Which DIY Security System is Best for You?
When comparing apples to apples with SimpliSafe and LiveWatch, they have much in common. Both companies have 24/7 monitoring services and offer their service nationwide. Both security systems are self setup (DIY) which takes 30-60 minutes. The security system gets shipped to you and you peel-and-stick the sensors to the needed areas. This is easy to do a practical unless you want a home automation system like ADT Pulse or Vivint.
Differences:
However there are many ways the two companies are not alike. SimpliSafe’s equipment is out of date and horrible looking. They cater to the older generation and put a lot of marketing efforts around their emergency pendants (similar to LifeAlert). Security cameras are still not an option with SimpliSafe and their smart control is very buggy.
LiveWatch is much more affordable. SimpliSafe will cost you $300-700 in startup costs minimum. LiveWatch has only a $19.95 activation fee and then is $99-199 for the same amount of equipment as SimpliSafe. You can purchase your system directly from their site. They also have a ‘anytime cancellation’ policy which is unheard of from any other home security companies.
Head to head comparison
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Good online and offline ratings. |
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a basic to intermediate system | good security + Medical alert system |
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- Simple to set up. Seriously secure - Get ready to protect right out of the box. Outside, wireless cameras alert you when...
- 1 FREE Month of 24/7 professional monitoring with Fast Protect Technology for fast police response - With optional...
- Complete control of your system with the SimpliSafe App - Arm, disarm and protect anytime, anywhere.
A quick history lesson
Both home security providers have maintained a good reputation along with a A+ BBB rating. LiveWatch has a little rockier of a history, re-branding from ‘SafeMart’ recently who didn’t have as positive of reviews. Looking into the future, both companies have large marketing budgets and a big customer base so unless they sell out to bigger companies such as Frontpoint Security, they should be around for years to come.
Security system basics
Who has the better security system? Livewatch has done a better job at keeping up with the times with home automation additions. Both companies have tiered packages to choose from starting at basic and going to advanced. Where Simplisafe falls behind is that their security system has been the same for the past 10 years and isn’t the most visually appealing thing to put in your home.
Here are pictures of both companies starting packages:
(Above) LiveWatch security system with 2 door sensors, a motion detector, keyfob and smart control shown.
(Above) SimpliSafe security system with 4 door/window sensors, motion detector, the base and control panel.
Conclusion
If you choose Simplisafe as your security provider, plan on higher startup costs upwards of $1000. Users do get a lower monitoring rate and move-with-you service. If you choose LiveWatch security, plan on getting better equipment and good smart device integration. Both are good companies and services but still don’t make the top home security monitoring services list.
>> Compare these 2 companies to the top 5 <<
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Growing up with Law and Order and CSI shows taught Isabelle Landau one thing: if people back then had high-quality home security systems, those series would have been way shorter. In our modern world, technology helps us keep burglars away easily, and this is what Izzy studies and writes about: alarm systems, home security, protection systems, and more.
Last update on 2023-05-14 at 03:33 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Mary S. says
FYI — SimpliSafe seems like the better choice if you were do to do the math. On a 2 year contract, depending on the startup costs, you’ll pay an extra $240 by going with Livewatch. The determing factor is how much you’ll really pay for the startup costs.
Johnny Keen says
Thanks for providing this information, Mary. If you were really going for the best bang for your buck, the math doesn’t lie. $240 certainly over 2 years will add up over time. SimpliSafe has my bode of confidence in this race.
Dustin Runkle says
After having simplisafe and then discovering the inability to update equipment (which cost a lot) and having easy hacks for people on youtube made me return the system and go with LiveWatch. The cost over 2 years is almost the same with much better equipment and monitoring service.
Jobeth says
Thanks for spending the time to debate this, I feel strongly about home security regardless of whom you choose. For some pricing is all that matters, others the equipment and others customer service. Frontpoint seems to have all 3 covered by this other company sure comes close when comparing apples to apples.
Jay Adens says
Simplisafe for the parents, Livewatch for the kids is my vote! I don’t have either but know people on both sides that are happy with it. Not a lot of horror stories with either company regarding cancelling or getting stuck with faulty equipment and not getting it replaced until the next contract is signed. Great comparison, thanks for doing this.
Marco King says
You have it figured out. The Tech savvy individuals use LiveWatch, it home automation feature makes it a better choice to simplisafe. Nice review altogether
Eric Perkins says
Simplisafe has better branding. Livewatch has better equipment and customer service. Basically Simplisafe appears better on the outside while Livewatch IS better on the inside.