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 looking at three of our favorite DIY systems: Nest Secure, Ring Alarm, and Simplisafe. They’re among some of the biggest names in the industry, and for good reason. But which one is right for your family?

Wild about modern security systems, we were eager to get started when we heard we’d be reviewing Google’s Nest and Amazon’s Ring Alarm, two of the biggest tech giants around, along with SimpliSafe, one of the fastest-growing independent security companies in the United States. Truly, we couldn’t have a conversation about smart security without mentioning one of the three. However, since we tested these systems out, Nest has discontinued Nest Secure, although existing systems will continue to function normally.

From the start, we loved how these cutting-edge security companies put customers, like us, in the driver’s seat with flexible monthly contracting, the option to self-monitor or get 24/7 professional monitoring, and integrations with smart home platforms like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

In this review, we compared Ring Alarm, Nest Secure, and SimpliSafe by evaluating factors like each company’s system components, installation process, subscription options, customer support, and apps. Specifically, we purchased the Nest Secure system, the Ring Alarm Security Kit, and the system from SimpliSafe. As we proceeded through our investigation of each system, we hoped the detailed record we kept would provide our readers with enough expert knowledge to determine which of the three systems worked best for them.

Key Similarities of Ring vs. Nest vs. SimpliSafe

We started by identifying the commonalities among the three systems. We discovered they each offered the following:

• 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 and Ring offered us it for $160).
• 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

We knew the differences we pinpointed between Ring, Nest, and SimpliSafe during our research would likely have more influence on buying decisions than any other part of our work, so we approached our evaluation very carefully.

• System components: While the SimpliSafe system we bought was extensive, our kits from Ring and Nest Secure were more minimal.
• App ratings: The SimpliSafe app had much better ratings than the Nest app and the Ring— Always Home app.
• 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.

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, the Nest Secure system we bought didn’t come with a camera, so we added the Nest Cam Indoor. The same thing happened with our Ring Alarm Security Kit. Actually, it didn’t come with a home security camera or video doorbell, so we added both. Basically, with all the systems, we created a security system for our specific smart home.

Ring Alarm Security Kit Components

Ring Alarm Security System

The Ring Alarm Security Kit we bought came with a base station, keypad, contact sensor, motion sensor, and range extender. 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 Secure System Components

Nest Secure came with a base station called Nest Guard, two motion sensors named Detect Sensors, and two key fobs known as Nest Tags. That’s all! Of course, there was a plethora of options for Nest cameras we could add to our Nest Secure system, from the classic Nest Cam Indoor to the Nest Cam IQ Indoor. Nest Outdoor cameras caught our eyes, too. It was safe to say, we had an obsession.

SimpliSafe System Components

SimpliSafe was the only one of the three companies to provide a truly extensive system, something that was more common among traditional security systems like ADT and Frontpoint; learn more in our review of the ADT security system and review of the Frontpoint security system. Then, see how ADT stacks up against SimpliSafe in our ADT vs SimpliSafe comparison. We bought SimpliSafe’s system, which included a base station; wireless keypad; entry, motion, and glass break sensors; a security camera (which is called the SimpliCam); a panic button; key fobs; and last but not least, an auxiliary siren!

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. We agreed it wasn’t a method we’d recommend.

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. We did our best work once we started following Ring’s video tutorials exactly. Actually, with this additional precision, the process only took about 10 minutes.

Installing Nest

With so few components, Nest Secure was very easy to set up. First, we plugged in our Nest Guard, the system’s base station. At that point, the edges of our base lit up. We’d already downloaded our Nest app, so we used it to scan the QR code on the bottom of the Guard. From there, the app gave us step-by-step instructions, guided us through a motion detection test, showed us how to make up a password, and more. We found the process was similar for the Nest Detect Sensors and Nest Tags. From start to finish, we had our Nest Secure system set up in about 10 minutes.

Installing SimpliSafe

Installing SimpliSafe didn’t require any special skills. In fact, most of the 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

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

SimpliSafe Plans

Ring Plans

Nest 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, 60 days for $4.99 with support for one camera or $10 with support for unlimited cameras. Professional monitoring included cloud storage at $20 per month. With SimpliSafe, half of that time (30 days) costed us $9.99 for 10 cameras, and for professional monitoring too, that price increases to $31.99. That higher professional monitoring cost came with more advanced features like video-verified alarms and active guard protection.  SimpliSafe also offered cloud storage separately from monitoring, if we preferred. We outlined SimpliSafe’s storage only options again below:

We grabbed Nest’s recent update for its cloud storage pricing and found it fairly reasonable. Of course, with any security system we wanted a cellular connection as backup to ensure that our system stayed on in the event of a power outage. To get cellular backup from any of the three companies we researched, we had to invest in a paid plan, and Ring only included it with the Protect Plus Plan.

As far as smart platform integrations went, all three systems worked well with Amazon Alexa. The SimpliSafe system also worked with Nest thermostats, Google Assistant and August smart locks while the Nest system also worked with products from LIFX, Philips Hue, Kasa and Yale. Ring Alarm also worked with Google Assistant.

There were a couple of terms on the professional monitoring chart that were new to us, specifically secret and video-verified alarms, and active guard protection. Those were only available with the SimpliSafe Core, Pro, and Pro Plus plans.  The next few sections shed some light on exactly what these words meant.

Secret Alarms

If we wanted to know when an alarm went off but didn’t want the alarm to make sound, SimpliSafe offered secret alarms. We thought this could be exceptionally useful for something like a liquor cabinet or safe, and it was a feature we hadn’t encountered with any other security companies.

Video-verified Alarms

During our experience with SimpliSafe’s video-verified alarms, our camera sent a one-minute clip to the professional monitoring team if an alarm was triggered. From there, the team contacted the police if there was evidence of a crime. We weren’t at all surprised that this tool led to higher arrest rates.

Active Guard Protection

Similar to video-verified alarms, SimpliSafe can access the two-way audio on the Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Camera to scare away any potential intruders. You’ll set a password when connecting your security system that you’ll need to tell SimpliSafe’s monitoring agents to verify that you’re safe. If you’re unsafe, you can tell them the wrong password and they’ll send the appropriate authorities. This feature extends to the outdoor camera with the Pro and Pro Plus plans.

Ring offers this feature too and they call it a virtual security guard. This service starts at $99 per month with Ring, so it’s outside of most people’s home security budget.

Ring vs. Nest vs. SimpliSafe Contracts

While SimpliSafe and Ring Alarm both offered us in-house professional monitoring, Nest outsourced its 24/7 professional monitoring to Brinks Home Security. We could either pay $29 a month with a flexible contract or $19 a month with a three-year contract. Ring also offered a discount for their annual plan but didn’t require it. In contrast, all SimpliSafe plans were flexible and monthly.

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.

Top System for Monitoring

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. While Ring gave us the best value, SimpliSafe gave us stronger capabilities.

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 features go, Nest was the winner. Not only did they offer an online help center, email support and a phone line like Ring and SimpliSafe, they also provided live online chats and responded quickly to questions on Twitter. SimpliSafe gave us online chat options too, but we needed to request an agent to speak to an actual person instead of a chatbot. On the days we didn’t feel like talking directly to a human but needed immediate support, we got it through Nest.

We also wanted to see the data on how well customer support worked. On Google, Nest had a 4.3 star rating, which seemed good, but when we looked into the 25 reviews that specifically mentioned customer support, half were positive and the other half weren’t so flattering. When we tried to get support from Nest, we sometimes spoke to individuals who didn’t have the answers we wanted, but it seemed to depend on which representative we got.

Ring, on the other hand, had a 3.8 on Google and a 4.5 from Amazon, and their customer support reviews were mixed, much like Nest. The exact SimpliSafe system we bought wasn’t available on Amazon, so we checked out reviews for a similar, 12-piece system. The system had a 4.5 rating on Amazon, and SimpliSafe had a 4.7 on Google. Again and again, we saw many conflicting reviews, which led us to conclude that none of these companies were known for exceptional customer support.

Top System for Customer Support

We gave Nest the crown for customer support solely because of the numbers. However, we learned not to expect consistent quality customer support from Nest, Ring, or SimpliSafe.

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. In the next few sections, we talked about each app’s features and customer reviews. We then made a final recommendation.

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 4.4 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.

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.

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.

Top System App

It was no surprise when we gave the award for best app to SimpliSafe!

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 best customer support 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, noting that Nest Secure has been taken off the market.