SimpliSafe vs Arlo Comparison

Key Takeaways from Our SimpliSafe vs Arlo Comparison:

1. Professional monitoring from SimpliSafe starts at $22.99 per month, whereas Arlo starts at $24.99 per month.
2. SimpliSafe and Arlo are both wireless systems, connecting to your Wi-Fi to send alerts
3. SimpliSafe relies more on sensors to protect homes, but an indoor, outdoor, and doorbell camera are also available
4. Arlo is camera-based, but it recently came out with a security system that uses multi-purpose sensors to detect intrusion and home hazards
5. Both companies are relatively new to the market but growing in popularity

These are the key takeaways from this article, but there’s a lot of nuance that goes into determining which security system is right for you. In this article you’re going to find one of the most comprehensive comparisons of SimpliSafe and Arlo you’ll find anywhere. Ready to see which system is right for you? Keep reading. 

SimpliSafe vs Arlo Comparison Overview

Key Differences: SimpliSafe vs Arlo

• SimpliSafe home automation is limited to a few integrations, while Arlo offers more automation capabilities
• SimpliSafe has been in business for 10+ years longer than Arlo
• Arlo’s cameras are all-around better than SimpliSafe’s cameras
• SimpliSafe is more in line with traditional security systems than Arlo, which is mostly camera-based

Key Similarities: SimpliSafe vs Arlo

• Both systems are 100% wireless (aside from SimpliSafe’s video doorbell) and easy to install (30 minutes or less)
• SimpliSafe and Arlo both offer no-contract, cancel-anytime home security
• Both companies require upfront equipment fees unless you finance through a third-party
• SimpliSafe and Arlo are known to have good customer service

Now let’s dig a little deeper to look at the individual categories to see how SimpliSafe and Arlo compare. Remember, the difference is in the details. So let’s find out how they stack up.

Home Security Categories We Compare:

• Age and Influence 
• Features and Technology 
• Monitoring Options
• Emergency Connections / Response Times
• Camera Quality
• Home Automation 
• Ease of Installation 
• Customer Service 
• Contracts 
• Cost and Value

Age and Influence

SimpliSafe —This company started in 2006 when two Harvard students wanted to design a security system that was tailored to dorm dwellers. Fast forward to today, and hundreds of thousands of customers enjoy SimpliSafe’s DIY approach, high-quality equipment, affordable prices, and flexible monitoring plans.

>> Learn More: The Best No Contract Home Security Systems

Arlo — Arlo was founded much more recently. It started in 2014 as a division of NETGEAR, then rebranded as its own entity in 2018. Since then, Arlo continues to grow, with its cameras and smart home devices earning strong recognition in the security camera market. That said, Arlo still has room to grow, with most customer complaints revolving around subscription prices and customer service quality.

Age and Influence Category Winner: SimpliSafe

Compared to Arlo, SimpliSafe has been around the block several times over. The company has way more customers than Arlo. And while SimpliSafe is not yet a household name (like ADT for instance), they certainly have more influence in the market than Arlo does.

Features and Technology 

SimpliSafe — When it comes to features and technology, SimpliSafe is a little more advanced than Arlo. Not only do they offer a bigger lineup of products, they also offer comprehensive monitoring options that include video incident confirmation and active guard protection. Don’t get worried, though. All of their equipment is easy to install and simple to use on a day-to-day basis.

>> Learn More: See our full Review of SimpliSafe

Arlo — Unlike SimpliSafe, Arlo started out as a camera-based system, but they’ve recently released a sensor-based security system. It’s not a strictly traditional security system, as there’s only one type of sensor that can detect multiple home hazards. This sensor can detect movement, opening and closing of doors, freezing temperatures, and more.

The sensor works best with Arlo security cameras that offer crisp and clear imaging, along with infrared night vision, motion alerts, two-way talk, smart home integration, custom activity zones, live-streaming, and more.

>> Learn More: See our full Review of Arlo

Features and Technology Category Winner: SimpliSafe

There’s no argument that Arlo has some interesting features, but when it comes to comprehensive security, SimpliSafe is the clear winner. They offer a lot more equipment that can help you tailor your home security to your individual needs.

Monitoring Options

SimpliSafe — Get 24/7 home protection from the pros. SimpliSafe has four packages, with a mile-long lineup of upgrade packages and add-on equipment. Customers can either purchase an affordable professional monitoring plan, or ‘self-monitor’ and save. All of SimpliSafe’s home security systems are wireless and cellular.

SimpliSafe’s monthly monitoring plans:

>> Learn More: About SimpliSafe’s Pricing

Arlo — Arlo offers 24/7 professional monitoring through Arlo Secure Premium plan. However, it requires Arlo’s security system. If you subscribe to a year upfront, it costs $24.99 per month, on top of equipment costs, and includes 60 days of cloud storage for all Arlo cameras on your account, plus a handful of useful bonus features.

Beyond the Secure Premium plan, Arlo gives you a few other subscription tiers to choose from depending on how much camera coverage you need:

• Plus: Covers one camera for $7.99 per month or unlimited cameras for $17.99 per month when billed annually — both with 60 days of cloud storage. This tier also unlocks smart detections like person, vehicle, and package alerts.
• Premium: At $24.99 per month, you get 60 days of cloud storage for unlimited cameras plus 24/7 professional monitoring for an Arlo home security system. You’ll also gain access to family safety features via the Arlo app.
• Premium + 24/7 Video Recording: At $39.99 per month when billed annually, this plan includes everything in the Premium subscription and adds continuous recording for up to three cameras.

>> Learn More: About Arlo’s Pricing

Monitoring Options Category Winner: Arlo

Arlo’s monitoring plan is more comprehensive. It doesn’t just monitor your security system, but it also watches over you and your family members. Driving? In case of a crash, the Arlo app will automatically alert the emergency response. Walking alone? Open the app and activate the emergency button to call for help. Of course, all these features come with standard 24/7 professional monitoring, so you can stay safe and secure at all times.

Emergency Connections / Response Times

SimpliSafe — SimpliSafe offers wireless, cellular-based home security systems. The system communicates with cell towers to ensure a fast and reliable connection and response. Video-verified alarms on the Core plan and above speed up emergency response times. No landline is required, and cellular systems like SimpliSafe are superior to landline-based systems.

With the Core monitoring plan, agents can use the two-way talk on your Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Camera to fully assess a situation and dispatch the appropriate authorities immediately. Agents get trained on de-escalating situations to prioritize your safety. This feature extends to the outdoor camera on the Pro and Pro Plus plans.

Arlo — Arlo cameras and the Arlo security system uses Wi-Fi, but with the pro monitoring plan, the system will gain cellular backup, much like SimpliSafe.

Emergency Connections Category Winner: SimpliSafe

With SimpliSafe, you can guarantee fast response times when you need it most. The company claims a dispatch response time of 9 seconds, but most users receive a call between 15-45 seconds on average. Video-verified alarms ensure the appropriate emergency personnel arrive on the scene.

Camera Quality

SimpliSafe — Unlike Arlo, SimpliSafe’s camera options are limited to an indoor camera, outdoor camera, and video doorbell. All these cameras feature a 1080p HD resolution along with night vision, a decent viewing angle, and zoom.

The Smart Alarm indoor camera and the outdoor camera are the cream of the crop, because they’re battery-powered and therefore completely free of wires. SimpliSafe’s video doorbell, though, has to be hardwired to a doorbell terminal.

Arlo — Arlo delivers the total surveillance package with indoor and outdoor cameras. The cameras are built to last, and are designed to keep “Every Angle Covered,” as the tagline goes. The cameras are 100% wireless and offer easy installation (which we’ll cover shortly). Arlo security cameras also boast a sleek design, with a black and white color scheme, and loads of features to keep watch over your property.

Camera Quality Winner: Arlo

If you’re after a camera-based system, Arlo is your best bet. SimpliSafe’s video capabilities are more limited, whereas Arlo offers video quality with up to 2K and 4K resolution options across its camera lineup and a long list of smart features.

Home Automation

SimpliSafe — Here’s another element of modern systems that SimpliSafe simply doesn’t deliver. While the home security systems do integrate with Alexa, Google Home, and Nest, you only get basic voice control and nothing more. If you’re looking to create or improve upon a smart home ecosystem, SimpliSafe is definitely not the system for you.

Arlo — The Arlo SmartHub allows users to tap into third-party home automation platforms. Arlo also offers something called Ultra 4k Surveillance which is a 3-in-1 surveillance, security, and automation solution. Control smart lights, remotely lock and unlock doors, and much more. Users will also enjoy access to voice control, as Arlo is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. All in all, Arlo offers a surprising range of smart home capabilities.

Home Automation Category Winner: Arlo

Arlo Technologies is actually a home automation company that happens to make home security cameras. So it’s easy to see why they excel in this category. On the other hand, SimpliSafe falls abysmally short when it comes to smart home automation.

Ease of Installation

SimpliSafe — The name says it all. These home security systems are up-and-running in just minutes from unboxing. It comes pre-configured from the factory, and only requires a few simple steps to setup. That’s the beauty of DIY. SimpliSafe truly shines when it comes to ease of installation.

Arlo — The Arlo SmartHub lets users plug into third-party home automation platforms with ease. Arlo also offers an integrated surveillance, security, and automation solution through its app and compatible smart home devices. This lets you control smart lights, remotely lock and unlock doors, and much more. Users will also enjoy access to voice control, as Arlo is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. All in all, Arlo offers a surprising range of smart home capabilities.

Ease of Installation Category Winner: Tie

SimpliSafe and Arlo are both simple to set up. You don’t need any handy skills, and you don’t need to drill into walls. There are no wires to get in your way and you risk having criminals snip to bypass your system. If you’re looking for easy installation, you can’t go wrong with either brand.

Customer Service

SimpliSafe — SimpliSafe holds a BBB rating of A+. From what we’ve seen, most customers are happy with the service. However, some express frustration over longer-than-average wait times and limited service hours. Overall, SimpliSafe makes the grade when it comes to customer service.

Arlo — You can find help via the Arlo online community of knowledgeable techies. You can also access an FAQ resource page; their support center is chock-full of videos and articles. And if you want more personalized help, hop on Arlo’s live chat and ask away. Finally, even Arlo’s base package includes 90 days of phone support on-the-house.

Customer Service Category Winner: Arlo

While SimpliSafe just ‘makes the grade’, Arlo goes the extra mile to ensure a stellar customer service experience. The company lays out several avenues for customers who have questions, comments, or concerns.

Contracts 

SimpliSafe — SimpliSafe systems are 100% contract fee. No contracts mean you can cancel at any time without penalty. This month-to-month service is attractive to most customers, especially renters. Packages start at $282.94 for equipment, with financing options available through Affirm. Finally, the systems include a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Arlo — Arlo also offers month-to-month, no-contract video storage plans and professional monitoring.

Contracts Category Winner: Tie

Both companies offer month-to-month home security. This gives you the flexibility you need if (or when!) you realize the system isn’t for you. Also, if you’re moving into a different living situation or simply can’t afford it, having a no-contract home security system pays off in dividends.

Cost and Value

SimpliSafe — If you value simplicity and can do without the advanced features offered by companies like Vivint, Frontpoint, and ADT, then SimpliSafe is your home security system. A basic equipment package and 24/7 professional monitoring can be yours for as little as around $280 upfront and $22.99 per month for the Standard plan. That’s one of the more competitive price points in the industry.

Arlo — With the new Arlo security system, Arlo widens its scope of protection. The most special thing about the system is the All-In-One sensor, which at $29.99 per piece, can have up to eight different detection abilities. Place one under your sink and enable temperature and water detection, and place one on your window and enable opening and motion detection. Plus, at $25 per month for monitoring, it’s a competitive system in terms of value.

Cost and Value Category Winner: SimpliSafe

With SimpliSafe, you can safeguard your home with a complete DIY set up starting in the mid $200’s. If you’re willing to spring for the premium packages and add-ons, you can customize your system to your heart’s content. Overall, SimpliSafe delivers tremendous value for the equipment and service you get. This is a go-to system for those who desire fast setup, no contracts, and basic (but solid) home security.

By now, you should know these two home security solutions inside and out. They each serve a slightly different purpose when it comes to home protection, and both help to secure your home from break-ins and theft. But there can only be one winner. See below for an at-a-glance breakdown of the category winners.

• Age and Influence: Winner – SimpliSafe
• Features and Technology: Winner – SimpliSafe
• Monitoring Options: Winner – Arlo
• Emergency Connections: Winner – SimpliSafe
• Camera Quality: Winner – Arlo
• Home Automation: Winner – Arlo
• Ease of Installation: Winner – Tie
• Customer Service: Winner – Arlo
• Contracts: Winner – Tie
• Cost and Value: Winner – SimpliSafe

Overall Winner – SimpliSafe

The Bottom Line

SimpliSafe and Arlo are two up-and-coming DIY home security systems. But they really are complete opposites. SimpliSafe offers total home protection with door and window sensors, motion detectors, etc. And Arlo is more heavily-focused on video security, but we might see a shift depending on how well the market receives its sensor-based system.

For most homeowners, SimpliSafe is the stronger all-around pick. It’s easy to set up, genuinely affordable, and covers the full spectrum of home security basics. You can protect your home with 24/7 professional monitoring starting at $22.99 per month — or just buy the equipment outright and self-monitor for free. Want an extra layer of protection? Add video-verified alarms with Intruder Intervention for $10 more per month, which is solid value for what you’re getting.

Or choose Arlo if you want quality video surveillance inside and outside your home. This can be pricey, but Arlo makes quality products built to last. Also, you’ll enjoy a growing list of home automation capabilities and features with Arlo. And if you can forego the fancy video storage options, you’ll be paying as little as $7.99 monthly. That’s a deal in our book.