Ajax vs. SimpliSafe: Which Security System Is Better?

Ajax and SimpliSafe both offer wireless alarm systems, mobile apps, security cameras, professional monitoring, and equipment that can be installed without running extensive wiring.

However, the two systems were developed for different types of customers.

SimpliSafe is primarily a consumer home-security system designed to be easy to purchase, install, and monitor. It is a strong option for apartments, houses, and smaller businesses that need straightforward intrusion and environmental protection.

Ajax is a professional-grade security platform designed for homes, businesses, large properties, and more complex security applications. Its product ecosystem includes intrusion detection, outdoor perimeter protection, alarm photo verification, video surveillance, fire and life-safety protection, water-leak prevention, and automation.

The best choice depends on whether you want a simple consumer alarm system or a more advanced security platform that can expand with your property.

Ajax vs. SimpliSafe at a Glance

Feature	Ajax	SimpliSafe
Primary focus	Professional residential and commercial security	Consumer residential and small-business security
Wireless alarm system	Yes	Yes
DIY installation	Yes	Yes
Professional installation	Available	Available
Self-monitoring	Yes	Yes
Professional monitoring	Available through Alarm365	Available directly through SimpliSafe
Long-term monitoring contract	Depends on monitoring provider	No long-term monitoring contract
Outdoor motion detectors	Extensive selection	Outdoor protection is primarily camera-based
Alarm photo verification	Available through MotionCam detectors	Video verification available with eligible equipment and plans
Indoor and outdoor cameras	Yes	Yes
Video doorbell	Yes	Yes
Fire and carbon monoxide detection	Yes	Yes
Water-leak detection	Yes, with automatic shutoff options	Water detection available
Cellular communication	Available on compatible Ajax hubs	Cellular backup available with eligible monitoring
Commercial applications	Extensive	Primarily homes and smaller businesses
Home automation	Advanced security-driven automation	More limited smart-home integrations
System expansion	Extensive	Good for conventional home-security needs

The Main Difference

The clearest difference between Ajax and SimpliSafe is the scope of each system.

Ajax

Ajax is designed as a complete professional security platform.

An Ajax system can combine products from several categories:

• Intrusion protection

• Indoor and outdoor motion detection

• Video surveillance

• Alarm photo verification

• Fire and life safety

• Water-leak protection

• Automatic water shutoff

• Smart locks and access control

• Security-driven automation

Ajax states that devices for intrusion protection, video surveillance, fire and life safety, and automation can operate within the same ecosystem.

Ajax can be used in apartments and houses, but it can also protect retail stores, offices, restaurants, warehouses, churches, schools, construction sites, storage facilities, and multi-building properties.

SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe is designed to make home security accessible and easy to install.

A typical SimpliSafe system can include:

• Entry sensors

• Motion sensors

• Glass-break sensors

• Keypads

• Panic buttons

• Indoor cameras

• Outdoor cameras

• Video doorbells

• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

• Water sensors

• Temperature sensors

• Sirens

SimpliSafe emphasizes wireless installation, professional monitoring, protection from break-ins and environmental hazards, and no long-term monitoring contracts.

For a conventional home or apartment, SimpliSafe may provide everything the customer needs.

Ajax becomes more compelling when the property requires outdoor intrusion detection, specialized sensors, advanced communications, commercial capabilities, or significant future expansion.

DIY Installation

Both Ajax and SimpliSafe can be installed by the customer.

Installing Ajax

Ajax wireless products are added to the system through an Ajax mobile or professional installer app. Devices include QR codes that allow them to be enrolled and assigned to particular rooms or security groups.

DIY Ajax installation may be suitable for:

• Apartments

• Smaller homes

• Basic door and window protection

• Indoor motion detection

• Customers with alarm or networking experience

Professional installation is recommended for:

• Outdoor perimeter protection

• Large or multi-story properties

• Commercial buildings

• Video-surveillance systems

• Fire and life-safety equipment

• Automatic water shutoff

• Relays and electrical automation

• Complex system programming

Ajax gives customers the choice between self-installation and professional system design.

Installing SimpliSafe

Simple installation is one of SimpliSafe’s principal strengths.

Its wireless sensors are designed for customer installation, and most basic systems can be set up without drilling extensive holes or running alarm wires.

This makes SimpliSafe attractive to:

• Renters

• Apartment residents

• First-time security-system buyers

• Customers who want a basic alarm kit

• People who do not want to hire an installer

Professional installation is also available for customers who prefer assistance.

For the easiest possible DIY installation, SimpliSafe has an advantage. Ajax is still DIY-capable, but its extensive product selection makes professional planning more valuable for larger systems.

Professional Monitoring

Both Ajax and SimpliSafe support professional monitoring, but the monitoring relationship is different.

SimpliSafe Monitoring

SimpliSafe sells its own monthly monitoring plans. Current plan categories include professional monitoring as well as self-monitoring with camera recordings. Features and prices vary by plan.

SimpliSafe states that its residential professional-monitoring plans are billed monthly without long-term monitoring contracts or hidden fees.

Depending on the selected plan and equipment, SimpliSafe monitoring can include:

• 24/7 emergency dispatch

• Alarm text messages

• Video verification

• Remote arming and disarming

• Intruder intervention

• Camera recordings

• Outdoor camera monitoring

Some advanced video features require eligible cameras and higher-priced monitoring plans.

Ajax Monitoring Through Alarm365

Ajax systems can be self-monitored through the Ajax app or connected to a compatible professional monitoring station.

Shop Ajax Security partners with Alarm365 to provide professional monitoring for compatible Ajax alarm systems.

Alarm365 monitoring can provide:

• 24/7 professional alarm monitoring

• Emergency-response coordination when required

• Monitoring of intrusion and compatible life-safety alarms

• Ajax app notifications and remote control

• Residential and commercial monitoring options

• Support from a U.S.-based monitoring partner

• Professional protection without replacing the Ajax equipment

This lets customers purchase Ajax equipment independently while selecting professional monitoring based on their needs.

Monitoring availability, pricing, dispatch procedures, and service terms depend on the customer’s location and selected Alarm365 agreement.

Self-Monitoring

Both platforms allow customers to control their system and receive alerts through a mobile app.

Common app functions include:

• Arming and disarming

• Viewing system status

• Receiving alarm notifications

• Managing users

• Checking individual sensors

• Reviewing event history

• Viewing compatible cameras

Ajax Self-Monitoring

Ajax can be used without professional alarm monitoring. Users can receive push notifications and control the system directly through the Ajax app.

Possible additional costs may include:

• Cellular SIM service

• Camera recording or cloud storage

• Third-party services

• Dealer-provided support

• Professional installation

SimpliSafe Self-Monitoring

SimpliSafe can also be used without a professional-monitoring plan. However, certain camera-recording, video-verification, cellular-backup, and advanced-response features require an eligible subscription.

SimpliSafe currently offers a paid self-monitoring option with camera recordings in addition to its professional-monitoring plans.

Customers should compare which app and camera features remain available at each subscription level.

Monitoring Contracts

SimpliSafe’s no-contract monitoring is a significant advantage over many traditional alarm companies.

Customers generally pay for monitoring monthly and can change or cancel service without a multi-year professional-monitoring agreement. SimpliSafe also allows customers to change monitoring plans as their requirements change.

Ajax monitoring terms depend on the selected monitoring provider.

When comparing Ajax monitoring through Alarm365 with SimpliSafe, customers should review:

• Monthly monitoring cost

• Initial activation charges

• Length of any service agreement

• Cellular-service costs

• Video-storage charges

• Cancellation policies

• Emergency-dispatch procedures

• Residential or commercial availability

Unlike systems that are permanently tied to one consumer-security company, Ajax is built to communicate with professional monitoring software and alarm receiving centers. Ajax also provides monitoring tools for alarm companies, including photo and video verification.

Wireless Communication

Ajax Jeweller Technology

Ajax wireless security devices use the company’s proprietary Jeweller radio protocol to communicate with the hub.

Compatible MotionCam detectors use Ajax photo-transmission technology to send images associated with alarms.

Depending on the selected Ajax hub, communication options can include:

• Ethernet

• Wi-Fi

• One or two cellular SIM cards

• Multiple cellular carriers

Ajax Hub 2 Plus supports photo verification and can manage up to 200 compatible MotionCam detectors.

Multiple communication paths can help maintain connectivity if one network becomes unavailable.

This is particularly useful for:

• Large homes

• Commercial facilities

• Remote properties

• Locations with unreliable internet

• Properties requiring communication redundancy

SimpliSafe Communication

SimpliSafe sensors communicate wirelessly with the SimpliSafe Base Station.

The system uses an internet connection for app and cloud functions, while cellular backup is included with eligible professional-monitoring plans.

This arrangement is well suited to conventional homes and smaller businesses. Ajax offers more hub choices and communication configurations for properties where redundancy and system scale are higher priorities.

Outdoor Security

Outdoor protection is one of the largest differences between Ajax and SimpliSafe.

Ajax Outdoor Motion Detection

Ajax offers purpose-built outdoor intrusion detectors designed to identify a person before that individual enters a building.

Ajax outdoor products can protect:

• Driveways

• Side yards

• Patios

• Gates

• Building exteriors

• Windows

• Doors

• Fenced areas

• Storage yards

• Commercial perimeters

Available technologies include:

• Dual-sensor outdoor detection

• Curtain-style motion detection

• Anti-masking protection

• Adjustable detection ranges

• Pet-immune detection

• Alarm photo verification

• High-mounted outdoor detection

Ajax outdoor sensors are alarm detectors rather than ordinary surveillance cameras. They are designed to detect intrusion and trigger the alarm system.

SimpliSafe Outdoor Protection

SimpliSafe’s outdoor strategy centers primarily on its cameras.

The SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera Series 2 includes AI-powered threat detection and can alert users or live security agents when paired with eligible monitoring.

Its outdoor cameras can provide:

• Motion alerts

• Night vision

• Two-way audio

• Live video

• Recorded video with eligible plans

• Agent-assisted outdoor protection with compatible monitoring

This can be effective for residential camera surveillance.

However, a security camera and a dedicated outdoor alarm detector perform different functions.

A camera analyzes and records activity. A dedicated Ajax perimeter detector is designed to trigger an intrusion alarm based on activity within a protected detection zone.

Customers who need layered outdoor perimeter security will find considerably more detector options in the Ajax ecosystem.

Alarm Photo Verification

Ajax MotionCam

Ajax MotionCam products combine a motion detector with a built-in camera.

When the detector triggers an alarm, it can capture a sequence of still images associated with that event. These images can be delivered to authorized users and a compatible alarm monitoring company.

This provides several benefits:

• Helps determine whether an alarm is genuine

• Shows what activated the detector

• Reduces uncertainty during an alarm

• Gives monitoring personnel more information

• Does not require continuous indoor video recording

Ajax Hub 2 Plus can transmit alarm photo confirmations to users and monitoring companies in as little as approximately nine seconds under supported conditions.

SimpliSafe Video Verification

SimpliSafe offers video-verification and intruder-intervention features through eligible cameras and monitoring plans.

Its Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Camera includes HD video, night vision, two-way audio, a built-in siren, motion detection, and a physical privacy shutter.

With eligible monitoring, security agents may use camera footage to verify an alarm or intervene through the camera.

SimpliSafe offers a strong camera-assisted monitoring service. Ajax provides a specialized detector-based photo-verification system that can be deployed throughout residential and commercial properties.

Security Cameras

SimpliSafe Cameras

SimpliSafe offers a focused camera lineup designed for its home-security ecosystem.

Available camera categories include:

• Wireless indoor cameras

• Outdoor cameras

• Video doorbells

• Wired indoor cameras

The Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Camera can support agent-assisted intruder intervention with an eligible monitoring plan. SimpliSafe’s current support information describes features including HD video, night vision, phone notifications, a built-in siren, two-way audio, and a privacy shutter.

SimpliSafe cameras are a strong choice for homeowners who want a simple, integrated video service.

Ajax Cameras

The Ajax video ecosystem includes:

• Indoor cameras

• Outdoor cameras

• Bullet cameras

• Turret cameras

• Video doorbells

• Network video recorders

• Motion detectors with built-in cameras

• Integration with supported third-party video devices

Ajax DoorBell includes a PIR motion sensor and artificial-intelligence recognition for people, animals, and vehicles.

Ajax is better suited to customers who want alarm products and a more conventional video-surveillance system within the same platform.

Video Storage

SimpliSafe camera recordings are tied to an eligible monitoring or camera-recording subscription.

Ajax video storage depends on the selected camera configuration. Ajax network video recorders can provide local recording, while other video features may involve cloud or third-party storage options.

Customers comparing the two systems should consider:

• Number of cameras

• Recording resolution

• Continuous versus event recording

• Local versus cloud storage

• Storage-retention period

• Monthly recording cost

• Remote-video access

• Internet bandwidth

SimpliSafe provides a straightforward subscription-based residential camera service. Ajax offers greater flexibility for customers who want multiple professional cameras or local NVR recording.

Fire and Carbon Monoxide Protection

Both Ajax and SimpliSafe offer life-safety protection.

Ajax Fire Protection

Ajax offers fire detectors capable of detecting combinations of:

• Smoke

• Heat

• Rapid temperature increases

• Carbon monoxide

Ajax fire detectors can operate as part of a broader intrusion, video, and automation system.

Depending on the equipment and system configuration, Ajax devices can activate sirens, send app alerts, report to a monitoring station, and trigger automation scenarios.

SimpliSafe Fire Protection

SimpliSafe offers smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors that integrate with the SimpliSafe alarm system.

With professional monitoring, appropriate alarm events can be reported to the monitoring center for emergency-response coordination.

For ordinary residential fire and carbon monoxide protection, both systems provide appropriate device options. Ajax offers a broader professional ecosystem for properties requiring more complex life-safety configurations.

Water-Leak Protection

Ajax

Ajax offers wireless water-leak detectors and automation products that can close an electric water valve automatically.

A configured Ajax system can:

1. Detect water through a leak sensor.

2. Notify users through the app.

3. Activate an automation scenario.

4. Close a compatible water-shutoff valve.

5. Help limit further water damage.

This makes Ajax suitable for mechanical rooms, water heaters, kitchens, bathrooms, server rooms, vacation homes, and commercial properties.

SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe offers water sensors that can alert users when moisture is detected.

This provides valuable early warning, but Ajax offers more extensive options for customers who want the security system to take automatic action by shutting off the water supply.

Home Automation

Ajax Automation

Ajax supports security-focused automation using compatible relays, switches, outlets, and water-control devices.

An Ajax system can be programmed to:

• Control gates and garage doors

• Operate electric locks

• Turn lights on after an alarm

• Close water valves

• Control roller shutters

• Turn equipment on or off

• Follow scheduled scenarios

• Perform actions when the system is armed or disarmed

Ajax automation is particularly useful when physical property protection is the primary objective.

SimpliSafe Automation

SimpliSafe supports selected integrations and can work with compatible voice assistants and smart locks.

Its automation ecosystem is deliberately simpler than platforms built around extensive professional integration.

SimpliSafe may be sufficient for customers who want basic smart-home convenience. Ajax provides more options for customized security and building-control scenarios.

Keypads and System Control

SimpliSafe systems typically use a separate wireless keypad and Base Station. The Base Station includes audible and visual status indications and acts as the central controller.

Ajax offers several control options, depending on the selected system:

• Mobile apps

• Keypads

• Touchscreen keypads

• Key fobs

• Panic buttons

• Wireless buttons

• Automation controls

• Professional desktop software

Ajax KeyPad devices allow users to arm and disarm the system without using a phone.

Both systems provide straightforward everyday operation. Ajax offers a broader range of control devices for larger properties and systems with multiple user groups.

Residential Security

SimpliSafe is a strong option for:

• Apartments

• Condominiums

• Smaller houses

• Renters

• Basic door and motion protection

• Customers wanting easy DIY installation

• Customers wanting month-to-month monitoring

• Homes needing a few integrated cameras

Ajax is a strong option for:

• Larger houses

• Estates

• Detached garages

• Properties with outdoor areas

• Homes requiring perimeter protection

• Customers wanting photo verification

• Customers wanting local NVR video recording

• Homes requiring advanced automation

• Properties expected to need future expansion

For a small conventional home, SimpliSafe’s simplicity may be an advantage. For a larger or more complex property, Ajax provides substantially more design options.

Business Security

SimpliSafe offers security products and professional monitoring for businesses. Its business offering combines intrusion protection with AI-powered indoor and outdoor cameras and live security-agent services.

It may be appropriate for:

• Small offices

• Small retail stores

• Service businesses

• Smaller commercial spaces

• Businesses requiring straightforward door and camera protection

Ajax is designed for a wider range of commercial applications, including:

• Retail stores

• Warehouses

• Restaurants

• Offices

• Churches

• Schools

• Medical facilities

• Construction sites

• Storage buildings

• Industrial properties

• Multi-building locations

• Remote facilities

Ajax’s product range, communication options, outdoor detectors, access controls, automation products, and professional monitoring integrations make it better suited to complex commercial installations.

Equipment Expansion

SimpliSafe systems can be expanded by purchasing additional compatible sensors, cameras, and safety products. SimpliSafe provides direct ordering for replacement and additional system devices.

For a conventional home-security system, the SimpliSafe product range is likely sufficient.

Ajax offers a much larger selection of specialized products and system configurations, including:

• Multiple hub models

• Indoor and outdoor detectors

• Curtain detectors

• Shock and tilt sensors

• Detectors with photo verification

• Indoor and outdoor sirens

• Touchscreen keypads

• Fire and carbon monoxide devices

• Water-leak and shutoff products

• Relays and automation modules

• Cameras and NVRs

• Residential and commercial devices

Ajax is the stronger choice when future expansion is a major purchasing consideration.

Equipment Appearance

Both companies produce modern-looking equipment.

SimpliSafe equipment has a clean consumer-electronics design intended to blend into a home.

Ajax devices are commonly available in coordinated black or white finishes and are designed to appear consistent across the alarm, video, fire, and automation product families.

Appearance is subjective. SimpliSafe has a friendly residential appearance, while Ajax has a more professional and architectural design.

Which System Should You Choose?

Choose Ajax if you want:

• A professional-grade security platform

• DIY or professional installation

• Extensive outdoor perimeter detection

• Motion detectors with alarm photo verification

• More communication and hub options

• Residential and commercial capabilities

• Local NVR video recording options

• Advanced fire, flood, and automation products

• Professional monitoring through Alarm365

• A system that can expand significantly

• Greater control over equipment and monitoring

Choose SimpliSafe if you want:

• A straightforward consumer home-security system

• Very easy DIY installation

• Monthly professional monitoring without a long-term contract

• A simple selection of sensors and cameras

• Camera-assisted intruder intervention

• A system for an apartment or conventional house

• One company to provide equipment, app services, and monitoring

• Minimal system-design complexity

Is Ajax Better Than SimpliSafe?

Ajax is generally the stronger system for customers who need advanced intrusion protection, outdoor perimeter detection, commercial capabilities, alarm photo verification, communication redundancy, local video recording, or extensive system expansion.

SimpliSafe may be the better choice for someone who wants a basic residential alarm that is easy to purchase, install, and professionally monitor without a long-term monitoring contract.

The decision comes down to simplicity versus capability.

SimpliSafe is easier for a first-time security buyer to understand and install.

Ajax offers considerably more equipment choices and can protect properties that go far beyond the needs of a typical DIY home-security system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ajax more expensive than SimpliSafe?

Ajax equipment may have a higher initial cost because it is professional-grade and offers more specialized devices.

The final cost of either system depends on:

• Number of doors and windows

• Number and type of motion detectors

• Cameras

• Outdoor protection

• Fire and carbon monoxide devices

• Installation

• Monitoring

• Video storage

• Cellular communication

Customers should compare systems with equivalent protection rather than comparing only the price of a basic starter kit.

Does SimpliSafe require a contract?

SimpliSafe states that its monitoring plans are billed monthly without long-term monitoring contracts.

Equipment financing or promotional arrangements may have separate terms, so customers should still review the current purchase agreement.

Does Ajax require a contract?

Ajax equipment itself does not require a monitoring contract.

Customers may self-monitor through the Ajax app or choose professional monitoring. Any agreement depends on the selected monitoring provider and service.

Can Ajax be professionally monitored?

Yes. Shop Ajax Security partners with Alarm365 to provide professional monitoring for compatible Ajax alarm systems.

Can I use Ajax without a monthly fee?

Ajax can be self-monitored through the Ajax app without professional monitoring.

Separate charges may apply for cellular SIM service, video storage, professional installation, dealer support, or third-party services.

Can I use SimpliSafe without a monthly fee?

A SimpliSafe system can provide basic local alarm functions without professional monitoring. However, some app, camera-recording, cellular-backup, video-verification, and emergency-response features require a paid plan.

Does Ajax have outdoor motion sensors?

Yes. Ajax offers an extensive selection of dedicated outdoor motion detectors, curtain detectors, anti-masking devices, and outdoor detectors with photo verification.

Does SimpliSafe have an outdoor camera?

Yes. SimpliSafe offers an Outdoor Camera Series 2 with AI-powered detection and features that can work with SimpliSafe’s professional monitoring services.

Does Ajax have cameras and a video doorbell?

Yes. Ajax offers indoor and outdoor cameras, video doorbells, network video recorders, and motion detectors with built-in alarm-verification cameras. Ajax DoorBell includes a PIR sensor and AI object recognition.

Is SimpliSafe suitable for businesses?

SimpliSafe offers systems and monitoring for businesses and can be suitable for smaller commercial properties.

Ajax generally offers more options for larger facilities, outdoor areas, multi-building properties, and specialized commercial protection.

Can Ajax automatically shut off the water?

Yes. Compatible Ajax water-leak detectors and water-control devices can be configured to close the water supply automatically when a leak is detected.

Shop Ajax Security Systems

Ajax provides a professional alternative to conventional DIY alarm systems by combining intrusion protection, outdoor detection, alarm photo verification, video surveillance, fire safety, flood prevention, and automation within one expandable platform.

Shop Ajax Security offers Ajax alarm kits, hubs, door and window sensors, motion detectors, outdoor protection devices, cameras, video doorbells, fire detectors, water-leak protection, and automation products.

Need help selecting the right equipment? Shop Ajax Security can help design an Ajax system for your home or business and connect compatible systems to 24/7 professional monitoring through Alarm365.

Explore Ajax alarm kits and build a system designed around your property—not a one-size-fits-all package.