Protect America vs SimpliSafe
We compare Protect America, a more traditional security system, to SimpliSafe, which has quickly become one of the most popular systems available online.
SimpliSafe
- Month-to-month plans
- Fast and easy DIY installation
- Reliable professional monitoring
Protect America
- Wireless, do-it-yourself installation
- Smart home features and integrations
- Low-cost professional monitoring plans
Note: SimpliSafe now offers self-monitoring, although you’ll only get notifications with the Interactive Plan. They also added a Google Assistant integration, and cloud storage is available separately from monitoring. They’ve also added a professional installation option for $79.
Protect America and SimpliSafe both offer affordable DIY home security options with basic equipment and sensors. Only Protect America has available add-ons like cameras and home automation, but the company requires signing a three-year monitoring contract. SimpliSafe has flexible month-to-month monitoring contracts, but offers only functional, old-fashioned equipment.
Key Similarities:
- DIY installation
- Flawed mobile app
- Lower cost options
Key Differences:
- Protect America offers 3-year monitoring contracts. SimpliSafe offers month-to-month.
- Only Protect America offers home automation.
- Protect America offers two vehicle protection devices.
- Protect America has camera options. SimpliSafe does not.
- Protect America has better-reviewed equipment.
Winner and Loser Categories
Packages, Equipment and Pricing
Winner: Protect America
Protect America offers higher-quality technology and more equipment offerings.
The company has customizable packages ranging from $20-$47 with available high-quality proprietary equipment add-ons, including specialty sensors such as glass break sensors and (a limited selection of) cameras.
SimpliSafe only offers equipment packages at a one-time cost ranging from $230-$540, and separate month-to-month monitoring contracts ranging from $15-$25. SimpliSafe does offer specialty sensors, but the company’s equipment is generally considered to be functional yet somewhat outdated, and no camera options are available. Those looking for the newest and most modern security technology will likely not be satisfied.
Contracts
Winner: SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe offers users more flexibility. The company offers month-to-month contracts, which allow customers to test out the home security experience without a big commitment.
Protect America requires that users sign a three-year monitoring contract.
Installation
Winner: Tie
Both Protect America and SimpliSafe offer DIY installation.
Home Automation
Winner: Protect America
Protect America offers home automation options. SimpliSafe does not.
Mobile App
Winner: Tie
Neither SimpliSafe nor Protect America stand out for their mobile app offerings.
SimpliSafe has a mobile app that only works for users who buy the most expensive monitoring contract. The app has received low ratings for user-friendliness and functionality.
With Protect America, smartphone management is only available with an upgrade to cellular and broadband service. This increases monthly monitoring fees by $12-$20 a month.
Special Features
Winner: Protect America
Protect America has two vehicle protection devices, which is rare among home security offerings.
Who Protect America Is Better For:
- Users looking for home automation
- Users interested in a long-term monitoring contract
- Users seeking well-regarded technology
- Users needing camera options
Who SimpliSafe Is Better For:
- Users looking for a basic security system
- Users interested in low-commitment month-to-month monitoring
- Users who don’t need home automation
- Users not seeking camera options
- Users fine using older equipment
Both Protect America and SimpliSafe offer somewhat affordable home security systems with basic sensor offerings. Those looking for more advanced technology and more equipment options should opt for Protect America. Those looking for a basic, low-commitment system should go with SimpliSafe.