By hs_pfroum
SimpliSafe and Ring Alarm are the two most popular DIY home alarm systems in 2026. Both are genuinely good products, but they suit different households and priorities. This comparison lays out every meaningful difference so you can decide which is right for your home.
Ring Alarm: The Amazon-First Alarm
Ring Alarm integrates more deeply with the Amazon ecosystem than any other alarm system. If you already use Alexa, Echo Show, or Ring Video Doorbells, Ring Alarm adds seamlessly to your setup. You can arm and disarm with voice commands, see alarm status on Echo displays, and manage everything through a single Ring app.
The Ring Alarm 5-piece starter kit costs around £99 and includes a base station, keypad, contact sensor, motion detector, and range extender. Monitoring is optional from £8/month. Without monitoring, app alerts still function and the indoor siren still triggers. Read our full Ring Alarm 5-piece kit review for a complete breakdown.
SimpliSafe: The No-Contract Alarm
SimpliSafe Gen 3 offers one of the most complete no-contract alarm experiences available. All sensors are adhesive-mounted, requiring zero drilling. The base station includes a built-in camera with facial recognition on newer models. Monitoring is available from £14.99/month with no minimum contract. SimpliSafe also offers a unique Fast Protect monitoring tier that dispatches police without requiring you to verify the alarm first.
SimpliSafe is the better choice for renters because nothing needs to be drilled. It is also the better choice if you want monitoring without a long-term commitment, or if you want a camera built into the alarm base itself.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Ring Alarm | SimpliSafe Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Starter kit price | ~£99 | ~£149 |
| Monitoring from | £8/month | £14.99/month |
| No contract | Yes | Yes |
| Alexa integration | Excellent | None |
| Google Home | No | Yes |
| Cellular backup | Yes | Yes |
| Battery backup | 24 hours | 8 hours |
| Installation drilling | Optional screws | Fully adhesive |
| Camera in base | No | Yes (Gen 3) |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Ring Alarm if you are invested in the Amazon/Alexa ecosystem and want the lowest monitoring cost. Choose SimpliSafe if you want zero drilling, built-in camera functionality, and monitoring without a long-term contract. Both are excellent — the decision comes down to your existing smart home setup and installation preferences. Explore all alarm system options and reviews here.
