X

Take a look at SimpliSafe's new home security system

SimpliSafe's do-it-yourself home security kit got a makeover this year, with new device designs that look a lot nicer than before.

Ry Crist
Originally hailing from Troy, Ohio, Ry Crist is a writer, a text-based adventure connoisseur, a lover of terrible movies and an enthusiastic yet mediocre cook. A CNET editor since 2013, Ry's beats include smart home tech, lighting, appliances, broadband and home networking.
Ry Crist
simplisafebase
1 of 14 SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe is one of your most affordable options if you're shopping for a home security system that offers live monitoring. This year, the system boasts freshly re-designed hardware that looks a lot better than before.

simplisafe-5
2 of 14 Chris Monroe/CNET

Base Station

The heart of each system is the Base Station. Along with a built-in siren, it houses the Wi-Fi and cellular radios that it uses to contact authorities in an emergency, and it also includes a 24-hour battery backup to keep you protected when the power goes out.

simplisafe-3
3 of 14 Chris Monroe/CNET

Keypad

The other mandatory device is the keypad, which serves as your main point of control over the system.

simplisafekeypad1
4 of 14 SimpliSafe

Black, too

Like the base station, the keypad now comes in your choice of black or white.

simplisafe-10
5 of 14 Chris Monroe/CNET

Key fob

You can also control your system from an optional keychain fob accessory.

simplisafe-2
6 of 14 Chris Monroe/CNET

Contact sensors

Onto the sensors themselves. First up, contact sensors that can tell whether doors, windows or drawers are open or closed.

simplisafe-4
7 of 14 Chris Monroe/CNET

Motion detector

Next: motion detectors you can stick up on your walls to track movement throughout your home.

simplisafe-1
8 of 14 Chris Monroe/CNET

Pet-friendly

Those motion detectors promise to distinguish between pets and people -- they did a great job of it in our tests.

simplisafe-7
9 of 14 Chris Monroe/CNET

Glass break sensor

This glass break sensor listens for the sound of broken glass. SimpliSafe claims that its precise enough to tell the difference between a broken window and a broken plate.

simplisafesiren
10 of 14 SimpliSafe

Siren

If you have a large home, you might want to add an extra siren to your order. When the system goes off, it'll sound the alarm.

simplisafe-11
11 of 14 Chris Monroe/CNET

Panic button

You can also add a panic button to your order that'll instantly trigger the alarm in an emergency.

simplisafe-9
12 of 14 Chris Monroe/CNET

Leak detector

SimpliSafe also offers protections against natural threats. For instance, this leak detector will send you an alert if it comes into contact with water. Place it near your pipes for a little extra peace of mind.

simplisafe-6
13 of 14 Chris Monroe/CNET

Freeze sensor

This freeze sensor checks the temperature every hour. If things every get too cold, it'll let you know so you can prevent frozen pipes.

simplisafe-8
14 of 14 Chris Monroe/CNET

Worth it?

SimpliSafe packages start at $229, and you can also build your own custom package with the exact sensors you want. It's easy to install and easy to use, and it offers comprehensive coverage against a wide variety of in-home emergencies. Check out our full review for more details.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos