SimpliSafe's Video Doorbell Series 2 adds human Active Guard monitoring

When the camera detects suspicious activity using a combination of on-device AI, cloud-based computer vision, and facial recognition, a SimpliSafe monitoring agent can drop in on the camera to see, speak to, and try to deter potential intruders and package thieves, according to the company. Active Guard is opt-in, and the agent can only view live footage when the system is armed and has been triggered. It requires a Pro or Plus SimpliSafe monitoring plan starting at $49.99 a month.

The Video Doorbell Series 2 is a wired doorbell with 2K resolution, a 10x zoom, a 150-degree head-to-toe view, two-way audio, and a built-in siren. It has smart alerts for people and packages, up to five seconds of pre-roll video, and support for dual-band Wi-Fi. The doorbell requires a SimpliSafe base station and keypad and works with any monitored SimpliSafe plan. It can also be used with a self-monitored plan with video recording.

Active Guard was launched in 2023 on SimpliSafe's indoor camera, arrived on outdoor cameras in 2024, and is now available on the company's newest doorbell camera. In addition to potentially deterring intruders, SimpliSafe says the system can provide emergency services with more accurate information.

SimpliSafe has published a privacy page detailing how the system works. It says footage is encrypted at rest and in transit, though not end-to-end, and that SimpliSafe will not share camera footage with law enforcement unless required by law. Color-coded LED status lights on the doorbell indicate when a monitoring agent is speaking in amber or when the homeowner is speaking in blue. Users can also create a library of familiar faces so the monitoring agent does not scare a dog walker.

Ring offers a similar proactive security feature called Virtual Guard that works with its Ring Alarm system for $99 a month. Having a human able to see and verify whether there is actual danger at a home and potentially act on it has value, especially in areas where false alarms incur fines, but for most people this feels like overkill.

Editor's Summary SimpliSafe's Video Doorbell Series 2 brings Active Guard human monitoring to the front door for $199.99 plus a plan starting at $49.99 a month. It uses AI, cloud computer vision, and facial recognition to trigger live agents, while Ring offers a comparable Virtual Guard service for $99 a month. The service may help verify real threats and reduce false-alarm fines, though it may be more than many homeowners need.