This doorbell camera lets a human security guard watch your front door

DIY home security company SimpliSafe is bringing its AI-powered proactive security feature to the front door. The new SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Series 2 launches today for $199.99 and works with the company’s Active Guard Outdoor Protection (starting at $49.99 a month). This combines AI analysis with live agents to detect potential threats and respond proactively.

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 attempt to deter potential intruders and package thieves,” according to the company.

The SimpliSafe 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 supports 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. The feature is opt in, and the agent can only view live footage when the system is armed and has been triggered. Active Guard requires a Pro or Plus SimpliSafe monitoring plan starting at $49.99 a month. In addition to potentially deterring intruders, SimpliSafe says the system can provide emergency services with more accurate information.

The company has published a privacy page detailing how the system works, including that the footage is encrypted (at rest and in transit, not end-to-end) and that it “won’t share camera footage with law enforcement unless required by law.”

Color-coded LED status lights on the doorbell indicate when a monitoring agent (amber) or homeowner (blue) is speaking, and you can create a library of familiar faces so the monitoring agent doesn’t scare the bejeezus out of your 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 be able to see and verify whether there’s any actual danger at your home and potentially act on it has value, especially if you live in an area where false alarms incur fines, but for most people this feels like overkill.