SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro features:
1080p video quality 162° field of view Infrared night vision HDR imaging Two-way audio Motion alerts with person detection Pan and zoom Door chime
The night vision, two way audio, person detection, and pan and zoom are all pluses for us. These features will make it easier to catch folks on camera, speak to them through the camera, and focus on important details. Still, this isn’t the longest feature list we’ve seen for a doorbell camera. The SimpliSafe doorbell doesn’t offer package detection, intruder deterrents, facial recognition, or any of the other features that we’re now seeing in top-notch doorbell cameras. So that’s a letdown. We’re especially disappointed that the SimpliSafe doorbell cam lacks customizable motion zones. Instead, SimpliSafe offers a different approach to reducing unnecessary motion notifications. But the Ring Pro, a popular doorbell choice, has comparable features, so a lack of bells and whistles doesn’t necessarily make this doorbell obsolete. Also, according to the SimpliSafe website, the doorbell ignores vehicle motion altogether. That’s super useful because it means you won’t get a notification every time a car drives by. But if you’re hoping to capture video of suspicious vehicles in your area, the Video Doorbell Pro is unlikely to catch them. Just something to consider. For instance, this doorbell can’t do nearly as many things as the Arlo Video Doorbell. The Arlo is $20 cheaper and offers a broader field of view, video calls, emergency alerts, and Google and Alexa compatibility. While a doorbell doesn’t have to do all those things to be functional, those additional features add a lot more usability. Happily, if you try the SimpliSafe doorbell but don’t like it, SimpliSafe gives you up to 60 days to return it. In addition to the up-front purchase price, you’ll need a video subscription for your camera. If you don’t get a subscription, you can technically still watch the livestream, but you won’t be able to save any clips. If you want to go back and rewatch something later, well, you can’t. So we strongly suggest investing in a subscription. We think the Interactive Monitoring Plan, which includes monitoring for a SimpliSafe system plus unlimited cloud storage for up to 10 cameras, is the best deal. But if you don’t have a system or other SimpliSafe cameras, you’ll want the one-camera plan. At $9.99 a month, it’s a little more expensive than similar ADT Self Setup, Arlo, and Ring plans, but it’s not highway robbery. To get the data shown in the table, we went through the website sales process to reach the plan comparison table shown to buying customers. We figured that’s the most accurate version. That means that you can’t set up much of a smart home using this device. You can connect other devices around the house (lights, locks, thermostats), but your doorbell camera will be the odd one out. It won’t be able to interact with the other products in any way. So if you don’t have a SimpliSafe system and don’t plan on getting one, we generally wouldn’t recommend this camera in terms of home automation. It’s up to you to get this camera up and running. If you’re willing to pay $79, SimpliSafe will send someone to your home to install your SimpliSafe system for you. But you can’t get that courtesy for the video doorbell camera. Here’s how you install the doorbell, based on information from SimpliSafe’s website. You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver and a smartphone. SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro installation steps: If this sounds intimidating to you (and if it does, we don’t blame you), we suggest you find someone with some doorbell experience to help with the install. If you don’t have a SimpliSafe system, we would say skip this one. You can get something with more features that can actually connect to other smart devices for a similar price. Features: This camera doesn’t have much razzle-dazzle, but it comes with person detection and in-clip pan and zoom features. There are no customizable motion zones, though, which is a thumbs down. Pricing: This camera is reasonably priced, and the cloud storage subscription price is manageable too. You don’t have to get a cloud storage plan, but we recommend it. Our favorite is the Interactive Monitoring plan, which comes with video verification and monitoring for a security system. Home automation: The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell connects to your SimpliSafe security system. But if you choose to use this smart doorbell as a standalone device, you won’t be able to connect it to other smart home products. Installation: You’ll have to install this baby on your own. It’s not too difficult, but if you don’t know your way around a breaker, you might want to get some help. If the SimpliSafe Doorbell Video Pro doesn’t have you jumping for joy, check out Ring doorbells or the Eufy doorbell. Or, if you want to learn more about doorbells in general before making a decision, browse our Smart Video Doorbell Buyers Guide. If you don’t have those things, allow us to make some suggestions.
