By Michael Turner
Both Ring Alarm and SimpliSafe are frequently recommended for renters — but they approach no-drill installation differently, and one is meaningfully better for rental situations than the other. Here is the specific rental-focused comparison for 2026.
Installation Without Drilling
SimpliSafe: Every single component uses 3M adhesive strips exclusively. No screws, no anchors, no holes — for anything. The base station plugs into a standard outlet. The keypad sticks to the wall. Sensors adhere to door and window frames. Everything leaves zero damage when removed. This is the most renter-friendly alarm installation available.
Ring Alarm: Ring includes adhesive strips as the default for sensors, and they work for most standard door and window installations. However, Ring’s instructions often recommend screws for more permanent mounting, and the keypad typically requires screws or a screw mount for proper positioning. For renters who cannot make any holes, Ring requires extra care during setup to avoid screw use.
Portability When Moving
Both systems are completely portable. Sensors peel off cleanly (use the included tape removal tool or dental floss to protect surfaces). The base station and keypad unplug and go. You can reinstall everything in a new rental in an afternoon. Neither system is left behind when you move.
Monitoring Cost for Renters
Renters often move more frequently, making no-contract monitoring especially important. Both Ring and SimpliSafe offer month-to-month plans. Ring Alarm monitoring via Ring Protect Plus ($10/month covering all Ring devices) is cheaper than SimpliSafe’s entry Core plan ($19.99/month). If budget is the priority, Ring has the lower monitoring cost.
| Factor | Ring Alarm | SimpliSafe | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adhesive-only install | Mostly (screws optional) | 100% adhesive | SimpliSafe |
| Hardware cost | $99.99 | $244.99 | Ring |
| Monitoring cost | $10/month | $19.99/month | Ring |
| Portability | ✓ Fully portable | ✓ Fully portable | Tie |
| Alexa integration | ✓ Excellent | Limited | Ring |
| Google Home | ✗ | ✓ | SimpliSafe |
| Battery backup | 24 hours | 8 hours | Ring |
| Intruder Intervention | ✗ | ✓ | SimpliSafe |
| No-contract monitoring | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Our Recommendation for Renters
For renters who are Alexa users and want the lowest cost: Ring Alarm at $99.99 with Ring Protect Plus at $10/month. Total first-year cost: approximately $220. For renters who want the most renter-friendly experience with zero compromise on drilling, want Google Home, and can afford the higher monitoring cost: SimpliSafe. Both are excellent — the decision comes down to smart home ecosystem and how much you want to spend on monitoring each month.
Related: Wired vs wireless alarm for renters | SimpliSafe vs Ring full comparison | Best apartment cameras | Alarm systems guide
