SimpliSafe vs. Eufy 2024

When it comes to the best DIY home security, you have options. And it goes without saying that some of these options are better than others. But how can you tell the difference? A lot of these systems seem to offer the same components, comparable monitoring, and charge about the same prices.

Today we’re going to take a look at two security systems in particular — Eufy and SimpliSafe. I always cheer for a dark horse (that’s Eufy), but is there a reason Eufy is relatively unknown compared to SimpliSafe? Is there a reason SimpliSafe dominates in this space?

Spoiler alert: yes. After extensive testing, I found SimpliSafe to be a much better system than Eufy, but there is definitely some nuance to explore here. Before we get into that, though, I want to tell you how I developed this comparison.

Our Methodology: How We Test Security Products

Our team of experts has been putting security systems and equipment to the test for years and years, developing some of the most detailed analyses in the industry today.

Everything always starts with research. We look into company claims, consumer guides, and customer reviews to get a good idea of what each system brings to the table. Then we purchase and test the equipment ourselves, installing everything in our own homes for a period of a few weeks to a few months.

We put our qualitative and quantitative data side by side to make a recommendation on which system is better.

Now let’s take a detailed look at what these two systems offer and where their shortcomings might be.

SimpliSafe vs. Eufy: Equipment

Probably the most important category when comparing security systems is the equipment. This is, obviously, the backbone of your protection, so we’re going to go through it piece by piece to really get a feel for what these companies offer.

Cameras

Security cameras are one of the best theft deterrents you can buy, so I always start my investigation of any security company by investigating their camera offerings. And hoo boy, does Eufy have a ton of cameras. Indoor cameras, outdoor cameras, camera packages, solar-powered cameras, 4K cameras, 2K cameras — you name it, they’ve got it.

SimpliSafe? Not so much. While all of their cameras are high-quality, they only offer four — the SimpliSafe Doorbell Camera, two indoor cameras, and an outdoor camera. I’d argue that these four cameras can cover a lot of ground when it comes to protecting your property, but when it comes to options, Eufy takes the cake.

Camera Winner: Eufy 

Sensors

The next important equipment category to consider is a security system’s sensors. This includes entryway sensors, motion detectors, and environmental sensors. Eufy offers all three but not much else. If they’re your security provider, you’ll be able to purchase motion sensors, entry sensors, water and freeze sensors, and smoke detector listeners. At one point they offered a garage door sensor, but it looks like that product is no longer available, which is a shame. It could have been included on my list of the best security systems for homes with garages if they kept it around.

SimpliSafe, on the other hand, offers a few more options when it comes to sensors. They cover the basics with entryway, water, and motion sensors, but they also add acoustic glass-break sensors, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, dedicated smoke detectors, and temperature sensors. Simply put, more options means more comprehensive protection. This one goes to SimpliSafe.

Sensor Winner: SimpliSafe 

Keypad

The final category I like to take a look at when comparing equipment is a system’s keypad. A lot of today’s best home security systems are controlled by an app, but many still include high-tech touch-screen keypads that can serve as the nerve center for your system.

Unfortunately, that “many” doesn’t include Eufy or SimpliSafe. Both providers are stuck in the proverbial Dark Ages when it comes to their keypads, sticking with analog buttons that look like they’re from the 90s. Both Eufy and SimpliSafe lose points here, so I’m calling it a tie.

Keypad Winner: Tie 

Now that we’ve talked about the equipment generally, let’s talk about how easy this stuff is to get set up and installed.

Installation

This is a tough comparison. Both Eufy and SimpliSafe have made it apparent that they prioritize simplicity when it comes to setup. I’ll put it this way — both systems are extremely easy to install and don’t require any special skills or tools. Eufy can get a little more difficult when you start talking about hardwiring cameras into your network, but for the purposes of this comparison, I’m sticking to their security system alone.

When I tested both systems, it took me under half an hour to have everything up and running. That isn’t just because I’m an expert with this stuff, either. If you can follow basic instructions, peel the backing off an adhesive strip, and stick it to your door frame, you should have no problem installing either system.

But there’s one thing to watch out for with the SimpliSafe system; I found that their motion detector was a little heavy, and the adhesive strips had a bit of trouble staying stuck. This tendency to fall created more than one false alarm during my testing period, and I ended up using the included hardware to affix it to my wall more permanently. I don’t really fault SimpliSafe for that, though — more so the Southern humidity and my old plaster walls. Still, I’d recommend using the hardware for all their components if you plan to have your system in your home for more than a few years.

On top of the motion detector, SimpliSafe’s video doorbell is hardwired which means you’ll replace your existing doorbell with SimpliSafe’s doorbell, wiring and all. It’s easier than it looks though with just a few wires you need to connect. If you don’t already have a doorbell, it gets more complicated. Hardwiring the video doorbell means less maintenance though, so in the long run, I thought the effort paid off.

In my estimation, it couldn’t have been easier to install either system. This one’s a tie as well.

Installation Winner: Tie 

Comparing Costs

Now that we’ve talked about the equipment and how easy it is to install, let’s talk about a major deciding factor in anyone’s search for a security system — the costs. If you’re interested in cutting to the chase, both Eufy and SimpliSafe are great affordable security options. There is, of course, some variation to that, so let’s explore it a little more in-depth, starting with SimpliSafe’s prices. They offer a few different packages you can choose from, but here’s the a la carte menu:

And here are the security system offerings from Eufy:

I understand that this list looks a little anemic, but keep in mind this is strictly their security equipment offerings. Eufy has scores of security cameras and smart home equipment that will all integrate into this system. Good for adding convenience to your life, but not so good for your physical security, which is why it wasn’t included.

Overall, Eufy and SimpliSafe are in the same ballpark when it comes to costs. The ace in the hole, though, is that SimpliSafe is almost always offering some sort of deal, which really drives your overall price down. Right now, for instance, you can get a free wired indoor camera and a free month of Core (formerly Fast Protect) monitoring when you buy any system. For now, I’m going to give this category to SimpliSafe.

Cost Winner: SimpliSafe

Monitoring

Beyond equipment, another extremely important aspect of any security system is the strength and flexibility of its monitoring packages. Let’s take a quick look at SimpliSafe’s offerings:

One thing that I want to point out before I move on to Eufy’s monitoring plans is the video verification included in the Core, Pro, and Pro Plus monitoring packages. A lot of security systems offer some version of this feature, but SimpliSafe is the only one I’ve tested that actually allows technicians to converse with you — or an intruder — through the camera’s onboard speaker. When I tested this out, I was impressed with how quickly they were able to connect, how clearly I could speak with them, and how professional they were after I explained it was a test alarm.

Now for Eufy’s monitoring. Its monitoring is pretty bare-bones, although they recently moved it in-house which we appreciate. Here’s what you get:

While Eufy’s monitoring is certainly cheaper, it’s definitely not as feature-rich as SimpliSafe’s offerings. I’m going to have to give this category to SimpliSafe.

Monitoring Winner: SimpliSafe

User Experience

So far we’ve dealt with some pretty quantitative comparisons — equipment prices, monitoring packages, etc. — so before I give my final recommendation, I wanted to speak a little bit about the more qualitative aspects of these two systems.

First, when it comes to the buying experience, SimpliSafe wins hands down. Their website is well organized, and it’s easy to find all of the information you’re looking for to make an informed decision. Eufy’s website, on the other hand, can be a little confusing, and it’s difficult to pinpoint where everything is. It took me several minutes to find information on their monitoring packages, if that gives you any idea what I mean.

Next, let’s talk about the quality of their equipment. SimpliSafe’s pieces are all well-designed and feel very durable. I wouldn’t want to run over one of their cameras with my truck, but I feel like I could if I wanted to. I don’t feel the same about Eufy. Some of their pieces feel a little flimsy to me. And while I’ve never had something break while I’m testing it, I wouldn’t want to see what happened if I dropped it down the stairs.

Overall, SimpliSafe just feels like a more complete, well-thought-out security system. If you’re looking for comprehensive protections, SimpliSafe gets my vote.

User Experience Winner: SimpliSafe

The Final Word: SimpliSafe or Eufy?

If you were to ask me on the street which system you should go with, my immediate response would be SimpliSafe. Like I said above, it just feels like a more complete system — not a security camera company that decided to make some motion sensors. That said, if you’re looking to fill some very specific needs with very particular types of security cameras, Eufy might be your go-to. For instance, I was blown away by their video doorbell, which has a downward-facing camera to keep an eye on packages and prevent porch piracy. That was a real “Why hasn’t anyone else thought of that?” moment.

Overall though, if you’re looking to build a robust security system that covers all the bases, SimpliSafe is the safer bet. They beat out Eufy on almost every level aside from camera selection. There’s a reason why they’re one of the best security systems on the market today, and why they continue to be one of my favorites.