eufy vs SimpliSafe 2026: Zero Subscriptions vs Affordable Pro Monitoring — Full Comparison
Choosing between eufy and SimpliSafe? These two brands attract similar DIY buyers but take completely different approaches: eufy promises no monthly fees with local storage, while SimpliSafe offers a full alarm system with professional monitoring starting at $22.99/mo.
We’ve compared every aspect — pricing, security capabilities, cameras, smart home integration, and 3-year costs — so you can pick the right one.
| Feature | eufy | SimpliSafe |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee required? | No (most features free) | No (but limited without plan) |
| Cheapest pro monitoring | ❌ Not available | $22.99/mo (Standard) |
| Video storage | Local (HomeBase/microSD) | Cloud ($9.99-$32.99/mo) |
| Full alarm system | ⚠️ Basic (limited sensors) | ✅ Comprehensive (20+ sensors) |
| Professional monitoring | ❌ No | ✅ 24/7 ($22.99-$79.99/mo) |
| Cellular backup | ❌ No | ✅ All pro plans |
| Camera resolution | Up to 4K | 1080p |
| AI detection (free) | ✅ Person, pet, vehicle | ❌ Requires plan |
| Intruder intervention | ❌ No | ✅ Core plan ($32.99/mo) |
| HomeKit support | ⚠️ Some cameras | ❌ No |
| Smart home | Alexa, Google | Alexa, Google |
| Privacy track record | ⚠️ 2022 cloud scandal | ✅ Clean |
| Best for | Camera-only, no-fee users | Full home security with monitoring |
eufy Pricing: The No-Fee Approach
eufy’s main selling point is straightforward: buy the hardware, skip the subscriptions. Most features work locally without monthly fees.
| Product | Price | Monthly Fee | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| eufyCam S330 (3-cam kit) | $450 | $0 | Local (HomeBase 3) |
| eufy Video Doorbell E340 | $130 | $0 | Local + free cloud |
| eufy Indoor Cam S350 | $130 | $0 | microSD |
| eufy Security System (5-piece) | $200 | $0 | HomeBase |
The caveat: In 2022, Anker (eufy’s parent) was caught uploading face-recognition thumbnails to cloud servers despite promising 100% local storage. They’ve since made changes, but the trust damage lingers.
SimpliSafe Pricing: Tiered Monitoring
SimpliSafe recently restructured their monitoring plans, making entry-level professional monitoring more affordable:
| Plan | Monthly | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Unmonitored (self) | Free | Sensors work, no cloud, no pro response |
| Self-Monitoring + Camera | $9.99 | Cloud video storage (30 days), scheduled arming |
| Standard | $22.99 | 24/7 pro monitoring, cellular backup, environmental |
| Core | $32.99 | Standard + Intruder Intervention via camera |
| Pro | $49.99 | Core + Active Guard (8pm-6am agent intervention) |
| Pro Plus | $79.99 | Core + Active Guard 24/7 |
SimpliSafe Equipment Packages
SimpliSafe sells pre-built packages from $250 to $730, with frequent sales of 50-60% off. The starter system includes a base station, keypad, entry sensor, and motion sensor.
3-Year Total Cost Comparison
| Setup | Hardware | Monthly | 3-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| eufy 3-cam + doorbell (no sub) | $580 | $0 | $580 |
| eufy Security System + 2 cams | $710 | $0 | $710 |
| SimpliSafe starter (unmonitored) | $250 | $0 | $250 |
| SimpliSafe starter (Standard) | $250 | $22.99 | $1,078 |
| SimpliSafe mid-range (Core) | $400 | $32.99 | $1,588 |
| SimpliSafe full (Pro) | $500 | $49.99 | $2,300 |
| SimpliSafe full (Pro Plus) | $500 | $79.99 | $3,380 |
| Abode Smart Security Kit + Cam 2 | $299 | $6 | $515 |
Key insight: eufy wins if you only want cameras with zero fees. SimpliSafe wins if you want a full alarm system with professional monitoring. But Abode beats both: a real alarm system like SimpliSafe, but at eufy-level costs — $6/mo for cellular backup and optional monitoring, HomeKit support, and no contracts.
Security Capabilities: Where SimpliSafe Dominates
| Security Feature | eufy | SimpliSafe |
|---|---|---|
| Door/window sensors | Basic (limited) | ✅ Multiple types |
| Motion detectors | ✅ | ✅ (including motion-only sensors) |
| Glass break sensor | ❌ | ✅ |
| Smoke/CO detection | ❌ | ✅ |
| Water leak sensor | ❌ | ✅ |
| Freeze sensor | ❌ | ✅ |
| Panic button | ❌ | ✅ |
| Professional monitoring | ❌ | ✅ ($22.99+/mo) |
| Cellular backup | ❌ | ✅ |
| Intruder intervention | ❌ | ✅ ($32.99+/mo) |
| Active Guard (agent live response) | ❌ | ✅ ($49.99+/mo) |
SimpliSafe is a real security system; eufy is a camera system with basic alarm features. If your goal is protecting your home from break-ins with monitored response, SimpliSafe is the clear winner between these two.
Camera Comparison: Where eufy Wins
| Camera Feature | eufy | SimpliSafe |
|---|---|---|
| Max resolution | 4K | 1080p |
| Free AI detection | ✅ Person/pet/vehicle | ❌ Requires plan |
| Local processing | ✅ On-device | ❌ Cloud-dependent |
| Free video storage | ✅ Local | ❌ ($9.99+/mo) |
| Outdoor cameras | 5+ models (solar, battery) | 2 models |
| Video doorbells | 3 models | 1 model |
| Pan/tilt indoor | ✅ | ❌ |
eufy’s cameras are significantly better — higher resolution, free AI, more variety, and no subscription required. SimpliSafe’s cameras are serviceable but are clearly designed to upsell you into monitoring plans.
Smart Home Integration
| Platform | eufy | SimpliSafe | Abode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Alexa | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Google Home | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Apple HomeKit | ⚠️ Some cameras | ❌ | ✅ Full system |
| Z-Wave | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Zigbee | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| IFTTT | Limited | Limited | ✅ |
Neither eufy nor SimpliSafe offers deep smart home integration. Abode supports HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, Z-Wave, and Zigbee — making it the most versatile security hub for smart home enthusiasts.
Who Should Buy eufy?
- You want cameras with absolutely no monthly fees
- You prioritize 4K resolution and free AI detection
- You want local storage and don’t want to rely on cloud
- You don’t need a full alarm system or professional monitoring
- You’re OK managing your own security footage
Who Should Buy SimpliSafe?
- You want a complete alarm system with sensors for every threat
- You value professional monitoring and emergency dispatch
- You want Intruder Intervention or Active Guard (agent talks to intruder via camera)
- You prefer a well-established brand with clean privacy record
- You want environmental monitoring (smoke, CO, water, freeze)
Consider Abode Instead
Before committing to either, Abode combines the best of both:
| Feature | eufy | SimpliSafe | Abode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full alarm system | ⚠️ Basic | ✅ | ✅ |
| No monthly fee option | ✅ | ✅ (limited) | ✅ |
| Cheapest pro monitoring | N/A | $22.99/mo | $20/mo |
| Cellular backup | ❌ | $22.99+/mo | $6/mo |
| HomeKit support | ⚠️ Cameras | ❌ | ✅ Full system |
| HomeKit Secure Video | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| No contract | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 3-year cost | $710+ | $1,078+ | $515+ |
Abode’s Smart Security Kit gives you SimpliSafe’s alarm capabilities with eufy’s cost-effectiveness — plus HomeKit support that neither offers. See all Abode plans →
FAQ
Can eufy replace a full security system?
No. eufy is primarily a camera system with basic alarm add-ons. It lacks professional monitoring, cellular backup, environmental sensors, and the sensor variety needed for comprehensive home security. For a full system without monthly fees, Abode’s free plan is a better option.
Is SimpliSafe worth the monthly fee?
If you want professional monitoring, SimpliSafe offers good value starting at $22.99/mo. However, Abode’s Connect plan at $6/mo provides cellular backup and self-monitoring features at a fraction of the cost.
Which has better cameras?
eufy wins on cameras — 4K resolution, free AI detection, local processing, and no subscription required. SimpliSafe’s cameras are 1080p and require a paid plan for cloud video storage.
Does either work with Apple HomeKit?
eufy has limited HomeKit support (some cameras only). SimpliSafe has no HomeKit support at all. For full HomeKit integration including HomeKit Secure Video, Abode is the only option.
Which is better for renters?
Both work well for renters (wireless, no drilling). eufy is better if you just want cameras. SimpliSafe is better if you want a full alarm system. Abode is ideal for renters who want a full alarm system at the lowest cost with no contract.
Can I use SimpliSafe without a subscription?
Yes, but you lose all cloud video, professional monitoring, cellular backup, and smart features. The system still triggers local alarms but won’t contact emergency services or save footage.
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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