Is SimpliSafe Z-Wave Compatible?
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I love smart home integration, and I wanted to know if SimpliSafe home security systems work with Z-Wave smart home products. I gathered information and decided to share it for anyone interested in SimpliSafe Z-Wave compatibility.
Is SimpliSafe Z-Wave Compatible? SimpliSafe is not compatible with Z-Wave. A home can have both SimpliSafe and Z-Wave functioning side-by-side, but the two systems cannot interact with each other. SimpliSafe has no plans for future Z-Wave integration.
I was still curious about SimpliSafe’s compatibility with Z-Wave and other smart home products, so I continued to do research. I have more information to share with you.
SimpliSafe and Z-Wave
A SimpliSafe system cannot interact with Z-Wave smart home products. This lack of compatibility is not due to any design issues. It was a conscious choice made by SimpliSafe’s creators.
According to SimpliSafe Home Security System Review:
The company’s CEO Chad Laurans explained to me that this limited integration is by design. The system is meant to be, well, simple. While additional platforms integrations are always being explored, there are no full-scale plans in this regard.
Based on this review, SimpliSafe users should not hold out much hope for Z-Wave compatibility in the near future. However, if you own both systems, you can use them both in your home at the same time.
Using SimpliSafe and Z-Wave Simultaneously
SimpliSafe and Z-Wave can function normally but apart from each other in any home. SimpliSafe and Z-Wave operate on different networks, so their respective products can communicate with each other within their own system without interfering with the other system in any way.
SimpliSafe uses built-in cellular coverage rather than relying solely on your Wifi network. You have the option of connecting your SimpliSafe network to your home’s Wifi, but it is not required except for the SimpliCam and Video Doorbell Pro.
Z-Wave also does not use your home’s Wifi network. Z-Wave products use a Z-Wave network. If you are not familiar with Z-wave technology, an article from IoT Times provides as easy to understand explanation:
Wi-Fi, which most of us are familiar with, operates on either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequencies, providing wireless internet to any connected devices. Z-Wave operates on a much lower frequency — between 800 and 900 MHz — and is primarily for home automation. The lower frequency means there’s almost no interference for Z-Wave networks.
Z-Wave also does not need a hub or base to communicate through like Wifi and SimpliSafe do. This means one less hub and fewer wires in your smart home.
Speaking of wireless connections. Does the SimpliSafe doorbell need to be wired or wireless? Read our post here to find out all the details.
SimpliSafe Integrations
SimpliSafe’s newest system, the All-New SimpliSafe, works with:
- Amazon Alexa
- Google Assistant
- Apple Watch
You must be subscribed to the SimpliSafe Interactive Monitoring Plan to access these integration features. The plan has a monthly payment and includes 24/7 professional monitoring.
Do you have an Alexa device at home already? Read our post about all the useful commands that are compatible with SimpliSafe and Alexa!
Voice Control Integration
Amazon Alexa and Google Home integration allows SimpliSafe users to arm their SimpliSafe system in home and away mode using their voice. For security reasons, disarming SimpliSafe through voice control is not available.
To use SimpliSafe with an Alexa product, enable the SimpliSafe Home Control skill in the Alexa app. For a list of Alexa SimpliSafe skill voice commands, click on this CNET article.
SimpliSafe’s integration abilities extend further with Google Assistant. If you have a Google Home, you can integrate SimpliSafe into your home’s Google Routines. Set up Google Routines in the Google Assistant app. Follow this link for a list of Google SimpliSafe voice commands.
Third-Party Compatibility
You can use your Apple Watch to arm and disarm your SimpliSafe system with the touch of a finger. To set up Apple Watch SimpliSafe integration, download the SimpliSafe app in the App Store and install it on your Apple Watch.
While SimpliSafe is compatible with the Nest Learning Thermostat and August Smart Lock, both of their respective companies were acquired by Google, and these products will be discontinued.
Z-Wave Integrations
Z-Wave technology works with over 2,000 smart home products. It is one of the most integratable choices for smart home technology.
You can find a comprehensive list of all of the home security systems that are compatible with Z-Wave here.
SimpliSafe Improvements
The All-New SimpliSafe was released in January 2018. While it does not have Z-Wave compatibility, it differs from the Original SimpliSafe in many ways. Check out the table below to compare compatibility and features of the old and new SimpliSafe systems.
| Original SimpliSafe | All-New SimpliSafe | |
| Z-Wave Compatibility | No | No |
| Nest Learning Thermostat Compatibility | Yes | Being discontinued |
| August Smart Lock Compatibility | Yes | Being discontinued |
| Amazon Alexa Compatibility | No | Yes |
| Google Assistance Compatibility | No | Yes |
| Apple Watch Compatibility | No | Yes |
| Network connections | Cellular only | Cellular and Wifi |
| Keypad | Limited ability to change settings No backlit keys | Full ability to change settings Backlit keys |
| Product Range | Up to 400 feet | Up to 1,000 feet |
