SimpliSafe vs Link Interactive

Based out of Utah, Link Interactive has been in the home security business since 1952. Known for its flexibility and customer service, Link is perfect for the DIY-loving homeowner looking for value and quality without a hefty price tag.

Based out of Boston, SimpliSafe is a home security company covering over 3 million homes in America. It's known for its flexibility, easy setup, and little startup cost. Perfect for the DIY crowd, SimpliSafe is a high-tech/low-cost option that does not require a landline or Wi-Fi as the system communicates utilizing a built-in cellular connection.

As you can see, both have strong similarities, particularly in terms of DIY ability/flexibility. But let's compare them side by side and analyze the differences to see which is best for your home security system.

SimpliSafe vs. Link Interactive - What are the similarities?

• DIY installation: Both Link and SimpliSafe can be installed at home without the need to call in professionals, saving time and money.
• Smart Home Integration: There is a significant crossover in smart home integration. Both are compatible with Nest thermostat, Google Assistant, and Amazons Alexa.
• Mobile App: SimpliSafe & Link Interactive offer mobile apps that allow you to monitor your security system on the go, including arming and disarming your security system.
• Cellular backup: Both systems can work on cellular backup in a power outage.
• Home Alerts: SimpliSafe and Link Interactive can alert you in case of a fire, carbon monoxide leak, and other issues.
• SimpliSafe vs. Link Interactive - What are the differences?
• Money-back guarantee: Links moneyback guarantee is only for 30 days, versus SimpliSafes' 60-day guarantee.
• Contracts: While both are incredibly flexible, Link offers more secure long-term contracts, including a cancellation fee.
•  Outdoor Cameras: SimpliSafe doesn't offer outdoor cameras, a shame as outdoor cameras are a significant deterrence.

SimpliSafe - What you need to know

Installation

SimpliSafe is renowned for its straightforward DIY installation. However, users have reported waiting for a long time if they need additional support. However, Our Security Nerd was connected with support staff in under 5 minutes when they called the IT line.

Equipment

SimpliSafe provides good security equipment with an easy setup at a low price, and a great feature is that you can pick and choose the equipment you want based on your home and desired security level. All equipment comes with a 3-year warranty.

Some of the available equipment includes:

• Security Cameras
• Motion detectors
• Control Panel
• Base station
• Keypad
• Window sensors
• Glass break sensors
• Smoke detector

Home Automation

SimpliSafe has a select range of Home Automation products. There is still some room for improvement, and however, overall, this is still a decent range of essential smart home products.

Here are some smart home devices compatible with SimpliSafe products:

• Amazon Alexa
• Google Assistant
• Apple TV
• August Door Lock
• nest thermostat

SimpliSafe remedied part of their compatibility issues by releasing a video doorbell, But this won't work for those who already have a doorbell camera in place.

Costs

You purchase equipment upfront, either from a pre-determined package deal or à la carte, and there are no actual monthly costs or contracts (apart from optional professional monitoring). There are over 15 different packages in different price ranges to choose from. Compared to Link Interactive, the costs are negligible. It's possible to buy an entire DIY home security system for under $150 with no monthly costs (If you opt for self-monitoring).

Nerd Pros

• Costs: Even the highest-level security bundle comes in under $500, making this an attractive option for homeowners who aren't looking for expensive home security. A home monitoring service is an optional addition.
• Satisfaction Guarantee: SimpliSafe offers a 60-day money-back promise that you can return it if you don't like the system. They'll even cover shipping.
• Flexibility: You can begin customizing your system as soon as you buy it by buying exactly what you want. You can design the system to your tastes. You can choose whether or not to have security monitoring; DIY is an option for those looking to save money.

Nerd Cons

• No Outdoor Cameras: SimpliSafe offers camera monitoring, but the cameras only work indoors, which means you only have footage of any incidents once they've entered your home. Not to mention, having an outdoor camera is a significant deterrence in the first place.
• Equipment Incompatibility:  If you purchase security with SimpliSafe and decide to upgrade later, new equipment is not compatible with older equipment, necessitating much more significant upgrades if you want to upgrade even a tiny part of your system.

Link Interactive - What you need to know

Installation

There are no installation fees to consider, as set up is a simple DIY process without professional assistance. However, you can call Link's customer support team for assistance if required. When our Security Nerd gave them a call, they answered the phone promptly and patiently went through all of our questions.

Equipment

Below are the products you choose from when creating your security system with Link Interactive:

Security Equipment:

• 2Gig Go! Control smart panel (Or IQ Panel 2 upgrade for an extra $200)
• Door/Window sensors
• Motion sensors
• Smart motion sensors
• Key king remote
• Glass break sensor
• Tilt Sensor
• Panic Button
• Outdoor gate sensor
• Remote keypad
• Interior siren

Life Safety Equipment:

• Environmental sensor (smoke/heat/freeze)
• Carbon monoxide sensor
• Disaster sensor (flood/heat/freeze)
• Smoke alarm
• Water leak detector

Cameras:

• Interior and exterior cameras
• Doorbell cameras

Home Automation Equipment:

• Smart locks
• Smart thermostat
• Smart temperature sensor
• Smart lights
• Garage door sensor

Add-ons:

• Window decals
• Yard sign
• Yard sign light
• Repeaters

Home Automation

Home automation is Link's unique selling point, with multiple options available when you're choosing your system. The best part is, it's Z-wave compatible, meaning you can connect your system with an array of different smart home devices such as Nest, Amazon Echo, and Apple TV. Link Interactive also has the following available.

• Smart lights
• Smart locks
• Doorbell cameras
• Garage door openers
• Thermostats

Costs

You won't see any installation or activation fees with Link. When purchasing a system with Link, here are the costs to consider:

• Equipment Cost: While Link has higher upfront costs, keep in mind that most companies will tie in the hardware and monitoring into one monthly fee. At Link, you're paying for your equipment upfront but will receive a hefty discount if you sign a more extended contract.
• Monthly Costs: You'll have to choose from three different monitoring tiers, and those prices do not change based on your contract tiers. It ranges from essential monitoring to the top level with video monitoring and smart home options.
• Cancellation fees: As with most companies, you'll have to pay to cancel. But this company requires you to buy out your complete contract, so keep that in mind before agreeing to an agreement.

Nerd Pros

• Hardware options: Link Interactive offers an impressive variety of hardware. The smart home options alone are a cut above many other DIY offerings. You also have complete customization options, allowing you to create your perfect system. And the equipment has a 3-year warranty as long as you're under contract.
• Home Automation Options: One of the biggest problems customers have with home security companies is a lack of flexibility. You can customize everything, which is one of Link's main strengths. With Link, you can choose whether or not to have a contract at all, and you can even incorporate your existing smart home equipment into the system if it's Z-Wave compatible.

Nerd Cons

• Cancellation Fees: If you choose to enter a contract and decide to leave before your agreement is up, you'll have to pay the entire remainder in full.
• Confusing Pricing: Although customization is a strength, It's challenging to figure out how much you'll be paying for equipment until you go through the entire sales process with a sales representative. If you're looking for straightforward packages, Link probably isn't for you.

SimpliSafe or Link Interactive?

Both Link and SimpliSafe offer comparable security equipment and professional monitoring capabilities; though there is some difference in home automation, there is significant crossover. Link Interaction has a range of custom home automation features available, While SimpliSafe is more focused on home security. Cellular monitoring is available with both, and SimpliSafe is more cost-effective at $14.99. Link Interactive requires a monthly monitoring plan.

Which represents the best home security system for you depends on your needs; if you're looking for home automation and don't mind locking yourself into a long-term contract, then Link Interactive could be ideal for you. If you prize lower costs and flexibility above those things, SimpliSafe is worth looking at.