Simplisafe vs Iris – Which is the Best Home Security System?

Last Updated on August 23rd, 2019 by Natalia Bickell

As smart home security continues to grow in popularity, so do the number of systems from which you choose. With all the options available, it can be difficult to know which one is the right one. If you’re interested in making your home more secure and safe, a smart security system is a simple way to do so.

Sorting through the noise for the system that works best for you can be challenging. However, two solid options available on the market are Simplisafe and Iris. With these smart security systems, your family and home have additional protection against intruders and emergency situations.

How do these systems compare with one another? Let’s take a closer look.

The Main Differences Between Simplisafe and Iris

• Iris offers free text and email monitoring while Simplisafe requires a subscription
• Iris offers a wide range of compatible devices from many manufacturers while Simplisafe equipment is largely proprietary with a few exceptions
• Iris does not offer cloud backup while Simplisafe will store recorded video on it’s paid subscription plans

SimpliSafe Home Security System

Simplisafe is a key player in the smart home security market with systems that are easy to install and have plenty of capabilities and features. Simplisafe makes simple but effective equipment that keeps your home safe when you’re there or away.

Monitoring Options

Simplisafe offers two monitoring plans. If you choose the Standard Plan, the system will connect with the Simplisafe operations base so they can consistently monitor your home. If a sensor goes off, your equipment will notify Simplisafe immediately.

If Simplisafe gets an alert, someone will call you to make sure you and your family are safe. While false alerts are not common, they do happen. You’ll be able to provide Simplisafe with your predetermined safe word so they can dismiss the alert for you.

In addition to these services, you also get live streaming through your mobile app or web browser with the Standard Plan. This allows you to view your camera feed in real time, but you will have to pay extra for recorded video history.

The Simplisafe Interactive Plan is a more comprehensive solution for people who want the extra features. You get everything in the Standard Plan, plus text and email alerts and support for your Nest Thermostat.

The Interactive Plan gives you the added flexibility of choosing to self-monitor your home. However, in self-monitoring mode, you have to contact the authorities yourself in the event of an emergency, meaning you can’t rely on the Simplisafe team to help you out. In self-monitoring mode, the alarms only work locally, so if you’re not connected to your home network, you won’t get an alert.

Systems

While other home alarm systems come with a control panel that acts as a hub to connect and control every device, Simplisafe has a base station and a keypad, giving you the flexibility to develop your own system or choose from a list of predetermined configurations.

Either way, you get a system designed exactly the way you want it with controls that are easy for you and devices that you can monitor in a way that makes sense for your home and your family.

Equipment

Simplisafe’s equipment is comprehensive and easy to use. You can protect your home with alerts that notify you of break-ins and other emergencies. The control panel connects all devices to a central location so you get the latest updates regarding your home security.

Motion Detection Sensor

The Simplisafe motion detector will work as far as 400 feet from the control panel and detect motion from 30 feet away. Pets and wildlife that weigh less than 50 pounds won’t trigger a response so you can reduce the number of false alarms you get. It’s easy to mount to a wall or any flat surface.

Glass Sensors

Glass sensors make it easy to detect break-ins because so often when glass breaks, it means someone is trying to gain entry. The Simplisafe glass sensor is tuned to the sound of breaking glass and will connect with your control panel to alert you in the event your glass does break so you can determine the cause and get help.

Door/Window Sensor

A door or window sensor can help identify when doors and windows open or close. The sensor will alert you when a door opens or closes so you know if someone is at home who shouldn’t be. On the contrary, if you’re expecting someone to be home at a certain time, it’s nice to know they made it safe when you get the notification from your door sensor. With pre-installed batteries and adhesive, they’re easy to install.

Security Cameras

Simplisafe requires a subscription to their monthly services if you want to make use of their security cameras. You can view your camera’s footage on the mobile app or enable cloud recording to save your recording history to view it later.

With a security camera, you can enjoy:

• Live streaming on the mobile app
• 720p resolution
• Automatic recording
• Cloud recording
• Night vision

Smoke Detector

Simplisafe’s smoke detectors have built-in sirens so they will alert Simplisafe to smoke in the house and you will receive a phone call. Simplisafe can dispatch the appropriate authorities to check on your situation and decide if it is indeed an emergency.

Water Sensor

Water sensors come in handy in areas of your house that are prone to leaks or have leaked in the past. If the sensor detects moisture, it will text or email you so you can check up on the area. Because the sensors are 100% wireless, you can put it anywhere without worrying about it damaging the wires with water.

Simplisafe Pros

• Straight forward home security solution
• Easy setup and installation
• Portable
• No frills
• Local or professional monitoring
• Two monthly plan options
• Lots of equipment choices

Simplisafe Cons

• Doesn’t integrate with other smart home systems
• Can’t control it without a subscription plan
• Local monitoring isn’t nearly as effective as professional monitoring

Iris Home Security System

Lowe’s Home Improvement is a leading name behind the do-it-yourself movement, so the idea behind the Iris Home Security System is that it’s easily accessible to most people and easy to set up and install on your own.

Produced by Lowe’s, Iris debuted in 2012 and garnered a following almost immediately. Dozens of manufacturers hopped on board with Iris-compatible products that gave consumers the ability to create their own home security system with components that fit their unique needs.

Getting Started

Iris is available from Lowe’s in three different starter kits. The Iris Safe and Secure starter kit come with motion sensors and contact sensors. The Iris Comfort and Control starter kit offers a thermostat and smart plug at the same price point. The complete Iris starter kit costs a bit more, but it comes with everything in the first two packages as well as a range extender.

Iris works with more than 50 other devices like powered blinds and smart door locks as well as manufacturers and brand names like Honeywell, Schlage, Kwikset, and General Electric.

Once you select the starter kit and any other devices you want to try, it’s as easy as plugging in the hub and connecting the devices to it. If you download the app, it walks you through the process of adding compatible devices, making it easy for you to customize the entire system.

Monitoring the System

Users can monitor and control the Iris system remotely via the free mobile app on iOS or Android, or through a web browser. The free service includes simple functions like turning lights on and off or controlling the temperature of your thermostat. The system can call, text, or email you with alarm updates or outages.

For more customizable settings, changing schedules, or coordinating the use of multiple devices, Iris requires a monthly subscription to their premium service. The premium service also allows you to send alerts to up to 20 authorized contacts in the event of an emergency.

In addition to the premium monthly service, Lowe’s offers other services like the Care package, allowing you to connect devices in an aging parent’s home and keep an eye on their activity. This gives your family the independence they want with the care they need. You’ll also have peace of mind knowing that someone is caring for them.

Design

The Iris hub is 3.5 x 9.5 x 6.7. It’s small enough to hide behind a plant or on a bookshelf without anyone taking notice. It connects to your router via ethernet cable and uses its own built-in Wi-Fi to communicate with compatible devices. The three LED lights on the front of the hub indicate actions like pairing or lost communication. It also speaks alarms like “intruder alert” if there’s a problem.

The motion sensors are very small and unobtrusive. Around the same size as a package of matches, they will fit on any door or window and are powered by batteries. The compatible programmable thermostats are sleek in design and you have several from which to choose that will meet your decor standards.

The compatible smart home accessories produced by Lowe’s are plain white, and while they aren’t sleek or modern looking, they’re easy to conceal where needed. They offer a wide range of accessories with more than 50 choices like smart pet doors, garage door openers, light switches, cameras, garden hose timers, smoke detectors, smart plugs, and door locks.

Installation

Once you plug the hub into the wall, you can use the online software to install and add devices. It walks you through the entire process so you can quickly and easily pair each compatible device to the hub.

Using a smart plug allows you to make any lamp in the house a smart lamp. You can also monitor power usage via the smart plugs no matter what you plug into it. Window and door sensors have batteries and sticky strips for easy installation without drilling into your walls or looking at unsightly cables.

While some systems won’t be covered in the installation guide because of the extensive number of compatible devices, once you get the hang of it, installing any compatible device shouldn’t be an issue. You can count on it taking a little bit of extra time to install devices without complete instructions, especially if they require connecting wires, like the programmable thermostats.

Daily Use

The Iris interface is fairly basic and easy to navigate. It doesn’t offer the same streamlined design as other smart home security system apps, but you also won’t have to search for a long time to find the options or the settings you need.

Connected devices appear under their particular headings, making them easy to see. Thermostat, camera, and alarm are some of the headings you’ll see and you’ll also find their status on the main menu. Clicking on the item shows that item’s particular settings and you can also view live pictures on cameras or check up on the status of door locks.

Opening the smartphone app remotely takes a few seconds, and it will take even longer to configure settings or get a confirmation that your action has been completed. While it’s not a longer delay than necessary, the performance is slower than other systems.

The Iris system also comes with a backup battery in the event you have a power outage, so you’re always covered. Unfortunately, the backup battery only lasts about an hour, so you will need a power supply that can’t be interrupted if you anticipate any power outages.

After power is restored, the Iris system is perfectly capable of getting back online by itself without your help, and you’ll receive notifications when the power goes out and when it reconnects, even if you subscribe to the free service.

The premium plan allows you to try it free for two months before you upgrade. Coordinating multiple devices, setting up custom alerts, and creating magic rules helps you tailor your system to your needs. You can also choose from a list of commands to coordinate alerts based on actions like turning on a lamp plugged into the smart plug when the motion sensor is activated.

Iris Pros

• Superior customization capability
• Over 50 third-party compatible devices
• Affordable plans
• Easy to expand
• Wireless devices
• DIY installation
• All items available at Lowe’s

Iris Cons

• Amount of options can be overwhelming
• Starter kits don’t include the hub
• High-cost upfront

Comparison Table

 The Verdict

If you’re looking for a home security system, both Simplisafe and Iris offer solutions. However, Iris is highly customizable with a wider range of compatible devices, all available from your favorite home improvement store. The upside to using Simplisafe is that all of the compatible devices are manufactured by Simplisafe, so they’re made to integrate seamlessly, making installation a bit easier.

Both systems have subscription plans allowing you to take advantage of more services. Iris offers text and email alerts for free while Simplisafe requires an upgrade. With both systems, you can subscribe to professional monitoring if needed, or view live streams online.

While Iris has a bigger upfront cost, the monthly subscriptions tend to be cheaper. All you have to do is decide which is more important to you. Both offer quality home security with plenty of device options and easy daily use.

Further read:

• Simplisafe vs LiveWatch – Which is the Best DIY Home Security?