Ring vs. Nest vs. SimpliSafe Security Systems

When it comes to home security, there are a ton of options available. Today, we’re going to be comparing three of our favorite DIY systems that we used in our home for over a month: Ring Alarm, Nest, and SimpliSafe. They each offer cutting edge features and lead the industry in terms of technology such as Nest’s facial recognition, Ring Alarm’s 3D motion detection, and SimpliSafe’s live guard monitoring.

While we prefer SimpliSafe in our home, that doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for everyone. Each system comes with its own pros and cons so what’s best for us might not be what’s best for you. That’s why we’re going to compare the key factors that separate these systems based on the results of our expert testing. By the end, you’ll know which security system can best protect your home.

Key Similarities of Ring vs. Nest vs. SimpliSafe

While testing each security system, we noticed a few key similarities, including:

• Option to self-monitor: If we didn’t want to pay monthly fees, we could monitor each system ourselves through its respective app.
• DIY installation: We installed all these systems ourselves, which saved us money. (Granted, SimpliSafe offered us a professional installation option for $125, Ring offered us it for $160, and Nest offered it through ADT for $99).
• Monthly contracting: None of the companies we evaluated required us to sign a long-term contract. Instead, they offered us flexible, month-to-month options.

Key Differences of Ring vs. Nest vs. SimpliSafe

Of course, there were some big differences between Ring, Nest, and SimpliSafe too. They each have their own specialty and it showed while we were testing each system. Here were the differences that stood out most to us:

• System components: SimpliSafe and Ring Alarm go beyond cameras by offering their own security and environmental sensors whereas Nest only offers security cameras and video doorbells.
• Pricing: Whether we were talking about professional monitoring fees or equipment costs, these companies had very different pricing structures. Overall, Ring Alarm was the most affordable option.
• Professional monitoring: While we could get professional monitoring for any of the three systems, Nest only offers professional monitoring through ADT.

Ring vs. Nest vs. SimpliSafe System Components

Something we kept in mind as we shopped was that with each company, we could customize our system components to some extent. For example, even though Nest only offers security cameras like the Nest Cam Indoor, they partnered with ADT to offer sensors and other home security equipment. On the other hand, the Ring Alarm Security Kit we bought only came with sensors so we added home security cameras and a video doorbell. Basically, with all the systems, we tailored the packages to fit our specific smart home.

Ring Alarm Security Kit Components

The Ring Alarm Security Kit we bought came with a base station, keypad, motion sensor, range extender, and two contact sensors. We thought this was fairly minimal, all things considered, so we also added the Ring Stickup Cam Wired and Ring Video Doorbell 2. Check out our review of the Ring Stickup Cam Wired and our review of the Ring Video Doorbell 2 for a complete breakdown of these security cameras.

Nest System Components

Since Nest no longer offers their own security systems, we bought an ADT system to test out Google Nest’s security cameras as a complete security system. With our ADT system, we bought the mid-tier Video Essentials package that included a base station, motion sensor, three entry sensors, and our choice between a Nest Doorbell or Nest Cam (outdoor or indoor, battery). We went with the Nest Cam and added a Nest Doorbell to our package for good measure.

SimpliSafe System Components

SimpliSafe is the only one of the three companies that has always offered complete security systems since its founding. Ring started with only offering video doorbells and Nest now offers their security cameras through ADT for full security systems. Learn more in our review of the ADT security system then see how ADT stacks up against SimpliSafe in our ADT vs SimpliSafe comparison if you want Nest cameras and a full security system. Or, check out our review of the Frontpoint security system for another traditional system like ADT.

Since SimpliSafe offers full security systems, we didn’t feel like our tests would be thorough enough unless we could test every component. So, that’s exactly what we did. We bought a SimpliSafe package with every component they offer, including the SimpliCam.

Ring vs. Nest vs. SimpliSafe Installation

Since Ring, Nest and SimpliSafe all offered DIY installation, it was important that the processes weren’t too complicated. Our DIY projects hadn’t always ended in raging success. Besides, we wanted to know what the installations would be like for the average person!

Installing Ring Alarm

The most important lesson we learned about installing the Ring Alarm security system was to do it one component at a time.

We tried to set up multiple components at once, and it took far longer than we expected. Once we started pairing components one at a time, it was smooth sailing. By the time we were ready to pair a new component, the last one was done pairing.

Another tip we learned during our installation was that it was important to put the larger part of the contact sensor on the door or window itself. The smaller part was intended for the frame. We were confused at first, as this was the opposite of how most contact sensors were designed. But, that’s how Ring’s video tutorials showed us how to install the contact sensors and it’s what worked best. All said and done with the extra cameras too, our install took us around half an hour.

Installing Nest

With only security cameras and smart home components, our Google Nest products installed with ease. They’re all standalone so all we had to do was pair them to our phone so we could watch the live feed, review recorded footage, and control their smart home features. But, we got our Google Nest products through ADT so we could install a whole home security system. Our ADT system was professionally installed, so we didn’t need to lift a finger and the technician paired our Google Nest products to our system too.

Installing SimpliSafe

Installing SimpliSafe didn’t require any special skills. In fact, most of our SimpliSafe system was peel-and-stick, so we didn’t need any unique tools and didn’t have to put a bunch of holes in our walls.

Once we stuck all our sensors to the wall, we plugged in the base station and synced everything together in the SimpliSafe app. We didn’t have any problems at all! That’s why it’s the only one that made our list of the best DIY security systems. Nevertheless, we liked that if we’d lacked time or felt uncomfortable setting up our own system, we could have requested a professional installation for $125.

Top System Installation — SimpliSafe

None of the systems were too difficult to set up. Nonetheless, we felt that SimpliSafe really lived up to its name, so SimpliSafe won for easiest installation!

Professional Monitoring

All of the systems gave us the option to monitor everything on our own or pay a monthly fee for 24/7 professional monitoring. The only exception was SimpliSafe. If we didn’t want to pay a monthly fee, we wouldn’t be able to receive notifications or control our system remotely, only arm and disarm it. We found this somewhat frustrating.

Ring vs. Nest vs. SimpliSafe Monitoring Options

Let’s start with the options for monitoring we have to choose from with each system.

SimpliSafe Plans

With SimpliSafe, 30 days of cloud storage for 10 cameras cost us $9.99 per month. That’s $2 more than Nest Aware’s 30 day cloud storage plan and Ring’s $9.99 per month cloud storage plan supports unlimited cameras with 180 days of storage. But, SimpliSafe offers the most advanced professional monitoring capabilities of the three through its Core and above monitoring plans.

In particular, we liked the active guard protection which let SimpliSafe’s monitoring agents use the two-way talk in our cameras to ward off potential intruders. They could also see our video feed to verify the alarm and send the appropriate emergency personnel immediately. Ring offers a similar feature but it adds $99 per month to your bill.

Ring Plans

As far as we could see, Ring had the most affordable professional monitoring and cellular backup options. We also got the most cloud storage with Ring, 180 days for $4.99 with support for one camera or $10 with support for unlimited cameras. For professional monitoring, Ring sold it as an add-on to the Standard or Premium plan for an extra $10 per month. That means we could get professional monitoring for a total cost of $19.99 per month, not bad in our book.

Nest Plans

We grabbed Nest’s recent update for its cloud storage pricing and found it fairly reasonable despite a bit of a price increase since the last time we tested it. Nest also got rid of its cellular backup from its Nest Aware plans when it discontinued Nest Secure. That’s why we ended up pairing our Nest cameras with an ADT security system so we could get professional monitoring, cellular backup, and Nest Aware Plus for $44.99 per month. That’s the most expensive of these three, but ADT’s monitoring tops the industry for reliability with its 12 redundant monitoring centers.

Ring vs. Nest vs. SimpliSafe Contracts

While SimpliSafe and Ring Alarm both offered us in-house professional monitoring, Nest discontinued its in-house monitoring after partnering with ADT. That means more often than not, customers need to sign a contract to get monitoring unlike with SimpliSafe and Ring Alarm.

Even though Ring offered annual plans, they gave us a prorated refund when we canceled our annual plan after a month and a half. So, we got refunded for 10 months of service. SimpliSafe, on the otherhand, only offers month-to-month plans which we appreciated the flexibility of.

Ring vs. Nest vs. SimpliSafe Moving Policies

Since we installed all three systems ourselves, we could similarly pack any of them up again during a move then reinstall our system of choice in our new home. Each company explained that we had already paid for our equipment, so any moves were free of charge. If you want professional installation though, expect to pay the same fee as when you first bought your system. DIY installation was so easy with all three though, we’re sure you won’t have an issue.

Top System for Monitoring — Ring and SimpliSafe

When it came to subscription options, we liked plans that were flexible and affordable, and Ring Alarm did outstanding in this area. With professional monitoring and cellular backup available for only $20 a month, we couldn’t do much better than what we were offered with Ring Alarm. But, SimpliSafe gave us stronger monitoring capabilities with its Core plan offering live guard protection. For the lowest cost option, we recommend Ring. If you want top-tier monitoring that still offers great value, go with SimpliSafe.

Ring vs. Nest vs. SimpliSafe Customer Support

When we faced issues with any of the security systems we tried, it was important that we had a customer support team that we knew had our backs. As far as options go, Ring, SimpliSafe, and Nest all offered the same methods of contact. We could reach out to them over the phone, through a live chat, or on Twitter. They each also had a strong online help center with plenty of articles about troubleshooting common issues.

But, we needed to know that each provider could resolve any issues we ran into too. It’s not enough to offer all of the channels of communication if their support agents can’t help us with our issues. So, with each system, we used their customer support as much as we could. And the results weren’t always consistent. It depended on the agent we received.

Top System for Customer Support — Tie

All three systems gave very similar customer support services. They all offered support through the channels with similar quality too. Each time we ran into an issue, we were able to get it resolved with all three systems, but a few times we needed to get a new agent before finding a solution. We’re calling this one a draw.

Ring vs. Nest vs. SimpliSafe Apps

A user-friendly app was one of the features we hoped to find in each of the three systems we compared. And we’re happy to say that all three systems featured quality apps that did their job. That doesn’t mean we liked them all equally though.

The Ring— Always Home App

From the Ring Always Home app, we livestreamed footage and received notifications and crime/safety alerts from our neighborhood.

We spoke through its two-way audio and viewed our cloud storage. The Ring app had solid ratings, with 4.3 from Google Play and 4.6 from Apple.

The Nest App

On the Nest app, we armed and disarmed our system, viewed event history, received notifications, added users, and livestreamed footage. While it had a good rating of 4.6 from iPhone users, Android users only gave it a 3.9 rating. We understand that lower Android rating because it froze up on us from time to time. Once we closed it and reopened it though, it’d start working again.

The SimpliSafe App

Finally, using the SimpliSafe app, we armed and disarmed our security system, controlled any connected devices we had, received notifications, and livestreamed and downloaded footage, depending on what plan we had. It had an intuitive interface, never froze on us, and gave us complete control of our system.

The app had great ratings all-around, a 4.5 from the Google Play store and a near perfect 4.8 from the Apple store. Those high ratings were well deserved.

Top System App — SimpliSafe

Even though each system’s app was better than the average security system app we use, we have to say we agree with the masses and liked SimpliSafe the most.

Recap of Ring vs. Nest vs. SimpliSafe

So, which one was the best home security system? We found that while SimpliSafe had the most user-friendly app, premium monitoring and the easiest installation, Nest had the most advanced cameras and Ring won for most affordable and flexible professional monitoring. We decided that if we had to choose one system overall, it would be SimpliSafe. Of course, we recognized that selecting a security system usually comes down to an individual household’s needs and preferences. With this in mind, we broke down our comparison in detail below.