypad: Every SimpliSafe kit ships with a keypad station allowing you to manually enter pin codes to arm/disarm the system right from your home. You’d also get count down alerts when entering/exiting to avoid accidental alarms.
• Control Panel: The main SimpliSafe base station or control panel features buttons to change arming state and check status of sensors, connectivity etc so everything can be managed locally without WiFi or internet!
• Key Fob: Optional SimpliSafe key fobs provide portable wireless remote with one-touch functionality to arm/disarm from keychains for convenience

So in summary, lack of a mobile device would mostly prevent remote monitoring/control away from home.

But all core in-person system functionality remains fully accessible since SimpliSafe offers touch panels, pin pad stations and keychain remotes to manage security right from home without any smartphone dependencies.

How Long Does It Take For SimpliSafe To Deliver?

SimpliSafe aims to ship all equipment to customers in the USA within 1 business day after an order is successfully processed.

Unless placed late Friday night or over the weekend, nearly all SimpliSafe packages ship next day.

In terms of delivery timelines:

• Standard Shipping: 3 to 5 business days
• Expedited Shipping: 2 to 3 business days

So if you placed your SimpliSafe order anytime Monday through Thursday, you should expect package arrival within 5 days or less using regular delivery methods. Upgraded expedited shipping guarantees delivery within 3 business days from order date.

Keep in mind that extreme weather events or carrier delays around the Christmas holidays could extend your delivery time by another business day or two.

But SimpliSafe is generally quite prompt in dispatching security kits quickly from their warehouses.

Let them know if your package is delayed by more than 5 business days for any reason though and they have great customer service!

Can You Take SimpliSafe When You Move?

Yes, one of the best aspects of SimpliSafe is the flexibility to easily pack it up and bring it along to your new home when you move without expensive reinstallation costs.

Unlike wired security systems permanently integrated into a home’s electric circuits and door/window frames, SimpliSafe uses modular wireless components. Key benefits of its portable design when moving include:

• No drilling holes or running exterior wires
• Adhesive backing attaches sensors securely anywhere
• Wireless signal connectivity means no re-wiring
• Easily detach cameras from mounting places
• Keypad, base station & siren move seamlessly

Just use the existing accessories in the new property layout or order additional components like extra motion detectors or door sensors customized to protect additional entry points.

So if you value the financial savings and convenience of relocating your home security equipment from one house to another without contractor headaches, SimpliSafe is a great portable solution for mobile lifestyles!

Can You Turn SimpliSafe Monitoring On And Off?

Definitely! SimpliSafe stands out by offering our users complete flexibility to enable professional monitoring on demand instead of restrictive long term contracts.

You have the option to:

• Add monitoring subscription at ANY time after purchase instead of just during initial product signup.
• Pause or cancel renewal of monitoring months while still using sensors
• Reactivate monitoring instantly without new hardware purchases

So users have complete control each month to decide:

• Should I renew monitoring based on my upcoming travel schedule or seasonal home occupancy patterns?
• Have there been local crises or crime sprees making 24/7 professional oversight prudent?
• Has threat profile decreased recently allowing me to suspend monthly fees and just self-monitor with mobile alerts?

No other security provider offers this level of user empowerment and choices when it comes to toggling professional monitoring vs convenient and more affordable self-monitoring capabilities. There’s no commitment or lock-in if your priorities evolve over time.

What Network Does SimpliSafe Use?

SimpliSafe strategically operates across multiple wireless networking technologies to maximize signal reliability inside households.

Different system components use appropriate connectivity protocols:

• WiFi: Live streaming cameras, the latest SimpliSafe app updates and base station’s link to our cloud servers leverage home broadband WiFi. Fast performance with maximal range balanced against higher power consumption.
• Cellular: The SimpliSafe base station has an integrated Verizon LTE modem as failsafe backup to WiFi allowing continuous access to our monitoring centers without any disruption risks from internet outages. Provides ubiquitous coverage.
• Proprietary RF: Our custom long-range RF protocol connects all first-party sensors reliably to central hub without congesting WiFi airwaves in the home or struggling with obstacles. Extremely responsive for mission-critical. Alarm event triggers. More reliable than ZigBee or Z-Wave.

This multi-layered wireless strategy maximizes range, resilience and battery efficiency across the ecosystem – from detectors to cameras to control panel.

If any one network experiences interference, the others provide sufficient redundancy for smooth operations even in far corners of large, multi-story properties. No dependency on just WiFi or cellular alone!

Conclusion

As we covered, you absolutely can use SimpliSafe without a smartphone for convenient in-home control thanks to dedicated pinpad stations, base unit dashboards and wireless key fobs.

Mobile apps merely provide supplementary capabilities like remote access and monitoring.

By prioritizing inclusive design beyond latest gadgets, SimpliSafe empowers households of all comfort levels to benefit from world-class home protection.

I encourage you to seek further information or expert guidance if any concerns remain around SimpliSafe’s ease of use before making a security decision protecting your family.

Finding the right balance of accessibility, functionality and affordability takes thoughtful reflection but pays dividends through greater in-home peace of mind for years to come.