The catch
SimpliSafe 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System
The useful remote features come only with a paid monitoring plan.
Side by side
SimpliSafe 8-Piece vs 12-Piece Kit: 12-Piece brings extra zones and an indoor camera in the box
Quick verdict
Think of the 8-Piece as the focused alarm kit. The 12-Piece hands a larger home more zones plus an indoor view in one order.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Where these two really part ways
SimpliSafe 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System is the better match for “A system I can install on my own” and “Service on a month-to-month basis”. SimpliSafe 12-Piece Wireless Home Security System with HD Camera is the better match for “The starter package comes with a camera” and “Wider coverage, suited to a larger house”.
Where this comes from
This lines up the current strong and useful fit ratings for the exact products. It does not roll them into one overall score.
The catch
SimpliSafe 12-Piece Wireless Home Security System with HD Camera
The camera in the box is made for indoor use.
SimpliSafe 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System
- Why pick it
- You have cameras already
- Four entries and one motion zone will do
- The catch
- The useful remote features come only with a paid monitoring plan.
SimpliSafe 12-Piece Wireless Home Security System with HD Camera
- Why pick it
- An indoor camera should be included
- Two motion zones are required
- The catch
- The camera in the box is made for indoor use.
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What this page compares
Stepping up to the 12-piece package brings an indoor camera, extra motion sensing and more access controls.
This one comes down to camera and entry sensors first, then to the limits of your own setup.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
The starter package comes with a camera
SimpliSafe 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System lists “None” for camera, while SimpliSafe 12-Piece Wireless Home Security System with HD Camera lists “SimpliCam indoor camera”. For camera, this affects what it can detect, record or navigate without you stepping in.
- SimpliSafe 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System
- Depends
- SimpliSafe 12-Piece Wireless Home Security System with HD Camera
- Better fit
Wider coverage, suited to a larger house
SimpliSafe 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System lists “Four” for entry sensors, while SimpliSafe 12-Piece Wireless Home Security System with HD Camera lists “Five”. For entry sensors, this affects what it can detect, record or navigate without you stepping in.
- SimpliSafe 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System
- Good
- SimpliSafe 12-Piece Wireless Home Security System with HD Camera
- Better fit
A system I can install on my own
Setup is guided, the equipment is wireless or simple wired, and no installer appointment is needed.
- SimpliSafe 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System
- Better fit
- SimpliSafe 12-Piece Wireless Home Security System with HD Camera
- Good
Service on a month-to-month basis
No multiyear monitoring commitment, and you can cancel or change plans.
- SimpliSafe 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System
- Better fit
- SimpliSafe 12-Piece Wireless Home Security System with HD Camera
- Good
Several doors and windows get a sensor
SimpliSafe 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System lists “One” for motion sensors, while SimpliSafe 12-Piece Wireless Home Security System with HD Camera lists “Two”. For motion sensors, this affects what it can detect, record or navigate without you stepping in.
- SimpliSafe 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System
- Similar
- SimpliSafe 12-Piece Wireless Home Security System with HD Camera
- Similar
In practice
Differences you will notice
Where these two really part ways
SimpliSafe 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System is the better match for “A system I can install on my own” and “Service on a month-to-month basis”. SimpliSafe 12-Piece Wireless Home Security System with HD Camera is the better match for “The starter package comes with a camera” and “Wider coverage, suited to a larger house”.
How we worked this out
This lines up the current strong and useful fit ratings for the exact products. It does not roll them into one overall score.
One of them covers more of your list
SimpliSafe 12-Piece Wireless Home Security System with HD Camera meets 3 of the 3 needs this comparison is built around. SimpliSafe 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System meets 2 and misses “The starter package comes with a camera”.
How we worked this out
The count uses the current strong and useful fit ratings for these two products. Each need counts once, with no made-up score added on top.
How many models fit “The starter package comes with a camera”
5 of the 22 home security systems checked fit this need. SimpliSafe 12-Piece Wireless Home Security System with HD Camera makes the cut. SimpliSafe 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System does not.
How we worked this out
The count filters every model in the current category for a strong or useful fit on this single need.
Models that handle “The starter package comes with a camera” and “Wider coverage, suited to a larger house”
3 of the 22 home security systems checked handle both “The starter package comes with a camera” and “Wider coverage, suited to a larger house”. SimpliSafe 12-Piece Wireless Home Security System with HD Camera makes the cut. SimpliSafe 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System does not.
How we worked this out
You can reproduce the count by filtering the current category for models with a strong or useful fit on both needs.
Option A
SimpliSafe, SS3-AMZ-2
8-Piece Wireless Home Security System
This medium-size SimpliSafe bundle makes sense, with four entry sensors, a motion sensor and a panic button.
- Best for
- Households that want solid core alarm coverage and no cameras
Facts we checked
- Four entry sensors come with it
- One motion sensor and one panic button are included
- Included are the base station and keypad
Option B
SimpliSafe, SS3-AMZ-4
12-Piece Wireless Home Security System with HD Camera
Five contacts and two motion sensors come together with a SimpliCam and dedicated panic controls in this broad indoor package.
- Best for
- Larger homes that want alarm equipment and an indoor camera bought together
Facts we checked
- Two motion sensors and five entry sensors are included
- SimpliCam indoor HD camera is included
- A panic button and key fob are included
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | SimpliSafe 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System | SimpliSafe 12-Piece Wireless Home Security System with HD Camera | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camera | None | SimpliCam indoor camera | For camera, this affects what it can detect, record or navigate without you stepping in. |
| Entry sensors | Four | Five | For entry sensors, this affects what it can detect, record or navigate without you stepping in. |
| Motion sensors | One | Two | For motion sensors, this affects what it can detect, record or navigate without you stepping in. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With SimpliSafe 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System
- Abode’s hub supports more smart-home integrations than this does.
With SimpliSafe 12-Piece Wireless Home Security System with HD Camera
- A plan is required for cloud video and advanced monitoring features.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the home security systems we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
Only 2 of the 22 models checked meet every need here: “The starter package comes with a camera”, “Wider coverage, suited to a larger house”, and “Several doors and windows get a sensor”.
2 models fit, out of 22 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “The starter package comes with a camera”, “Wider coverage, suited to a larger house”, and “Several doors and windows get a sensor”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| SimpliSafe 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System |
|
| |
| SimpliSafe 12-Piece Wireless Home Security System with HD Camera |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
SimpliSafe 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System
You have cameras already
See price & reviews on AmazonSimpliSafe 12-Piece Wireless Home Security System with HD Camera
An indoor camera should be included
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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