I need a security system with cameras but I don’t want to pay a monthly subscription just to watch my videos. I had an ADT monitored system before and also used Ring cameras where I did my own monitoring. I’ve moved and need to start fresh. I want something simple—cameras I can check from my phone and get alerts for motion, people, etc. Door chimes would be nice too. I looked into SimpliSafe, but the reviews are all over the place. I also don’t want to mess with running wires through the walls. Any recommendations?
I’ve had SimpliSafe for years—used the old version for 15 years and the new one for 5. The outdoor cameras have rechargeable batteries that last a long time. I rarely get false alarms, but it depends on how you set it up. If you put a motion detector near a window and the sun suddenly comes out from behind a cloud, it might trigger an alert. But I’d rather have that than miss something real.
@Vito
Do the cameras need to be charged, or do they stay plugged in?
I use Eufy cameras, and they don’t require a subscription. The footage is stored locally, and the battery life is solid. You can set up alerts for motion and people detection. Might be worth checking out.
Have you looked at Reolink? They have battery-powered cameras and ones with solar panels, so you don’t have to keep recharging. No monthly fees, and the video quality is great.
Blink cameras might work for you. No subscription needed unless you want cloud storage. You can save videos to a USB drive, and they’re super easy to set up.
Wyze has an option for local storage, so you don’t need a subscription. It’s a good budget choice, and their door chime is decent too.