Last Updated: April 2026
Arlo makes some of the best standalone security cameras on the market — 4K resolution, color night vision, wire-free battery. SimpliSafe makes one of the most popular DIY alarm systems — door sensors, motion detectors, professional monitoring from $18/month. The problem: Arlo has cameras but no alarm system. SimpliSafe has an alarm but mediocre cameras.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Arlo | SimpliSafe |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Camera-first (no alarm system) | Alarm-first (cameras are add-ons) |
| Best camera | Pro 5S (2K), Ultra 2 (4K) | SimpliCam (1080p), Outdoor Cam (1080p) |
| Door/window sensors | No | Yes — full lineup |
| Professional monitoring | No | Yes ($18-28/mo) |
| Self-monitoring | Yes (free alerts) | Yes (free alerts) |
| Monthly fee | $0 (limited) / $8-18 | $0 / $18 / $28 |
| Contract | None | None |
| HomeKit | Yes | No |
| Cellular backup | No | Yes |
| Video verification | No | Yes (Fast Protect) |
| 3-year cost | $350-$1,348 | $199-$1,517 |
Where Arlo Wins
| Advantage | Details |
|---|---|
| Camera quality | 4K resolution, color night vision, HDR, 160-degree FOV. SimpliSafe cameras are 1080p only |
| Apple HomeKit | Arlo cameras work with HomeKit. SimpliSafe has zero HomeKit support |
| Wire-free outdoor | Battery-powered outdoor cameras with 6-month battery. SimpliSafe outdoor cam needs a power outlet |
| Cloud storage | Free 2K recordings on Arlo Secure. SimpliSafe camera storage requires the $28/mo Interactive plan |
Where SimpliSafe Wins
| Advantage | Details |
|---|---|
| Real alarm system | Door/window sensors, motion detectors, glass break, panic button, siren, smoke/CO — Arlo has none |
| Professional monitoring | 24/7 central station dispatches police and fire. Arlo cannot dispatch anyone |
| Cellular backup | Alarm signals go via cellular if Wi-Fi fails. Arlo cameras go offline without internet |
| Video verification | Fast Protect sends camera clips to monitoring for verified police dispatch. Arlo has no monitoring |
| Environmental sensors | Water, smoke, CO, freeze detection with monitored dispatch. Arlo has zero environmental coverage |
3-Year Cost
| Setup | Equipment | Monthly | 3-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlo free (2 cameras, limited cloud) | $350 | $0 | $350 |
| Arlo Secure (2 cameras + plan) | $350 | $8 | $638 |
| Arlo Secure+ (4 cameras + family plan) | $700 | $18 | $1,348 |
| SimpliSafe free (kit, self-monitor) | $199 | $0 | $199 |
| SimpliSafe Standard | $299 | $18 | $947 |
| SimpliSafe Interactive (cameras + monitoring) | $469 | $28 | $1,477 |
| Abode (kit + camera) | $234 | $0-20 | $234-$954 |
The Real Answer: You Need Both Cameras and Sensors
Arlo gives you great cameras with zero alarm capability. SimpliSafe gives you a good alarm with average cameras. Neither is complete alone.
Abode does both — alarm sensors, cameras, professional monitoring from $6/month, HomeKit support, and no contract. The Abode Cam 2 ($35) is not 4K like Arlo, but it integrates with the alarm system: when a door sensor trips, the camera starts recording automatically. You can also add Arlo cameras alongside Abode via HomeKit for the best of both worlds.
Who Should Buy What
| Buy This | If You |
|---|---|
| Arlo | Already have a security system and want to add premium cameras. Or want HomeKit cameras without a full system |
| SimpliSafe | Want a standalone alarm with professional monitoring and do not care about camera quality or HomeKit |
| Abode | Want cameras + alarm + monitoring + smart home in one system. Can add Arlo cameras via HomeKit if you want 4K |
FAQ
Can I use Arlo cameras with SimpliSafe?
No native integration. They run as separate systems with separate apps. Arlo cameras will not trigger SimpliSafe alarms, and SimpliSafe sensors will not trigger Arlo recordings. For integrated camera + alarm, use Abode or Ring.
Does Arlo have professional monitoring?
No. Arlo Secure plans include cloud storage, AI detection, and emergency call features, but there is no 24/7 monitoring center that dispatches police on your behalf. You must call 911 yourself.
Is SimpliSafe camera quality good enough?
At 1080p with basic night vision, SimpliSafe cameras are adequate for general monitoring but lag behind Arlo, Ring, and eufy in image quality. If camera quality matters, add Arlo cameras and use SimpliSafe for the alarm only.
Which is better for apartments?
SimpliSafe — renters need sensors more than premium cameras. Adhesive-mount sensors, no drilling, month-to-month monitoring. See our renters guide.
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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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