For my opinion on SimpliSafe, which is an alarm security system available for a decent price, it does leave something to be desired. What I have learned about SimpliSafe through trial and error would affect my decisions to buy certain products (e.g., doorbell camera), but I would still purchase the system because of the price for having LIVE GUARD MONITORING for $29.99 per month. I have accidentally triggered an alarm with the motion sensors, not once but three times, and each time, I saw in my phone app that a Live Agent was reviewing the camera footage from the outdoor and inside security cameras within seconds of me triggering the alarm.
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I like the system, but it does have its flaws, as I stated on Reddit here, however, I do want to note that since posting the article on Reddit that my opinion of the Outdoor Security Camera has changed, since it seems to work better now and has a wide field of view. For the last few weeks it has done great at detecting my movement within the camera’s view. The sound sensitivity is impressive (especially with the Inside Security Camera), and I do like being able to use the microphone to speak to someone, as well as the ability to record camera footage on all cameras.
This is what I wrote on Reddit:
“I am near aborting the doorbell camera and outside security cameras, as both consistently fail my testing of the motion triggering and system notifications/alerts (I receive more faulty notifications than legit).
“The motion sensors and inside security camera work well but the others are essentially a waste of money. Even when set at the highest sensitivity level and for all motions, the doorbell camera repeatedly fails to register my car backing into the driveway at night: the brake and taillights should easily be detected, as the full driveway is within the range of view. In short, both types of cameras suck!”
SIMPLISAFE CAPTURES SOUND, SOMETIMES
In the following YouTube video, the doorbell camera captured the sound from a gunshot. The following evening, I heard a rapid succession of gunfire (probably fired by someone who got a gun for Christmas), and neither security camera detected it.
Sensitivity Settings & False Notifications
The Inside Security Camera detects my sound when walking in the hallway and speaking on the phone, before I am within its view.
I learned to adjust the sensitivity settings on the cameras, but with the doorbell camera, it doesn’t always work as well as I would like. It never fails to detect me when near the front door, but I would like for it to detect moving vehicles better than it does. Another solution would be to add an outside security camera to the front of the house.
Some of the issues I had with the system was operator error. Overall, I am satisfied and feel more secure with the system I built and installed. I love the ability to look at the cameras regardless of where I am located; especially, when I am at work or know that a storm is in the area so I can look to see what is going on in the neighborhood. 🙂
For an associated article, check out I Am SimpliSafe Now