Simplisafe vs LiveWatch? Do-It-Yourself Home Security

Last Updated on August 11th, 2019 by Natalia Bickell

One of the biggest drawbacks to owning a professionally monitored home security system is the multi-year contract you have to sign. These typically range from 2-5 years, which is especially daunting since you aren’t really sure what you’ll be getting during that time.

If this is you, or you’re a new homeowner, then a do-it-yourself home security system might be the way to go. There are no contracts with these types of systems and you have the opportunity to determine exactly what you like or don’t like about having a long-term commitment.

Both Simpliesafe and LiveWatch provide professional monitoring of your home without requiring a contract. You install both systems, which means you don’t have to use a professional staller This helps to reduce your initial setup costs.

Simpliesafe and LiveWatch also use secure connections through cellular technology, as opposed to using a landline like other systems. They provide easy to understanding set up instructions and are known for being user-friendly. Either option is a good choice if you’re new to home security.

But how do they differ from one another?

Main Differences Between Simplisafe and LiveWatch

• Updates and Innovation – Simplisafe does a great job of updating its equipment and system on a regular basis. However, LiveWatch does not update its offering very often, which leads to stagnant technologies.
• Home Automation – Lifewatch provides its users with a wide range of options when it comes to home automation. On the other hand, SimpliSafe is only compatible with Nest’s Thermostat.
• Contract Options -Simplisafe doesn’t require a contract. It’s as simple as that. You pay month to month for the services you need. LiveWatch asks for a one-year commitment, however, users can cancel their contract at any time.
• Environmental Sensors – Simplisafe offers environmental sensors with several of its packages, including carbon monoxide, smoke, freeze, and water. If you want these sensors with LiveWatch, you’ll have to pay to have the added on to your selected package.

Background Check

Simplisafe was established in 2009, however, since that time, it has gained a faithful customer following. Their loyalty can primarily be attributed to the openness and transparency Simplisafe has with its clients. Many users note that even feedback that doesn’t pain Simplisafe in a positive light remains available for all to see.

On the other hand, Simplisafe could do a better job of providing customer support. While they are responsive to emails, a chat feature would come in handy for issues that could be handled quickly and immediately.

Even though LiveWatch doesn’t have the equivalent loyalty with its customers that Simplisafe boasts, it’s still a pleasant system to use. The site offers a handy chat feature, which is helpful for those questions that happen at the moment.

Plus, you don’t have to mess with dialing a phone number and navigating through a convoluted menu just to speak with a real person. The home security company does go a little overboard with its follow-up emails, it’s nothing that isn’t expected when dealing with security companies.

The Flexibility You Need

It’s worth repeating that one of the best things regarding Simplisafe and Lifewatch is that they don’t require you to sign a multi-year contract. Or any contract at all for that matter. However, the way they go about providing their services is different.

Your contract options with Simplisafe are straightforward: you pay on a monthly basis and can activate or cancel service at any time with no fear of penalties or additional fees.

LiveWatch, on the other hand, isn’t as simple. While you are asked to sign a commitment for twelve months, you can end your commitment at any time and won’t be charged any fees or penalties. If you don’t like the system, you can return it in full working order for a refund.

Once you complete your first year of service, you can then go month to month for monitoring services. If you want to keep the LiveWatch system but don’t need the monitoring services, you can keep your hardware and manage your system yourself.

Equipment Warranties

You’ll get a 36-month warranty on your equipment with Simplisafe. The home security company also provides a 60-day money-back guarantee. If you use the system for a few months and decide it’s not what you need, you can return it for a full refund.

On the other hand, LiveWatch offers a two-year warranty on its equipment. However, you can get a lifetime guarantee if you request it. LiveWatch doesn’t volunteer this information, so make sure you ask your sales rep when speaking with them about your system.

Is Professional Monitoring Worth the Cost?

You have the choice to either control your system on your own or get professional monitoring for a monthly expense with both LiveWatch and Simplisafe. If you want to monitor your own system, then it will work as a local alert. A siren will go off if a sensor is tripped or your door is forced open, however, neither yourself or local first responders are notified.

Mobile App Integration

Simplisafe offers mobile app integration, however, you can only interact with it on a fundamental level. The Standard package behaves as a traditional home security system You’ll receive around the clock professional monitoring, which means alarms will go off and authorities are notified in the event of a breach. However, you can’t arm or disarm the system remotely or check in on it through the app.

Comparatively, LiveWatch offers monitoring plans which include mobile notifications right on your smartphone through its mobile app. However, like Simplisafe, you cannot disarm or arm your system through the app.

Camera Support

None of Simplisafe’s plans include video monitoring, however, you can add it a la carte for an additional monthly fee. If you do add security cameras to your system but don’t want the monthly service, you can view live feeds through your mobile app.

To get live video monitoring through LiveWatch, you have to subscribe to its highest-tiered monitoring option. This plan is labeled Total Home + Video, which includes four cameras. You’ll get one outdoor camera and three indoor cameras with this package.

Cost

If you want a low-cost and basic home security system, you can find it with Simplisafe. Its plans are affordable and will meet your needs to keep you and your family safe. However, if you want to add additional smart features to your home like locks and lighting, then you might want to go with LiveWatch.

It will cost you a few more each month to go with LiveWatch, but you’ll get the features you want to protect what matters to you.

Equipment Options

All Simplisafe packages include a keychain remote, a wireless keypad, and a base station. By comparison, every LifeWatch equipment option comes with a control panel, motions sensors, and entry sensors. Each package is customizable beyond that.

Simplisafe and LiveWatch Packages Compared

Here’s a look at how Simplisafe and LifeWatch packages compare with one another.

Simplisafe and LiveWatch Monitoring Plans Compared

Here’s our comparison chart on how Simplisafe and LiveWatch monitoring plans compare with one another.

Simplisafe gives you the option to add supplementary hardware to any of its plans. Users also have the choice to create a package that works best for them. You will need the basic package, as all options require you to have at least one keypad, one entry sensor, and one base station.

You’ll get a calculator with the Simplisafe build-your-own package. It lets you add one item at a time so you can view how your costs change based on devices or services added to your package.

You’ll get two pre-made packages with LiveWatch. However, like Simplisafe, all of its packages are customizable. LiveWatch provides a wide range of home automation devices, environmental sensors, and security cameras so you can make your home security system your own.

LiveWatch has simple equipment packages that are perfect for those who just want the basics. However, something to note is that none of these packages include smoke detectors, flood detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors, so if you want to have those, you might have to pay extra.

If you do want these types of sensors included, Simplisafe has its Ultimate package which includes all environmental sensor types. Adding those to your LiveWatch package would add a significant amount to your equipment costs.

Simplisafe and LiveWatch Equipment

What do these two home security companies offer in the way of equipment? Let’s review some important areas so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Smart Home Equipment

While Simplisafe doesn’t actually produce any smart home equipment, it could do a better job of integrating with other home automation devices. Currently, it is only compatible with the Nest Thermostat. It’s a decent start, however, it would be nice to see additional options available as well.

Even though many users complain that Simplisafe doesn’t support more home automation devices, the company has made no indication that it will integrate with more devices in the future. If home automation is important to you, Simplisafe might not be the best option.

On the other hand, LiveWatch works with a variety of Z-Wave devices, which includes smart switches, thermostats, and door locks. You can use the smart switches to control your lights, various appliances, or anything else you plug into an outlet.

Environmental Equipment

You’ll get four environmental sensors with Simplisafe’s packages: carbon monoxide, freeze, smoke, and water. Simplisafe’s Classic and Master offerings each provide a single smoke detector. However, if you want all four, you should go with the Ultimate package.

Of course, you always have the option to add any of these sensors to other packages for an additional charge.

Unfortunately, LiveWatch does not include environmental equipment with any of its packages. If you want to have these sensors, you’ll have to add them on. LiveWatch offers carbon monoxide, flood, and smoke detection sensors for an additional fee.

Video Equipment

Simplisafe offers a security camera you can add on to any of its packages, however, you’ll have to pay for them. They are for indoor use only, but they come with a 120-degree range of view, audio recording capabilities, and night vision.

There’s also a monthly fee associated with the cameras if you want live monitoring. You’ll also get the following features with your Simplisafe camera:

• Download available clips
• Motion-activated recording
• Record on-demand
• Livestreaming

LiveWatch offers four cameras with its Total Home+ Video package. You must have this plan to use the cameras available from LiveWatch.

These cameras offer the following features:

Do-It-Yourself or Professional Monitoring

As with many professional monitoring companies, Simplisafe and LiveWatch have their benefits and their drawbacks. However, if your primary concern is cost-savings on monitoring and equipment, then your best bet is with Simplisafe.

LiveWatch holds the advantages in that it supports a wide selection of equipment, including home automation support. If you want to integrate smart devices into your security system, LiveWatch is the way to go.

Both Simplisafe and LiveWatch are solid options if you’re looking for a do-it-yourself home security system. Choosing one over the other really depends on what you want to have to keep your home and family safe. Either way, you can monitor your home yourself, or allow a professional to handle it. The choice is yours.

Further read:

• Protect America vs Simplisafe
• Simplisafe vs ADT