SimpliSafe door bell video camera does not even have the capability of being charged. This must be for an older version. I received mine and installed it 1-18-2022 and its not an option. WIFI runs everything. The only voltage needed is the 8 to 24 volts needed for the inside door chime.
Agree. I'm about to rip this thing off the wall, throw it all in a box and demand my money back. I cannot get the blinking white light and there's no information about how to go about fixing that anywhere.
@@dimitri246same here, no blinking white light. Directions say that it isn't getting power, however it turns blue when the button is pressed and dings inside at the base station.
I really enjoy your reviews. Very informative and in-depth. I have the SimpliSafe at home so I was considering adding this doorbell but I'm reading lots of negative reviews. Considering the Ring Doorbell 2 even though I can't integrate it my SS system. Just wanted to know what your thoughts are regarding both devices. Thanks!
Hi, I liked the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro so I'm surprised to see that people are reviewing it negatively! Its big advantage over the Ring cameras is that it has person detection, but the Ring cameras work with Alexa and Google and SimpliSafe, unlike SimpliSafe. Aside from that they are pretty similar. Here are my written reviews of each for more info: Ring Video Doorbell 2: bit.ly/2WVhv6m Ring Video Doorbell Pro: bit.ly/2Kp9Jin SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro: bit.ly/2IgCECm
Security Baron thanks so much for the advice as well as the link. I’m still trying to make a decision but leaning a bit more towards SS due to the convenience and integration. Happy Holidays and keep up the great work. 👍🏼
@@SecurityDotOrg yeah but in direct sunlight? The website says it works to 185 degrees F. I live in Phoenix and am having a hard time finding outdoor cameras. Know of any camera I can integrate into the simplisafe ap? Thanks!
Why does this require charging the battery? I assume the battery is for backup power should your power go out, but once installed the unit is hardwired with a constant power source from the doorbell transformer, wouldn't this also charge the battery or do you have to remove the doorbell periodically when the battery runs low to charge it? I'm swapping to this doorbell from a Google Nest doorbell, just because the Nest aware subscription is increasing and I already have a Simplisafe system that I already pay for monitoring so there's no additional fee. Thanks for the Vid!
Hi Gabe, 3 thngs: 1. I know you spend a fair amount of time on SimpliSafe but can we get a quick update on SimpliSafe's SimpliCam from it's previous version that you highlighted in an older review? 2. Does the new SimpliCam Have 2-way audio now 3. Have they added IR for dark environments? Great reviews thanks in advance
Maybe I missed it, but what about the actual notification? I have an old Nest Hello doorbell cam and love that the push notifications include a little preview of the actual video. It’s almost a dealbreaker feature for me. Does this doorbell do that? I have the simplisafe security system in my home but when someone passes a camera, it just sends a very basic notification saying there was motion. No preview.
Great review video. I purchased the Simplisafe Video Doorbell Pro the other day and the app does not send notifications to our iphones or our ipads. I contacted customer/tech service several times and each time, 4 now, all they can do is run through the troubleshooting steps. So we are on day 5 of no notifications for doorbell rings and motion. The app does show the activity in it's timeline, but no notifications. The iphone Notifications settings doesn't show the app, and in settings the Simplisafe app does not have any controls for notifications. If customer service doesn't get back to us soon, we'll have to return it and go with Ring.
Hi Michael, Wow, I'm sorry to hear that you're having all this trouble! And you're signed up for the Interactive Plan? You need the Interactive Plan to receive notifications...more info on the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro here: bit.ly/2IgCECm
The motion detection doesn't work for crap. You'll get an alert every 10 seconds even if u block off every single square. Other than that it works fine as a doorbell and camera. Pisses me off that the motion detection app doesn't work.
Ok I've had it for a minute now. I can tell you that this thing is a pos. It doesn't hardly ever connect and I have wifi within 15 ft. Don't believe what they say.
I bought both the "hearth" SimpliSafe package, and also 2 arlo security cameras (due to SimpliSafe not having outdoor cameras available). Do you think the video doorbell would be worth purchasing for my situation, and if so which video doorbell do you think would work best for me?
I haven't finished reviewing all the video doorbells I have, believe me there are many! What are you looking for in a video doorbell? I'd love to make a recommendation! In the meantime, I'd start with my best of list- bit.ly/31nBWw2
@@SecurityDotOrg I'm not sure if its the fact that i haven't landed on one i really like, or the fact that a video doorbell isn't the highest priority in terms of smart home items. any device i get will need to be compatible with google (currently have simplisafe so i was hoping id land on their doorbell)
@@authorityzero31285 Got it! Well, the video doorbells that work with Google that I've reviewed include: Nest Hello: bit.ly/2D3lkyV Ring Video Doorbell 2: bit.ly/2WVhv6m Ring Video Doorbell Pro: bit.ly/2Kp9Jin The others that I haven't reviewed (but still soon) that work with Google are: Ring Door View Cam Zmodo Greet Pro: August Doorbell Cam Pro August View eufy Security Video Doorbell Scout Video Doorbell Hope that helps and look out for those reviews coming soon.
Hi, you don't need the base station to use this video doorbell, but you can link the two if you don't want to depend on Wifi. More info on the video doorbell pro here: bit.ly/2IgCECm
I'm considering SimpliSafe security system and I have Nest hello doorbell at my house should I get the SimpliSafe video doorbell as well or doesn't matter ? what would you recommend?
I think it makes sense to stick with the Nest Hello doorbell you already have. Even though you'll have to use the Nest app, it doesn't seem worth it to spend $169 when the Nest Hello is better for video, AI and smart platform integrations. I think you should read my full reviews of Nest and SimpliSafe to make your decision: Nest Secure: bit.ly/2ESy50E SimpliSafe: bit.ly/2XAi5ro
Just ordered the system and got the Doorbell, it should be here in 2 days I was taken back that unlike the censors for motion, doors and windows this item requires it to be hard wired That makes me a bit upset As this video is over a year old I hope this has changed
I want the peephole designed Door Cam, BUT the peephole is located very close the edge of the door. What's the measurement from the edge to the "peephole" on the camera?
Hi Brad, If you have it set at the loudest possible level plus sirens, I don't think there's much more you could do, unfortunately, except get more sirens. I've seen a lot of people have this problem and SimpliSafe is aware of it but no solution yet. For more info on the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro, read my full review: bit.ly/2IgCECm
My second videodoorbell came but still no power!. Nowhere on the instructions it says anything about charging it, or any charger in the box. The microusb port it stated to be for updates not a charging point. I'm confused.
I've charged one with a usb charger and came to life with a yellow light not white and after stating is ready the light turned off and that was it. I'm still working on it to fix it. Previously I've let it wired on the wall for 6 hours and never came to life,. My wire stup was replacing the usual Aiphone 12V AC 10VA .
I am comparing this with Xfinity door bell camera. Anyone have experience with Xfinity door bell and is it any good? I have Xfinity home security but have SimpliSafe for indoor cameras (bcz of privacy shutter).
Unfortunately no, you'll need a SimpliSafe monitoring plan to use the app at all. More info here: bit.ly/2IgCECm If you're looking for one that doesn't require a subscription, that's basically every other doorbell. Here's a list of my favorite doorbells of the year: bit.ly/31nBWw2
By requiring existing wiring, I'm out. We built a new house for smart doorbell and so many like this are built for existing homes with old school door bells.
unfortunately, this is old news....and while you may be able to "bypass" the system on-site, the system and monitoring service receive alerts that that system was tampered with/interrupted. truth be told, any truly smart wireless system can be compromised in a similar fashion by overpowering the wireless signal
Get 5 more entries to our October 2019 giveaway: securitybaron.com/get-more-entries
We just bought the simpli safe whole home system. Your review was super helpful and re-assuring that we made a solid purchase. Thank you!
Quite possibly one of the most informative reviews ever - so we’ll done ! Thanks
Glad it was helpful!
SimpliSafe door bell video camera does not even have the capability of being charged. This must be for an older version. I received mine and installed it 1-18-2022 and its not an option. WIFI runs everything. The only voltage needed is the 8 to 24 volts needed for the inside door chime.
Your reviews ARE THE BEST!
You under-explained the hardwiring problem and how it was resolved.
I agree. Please elaborate if possible. Thanks!
Agree. I'm about to rip this thing off the wall, throw it all in a box and demand my money back. I cannot get the blinking white light and there's no information about how to go about fixing that anywhere.
@@dimitri246same here, no blinking white light. Directions say that it isn't getting power, however it turns blue when the button is pressed and dings inside at the base station.
I really enjoy your reviews. Very informative and in-depth. I have the SimpliSafe at home so I was considering adding this doorbell but I'm reading lots of negative reviews. Considering the Ring Doorbell 2 even though I can't integrate it my SS system. Just wanted to know what your thoughts are regarding both devices. Thanks!
Hi,
I liked the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro so I'm surprised to see that people are reviewing it negatively! Its big advantage over the Ring cameras is that it has person detection, but the Ring cameras work with Alexa and Google and SimpliSafe, unlike SimpliSafe. Aside from that they are pretty similar. Here are my written reviews of each for more info:
Ring Video Doorbell 2: bit.ly/2WVhv6m
Ring Video Doorbell Pro: bit.ly/2Kp9Jin
SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro: bit.ly/2IgCECm
Security Baron thanks so much for the advice as well as the link. I’m still trying to make a decision but leaning a bit more towards SS due to the convenience and integration. Happy Holidays and keep up the great work. 👍🏼
Great review. Very professional and appreciated.
Thanks CR! More info about the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro here: bit.ly/2IgCECm
Let’s see how it survives AZ weather 🙌🏼
It works in temperatures up to 115 degrees F! Good luck! More info here: bit.ly/2IgCECm
@@SecurityDotOrg yeah but in direct sunlight? The website says it works to 185 degrees F.
I live in Phoenix and am having a hard time finding outdoor cameras.
Know of any camera I can integrate into the simplisafe ap? Thanks!
Why does this require charging the battery? I assume the battery is for backup power should your power go out, but once installed the unit is hardwired with a constant power source from the doorbell transformer, wouldn't this also charge the battery or do you have to remove the doorbell periodically when the battery runs low to charge it? I'm swapping to this doorbell from a Google Nest doorbell, just because the Nest aware subscription is increasing and I already have a Simplisafe system that I already pay for monitoring so there's no additional fee. Thanks for the Vid!
Hi Gabe, 3 thngs:
1. I know you spend a fair amount of time on SimpliSafe but can we get a quick update on SimpliSafe's SimpliCam from it's previous version that you highlighted in an older review?
2. Does the new SimpliCam Have 2-way audio now
3. Have they added IR for dark environments?
Great reviews thanks in advance
I got one last year. Yes and yes to both questions. It lights up my front door area well. I have the outdoor kit on it but it's in a covered area.
Maybe I missed it, but what about the actual notification? I have an old Nest Hello doorbell cam and love that the push notifications include a little preview of the actual video. It’s almost a dealbreaker feature for me. Does this doorbell do that? I have the simplisafe security system in my home but when someone passes a camera, it just sends a very basic notification saying there was motion. No preview.
Great review video. I purchased the Simplisafe Video Doorbell Pro the other day and the app does not send notifications to our iphones or our ipads. I contacted customer/tech service several times and each time, 4 now, all they can do is run through the troubleshooting steps. So we are on day 5 of no notifications for doorbell rings and motion. The app does show the activity in it's timeline, but no notifications. The iphone Notifications settings doesn't show the app, and in settings the Simplisafe app does not have any controls for notifications. If customer service doesn't get back to us soon, we'll have to return it and go with Ring.
Hi Michael,
Wow, I'm sorry to hear that you're having all this trouble! And you're signed up for the Interactive Plan? You need the Interactive Plan to receive notifications...more info on the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro here: bit.ly/2IgCECm
The motion detection doesn't work for crap. You'll get an alert every 10 seconds even if u block off every single square. Other than that it works fine as a doorbell and camera. Pisses me off that the motion detection app doesn't work.
Ok I've had it for a minute now. I can tell you that this thing is a pos. It doesn't hardly ever connect and I have wifi within 15 ft. Don't believe what they say.
Can you turn off the double sensor feature? I'd like it to start recording if someone pulls into my driveway.
Very good review of a SimpliSafe video doorbell
I wish they would have an angled baseplate to allow angling the device to the left or right for when a door is perpendicular to an adjacent wall.
Simplisafe will send you a left/right angle wedge if you call support
I bought both the "hearth" SimpliSafe package, and also 2 arlo security cameras (due to SimpliSafe not having outdoor cameras available). Do you think the video doorbell would be worth purchasing for my situation, and if so which video doorbell do you think would work best for me?
i havent found a video doorbell that really stood out from the crowd. still cant decide! no smart platform integration is a major bummer
I haven't finished reviewing all the video doorbells I have, believe me there are many! What are you looking for in a video doorbell? I'd love to make a recommendation! In the meantime, I'd start with my best of list- bit.ly/31nBWw2
@@SecurityDotOrg I'm not sure if its the fact that i haven't landed on one i really like, or the fact that a video doorbell isn't the highest priority in terms of smart home items. any device i get will need to be compatible with google (currently have simplisafe so i was hoping id land on their doorbell)
@@authorityzero31285 Got it! Well, the video doorbells that work with Google that I've reviewed include:
Nest Hello: bit.ly/2D3lkyV
Ring Video Doorbell 2: bit.ly/2WVhv6m
Ring Video Doorbell Pro: bit.ly/2Kp9Jin
The others that I haven't reviewed (but still soon) that work with Google are:
Ring Door View Cam
Zmodo Greet Pro:
August Doorbell Cam Pro
August View
eufy Security Video Doorbell
Scout Video Doorbell
Hope that helps and look out for those reviews coming soon.
Is this tied to the base station? Do we need wifi to sync data? Can we just connect it to the base station with no wifi?
Hi, you don't need the base station to use this video doorbell, but you can link the two if you don't want to depend on Wifi. More info on the video doorbell pro here: bit.ly/2IgCECm
I'm considering SimpliSafe security system and I have Nest hello doorbell at my house should I get the SimpliSafe video doorbell as well or doesn't matter ? what would you recommend?
I think it makes sense to stick with the Nest Hello doorbell you already have. Even though you'll have to use the Nest app, it doesn't seem worth it to spend $169 when the Nest Hello is better for video, AI and smart platform integrations. I think you should read my full reviews of Nest and SimpliSafe to make your decision:
Nest Secure: bit.ly/2ESy50E
SimpliSafe: bit.ly/2XAi5ro
Just ordered the system and got the Doorbell, it should be here in 2 days
I was taken back that unlike the censors for motion, doors and windows this item requires it to be hard wired
That makes me a bit upset
As this video is over a year old I hope this has changed
As far as the temperature range. Will it not work or will it break if it gets outside of that range?
Yes, exactly. More info here: bit.ly/2IgCECm
Excellent
Curious with the installation...does it just stick on? Seems like it’s adhesive anyone can steal the camera.
They also come with mounting brackets and screws if you want to mount the pieces without the stickies.
I want the peephole designed Door Cam, BUT the peephole is located very close the edge of the door. What's the measurement from the edge to the "peephole" on the camera?
Hi Denyale, have you gotten this sorted yet. I'll have to check my SimpliSafe when I get a chance
Is there any way to make the base station alerts and voice notifications louder. I have everything set on high. I also have the extra siren.
Hi Brad,
If you have it set at the loudest possible level plus sirens, I don't think there's much more you could do, unfortunately, except get more sirens. I've seen a lot of people have this problem and SimpliSafe is aware of it but no solution yet. For more info on the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro, read my full review: bit.ly/2IgCECm
Security Baron Thanks for the response and great channel by the way.
My second videodoorbell came but still no power!.
Nowhere on the instructions it says anything about charging it, or any charger in the box.
The microusb port it stated to be for updates not a charging point.
I'm confused.
I've charged one with a usb charger and came to life with a yellow light not white and after stating is ready the light turned off and that was it.
I'm still working on it to fix it.
Previously I've let it wired on the wall for 6 hours and never came to life,.
My wire stup was replacing the usual Aiphone 12V AC 10VA .
I am comparing this with Xfinity door bell camera. Anyone have experience with Xfinity door bell and is it any good? I have Xfinity home security but have SimpliSafe for indoor cameras (bcz of privacy shutter).
Thank you 👍🏾
You are so welcome
This doorbell works without subscription?????
Unfortunately no, you'll need a SimpliSafe monitoring plan to use the app at all. More info here: bit.ly/2IgCECm
If you're looking for one that doesn't require a subscription, that's basically every other doorbell. Here's a list of my favorite doorbells of the year: bit.ly/31nBWw2
By requiring existing wiring, I'm out. We built a new house for smart doorbell and so many like this are built for existing homes with old school door bells.
The Ring Video Doorbell 2 can be battery-operated or hardwired! Here's my full review- bit.ly/2WVhv6m
VideoDoor Bell Sucks !!! , Constant connection drops.
I prefer ring
Yep, if you're already in the Ring system it makes more sense. Just posted a review of the Ring Video Doorbell Pro- bit.ly/2Kp9Jin
I don't like that is does not work with any platform #googleallday
Yea, it's a bit of a disadvantage for short. Did you see my full written review of Nest Hello? bit.ly/2D3lkyV
@@SecurityDotOrg yes i did i believe its your video that got me thinking about nest ecosystem
@@jdean8054 Excellent! Many Nest products to choose from haha
@@SecurityDotOrg I am really happy that Google has pair with nest which provides even more options
Please your music annoying! lower it or turn it off (better)
Look up the lockpickinglawyer and his video on SimpliSafe. You should never buy anything from them.
unfortunately, this is old news....and while you may be able to "bypass" the system on-site, the system and monitoring service receive alerts that that system was tampered with/interrupted. truth be told, any truly smart wireless system can be compromised in a similar fashion by overpowering the wireless signal