Link Interactive vs. SimpliSafe Home Security

Our Analysis

Link Interactive is one of our favorite traditional alarm companies, while SimpliSafe is our top-pick hybrid alarm company. As a traditional company, Link Interactive follows the typical home security system setup wherein their products are tied to a monitoring service with a contract. In contrary, as a hybrid company, SimpliSafe allows their customers to use their products with or without a monitoring service.

Their Similarities

• Nationwide Availability
• Affordable Monthly Rates
• DIY Installation
• Online Availability
• Custom Build Security Systems

Their Differences

• Contract — Link Interactive requires a service contract, while SimpliSafe is contract-free.
• Monitoring Service — You must use Link Interactive with a monitoring service. SimpliSafe works as a self-monitored local alarm.
• App Access — All Link Interactive users have access to Link Interactive's smartphone app to remotely control their security system. SimpliSafe users must subscribe to a monitoring service to use SimpliSafe app.
• Home Automation — Link Interactive supports full-home automation. SimpliSafe's home automation platform is limited.
• Cameras — Link Interactive offers indoor cameras, outdoor cameras, and video doorbells. SimpliSafe only has an indoor camera and a video doorbell.

Sales & Pricing Comparison

Sales Process

You can choose one of two ways to get started with a Link Interactive security system. First, you can call them up and speak directly with a sales rep to help you with your purchase. Second, you can go online and build your security system using their existing lineup of devices. A sales rep will only contact you to confirm your purchase and set up your monitoring service. SimpliSafe is famously known for skipping the middle-men — the sales reps and dealers. You can buy products directly online and you don't have to speak to a sales rep to set up service.

Winner: Link Interactive

Pricing

Both companies are known for being affordable. Link Interactive is one of the lowest-priced traditional alarm system, with monthly rates starting at $30.99. SimpliSafe doesn't require a monthly fee, but if you want it to be functional, SimpliSafe professional monitoring starts at just $14.99 per month. Their highest monthly rate, which includes smartphone access, is only $24.99.

Winner: SimpliSafe

Equipment Purchase

Link Interactive and SimpliSafe both require an upfront equipment purchase. With Link Interactive, you have two options. You can settle with the standard control panel included for free with any monitoring package or use a more advanced touchscreen control panel for $200. From there, you're free to add sensors and accessories to your system. With SimpliSafe, you can buy pre-determined equipment packages or build a custom package. They have a number of packages available from $229 to over $1,000, varying in size and inclusions. Currently, they're running a promotion where the price all packages including custom built ones are up to 15% off.

Winner: SimpliSafe

Installation

Link Interactive and SimpliSafe both sell self-installed security systems, which guarantees that there won't be an installation or activation fee. Our team has installed both systems for review and we've found them both easy to install. Based on our experience, SimpliSafe's installation process is smoother, but Link Interactive is more customizable.

Winner: SimpliSafe

Key Features & Tech

Standard Equipment

Link Interactive's standard equipment includes a basic, touchscreen control panel and your choice of sensors and accessories. Keep in mind that for some devices to work, such as cameras and home automation products, you will need to purchase a higher monitoring service. The included control panel is free. However, we recommend upgrading to the $200 control panel as it has richer features and it supports a wider range of add-on products. It's also safer to purchase the upgraded control panel upfront as it's not fully-backwards compatible with the devices supported by the standard panel.

With SimpliSafe, you'll get the same basic devices no matter which package you choose. A SimpliSafe Base Station and remote keypad is included. The two devices function as the control panel, but because the Base Station, the main brain of the system, can be hidden away, it's more secure than regular control panels. You can add your choice of devices after choosing your package.

Winner: SimpliSafe

Home Automation

Link Interactive supports full-home automation, thanks to their smart home devices that can automate your lights, small appliances, HVAC, garage door, and locks. In addition, Link Interactive offers Alarm.com's automation platform, allowing you to use smart home features such as schedules, rules, scenes, and geofencing. Link Interactive also works with Alexa and Google Home. SimpliSafe doesn't offer any home automation products, but their system integrates with Alexa, Google Home, Nest Thermostat, Philips Hue, and August Smart Lock Pro. Sadly, you can't use these integration without a subscription to SimpliSafe's highest monitoring plan.

Winner: Link Interactive

Cameras

Both companies sell security cameras, but Link Interactive provides more options. They have an indoor camera, an outdoor camera, several video doorbells, and a premium indoor camera with built-in smart features. SimpliSafe only offers two cameras: a standard indoor camera and a video doorbell. Moreover, it's easier to use cameras with Link Interactive because all you need to do is purchase their highest monitoring service to gain access to event recording and cloud recording services. With SimpliSafe, you will need to pay additional monthly fees per camera in order to enjoy video monitoring features.

Winner: Link Interactive

Smartphone Access

Link Interactive customers can use the Alarm.com app to control and access their security systems remotely. The Alarm.com app is a solid home security platform and a great smart home platform as well. Link Interactive can use the app because most of the Link Interactive equipment is manufactured by Alarm.com. SimpliSafe also has a solid smartphone app that serves as a remote controller for the system. It's also one of the ways to get remote alerts from your security system. However, you must subscribe to SimpliSafe's highest monitoring plan service to use the app.

Winner: Link Interactive

Monitoring Method

The monitoring method refers to the communication medium used by the system to send alerts to you or the monitoring center. Link Interactive uses cellular signal, which is widely considered as the most reliable monitoring method. It's wireless and it doesn't require an additional service to work, unlike landline and broadband monitoring that require a landline and internet connection, respectively. SimpliSafe uses broadband monitoring, which takes advantage of your internet connection to send alerts. In addition, they use cellular backup if you're on any of their monitoring plans. When you're internet is down, the system will continue to operate and send alerts using cellular signal.

Winner: Link Interactive

Customer Service Experience

Contract

One of the primary differences between Link Interactive and SimpliSafe is the contract requirement. Link Interactive requires a monitoring agreement. They are more flexible than most traditional alarm companies as they offer one-year, two-year, and three-year contracts. The longer the contract term you choose, the higher the equipment discount you'll get. SimpliSafe doesn't require any contract. In fact, you can choose to temporarily cancel service if you don't need or switch between their two monitoring plans.

Winner: SimpliSafe

Early-Termination Penalty

Because SimpliSafe doesn't have contracts, there are no early-termination penalties. You can cancel service anytime. With Link Interactive, there's a penalty equivalent to 75% of your contract balance. For example, if you have six months remaining in your contract, your penalty is 75% of your monthly rate multiplied by six.

Winner: SimpliSafe

Return Policy

Both companies have long return periods. SimpliSafe has a 60-day policy, allowing you to return the system 60 days after your purchase. However, that's only for the equipment. Your monthly fee, if you paid any, will not be refunded. With Link Interactive, you have a shorter return period of 30 days, but that includes the return of your equipment and cancellation of service without penalties.

Winner: Link Interactive

The Bottom Line: Who Wins?

Link Interactive and SimpliSafe are both great alarm companies, but they are two different types of companies. If you prefer a traditional alarm company, Link Interactive is a better choice. They have more products, more features, and better monitoring services. You can read our full Link Interactive review here.

SimpliSafe is a hybrid company, and as one, their biggest advantage is their flexibility. If you want a company that won't give you a hard time in cancelling service or returning your security system, then they're the better choice,. You can read more about SimpliSafe in our SimpliSafe review.