>>Read our full SimpliSafe Review or check out our suggestions for SimpliSafe Alternatives.
SimpliSafe vs Iris: Which No Contract Security System Is Better?
SimpliSafe
Tons of equipment options
1-year warranty 
Iris
Less equipment options
Broadband monitoring 
April 04, 2019
Iris Update | Feb 5, 2019
As Lowe’s increases its focus on its core home improvement business, the company has decided to sell Iris. Iris customers can expect their systems and monitoring plans to stay the same for now. Lowe’s is also still selling Iris for new customers, but because there is uncertainty around the new buyer, we recommend opting for SimpliSafe—at least until we see how the new buyer handles Iris.
If you've done any researching in the DIY home security space you've probably come across the names SimpliSafe and Iris. Both companies appear to offer a similar product on the surface, but if you dig deeper you'll find that their offerings are vastly different. SimpliSafe focuses more on home security, whereas Iris pays more attention to home automation. Which one is better for you?
Key Similarities & Differences: SimpliSafe Vs Iris
No Contracts
Neither SimpliSafe nor Iris have contracts for their packages. This is a huge benefit when it comes to home security. Most companies lock you into a long-term contract but SimpliSafe and Iris do not.
We have a tie for this category since both Iris and SimpliSafe have no contracts.
What's the Installation Process Like?
SimpliSafe's installation process is very easy. You do everything yourself so there is no additional fee. SimpliSafe claims the installation process is less than 15 minutes since the system is pre-programmed. All you have to do is peel and stick the sensors where you want them.
Iris offers professional installation from Installernet. However, we think you can install your system yourself, which is an option. They have the peel and stick sensors as well. But if you get the thermostat or some GE switches or outlets you'll need a professional to install them since they need wired into your home.
The winner for this category goes to SimpliSafe because of its low installation time.
What are Your Monitoring Options?
SimpliSafe has two professional monitoring plans: Standard and Interactive. Standard is $14.99/month and has cellular monitoring 24/7. Interactive is $24.99/month and has cellular monitoring 24/7 plus it gives you remote control of your system for your home automation equipment. Please note that monitoring is not required for SimpliSafe however, we do recommend it.
Iris has two monitoring plans as well: Basic and Premium. Basic is free and Premium is $9.99/month. These aren't professional monitoring plans though. The Basic plan lets one person view the previous 24 hours of activity and the Premium lets up to 6 people view the previous 14 days of activity. With Premium you can also record video and get more notifications. Both the Basic and Premium plans are monitored via broadband.
SimpliSafe is the clear winner on this one because we feel that professional cellular monitoring is safer than DIY broadband monitoring.
How is Their Customer Service & Reputation?
SimpliSafe has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has only had 32 complaints over the past 3 years. Lowe's, as a company, has an A+ rating with the BBB and has 4468 complaints over the past 3 years. These aren't fair comparisons really since Lowe's is a major retailer.
In a more fair comparison, SimpliSafe has a record of great customer service. Iris has more problems with its equipment so complaints are higher.
SimpliSafe is our winner for this category.
Package Showdown
SimpliSafe Equipment Packages
| Package Name | Starter Package | Economy Package | Classic Package | Master Package | Ultimate Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment Cost | $229.96 | $259.95 | $349.92 | $449.87 | $539.85 |
| Connection | Cellular | Cellular | Cellular | Cellular | Cellular |
| Keypad | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Motion Sensor | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Door/Window Sensor | 1 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 4 |
| Keychain Remote | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Base Station/Hub | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Panic Button | $19.99 each | $19.99 each | – | 1 | 1 |
| Siren | $59.99 each | $59.99 each | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Smoke Detector | $29.99 each | $29.99 each | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Range Extender | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1 |
| Glass Break Sensor | $34.99 each | $34.99 each | $34.99 each | $34.99 each | $34.99 each |
| Carbon Monoxide Detector | $49.99 each | $49.99 each | $49.99 each | $49.99 each | $49.99 each |
| Freeze Sensor | $29.99 each | $29.99 each | $29.99 each | $29.99 each | $29.99 each |
| Water Sensor | $19.99 each | $19.99 each | $19.99 each | $19.99 each | $19.99 each |
| Security Camera | $99 Each | $99 Each | $99 Each | $99 Each | $99 Each |
Iris Equipment Packages
Below is a table that shows the top of the line packages available through Iris. There is more equipment available for Iris but we did not list it all. Please check out Iris's website for more information.
| Package Name | Security Pack | Automation Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment Cost | $99.99 | $129.99 |
| Iris Hub | $59.99 (must have one) | $59.99 (must have one) |
| Keypad | 1 | $39.99 each |
| Motion Sensor | 1 | 1 |
| Door/Window Sensor | 2 | 2 |
| Keychain Remote | $24.99 each | $24.99 each |
| Smart Thermostat | Starting at $79.99 each | Starting at $79.99 each |
| Smart Plug | $34.99 each | 1 |
| Panic Button | $24.99 each | 1 |
| Smoke Detector | $29.97 each or $39.97 (with CO detector) each | $29.97 each or $39.97 (with CO detector) each |
| Water Sensor | $29.99 each | $29.99 each |
| Carbon Monoxide Detector | $39.97 (with smoke detector) each | $39.97 (with smoke detector) each |
| Wireless Indoor Camera | $129.00 each | $129.00 each |
| Wireless Outdoor Camera | $149.00 each | $149.00 each |
Even though Iris has way more equipment available their packages are lacking, which is why SimpliSafe is our winner for this category.
Warranty Comparison
Iris offers no warranty whatsoever, which we are truly shocked by. Most home security providers offer at least a 1 year warranty. SimpliSafe offers a 3 year warranty.
SimpliSafe is the clear winner in this comparison.
SimpliSafe vs Iris: And the Winner is...
SimpliSafe! We're sure you're not shocked by this since SimpliSafe won most of the comparisons. SimpliSafe's low prices, great customer service, 3 year warranty and ability to add professional monitoring are some of the reasons we feel it is better than Iris. That's why SimpliSafe is listed at the top of our home security systems reviews.
Do you think SimpliSafe is better than Iris?
