Arlo and SimpliSafe solve different problems. Arlo is a camera company that added security features. SimpliSafe is a security company that added cameras. If you’re comparing them, you’re probably asking: do I need great footage, or do I need an alarm system?
This comparison breaks down everything: camera quality, monitoring plans, smart home, equipment costs, and total 3-year ownership cost.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Arlo | SimpliSafe |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Strength | Premium cameras (2K-4K) | Alarm system with sensors |
| Camera Resolution | 2K-4K HDR | 720p (SimpliCam) to 1080p |
| Starting Equipment | $130 (Essential camera) | $250 (Foundation system) |
| Monthly Plans | $3-$18/mo | $0-$30/mo |
| Professional Monitoring | $20/mo (Arlo Safe) | $10-$30/mo |
| Contract | None | None |
| Door/Window Sensors | Limited (Arlo sensor kit) | Yes — full sensor lineup |
| Apple HomeKit | ✅ Some cameras | ❌ No |
| Alexa / Google | ✅ Both | ✅ Both |
| Z-Wave / Zigbee | ❌ | ❌ |
| Battery Cameras | ✅ Wireless, 3-6 months | ❌ Wired cameras only |
| Local Storage | USB on some hubs | ❌ Cloud only |
Where Arlo Wins
- Camera quality: 4K HDR on Pro 5 vs 720p on SimpliCam. Not even close.
- Battery-powered options: Truly wireless placement anywhere — no outlets needed.
- Apple HomeKit: Select Arlo cameras work with HomeKit. SimpliSafe doesn’t touch Apple’s ecosystem.
- Cheaper cloud storage: Arlo Secure starts at $3/mo for 1 camera. SimpliSafe charges $10-$30/mo with no per-camera option.
Where SimpliSafe Wins
- Real alarm system: Door/window sensors, motion detectors, glass break, smoke, CO — full sensor coverage. Arlo is cameras with bolt-on sensors.
- Professional monitoring: 24/7 dispatch center calls police/fire. Arlo Safe’s monitoring is newer and less proven.
- Entry sensors: SimpliSafe covers every door and window. Arlo relies on cameras to catch intrusions after they happen.
- Keypad + siren: SimpliSafe has a real alarm panel with entry/exit delays and a loud siren. Arlo’s siren is camera-mounted.
- Wider retail availability: Best Buy, Costco, Target in-store.
3-Year Cost Comparison
| Setup | Arlo (3 cameras + Safe) | SimpliSafe (Interactive) | Abode (Connect+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment | ~$400 (3 Essential cameras) | $250 (kit) + $100 (SimpliCam) | $199 (kit) + $25 (Cam 2) |
| Monthly × 36 | $648 ($18/mo Secure Plus) | $1,080 ($30/mo Interactive) | $720 ($20/mo Connect+) |
| 3-Year Total | $1,048 | $1,430 | $944 |
Arlo actually costs less than SimpliSafe over 3 years — but you don’t get a real alarm system. SimpliSafe gives you sensors but weak cameras. Abode gives you both: a full alarm system with HomeKit, Z-Wave, Zigbee, AND cameras at $25 each — for the lowest total cost.
The Real Question: Cameras or Alarm?
This is the core decision:
- Choose Arlo if you mainly want high-quality footage, wireless placement flexibility, and local storage options. Best for: rental properties, vacation homes, monitoring specific areas.
- Choose SimpliSafe if you want a traditional alarm system that calls the police when someone opens a door. Best for: homeowners who want professional monitoring and a sensor grid.
- Choose Abode if you want both cameras AND sensors in one system, with HomeKit support, no contracts, and the lowest 3-year cost. Abode’s Cam 2 ($25) handles video while the alarm system handles intrusion detection — one app, one hub, one plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlo a real security system?
Arlo is primarily a camera system with optional monitoring. It added the Arlo Safe plan for dispatch, but it lacks the sensor depth (door/window, motion, glass break, smoke/CO) of dedicated alarm systems like SimpliSafe or Abode.
Can I use Arlo cameras with SimpliSafe?
No. Arlo and SimpliSafe are closed ecosystems that don’t integrate with each other. If you want third-party cameras with your alarm, Abode supports any IP camera alongside its native Cam 2.
Which has better cameras?
Arlo, by a wide margin. 4K HDR with color night vision vs SimpliSafe’s 720p SimpliCam. If camera quality is your priority, Arlo wins.
Which costs less over 3 years?
Arlo (~$1,048) costs less than SimpliSafe (~$1,430) with monitoring. But Abode (~$944) costs less than both while providing alarm sensors AND cameras in one system.
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With over 20 years of experience evaluating home security technologies, Andrew is a trusted home security expert. He specializes in DIY home security systems, indoor and outdoor security cameras, doorbell cameras, and safety software such as password managers. Andrew uses in-depth research to provide accurate and actionable insights. His work helps you make better decisions to protect your home.
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