SimpliSafe's new outdoor camera enables its new active response system, but it provides literally no other reason to upgrade from the previous camera. SimpliSafe is one of the most venerable smart home security companies, and while it regularly refreshes its hardware, it does so device by device, rather than upgrading the entire system at once. Makes sense, because it has at least 16 different components you can mix and match with your existing SimpliSafe base station or add on to one of its hardware bundles. The latest upgrade to the SimpliSafe family is a new version of the SimpliSafe Wireless Outdoor Security Camera, which was released in 2021. The SimpliSafe Outdoor Security Camera 2 keeps the overall look and feel of the original, while making a few changes that offer some compelling upgrades.

The CyberGuy highlights features to consider. This holiday season, consider giving the gift of home security to your loved ones. There are many different technological devices that can be purchased for home protection, but one of the most popular and widely used is security cameras. Security cameras can be placed in different areas on the interior and exterior of a home, providing 24-hour indoor and outdoor surveillance. Security cameras keep an eye on properties whether you are home or away.

Are you passionate about analyzing data and delivering actionable information that helps business leaders and executives make informed business decisions? Are you looking to join a fast growing company with a great mission in the heart of Boston? Are you experienced in creating data visualizations, BI dashboards, and reports for operational and strategic planning? Do you speak both the technical and financial languages effectively and are able to convert your vision into concrete results? Are you motivated by the opportunity to make a significant impact?

For years, SimpliSafe's only option for outdoor video monitoring (other than the Video Doorbell Pro) was its indoor-only SimpliCam wrapped in a weatherproof rubber sleeve. Now, the company is finally offering a proper, battery-powered outdoor cam, complete with a weatherized shell, a spotlight, and people detection. Available now for $170, the SimpliSafe Wireless Outdoor Security Camera is a svelte, cylindrical camera with a swiveling magnetic base, Wi-Fi connectivity, Alexa and Google Assistant support, and a rechargeable, replaceable battery that promises to deliver between 3 and 6 months of battery life on a single charge. Equipped with two antennas, the new SimpliFi outdoor cam is capable of connecting to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks, but it won't work without a SimpliSafe base station. To get a base station, you'll need to purchase one of SimpliSafe's alarm systems, which start at $230 for a four-piece kit.

There is already no shortage of options for smart doorbells, and now you can add SimpliSafe's Video Doorbell Pro to the list. The device marks the security firm's first venture into home security outside of the house. There's not much that makes the Video Doorbell Pro stand out in an already crowded market. The smart doorbell sports a super-wide angle camera that can scope out a 162-degree diagonal field of view. It captures footage in 1080p HD and offers two-way audio communication, which is pretty standard fare.

We spent two months and over 40 hours researching and testing 12 monitored home security systems. We think SimpliSafe is the best self-installed option for most people. It doesn't require a long-term contract and it offers the benefits of a security system that's monitored 24/7. SimpliSafe is reliable, easy to install, and it works with some Alexa voice commands. Our runner-up pick, the Abode, supports many smart-home devices via Nest, Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT, Zigbee, and Z-Wave--all of which are managed through the Abode Web portal.

This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, it may earn affiliate commissions that support its work. After spending more than 40 hours researching and two months testing 12 monitored home security systems, we found SimpliSafe to be the best self-installed option for most people. SimpliSafe gives you the benefits of a 24/7-monitored security system without locking you into a long-term contract, and it's affordable, reliable, and easy to install and use. SimpliSafe also offers the most comprehensive choice of systems for homes and budgets of all sizes. The current incarnation of SimpliSafe sports a stylish design that can go almost anywhere, and offers add-ons like video cameras, smoke alarms, and additional sensors to cover your entire home, large or small. SimpliSafe also has the lowest price we've found for live monitoring--low enough that it could be mostly covered by the discount you receive from your homeowners insurance for having a security system. If you want to integrate security into a smart-home setup, the Abode system includes support for Z-Wave and Zigbee, as well as Nest, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT, though not Apple's HomeKit.