Choosing among the current SimpliSafe monitoring plans is no longer as simple as deciding whether you want professional monitoring. SimpliSafe now offers separate choices for self-monitoring, basic emergency dispatch, indoor-camera intervention and live outdoor-camera protection. The right plan depends on whether you own only cameras, have a complete alarm system or want monitoring agents to intervene while a possible break-in is still happening.
The five paid residential options currently run from $9.99 to $79.99 per month, with an unmonitored option available at no monthly cost. SimpliSafe does not require a long-term monitoring contract, so you can change or cancel a plan if your needs change. Prices and features in this guide were verified in September 2026, but subscription terms can change.
Quick answer: Standard is the economical choice for an alarm-only household. Core is the better value when you also want camera recordings or Intruder Intervention. Pro and Pro Plus only make sense when you own an Outdoor Camera Series 2 and specifically want live outdoor deterrence.
We have also reviewed the SimpliSafe SimpliCam and SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro. Keep in mind that SimpliSafe cameras are designed as part of a broader alarm ecosystem. They can be used by themselves, but some of their most valuable features depend on compatible hardware and a qualifying monitoring plan.
SimpliSafe Monitoring Plans at a Glance
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Emergency Dispatch | Camera Recordings | Agent Intervention | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unmonitored | $0 | No | No | No | Basic app control and live viewing |
| Self Monitoring with Camera Recordings | $9.99 | No | Up to 10 cameras | No | Camera users who will respond themselves |
| Standard | $22.99 | Yes | No | No | Alarm monitoring without video history |
| Core | $32.99 | Yes | Up to 10 cameras | Indoor, with compatible camera | Most alarm-and-camera households |
| Pro | $49.99 | Yes | Up to 10 cameras | Outdoor, 8 p.m.–6 a.m. | Overnight outdoor deterrence |
| Pro Plus | $79.99 | Yes | Up to 10 cameras | Outdoor, 24/7 | Around-the-clock outdoor deterrence |
Prices and features checked September 2026. Camera recording refers to event recordings with 30-day cloud retention, not continuous 24/7 video. SimpliSafe supports recordings from up to 10 cameras on qualifying plans.
What You Get Without a SimpliSafe Plan
A SimpliSafe system remains usable without a paid plan. You can arm and disarm the system through the app, view live camera feeds, use camera two-way audio and receive push notifications for camera activity, alarms and warnings. That makes the free option functional for someone who is comfortable watching and responding to every alert.
The tradeoff is substantial. There are no saved camera recordings, no cellular or built-in network backup, no professional emergency dispatch and no monitoring agent checking an alarm when you cannot respond. A missed phone notification can therefore become a missed security event. The free option is reasonable for basic live viewing, but it does not deliver the main safety benefit of a professionally monitored alarm.
What Each Paid SimpliSafe Plan Includes
Self Monitoring with Camera Recordings: $9.99 per Month
This is the camera-recording plan for people who do not want professional monitoring. It stores event recordings for 30 days from as many as 10 cameras and allows those recordings to be downloaded through the mobile app or online account. It also includes remote system control, Secret Alerts and scheduled arming.
It does not include emergency dispatch, built-in network backup or monitoring-agent intervention. If a sensor or camera triggers an alert, deciding what happened and calling for help remains your responsibility. It is best suited to camera-focused installations, secondary properties that someone actively checks or households using another alarm service.
Standard: $22.99 per Month
Standard is the entry point for 24/7 professional monitoring and emergency dispatch for burglary, fire, medical and environmental alarms. It adds built-in network backup and preserves app access and live camera viewing. Its system timeline contains up to seven days of activity.
The major limitation is that Standard does not save camera recordings. It also does not include Intruder Intervention, scheduled arming, Secret Alerts or SimpliSafe’s subscription lifetime warranty. Standard is therefore a sensible value for someone who primarily wants alarm dispatch and does not need video history. Calling Core the automatic choice for every alarm owner would overstate the value of its camera features for an alarm-only household.
Core: $32.99 per Month
Core combines professional monitoring with 30-day event recording for up to 10 cameras. It also adds scheduled arming, broader app notifications, voice-assistant arming, a 10% discount on additional qualifying hardware and a subscription lifetime warranty while the plan remains active.
Its most distinctive feature is Intruder Intervention. During a burglary alarm, a monitoring agent can use a compatible Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Camera to see and speak to a possible intruder. This is different from merely reviewing a clip after the event. The feature requires that specific indoor camera and must be enabled by the customer.
Compatibility matters: Owning an older SimpliCam or another indoor camera does not by itself enable Intruder Intervention. SimpliSafe specifies the Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Camera for this feature.
Pro: $49.99 per Month
Pro includes the Core features and adds overnight Active Guard Outdoor Protection from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. local time. When the system is armed in Home or Away mode, SimpliSafe’s technology screens outdoor activity and can alert a monitoring agent to a potential threat. The agent can view the live feed, speak through the camera, activate its siren or spotlight and request emergency dispatch when appropriate.
Active Guard requires at least one Outdoor Camera Series 2. It supports no more than three enrolled cameras, and one of them must be an Outdoor Camera Series 2. A Video Doorbell Pro can also be enrolled after the required outdoor camera is active. Pro additionally includes Familiar Faces and SimpliSafe’s Anti-Theft Guarantee. This plan is compelling for a homeowner who specifically wants proactive overnight deterrence, but it is unnecessary if you do not own compatible outdoor hardware.
Pro Plus: $79.99 per Month
Pro Plus provides the same Active Guard service around the clock rather than only overnight. The system must still be armed, compatible hardware is still required and the three-camera Active Guard enrollment limit still applies. It is aimed at higher-risk properties, frequently vacant homes and users who want an agent available to evaluate outdoor threats during the day as well as overnight.
At $79.99 per month, Pro Plus is a specialized security service rather than a routine camera subscription. For comparison, Ring currently lists its live-agent Virtual Security Guard plan at $99 per month. Our complete Ring Protect plan comparison explains Ring’s current Solo, Multi, Pro and Virtual Security Guard options.
Which SimpliSafe Monitoring Plan Is Worth It?
Choose no plan if you only need live viewing and app control and are prepared to handle every alert yourself. This gives you basic functionality but no saved evidence or emergency response.
Choose Self Monitoring with Camera Recordings if video history is your priority and you do not want professional alarm monitoring. It is also the closest SimpliSafe comparison with Ring Multi, which currently covers all Ring cameras at one location for $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year.
Choose Standard if you want the fundamental benefit of a monitored alarm but have little interest in saved camera footage. It is the lowest-cost SimpliSafe plan with 24/7 emergency dispatch.
Choose Core if you have both an alarm and cameras. The $10 monthly increase over Standard buys recording history for up to 10 cameras, stronger app features, the lifetime warranty and the option to use Intruder Intervention with the Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Camera. For most complete SimpliSafe installations, Core offers the best balance of cost and protection.
Choose Pro or Pro Plus only when live outdoor intervention is the reason you are upgrading. Pro covers the higher-risk overnight hours, while Pro Plus extends that coverage throughout the day. Neither plan delivers its defining benefit without an Outdoor Camera Series 2.
Our Verdict
Core is the best overall SimpliSafe plan for a household using both the alarm and compatible cameras. Standard remains the smarter economical choice for alarm-only protection. Pro and Pro Plus are worthwhile only when you own an Outdoor Camera Series 2 and value live agent deterrence enough to justify the substantial monthly increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can SimpliSafe work without a monitoring plan?
Yes. Without a plan, you can arm and disarm the system through the app, receive basic alerts and watch live camera feeds. You will not receive saved camera recordings, network backup or professional emergency dispatch.
Does the Standard plan include camera recordings?
No. Standard includes live camera viewing, but it does not save recordings. Self Monitoring, Core, Pro and Pro Plus provide 30-day event recording for up to 10 cameras.
Does SimpliSafe record continuously?
The monitoring-plan recording benefit refers to saved camera events, not continuous 24/7 recording. Recording behavior can vary by camera model and the type of event that triggers it.
Which camera is required for Intruder Intervention?
Intruder Intervention requires SimpliSafe’s Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Camera and an eligible monitoring plan. It does not work with every SimpliSafe indoor camera.
Which camera is required for Active Guard Outdoor Protection?
You need at least one Outdoor Camera Series 2. Active Guard supports up to three enrolled cameras, and a Video Doorbell Pro can be among them once the required Outdoor Camera Series 2 is enrolled.
Does SimpliSafe require a contract?
No long-term monitoring contract is required. Residential plans are billed monthly, allowing you to change or cancel service as your needs change.
For current terms before subscribing, check SimpliSafe’s official residential monitoring-plan page. You can also compare another camera ecosystem in our Arlo cloud subscription guide.
This article is part of our SimpliSafe Camera Reviews guide.
