Ring excels as a video doorbell-focused system with superior integration into Amazon's ecosystem, while SimpliSafe offers a more comprehensive DIY security system with professional monitoring and wider device compatibility at a lower total cost.
Ring vs SimpliSafe — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Amazon-owned video doorbell and smart home security brand focused on video monitoring and Alexa integration.
DIY security system provider offering comprehensive home protection with professional monitoring, sensors, and multi-platform smart home integration.
Primary Focus. Professional Monitoring Cost. Contract Requirements. Ecosystem Integration. Typical System Cost (Full Setup). Video Resolution (Main Camera). Professional Installation Option
Choose Ring if you're already invested in Amazon's ecosystem, want the best video doorbell experience, and prefer minimal monthly costs with optional professional monitoring. Choose SimpliSafe if you need a complete security system covering windows/doors/motion, want professional 24/7 monitoring included, don't mind higher monthly fees, and value platform flexibility across multiple smart home ecosystems.
Ring: Infrared + enhanced night vision | SimpliSafe: N/A
Ring: Yes (Ring Protect Pro) | SimpliSafe: N/A
Ring: Unusual Event Alerts, package detection, person learning | SimpliSafe: N/A
Ring: 5 tiers (Basic to Pro) | SimpliSafe: N/A
Ring: Amazon ecosystem (millions) | SimpliSafe: N/A
Ring: Optional add-on service | SimpliSafe: Yes, in-house trained monitors
Ring: Standard infrared (upgrading 2026) | SimpliSafe: Color night vision
Ring: Yes, standard feature | SimpliSafe: Yes, standard feature
Ring: Yes, with Unusual Event Alert (2026) | SimpliSafe: Yes, with facial recognition limitations
Ring: Deep Amazon Alexa integration | SimpliSafe: Limited third-party support
Ring: Not available | SimpliSafe: Yes, proprietary feature with trained monitors
Ring: Standard baseline | SimpliSafe: N/A
Ring: Variable by model | SimpliSafe: N/A
Ring: Video doorbells & cameras | SimpliSafe: N/A
Ring: Unusual Event Alert, Intelligent Alerts, App Store | SimpliSafe: N/A
Ring: Deep Amazon Alexa integration | SimpliSafe: N/A
Ring: Simple, family-friendly | SimpliSafe: N/A
Ring: Person, package, vehicle, animal, face recognition | SimpliSafe: N/A
Ring: Excellent (color night vision on some models) | SimpliSafe: N/A
Ring: $10-20 (24/7 available) | SimpliSafe: N/A
Ring: 1440p (Ring Stick Up Cam Pro) | SimpliSafe: N/A
Ring: 30 feet (Ring Stick Up Cam Pro) | SimpliSafe: N/A
Ring: Limited (Ring Protect only) | SimpliSafe: N/A
Ring: 0 (subscription required) | SimpliSafe: N/A
Ring: 100+ (with Alexa) | SimpliSafe: N/A
Ring: 1536p (Pro Max) | SimpliSafe: 1080p
Ring: $12/month (optional) | SimpliSafe: $24.99/month (included)
Ring: $99 (doorbell only) | SimpliSafe: $299 (starter system)
Ring: Not available | SimpliSafe: Available included
Ring: 0 (doorbell focused) | SimpliSafe: 4 (starter kit)
Ring: 30 feet (Pro Max) | SimpliSafe: 32 feet (HD camera)
Ring: Alexa primary, limited third-party | SimpliSafe: Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT, Apple HomeKit
Ring: Month-to-month | SimpliSafe: Month-to-month
Ring: N/A | SimpliSafe: 15+ sensor types
Ring: N/A | SimpliSafe: Alexa, Google Home
Ring: N/A | SimpliSafe: <60 minutes dispatch
Ring: N/A | SimpliSafe: Month-to-month available
Ring: N/A | SimpliSafe: Cloud-only (AWS servers)
Ring: N/A | SimpliSafe: Month-to-month only
Ring: N/A | SimpliSafe: No contract (month-to-month)
Ring: N/A | SimpliSafe: 30-60 minutes DIY
Ring: N/A | SimpliSafe: 4.5/5 (8,200+ reviews)
Ring: N/A | SimpliSafe: Yes (UL-certified)
Ring: N/A | SimpliSafe: Full real-time control, live video, instant alerts
Ring: N/A | SimpliSafe: 15 years (founded 2010)
Ring: N/A | SimpliSafe: 1 hour (requires paid plan)
Ring: N/A | SimpliSafe: Motion and activity alerts only
Ring: N/A | SimpliSafe: Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit
Ring: N/A | SimpliSafe: None (month-to-month)
Ring: N/A | SimpliSafe: N/A (optional self-monitor)
Ring: N/A | SimpliSafe: 8 regional centers
Ring: N/A | SimpliSafe: $24.99/month (included)
Ring: N/A | SimpliSafe: 1080p (1920 x 1080)
Ring: N/A | SimpliSafe: 1 day (with monitoring)
Ring: N/A | SimpliSafe: 15+ third-party integrations
Ring: N/A | SimpliSafe: DIY + Professional available
Ring: N/A | SimpliSafe: Optional 3-year contract
Ring: N/A | SimpliSafe: Standard included
Ring: N/A | SimpliSafe: No contract required
Ring: N/A | SimpliSafe: Optional ($99-$150 extra)
Ring: N/A | SimpliSafe: Yes (iOS & Android)
How to choose between Ring and SimpliSafe
Ring vs SimpliSafe — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Ring vs SimpliSafe. Contains 108 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Ring vs SimpliSafe — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Ring vs SimpliSafe.
Can I use Ring or SimpliSafe without paying for monthly monitoring?
Yes, both systems work without mandatory monthly fees. Ring works as a standalone video doorbell with local storage and Alexa integration; you can optionally add Ring Protect ($12/month) for cloud recording. SimpliSafe sensors function independently, but professional 24/7 monitoring requires the $24.99/month subscription. SimpliSafe's core value proposition is its included professional monitoring, making the monthly cost essential for the full service.
Ring is more renter-friendly due to its focus on the doorbell alone—it requires only a standard power outlet or battery operation with minimal installation. SimpliSafe's starter kit includes multiple sensors requiring adhesive mounting or small screw holes, though both are technically renter-compatible. Ring's lower upfront cost ($99+) and month-to-month flexibility make it better for short-term rentals.
Does Ring compete with SimpliSafe's professional monitoring?
No—Ring does not offer professional 24/7 emergency dispatch services. Ring's $12/month plan includes cloud video storage and Alexa alerts, but SimpliSafe's $24.99/month includes professional monitoring that contacts emergency services on your behalf. SimpliSafe is a true security system alternative; Ring is primarily a video doorbell platform.
What's the real cost difference over 2 years?
Ring: $99 doorbell + $288 monitoring (2 years optional) = $387 total. SimpliSafe: $299 starter kit + $599.76 professional monitoring = $898.76 total. Ring saves ~$511 over 2 years if you choose optional monitoring, but SimpliSafe provides comprehensive sensor coverage and professional dispatch that Ring cannot match.
Which works better with Google Home and Apple HomeKit?
SimpliSafe has superior multi-platform support, working with Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT out of the box. Ring is optimized for Alexa and has limited Google Home functionality (basic control only, not full feature access). SimpliSafe is the better choice for non-Amazon smart home ecosystems, though neither offers native Apple HomeKit support.
How to Choose Between Ring and SimpliSafe
Primary Focus: Ring has Video doorbell + integrated cameras, while SimpliSafe has Full DIY security system with multiple sensors.
Professional Monitoring Cost: Ring has $12/month (optional, Ring Protect), while SimpliSafe has $24.99/month (standard professional monitoring).
Contract Requirements: Ring has Month-to-month flexibility, while SimpliSafe has Month-to-month flexibility.
Ecosystem Integration: Ring has Amazon Alexa, deep AWS integration, while SimpliSafe has Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT support.
Consider: Typical System Cost (Full Setup)
Typical System Cost (Full Setup): Ring has $200-400 for doorbell + 1-2 cameras, while SimpliSafe has $299-499 for complete starter system.
Consider: Video Resolution (Main Camera)
Video Resolution (Main Camera): Ring has 1536p (Ring Video Doorbell Pro Max), while SimpliSafe has 1080p (SimpliSafe Video Doorbell).
Consider: Professional Installation Option
Professional Installation Option: Ring has Not available, while SimpliSafe has Available for additional fee.