Our Verdict
SimpliSafe 13-Piece Wireless Home Security System with Smart Alarm Indoor Camera — 9.1/10. A polished, easy-to-install DIY security kit that is ideal for renters, homeowners, and first-time buyers who want flexible wireless protection with optional professional monitoring.
A good DIY security system should be easy to install, simple to live with, and dependable when something goes wrong. The SimpliSafe SS3-13PKGCAM package is built around that idea: it gives you a full starter-to-mid-size home security kit with sensors, a keypad, a base station, and an indoor Smart Alarm camera without requiring hardwiring or a long-term contract. For other DIY security kits, see our Abode iota Buying Guide and Ring Alarm Pro Buying Guide.
Best overall pick: SimpliSafe 13-Piece Wireless Home Security System with Smart Alarm Indoor Camera — 9.1/10
The SimpliSafe 13-Piece Wireless Home Security System with Smart Alarm Indoor Camera is a strong choice for renters, homeowners, and first-time security buyers who want a complete wireless system with optional professional monitoring.
SimpliSafe 13-Piece Wireless Home Security System with Smart Alarm Indoor Camera
The SimpliSafe 13-Piece Wireless Home Security System with Smart Alarm Indoor Camera is designed as a complete DIY home security package rather than a single-device starter kit. Its core components include the base station, keypad, entry sensors, motion sensors, and an indoor camera, giving most apartments, condos, and small-to-medium homes enough coverage for key doors, windows, and common areas.
The biggest advantage of this system is its wireless setup. Because the sensors do not require hardwiring, installation is much more approachable for renters or homeowners who do not want to drill into walls or run cables through the house. The keypad lets you arm and disarm the system from a central location, while smartphone access gives you remote control and live camera viewing when you are away.
The included Smart Alarm indoor camera is especially useful if you want visual confirmation instead of relying only on sensor alerts. It can stream live footage to your phone, helping you check whether an alert is caused by a real issue, a pet, a family member, or a false trigger. For buyers considering professional monitoring, this camera adds another layer of context to the system.
This package is best for people who want a polished security system without committing to a traditional professionally installed alarm contract. Optional 24/7 monitoring can add emergency response support, while cellular backup helps keep the system operating during internet or power disruptions. If you want outdoor cameras, smart locks, or a larger number of sensors, you may need to expand beyond this kit, but as a ready-to-use foundation, the SS3-13PKGCAM is a well-rounded option.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model number | SS3-13PKGCAM |
| Category | Home Security Systems |
| System type | Wireless DIY home security system |
| Included camera | Smart Alarm indoor camera with live smartphone viewing |
| Installation | DIY setup with no complex wiring required |
| Monitoring | Optional 24/7 professional monitoring plans |
| Backup features | Cellular backup support for outages |
| Best for | Renters, homeowners, apartments, condos, and small-to-medium homes |
Pros
- Complete 13-piece kit provides a strong starting point for whole-home coverage.
- Wireless design is renter-friendly and avoids complicated installation.
- Smart Alarm indoor camera adds live video verification from a smartphone.
- Optional professional monitoring is available without a traditional long-term contract requirement.
- Cellular backup helps the system stay useful during internet or power interruptions.
- Expandable platform makes it easier to add more sensors or accessories later.
Cons
- Advanced response features may require a paid monitoring plan.
- Indoor camera coverage does not replace dedicated outdoor cameras.
- Larger homes may need additional entry sensors, motion sensors, or cameras.
- Buyers who want a fully hardwired professional installation may prefer a different type of system.
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| Product | Best for | Installation | Camera included | Monitoring option | Overall verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SimpliSafe 13-Piece Wireless Home Security System with Smart Alarm Indoor Camera | Most renters and homeowners who want a complete DIY security kit | Wireless DIY setup | Yes, Smart Alarm indoor camera | Optional 24/7 professional monitoring | Best overall choice for a flexible, no-hardwiring home security package |
How we chose
We evaluated the SimpliSafe SS3-13PKGCAM as a complete home security package, not just as a bundle of individual accessories. The most important criteria were ease of installation, coverage potential, camera usefulness, monitoring flexibility, backup capabilities, and suitability for both renters and homeowners.
We gave extra weight to systems that can be installed without professional help, because DIY setup is one of the main reasons buyers choose wireless security. The SS3-13PKGCAM scores well here because it avoids complex wiring, includes the core devices most households need, and can be expanded over time as coverage needs change.
We also considered long-term flexibility. A home security system should not become obsolete if you move, add rooms, or decide later that you want professional monitoring. SimpliSafe’s optional monitoring model, smartphone access, indoor camera support, and cellular backup make this kit more adaptable than a basic sensor-only package. For a comparison with other DIY systems, see our Abode iota IOTA-KIT-1 Review and Ring Alarm Pro Buying Guide.
Final verdict: SimpliSafe SS3-13PKGCAM is the right pick for flexible DIY protection
The SimpliSafe 13-Piece Wireless Home Security System with Smart Alarm Indoor Camera is a practical, well-balanced security kit for buyers who want strong home protection without hardwiring or a conventional alarm contract. It is especially compelling for renters, homeowners, and first-time security buyers who want sensors, live indoor video, smartphone control, and optional professional monitoring in one package.
Is the SimpliSafe SS3-13PKGCAM good for renters?
Yes. Its wireless design makes it a strong option for renters because it does not require complex wiring or permanent installation. You can also take the system with you if you move.
Does this SimpliSafe kit require professional monitoring?
No. Professional monitoring is optional. You can use the system as a DIY security setup, or you can add a 24/7 monitoring plan if you want emergency response support.
What does the Smart Alarm indoor camera add?
The indoor camera lets you view live footage from your smartphone, which helps you verify alerts and check on activity inside your home. It adds visual context that sensors alone cannot provide.
Will this system work during an internet outage?
The system includes cellular backup support, which helps keep security functions available during internet or power disruptions. Exact feature availability may depend on system setup and monitoring plan.
Is a 13-piece kit enough for a whole home?
It can be enough for many apartments, condos, and small-to-medium homes, especially if you focus sensors on main doors, key windows, and common areas. Larger homes or properties with many entry points may need additional sensors or cameras.
