The SimpliSafe app can be used without a paid subscription, but with significant limitations. The free version allows basic functions like arming/disarming your system and viewing system status. However, critical features like live camera feeds, motion alerts, and professional monitoring require a paid plan (Standard or Interactive Monitoring). For full functionality, a subscription is necessary.
What Features Are Available in the Free SimpliSafe App?
The free app supports arming/disarming your system, checking sensor statuses, and viewing basic system activity. It lacks real-time alerts, video recording, and remote camera access. Users cannot customize settings or integrate third-party devices without a subscription. This makes the free version suitable only for minimal, on-premise control of the security system.
While the free app provides door/window sensor status updates, it won’t notify you of triggers when away. Environmental sensors like smoke detectors remain silent without a subscription, forcing users to rely on base station alarms. Manual arming becomes error-prone in multi-entry homes, unlike competitors offering limited free-tier notifications. The absence of custom modes (“Home,” “Away”) further reduces flexibility for dynamic living situations.
| Free Feature | Paid Feature |
|---|---|
| Basic arming | Geofenced auto-arming |
| Sensor status checks | Real-time alerts |
| Local alarm sounds | Professional emergency dispatch |
How Does the Paid Subscription Enhance App Functionality?
Paid plans (Standard: $17.99/month; Interactive: $29.99/month) unlock smart alerts, video verification, and unlimited camera recording. Subscribers receive intrusion, fire, and water leak notifications. The app gains geofencing, secret alerts, and Alexa/Google Assistant integration. Professional monitoring includes emergency dispatch and 24/7 support, significantly improving system responsiveness.
Interactive Monitoring subscribers enjoy priority police dispatch—authorities are contacted within 60 seconds of unaddressed alarms. Secret alerts enable discreet monitoring of specific zones like medicine cabinets without triggering full alarms. Geofencing automates security based on residents’ smartphone locations, ideal for families with unpredictable schedules. Insurance providers often offer 10-20% premium discounts for professionally monitored systems, offsetting subscription costs over time.
Are There Security Risks to Using the Free App?
The free app lacks encryption for real-time data and cannot notify users of breaches. Without remote alerts, homeowners may miss critical events like sensor tampering. Local storage of activity logs also increases vulnerability to physical theft. Paid plans add end-to-end encryption and instant breach notifications, reducing exposure to security gaps.
Expert Views
“While the free app offers basic control, it’s not a substitute for a monitored system. Without real-time alerts or backup responses, homeowners assume full responsibility during emergencies. Subscriptions mitigate risk through automation and expert intervention—critical for deterring theft or damage.”
FAQ
- Can I view past security events with the free app?
- No. Activity history and event timelines require a paid subscription.
- Does SimpliSafe offer a trial period for premium features?
- Yes, new users get a 60-day free trial of the Interactive Monitoring plan.
- Will my system still work during internet outages?
- Yes, the base station uses cellular backup on paid plans. Free users lose remote access without Wi-Fi.