SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe, Inc. is an American home security company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2006 by Chad and Eleanor Laurans to provide affordable, wireless security solutions following a series of break-ins among their friends in the Cambridge area.[1][2][3] The company designs, engineers, and sells a range of DIY-installable products, including base stations, sensors, keypads, cameras, video doorbells, and smart locks, all connected via cellular and Wi-Fi for protection against intruders, fires, water damage, and medical emergencies.[4][5][6] SimpliSafe's systems emphasize user-friendliness, with no long-term contracts, professional 24/7 monitoring options, and AI-powered features like proactive detection to prevent crimes before they occur, distinguishing it from traditional wired security providers.[6][7] The company offers an Anti-Theft Guarantee reimbursing up to $500 in insurance deductibles for verified break-ins and integrates with smart home platforms for enhanced control via a mobile app.[6] With over 5 million customers, SimpliSafe has earned recognition as the "Best Home Security System" by U.S. News & World Report for five consecutive years (2020–2024).[6] Since its inception, SimpliSafe has grown through innovation and investment, launching its first wireless alarm in 2009 and expanding into cameras and smart devices in the 2010s, while raising approximately $387 million in funding, with Hellman & Friedman acquiring a controlling stake in 2018 at a $1 billion valuation.[8][9] In September 2025, it signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by private equity firm GTCR from Hellman & Friedman, with the deal closing on November 10, 2025; this transition includes the appointment of Hilary Schneider as CEO, succeeding Christian Cerda, and Ty Shay as President to focus on growth and customer experience.[10][11][12]Overview
Company profile
SimpliSafe is a private American company specializing in wireless, do-it-yourself (DIY) home security systems, offering hardware such as sensors, cameras, and base stations alongside optional professional monitoring services without requiring long-term contracts.[6][4] In October 2025, the company expanded its offerings to include tailored security solutions for businesses.[13] Founded in 2006 by Chad Laurans and Eleanor Laurans, who were students at Harvard Business School at the time, the company pioneered affordable, contract-free security solutions designed for easy self-installation.[4][3] Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, at 100 Summer Street since 2023, SimpliSafe primarily serves customers in the United States and the United Kingdom.[14][15] As of 2025, SimpliSafe employs approximately 1,200 people and protects more than 5 million customers, marking significant growth from around 300,000 customers in 2015.[16][11][17] The company remains privately held following its acquisition by the private equity firm GTCR, which closed the transaction on November 10, 2025.[11] SimpliSafe's mission is to make every home secure by providing accessible, affordable, and user-friendly security options that eliminate the need for invasive professional installations.[11][18]Leadership and operations
SimpliSafe was founded in 2006 by Chad Laurans and his wife Eleanor Laurans, who played key roles in the company's early development, including product design by Eleanor.[19] Chad Laurans served as the initial CEO until December 2019, when he transitioned to a board member role.[19] Christian Cerda succeeded him as CEO, leading the company through a period of expansion until November 10, 2025, when Hilary Schneider was appointed as the new CEO following the closure of the acquisition by GTCR.[20] Schneider, with prior experience as CEO of LifeLock and Shutterfly, now oversees strategic direction, while Ty Shay joined as President to focus on growth and customer experience.[20] The founders, Chad and Eleanor Laurans, remain involved, with Chad serving as Chairman of the board.[20] SimpliSafe's operational infrastructure includes key facilities supporting its global presence. The company opened a customer support center in Richmond, Virginia, in 2020, creating over 570 jobs to handle customer inquiries and service.[21] In 2022, it launched its owned-and-operated monitoring center in Henrico County, near Richmond, marking the home security industry's first such facility and enabling in-house 24/7 professional monitoring with rapid dispatch to authorities.[21] Internationally, SimpliSafe established its UK headquarters in Manchester in June 2019 to oversee European operations and product launches.[22] The company's operations emphasize proprietary monitoring services, where trained specialists verify alarms and coordinate responses around the clock from its Richmond facility.[21] SimpliSafe maintains a supply chain focused on wireless, battery-powered components to ensure easy installation and reliability without wiring. In September 2025, it announced an expansion into a professional installation channel at CEDIA Expo, allowing certified integrators to offer its systems for both residential and business customers alongside DIY options.[23] SimpliSafe's ownership has evolved through strategic investments. In June 2018, private equity firm Hellman & Friedman acquired a controlling interest in a deal valuing the company at approximately $1 billion.[9] This was followed by a $200 million growth funding round in May 2022, led by affiliates of Capital One, to support product development and hiring.[24] In September 2025, GTCR announced its acquisition from Hellman & Friedman for an undisclosed amount, with the deal closing on November 10, 2025, to further invest in innovation and market expansion.[11]History
Founding and early years (2006–2009)
SimpliSafe was founded by Chad Laurans, an engineer, and his wife Eleanor Laurans, a management consultant, both students at Harvard Business School, in response to a series of apartment break-ins experienced by their friends in the Cambridge area around 2005.[25][26] Frustrated by the limitations of traditional home security systems—which often required professional installation, wired setups, and long-term contracts that were impractical for renters and mobile individuals—the couple sought to create an affordable, user-friendly alternative.[25] Drawing inspiration from Clayton Christensen's The Innovator's Dilemma, they aimed to disrupt the established industry by targeting overlooked segments like young professionals and apartment dwellers.[25] The company was officially incorporated on August 11, 2006, in Boston, Massachusetts, initially operating as a small venture from the founders' apartment.[27] During the early development phase from 2006 to 2008, Chad Laurans personally prototyped the system's components using basic tools like a soldering iron, focusing on wireless, battery-powered technology to enable easy do-it-yourself (DIY) installation without drilling or wiring.[25] Eleanor handled business aspects, including market research that highlighted the demand for contract-free options, as traditional providers like ADT dominated with subscription models that locked customers into multi-year commitments.[25] The prototypes were tested iteratively with friends and early users to refine reliability and simplicity.[25] The first-generation SimpliSafe system launched in 2009, funded by angel investors, and featured core components such as entry sensors, motion detectors, a central keypad for arming/disarming, and a loud siren for deterrence.[3] This DIY kit allowed users to set up protection in under an hour, marking a departure from the labor-intensive installations of competitors.[26] Early challenges included securing initial capital, as venture investors were skeptical of entering a market controlled by entrenched players, and building consumer awareness in an industry reliant on door-to-door sales.[25] The founders bootstrapped operations for the first three years, with Chad forgoing a salary to prioritize product refinement amid limited resources.[25]Growth and expansion (2010–2015)
Following the launch of its initial product in 2009, SimpliSafe experienced rapid revenue growth in its early commercial years. In 2010, the company's revenue reached $1.4 million, reflecting initial market adoption of its DIY wireless security systems. By 2013, revenue had surged to $38.5 million, driven by increased direct-to-consumer sales and word-of-mouth referrals in the U.S. home security market.[28][29] Customer acquisition accelerated alongside this financial expansion, with SimpliSafe surpassing 100,000 customers by mid-2014. This milestone underscored the appeal of its no-contract, easy-install model amid rising demand for affordable alternatives to traditional monitored security services. In May 2014, the company secured a $57 million Series A funding round led by Sequoia Capital, providing capital to scale operations, enhance manufacturing, and refine its product offerings for broader U.S. distribution.[30][31] By 2015, SimpliSafe's customer base had grown to 300,000, fueled by aggressive marketing and the backing of its recent investment. That year, the company expanded its market penetration by partnering with major U.S. retailers, including Amazon and Best Buy, to make its systems available beyond direct online sales. Concurrently, SimpliSafe iterated on its first-generation system through software updates and hardware tweaks aimed at improving signal reliability and simplifying user setup, addressing early feedback on installation challenges while maintaining focus on the domestic market.[17][25]Technological advancements and challenges (2016–2019)
In February 2016, security researchers identified a significant vulnerability in SimpliSafe's wireless alarm system, where radio frequency (RF) jamming could prevent sensors from communicating with the base station, allowing intruders to disable detection without triggering an alert.[32][33] This flaw stemmed from the lack of encryption in the system's 433 MHz signals, enabling replay attacks and signal interference using inexpensive devices.[32] SimpliSafe acknowledged the issue and committed to enhancements, highlighting the challenges of securing proprietary wireless protocols in consumer home security products.[17] To address these concerns, SimpliSafe introduced its third-generation system at CES 2018, featuring a redesigned base station with dual cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity for redundant communication paths, a 24-hour lithium battery backup, and integrated jam detection to alert users of interference attempts.[34][35] These upgrades doubled the wireless range to 800 feet and incorporated stronger encryption, mitigating the 2016 jamming risks through firmware and hardware improvements.[36] Earlier in June 2017, the company launched SimpliCam, an indoor wireless camera priced at $99, alongside Video Verification, enabling monitoring agents to view live footage during alarms for faster police dispatch.[37] In August 2019, SimpliSafe released its Smart Lock, a slim deadbolt that auto-locks when the alarm arms, integrating seamlessly with the system for enhanced entry control.[38] Amid these innovations, SimpliSafe expanded internationally in April 2019 by entering the UK market and establishing an office in Manchester to support localized operations and customer service.[39] This move followed a major financial milestone in June 2018, when private equity firm Hellman & Friedman acquired a controlling interest in the company for approximately $1 billion, providing capital for product development and global growth.[9][40] In December 2019, leadership transitioned with Christian Cerda appointed as CEO, bringing expertise from iRobot to drive further technological integration and scalability.[19] These developments marked a period of robust advancement while navigating security challenges inherent to wireless ecosystems.Acquisitions and recent innovations (2020–present)
In 2020, SimpliSafe established a customer support center in Richmond, Virginia, investing $5.5 million to create over 500 jobs and enhance service operations amid post-pandemic demand for home security.[41] This was followed by the opening of a dedicated monitoring center in nearby Henrico County in October 2022, further expanding 24/7 professional monitoring capabilities and supporting the company's growth in the residential security sector.[42] In 2023, SimpliSafe relocated its headquarters to a larger 150,000-square-foot facility at 100 Summer Street in downtown Boston, nearly doubling its previous space to accommodate expanded teams and innovation efforts.[43] Financially, SimpliSafe secured over $200 million in growth funding in May 2022 from affiliates of Capital One and other investors, enabling accelerated product development and hiring initiatives.[24] This period culminated in a definitive agreement signed in September 2025 for the company to be acquired by private equity firm GTCR from Hellman & Friedman, with the deal closing on November 10, 2025; the transition included the appointment of Hilary Schneider as CEO, succeeding Christian Cerda, and Ty Shay as President to focus on growth and customer experience.[10][11] Product innovations during this era included the launch of the Wireless Outdoor Security Camera in August 2021, featuring 1080p HD video, AI motion detection, and weather resistance to extend protection beyond the home's interior.[44] In June 2023, SimpliSafe introduced the Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Camera, equipped with a built-in 80dB siren, two-way audio, and integration with 24/7 Live Guard monitoring for real-time intruder deterrence.[45] Advancing its intellectual property, the company acquired over 30 patents in March 2025 covering security image processing, IoT connectivity, and automated monitoring technologies.[46] Most recently, in September 2025, SimpliSafe released the Smoke & CO Alarm Listener, a device that integrates with existing UL-certified detectors to enable professional monitoring alerts for fire and carbon monoxide hazards.[47] Other key developments include the debut of a professional installation channel at CEDIA Expo 2025, allowing integrators to offer SimpliSafe systems for custom home and business setups.[23] This builds on AI-powered features like Live Guard, which uses video verification and agent intervention to prevent crimes in real time, rolled out progressively since 2023.[48] In 2024, amid surging industry demand for smart security, SimpliSafe highlighted new releases such as enhanced outdoor camera capabilities and earned awards for customer service excellence from Newsweek.[49]Products
Core system components
The core system components of SimpliSafe form the foundational infrastructure for its wireless home security alarms, enabling detection, control, and alerting without professional installation. These elements include the Base Station as the central hub, the Keypad for user interaction, Entry Sensors for perimeter protection, and Motion Sensors for interior monitoring, all designed for seamless DIY setup and expansion.[50] The Base Station serves as the system's central hub, coordinating communication between sensors and external networks while providing robust alerting capabilities. It features built-in cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity for reliable signal transmission to monitoring centers, even during power outages or network disruptions. Equipped with a 95 dB siren and a rechargeable battery backup lasting up to 24 hours, the third-generation model, introduced in January 2018, ensures continuous operation and deterrence against intrusions.[51][52] The Keypad provides wireless control for arming, disarming, and managing the system, featuring a backlit touchscreen that activates on touch for intuitive operation in Home, Away, or Off modes. It supports PIN entry and duress codes, which silently alert authorities if a user is coerced, enhancing security during emergencies. Powered by four AA alkaline batteries offering up to one year of life, the Gen 3 Keypad is smash-proof, meaning an intrusion attempt on the device itself triggers an immediate alarm signal to the Base Station.[53][54] Entry Sensors consist of compact magnetic contact pairs that detect the opening of doors, windows, or cabinets by monitoring the separation between the sensor and magnet, which can be positioned up to 2 inches apart for flexible installation on various surfaces. These battery-powered devices (using one CR2032 lithium battery lasting up to 5 years) communicate wirelessly with the Base Station over a range of up to 800 feet in open air, though effective indoor range is typically 250-500 feet depending on walls and interference. Peel-and-stick adhesive allows quick placement without tools, providing instant alerts for unauthorized access.[55] Motion Sensors employ passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect heat signatures from human movement within a 35-foot range and 90-degree field of view, distinguishing intruders from smaller animals to minimize false alarms. The Gen 2 model is pet-immune for animals up to 50-60 pounds when mounted 4-5 feet high or in pet-avoidance configurations, using advanced PIR arrays for precise differentiation. Battery life extends up to 5 years with two AA lithium batteries, and the sensors integrate via wireless RF signals to the Base Station for real-time notifications.[56][57] SimpliSafe systems emphasize user-friendly DIY installation, with wireless components that peel and stick into place, typically completing setup in under 60 minutes following guided app instructions. The modular design supports expansion to over 100 devices, including additional sensors, allowing scalability for larger homes without wiring or structural modifications.[58][59]Cameras and sensors
SimpliSafe offers a range of indoor and outdoor cameras designed for wireless integration with its home security systems, providing video surveillance and deterrence features. The original SimpliCam, introduced in 2017, captures footage at 720p HD resolution with night vision capabilities, enabling clear viewing in low-light conditions and remote access via the SimpliSafe app.[60] In 2023, SimpliSafe launched the Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Camera, which upgrades to 1536p HD video with a 125-degree field of view, AI-powered motion detection to distinguish people from pets, and a built-in 80 dB siren for intruder deterrence.[61][62] This model also includes a privacy shutter that automatically closes when the system is in Home mode and supports up to three months of battery life on a single charge.[63] For outdoor monitoring, the Wireless Outdoor Security Camera, released in 2021, provides 1080p HD resolution in a weatherproof IP65-rated housing, suitable for temperatures from -4°F to 122°F, along with a 140-degree field of view and an integrated spotlight for color night vision up to 10 feet.[64][65] It features an 80 dB siren and two-way audio for direct communication, with battery life lasting 3 to 6 months depending on usage.[66] In October 2024, SimpliSafe introduced the Outdoor Security Camera Series 2 with upgraded features including a 90 dB siren, improved audio, and support for Active Guard Outdoor Protection, which incorporates advanced edge AI for person detection and enables live security agents to intervene via two-way audio during potential threats, available with select monitoring plans.[67][68] Beyond video devices, SimpliSafe provides specialized sensors for environmental hazard detection, all connecting wirelessly to the base station for system-wide alerts. The Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm Listener, launched in September 2025, uses a microphone to detect sounds from existing UL-certified smoke and CO detectors, triggering professional monitoring and dispatch without replacing current alarms.[47] Water sensors identify leaks or floods by detecting moisture contact, sending immediate notifications to prevent damage, while temperature sensors alert if indoor conditions drop below 41°F to mitigate risks like pipe freezing.[69][70] Key features across SimpliSafe's cameras include 24/7 live streaming, instant motion alerts with customizable zones, and integration with professional monitoring for video verification, which allows agents to confirm threats visually for prioritized police response.[71] With a subscription, users access 30 days of cloud storage for recordings, ensuring footage retention without local hardware needs.[72]Accessories and add-ons
SimpliSafe offers a range of wireless, battery-powered accessories designed to enhance the functionality of its Gen 3 home security systems, allowing users to customize protection for specific needs such as remote control, emergency response, and auxiliary alerts.[73] These add-ons integrate seamlessly with the base station and are compatible with professional monitoring plans, providing options for both indoor and outdoor use.[74] One key accessory is the integration with August smart locks, launched in April 2018, which enables automatic locking and unlocking based on the SimpliSafe system's armed or disarmed status.[75] This feature allows users to set custom rules via the SimpliSafe app, such as locking the door when the system arms away, and requires an active Interactive monitoring subscription for full automation.[76] In 2019, SimpliSafe introduced its own Smart Lock, a retrofit deadbolt that works with existing locks and supports keyless entry via PIN pad, app, or key fob. In October 2024, the company launched the Smart Lock Series 2 with an updated rectangular design, further extending these capabilities without third-party hardware.[77] Key fobs serve as portable remotes for arming and disarming the system, featuring buttons for away mode, home mode, off, and a built-in panic button that can trigger alerts for police, fire, or medical emergencies when paired with professional monitoring.[74] A separate panic button accessory provides a dedicated, wireless device for quick emergency activation, ideal for users who need hands-free access to alerts. Both are battery-operated with a range of up to 100 feet from the base station, ensuring reliable control without proximity to the keypad.[74] For amplified deterrence, SimpliSafe's wireless auxiliary siren delivers a 105dB alert, suitable for indoor or outdoor installation on larger properties to supplement the base station's 95dB siren.[78] This weather-resistant add-on activates during alarms to scare off intruders and notify neighbors, with battery power lasting up to three years under normal use.[78] While the system includes built-in strobe lights on the base and keypad for visual alerts, users can enhance visibility in monitoring scenarios by integrating compatible external devices, though no dedicated strobe add-on is offered.[79] Additional accessories include the glass break sensor, which detects the sound of shattering glass up to 20 feet away using acoustic pattern recognition, triggering alarms without physical contact to windows.[80] This battery-powered device is wireless and mounts easily on walls or ceilings, providing coverage for multiple windows in a room.[80] For garage monitoring, SimpliSafe recommends using entry sensors mounted with brackets to detect open or closed status, as no dedicated garage door controller is available.[81] All SimpliSafe accessories come with a standard 1-year limited warranty, extendable to lifetime coverage on hardware for subscribers to select professional monitoring plans like Pro or Pro Premium.[82] Monitoring subscribers also receive a 10% discount on additional hardware purchases, encouraging system expansion.[83]Services
Monitoring plans
SimpliSafe offers several subscription-based professional monitoring plans designed to provide 24/7 security oversight without long-term contracts, with the first month free for new subscribers.[83][84] The plans vary in features, starting from basic alert dispatch to advanced AI-driven interventions, all utilizing a cellular connection for reliable communication independent of Wi-Fi.[85][86] The entry-level Standard plan, priced at $22.99 per month as of late 2025, focuses on core professional monitoring services, including immediate alerts to security agents for break-ins, fires, and other emergencies, followed by dispatch to local authorities.[87][86] It also covers environmental hazard detection for smoke, carbon monoxide, and water alerts, ensuring comprehensive protection against non-intrusion threats.[88] This plan requires compatible hardware such as sensors and a base station but does not include video verification or cloud storage.[85] For enhanced capabilities, the Core plan—formerly known as Fast Protect—at $32.99 per month, introduces video verification and AI detection to confirm alarms before dispatch, enabling a faster 30-second response time compared to traditional methods.[87][86][89] This allows agents to review live or recorded footage from compatible cameras, reducing false alarms and prioritizing genuine threats, while maintaining the same 24/7 cellular monitoring and environmental alerts as the Standard plan.[83][88] Unlimited cloud storage for camera recordings is included, supporting up to 10 cameras without additional fees.[85] Higher-tier options include the Pro plan at approximately $49.99 per month and the Pro Plus at $79.99 per month, both building on Core features with SimpliSafe's Active Guard technology for live agent intervention.[86][88] Active Guard enables security professionals to access outdoor cameras in real-time, using AI to detect and deter intruders—such as by activating sirens or lights—during overnight hours for Pro or 24/7 for Pro Plus.[83][85] These plans also qualify for the Anti-Theft Guarantee, reimbursing up to a $500 deductible on homeowners' insurance if a monitored break-in occurs despite system activation.[84][86]| Plan | Monthly Price (2025) | Key Features | Guarantees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $22.99 | 24/7 dispatch, environmental alerts, cellular backup | None |
| Core | $32.99 | Video verification, AI detection, 30-sec response, unlimited cloud storage | None |
| Pro | $49.99 | All Core + overnight Active Guard (8pm-6am) | Anti-Theft (up to $500) |
| Pro Plus | $79.99 | All Pro + 24/7 Active Guard | Anti-Theft (up to $500) |