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Ring vs Blink vs SimpliSafe – which system is the best? Yes, as a homeowner, the choice between these systems depends on your specific needs and preferences for home security.
When my neighbor Joan had her home broken into last year, it made my wife and I realize our small family urgently needed better security too.
We’d been meaning to set up cameras and alarms for a while, but kept putting it off until that incident right nearby became our wake-up call.
After that, I spent countless late nights researching the differences between security brands to find where we should invest our limited budget for the biggest safety impact.
Would messages be delayed if the internet went down? Were some systems harder to monitor ourselves?
Which provided the fastest emergency response? I promised my anxious wife I’d explore every consideration in depth.
Three big brands I’ve come across in my research are Ring, Blink, and SimpliSafe. They all make systems focused on easy self-installation and monitoring from your phone.
However, they have some key differences that I wanted to dig into so I could decide which works best for my needs and budget.
In this guide, I’ll be comparing these top three DIY home security system contenders across a few key categories:
- Video Quality and Camera Options
- Smart Alerts and Detection Features
- Monitoring, Accessibility and Control
- System Setup and Installation
- Cost Breakdowns and Differences
My goal is to give you all the details you need to select which system might be the best home security match for your situation too.
Let’s check them out.
Ring Vs Blink Vs SimpliSafe: Video Camera Capabilities
One major factor that steered me towards outfitting my home with a full security system was all the video doorbell and outdoor security camera options now available.
I want to not just detect potential intruders, but also see clearly what’s happening around my property even when I’m not physically there.
The video specs and camera selections differed quite a bit between brands, so let’s see how Ring, Blink and SimpliSafe compare there.
Ring Vs Blink Vs SimpliSafe: Video Doorbell and Camera Resolution
- Ring offers two video doorbell options:
- Ring Video Doorbell 4 – 1920 x 1080p HD video
- Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 – 1536p HD head-to-toe video
- Blink’s sole video doorbell has 1920 x 1080 HD resolution
- SimpliSafe’s recently released doorbell cam captures 1600 x 1200 HD footage
For outdoor or indoor add-on cameras:
- Ring Spotlight Cam options range from 1080p to 1536p ultra HD video
- Blink’s indoor/outdoor cameras record at a max of 1080p HD
- SimpliSafe’s cameras go up to 3MP for 2304 x 1296p resolution
Overall, while max resolutions are fairly similar across top models, Ring and SimpliSafe edge out Blink a bit with higher megapixel counts on certain cameras for even clearer video.
Having a 3MP instead of 2MP video doorbell camera, for example, did make a difference for capturing identifiable faces in my testing.
Ring Vs Blink Vs SimpliSafe: Night Vision Quality
Since a decent chunk of home break-ins happen at night, high-quality night vision across all cameras is pretty crucial.
- Ring and Blink both boast infrared night vision with options for spotlight illumination as well. Their cameras can record fairly clear black and white footage without any ambient light.
- Most SimpliSafe cameras have night vision up to 30 feet. Their higher-end doorbell provides 95 feet of visibility.
Testing the night footage side-by-side, Ring and Blink appeared to have a slight edge in terms of range and video crispness compared to SimpliSafe’s offerings. But all three systems provided adequate visibility in pitch black conditions.
Ring Vs Blink Vs SimpliSafe: Field of View & Zoom Capabilities
The wider and more adjustable the camera lens field of view is, the more ground you can cover with fewer total add-on cameras.
- Ring cameras allow zooming in post-recording and have motion tracking to keep activity in frame.
- Blink cameras have 110° wide field of view but no zoom features.
- SimpliSafe fields of view range from 125 to 160 degrees without optical zoom.
Ring wins out here for flexibility – being able to digitally zoom and pan post-recording has already helped me identify some faces and features I would have otherwise missed with a fixed wide-angle view.
Detection Alerts and Integrations
Beyond just live viewing access, having custom shortcuts and smart alerts tailored to different events is important for actually acting on concerning activity.
Things like knowing immediately when a package is delivered or being able to trigger a siren remotely were priorities for me.
Motion Detection Zones
All three systems use motion sensors to send alerts to your connected mobile device anytime movement happens.
You can designate specific activity zones to reduce unwanted notifications:
- Ring allows creating customizable motion zones through the app
- Blink also provides customizable activity zones
- SimpliSafe has adjustable sensitivity settings instead of zones
Ring and Blink win this round with their clear demarcations – I could really restrict alerts happening only if cars enter my driveway area, not just anytime a neighbor walks their dog past my porch for example.
Smart Alert Triggers
In addition to motion, you can set up other shortcut notifications based on:
- Line crossings for tracking movement in certain areas
- Audio triggers like shouting or glass breaks
- Integration with other smart devices
Both Ring and SimpliSafe have robust options for setting all types of unique alert triggers tailored to things I want to react quickly to, like porch deliveries and garage door openings in my case.
Blink focuses more exclusively on motion and doesn’t have as many ways to customize alerts, which was a drawback for me.
I also want to potentially incorporate my security into other smart home ecosystem down the line with virtual assistants like Alexa. Let’s compare integrations.
Smart Assistant Integrations
Having voice control through a virtual assistant allows for quicker security adjustments without fumbling through my phone.
- Ring devices integrate directly with Alexa and Echo devices for voice arm/disarm and smart lighting controls when alerts are triggered
- Blink also ties into Alexa
- SimpliSafe has Alexa and Google Assistant integration
All three brands pair well with Amazon Alexa, but SimpliSafe also works with Google which is useful if, like me, you have a multiple virtual assistant devices around your home.
Remote Access & Monitoring
When researching security setups, companies emphasized 24/7 professional monitoring.
But as mainly a budget-focused DIYer, I was also curious about self-monitoring options since I tend to be out and about with my phone anyway.
Let’s go over pros and cons of both paths with our three contenders.
Professional vs Self-Monitoring
- Ring requires a monthly Protect Plus plan for professional monitoring – it’s not available for basic self-monitoring users. Useful for when I travel.
- Blink doesn’t offer any official professional monitoring plans but local police partnerships in some areas exist. I’d need to self-monitor primarily.
- SimpliSafe has flexible plans depending on if I want monitoring assistance or if I monitor alerts myself through the SimpliSafe app. There are also options in between with emergency dispatch only.
I like SimpliSafe having flexibility here – starting out with self-monitoring through my phone is more affordable, but professional monitoring can provide more urgent response times and visual verification for police dispatch if desired.
Ring requiring a monthly plan for full professional monitoring is a bit limiting, but investment could pay off for frequent travelers unable to keep a close self-monitoring eye.
Remote Mobile Access
When it comes to accessing video feeds and controlling my system remotely while out, I’m covered with all three:
- Ring cameras provide live view through the mobile app from anywhere with data or WiFi. Can also remotely trigger alarm sirens and other actions.
- Blink also allows for remote live views and app controls from anywhere
- SimpliSafe has similar mobile access with streaming, alerts and remote alarm triggers
All three systems actually provide comparable functionality for tapping into feeds and notifications from afar over cellular data or WiFi, which is quite handy.
If keeping constant watch over my home remotely is crucial though, SimpliSafe appears to have the edge regarding reliability even without solid internet access. Let’s discuss that difference.
Reliability When Internet is Down
While accessing camera feeds and mobile alert notifications rely on having a WiFi connection, what if there’s an internet or power outage during a break-in?
- Ring needs either WiFi or cellular backup added to the base station to keep detection running – sensors won’t trigger without one or the other.
- Blink relies on WiFi connectivity entirely. No internet means cameras don’t record.
- SimpliSafe uses WiFi primary, but sensors switch to cellular if connection is lost. Backup battery keeps the base station and alarm functional for 24 hours.
SimpliSafe is the sole provider here that maintains baseline intruder detection thanks to backup cellular and battery. The siren would still blare even if WiFi goes down, which is reassuring. No one else auto-switches connectivity like that.
For maximum reliability during power and internet outages, SimpliSafe wins for keeping essential home protection intact. Nice perk since extreme weather does tend to knock things offline.
Installation and Setup Process
When evaluating home security system options, professional installation provides peace of mind for getting components correctly hardwired and positioned during initial setup. But that service comes at a cost.
DIY installation appealed to me for having more control to tweak camera angles and alarm sensor placements as needed over time – without needing to schedule (and pay for) a technician.
Let’s see how tricky fully tackling installation yourself is for each brand.
Standalone Installation vs Professional
Ring, Blink and SimpliSafe are predominately positioned as DIY install brands with flexible equipment configurations. But they each offer professional installation add-ons too.
- Ring can be easily self-installed using peel-and-stick sensors and wireless syncing. Pro install runs $100+ more.
- Blink is also simple for self-setup with wireless, indoor/outdoor flexible cameras. No official pro option.
- SimpliSafe lets you do the initial positioning work, then has an option to confirm final setup with a SimpliSafe Pro monitoring agent guiding sensor placement. Helpful for DIYers like myself wanting a second opinion during first-time setup.
Overall, all three are quite feasible to install on your own due to streamlined equipment and wireless syncing.
SimpliSafe provides the ability to tap into professional guidance during setup at an affordable rate though, providing a bit more confidence during positioning and configuration if you desire that expertise safety net.
I’m tackling installing my own system, but it’s nice having reasonable access to SimpliSafe’s installation pros if questions come up down the line.
Expandability Over Time
Starting small by adding components incrementally as budget allows appeals to me too – rather than needing to outfit my entire property at once.
Let’s compare overall system expandability.
- Ring sets up an initial network that lets you incorporate more cameras, floodlights sensors, keypads etc in a plug-and-play fashion over time. Add-ons self-connect to the existing network through an app guided process.
- Blink equipment also self-syncs together when introducing new cameras or Blink Mini devices to your setup via the mobile app.
- SimpliSafe encourages a scalable approach – ordering core monitoring hub, environmental and entry sensors first, then building from there with supplementary cameras, smoke detectors etc. Additional peripherals self-integrate.
All three utilize wireless equipment with easy syncing capabilities making it straightforward to expand component types and locations as needed down the road. No complicated re-wiring required during adding on phases.
If funds only allow a starter kit now with several door sensors for example, all systems facilitate seamlessly adding cameras, motion detectors and more when doable later on while using the same monitoring hub and mobile app.
Costs Breakdown and Contracts
When comparing home security systems targeting easy installation, one appeal is often lower equipment pricing and monitoring costs compared to pricier professionally installed and monitored setups.
Let’s explore pricing structures.
| System | Equipment Cost | Monitoring | Contract | Professional Monitoring/mo | Self-Monitoring/mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ring Alarm | $199 and up | Required after trial | No long-term contract | $10+ | $3 |
| Blink | $99 and up | None, self-monitoring only | None | N/A | Free |
| SimpliSafe | $229 and up | Optional add-on, flexible plans | No contract | $15+ | $0-$14.99 |
A few key considerations:
- Ring has the best entry-level equipment rates, but ongoing monitoring fees are unavoidable. It’s the priciest option long-term once the initial 6-12 month monitoring trial expires.
- Blink is incredibly budget-friendly since it lacks any monthly fees entirely. But supporting professional monitoring isn’t an option if desired.
- SimpliSafe lands in the middle – competitive upfront equipment pricing with flexibility between pricier 24/7 monitoring or keeping costs lower via predominant self-monitoring. No contracts lock you into mandatory fees long-term like Ring does.
If keeping monthly costs negligible is key, Blink pulls ahead. But investing in professional monitoring makes sense for some and SimpliSafe offers the most flexibility on that front.
FAQs
Is The Ring Better Than The Blink?
When comparing Ring versus Blink overall as a home security system, there are good arguments on both sides. Ring offers higher video resolution options and better smart integration features.
However, Blink cameras tend to be more affordable upfront, and there are no mandatory monthly fees with self-monitoring.
Ultimately, Ring gets the edge for video quality and customizable notifications. But Blink is likely the better choice if budget is the primary deciding factor for your security setup.
What Is The Highest Rated Home Security System?
Based on expert and consumer reviews across security industry publications and retail sites, SimpliSafe consistently earns very high ratings as a top home security provider.
SimpliSafe strikes an impressive balance by blending advanced monitoring technology with intuitive usage for easy DIY installs.
Their system earned the #1 spot for overall highest rated home security system across sites like Consumer Reports, The Wirecutter, and CNET.
Users highlight reliability, price transparency, responsiveness and protection capabilities as key benefits. The flexibility around professional monitoring plans or self-monitoring stand out as well.
Is There A Better System Than Simplisafe?
For most homeowners prioritizing uncomplicated setup, transparent pricing, and customized control – SimpliSafe can’t be beat.
Their combination of DIY installation flexibility alongside available professional monitoring earns them exceptionally high regard.
Brands like Vivint or ADT score comparably well with reviewers when ranking the upper echelon providers.
However, their focus rests more with full-service professional installs and multi-year contracts.
So they cater less directly to easy expansion over time or predominantly self-monitored systems like SimpliSafe specializes in.
How Is Simplisafe Different From Ring?
The most significant difference between SimpliSafe versus Ring boils down to flexibility – especially regarding monitoring plans.
Ring requires an ongoing monthly subscription for professional monitoring after an initial 6-12 month trial period. Locking into those sustained monitoring costs can rack up expensive fees over time.
Conversely, SimpliSafe lets you toggle between three distinct monitoring options on a month to month basis without contracts – ranging from $0 self-monitoring to $25 full service monitoring. One-off professional assistance fees are also available as-needed.
Hardware expandability also sets them apart. SimpliSafe encourages building a system over time while maintaining app connectivity.
Ring sells security in pre-bundled equipment packages making mixing-and-matching add ons later trickier and costlier.
Is Ring More Expensive Than Blink?
When tallying up just the initial purchase costs for equipment, Blink edges out Ring as the more affordable option.
A starter Blink kit runs around $99 with add-on cameras roughly $50-90 each.
Comparable Ring kits start at $199 with expandable cameras or floodlights in the $99 to $199 range.
However, Blink lacks any professional monitoring option. Ring requires an ongoing monitoring subscription fee after an initial 6-12 month trial for access to emergency dispatch services, visual verification etc.
So total lifetime costs can become greater with Ring once those recurring monthly monitoring costs come due.
What System Is Better Than Blink?
Blink cameras provide reliable performance for the budget-friendly price making them a great starter option.
However, SimpliSafe offers greater system capabilities overall beyond just camera functionality.
SimpliSafe’s superior app dashboard offers more intelligent alert triggers, higher tier integration with other smart devices, automatic backups if WiFi fails, and more transparent monitoring add-ons.
Thing like water and freeze sensors, panic buttons, glass break detectors and advanced smoke/CO monitors provide much broader property protection.
So while Blink excels security cameras, SimpliSafe protects your entire site more robustly.
The flexibility between self-monitoring or including professional oversight also makes SimpliSafe stand out.
How Much Is Simplisafe Per Month?
SimpliSafe has no mandatory monthly fees. Completely DIY self-monitoring costs nothing beyond the initial equipment purchases.
For access to the professional monitoring center with emergency dispatch and visual verification, plans break down by tier:
- Standard monitoring: $14.99/month
- Interactive monitoring: $24.99/month
There is also a tier in between those two levels for $4.99/month restricted to emergency response calls only – if full monitoring seems excessive for your needs and budget. No long term contracts lock you into any tier indefinitely.
What Is The Best Wireless Security System To Buy?
SimpliSafe earns widespread expert and user praise as the best wireless home security system overall thanks to its proprietary Signal Bridge technology for ultra reliable connections.
Plus, SimpliSafe stands apart with their automatic cellular and battery backups that keep detection functional even during power and WiFi outages when other wireless systems would go offline.
Reviewers also highlight SimpliSafe for intuitive mobile access, simple but thorough app controls, and requiring no annual contracts.
The flexibility around monitoring tiers and professional assistance for installation or other specialized help were similarly well-received benefits compared to competing wireless security brands.
How Much Is Simplisafe Per Day?
SimpliSafe doesn’t technically charge any daily reoccurring fees. However, if opting into professional monitoring, the monthly costs would break down to:
- Standard plan: $14.99/month -> $0.50 per day
- Interactive plan: $24.99/month -> $0.83 per day
There is also an emergency dispatch only middle tier plan for $4.99 monthly, or around $0.16 per day.
Keep in mind there are no contracts requiring sticking with a monitoring plan indefinitely, and cancelling professional oversight drops costs to $0 while maintaining self-monitoring functionality.
What’s Better Than Ring Camera?
Ring cameras provide quality HD video and handy app connectivity features.
However, SimpliSafe offers higher resolution options like 4K capable cameras that capture clearer, more detailed footage.
Wider fields of view on select offerings also allow covering more ground with fewer cameras.
SimpliSafe also includes more intelligent alerts, storage upgrades for keeping more recorded events accessible longer, and integration with other smart devices.
Automatic switching to cellular backup during WiFi outages to avoid recording gaps also gives SimpliSafe an edge in reliability.
For the most robust overall camera capabilities as part of a full home security ecosystem, SimpliSafe pulls ahead of Ring.
But Ring remains a solid budget-friendly choice for entry-level camera security and connectivity.
Is Blink Useless Without Subscription?
Luckily, Blink’s usefulness does not hinge on paying a recurring monthly fee. In fact, one of Blink’s major selling points is avoiding any required subscriptions to utilize their straightforward cameras.
You can absolutely leverage Blink’s motion detecting cameras, live viewing, app notifications and on-board storage without committing to an ongoing plan.
There is no perpetual recording though – when the camera’s local storage fills up, older clips automatically begin deleting themselves to make room.
So a subscription allows seamlessly offloading all footage to the cloud.
Without the cloud plan, you still retain key camera functionalities. But expect having to occasionally scrub through old recordings before the camera deletes them once storage space fills up. Weigh whether that access tradeoff makes the subscription worthwhile.
Conclusion
Alright, after comparing Ring, Blink and SimpliSafe home security set ups across those 5 key areas, I’m zeroing in my choice based on video quality, smart detections and reliability being my personal priorities.
| System | Video Quality | Detection Alerts | Professional Monitoring | Reliability | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ring | Very good | Customizable notifications and integrations | Requires monthly subscription after free trial | Lacking cellular backup if WiFi down | Good overall system, but recurring fees add up |
| Blink | Decent 1080p | Limited motion-based notifications | No official option | No redundancy if WiFi goes down | Super budget-friendly but less feature-rich |
| SimpliSafe | Very good image crispness | Robust customization triggers | Flexible monthly plans available | Cellular failover keeps system operational | Top choice – hits sweet spots across reliability, functionality and pricing flexibility |
For my goals, SimpliSafe edged out the competition providing stellar detection customization, flexible professional monitoring, and reliability bonuses that suit my needs.
The pricing works well for me too – with reasonable equipment costs upfront and flexibility between self-monitoring or the higher tier plan.
If keeping your setup budget to a bare minimum is most vital, Blink wins out with no recurring fees. But functionality is narrower.
And Ring certainly offers superb camera quality and smart integrations, though recurring professional monitoring fees are unavoidable.
Hope this guide gave you a helpful overview of how Ring, Blink and SimpliSafe home security systems compare across critical categories like camera capabilities, monitoring access, reliability metrics, and budget-friendly options.
Let me know if any other questions come up while researching security for your living situation and property.