The best home security systems offer a great way to protect your home from potential outside threats. But the cost and obligation of a professionally installed home security system with contractual obligations can put some people away from the process. DIY home security systems offer low-cost solutions with a high degree of customization. Read on for our top picks for the best DIY home security systems.
Recommendations for the best DIY home security systems
The companies below are arranged alphabetically.
Best Reviews of DIY Home Security Systems
Abode offers a variety of smart home solutions, including smart home devices powered by Google Nest and Apple HomeKit. It also integrates with voice assistant programs such as Google Assistant, Z-Wave, and Amazon Alexa. This makes Abode a great choice for those looking for a smart-enabled security system.
The Abode system is offered as a DIY home security kit and starts at $259. Plans include self-monitoring options in the Standard plan and professional monitoring options in the Pro plan, with the latter costing $24.99 per month. You can also choose the $229.99 annual plan to reduce your monthly cost to less than $20 per month.
- Smart home integration with all common systems
- easy self installation
- No video doorbell or keypad options
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- Equipment cost:
- $259
- Monthly fee:
- $24.99 ($229.99 if billed annually)
- Remote access:
- yes
- Backup during power outage:
- yes
- Voice assistant compatibility:
- yes
ADT allows you to customize your system with easy setup and a wide selection of gadgets. ADT's DIY system syncs your Google Nest products through the ADT+ mobile app, so you can control your smart home security settings and receive safety notifications from virtually anywhere.
ADT's DIY options include recommended starter kits and premium packages, as well as the option to purchase each add-on separately. The Build Your Own option costs $194.98, the starter kit costs $389.96, and the premium option costs $744.92. All three options come with professional monitoring, with the essential monitoring option in the Build Your Own kit for $24.99 per month and the option to add video monitoring for $34.99 per month.
- Professional monitoring can be canceled at any time
- Integrates with Google Nest
- No free self-monitoring options
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- Equipment cost:
- $194.98
- Monthly fee:
- $24.99
- Remote access:
- yes
- Backup in case of power outage:
- yes
- Voice assistant compatibility:
- yes
Frontpoint's DIY home security systems require no professional installation and are highly customizable. The company allows you to purchase a bare-bones pack of hubs and sensors and then add equipment to it as you see fit. Ease of installation and low entry point make this the best choice for homeowners on a budget.
Frontpoint's Starter Home Security System costs $79, making it the cheapest entry point for DIY security systems on the market. The company also offers more complex systems, such as the Premier system ($169) and the Ultimate system ($419). Build your own system from scratch and mix and match to your liking.
- Least expensive system option
- Combine products to suit your needs
- Expensive professional monitoring options
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- Equipment cost:
- $79
- Monthly fee:
- $49.99
- Remote access:
- yes
- Backup in case of power outage:
- yes
- Voice assistant compatibility:
- yes
Ring, known for its Amazon Alexa-enabled video doorbells, offers alarm security kits that include door and window contact sensors, motion detection, and alarm range extenders. Ring also offers a Protect Pro subscription that lets you professionally monitor one location with alarms 24/7 without a contract. Ring's alarm systems come in two flavors: the 2nd Generation Alarm Security Kit and the Ring Alarm Pro, which includes an eero Wi-Fi 6 router.
Ring's alarm systems start at $199.99 for the 5-piece Alarm Security Kit and $299.99 for the 8-piece Ring Alarm Pro Type. Both systems have upgrade options for adding equipment. Ring Protect Pro contract-free subscriptions start at $20 per month when billed monthly, or $200 per year per location.
- Easy DIY installation
- Surveillance services include video storage and cloud storage
- Not compatible with Google Nest
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- Equipment cost:
- $199 (Ring Alarm Security), $299 (Ring Alarm Pro)
- Monthly fee:
- $20/month or $200 billed annually
- Remote access:
- yes
- Backup during power outage:
- yes
- Voice assistant compatibility:
- yes
SimpliSafe is a contract-free DIY home security system that is easy to install with no tools required. All systems come with 24/7 alarm monitoring in the form of Simplisafe's Fast Protect professional monitoring service. The company's system bundles come in a variety of types, including “The Haven'' against water leaks, “The Knox'' for larger homes, and “The Foundation'' for smaller homes and apartments (mainly protecting front doors). Focuses on security risks.
SimpliSafe bundles for traditional homes start at $167.97 (Essentials package) and go up to $425.94 for the all-in-one system The Beacon. Instead of paying everything upfront, you can also pay monthly with a 24-month payment plan. The company's Fast Protect professional monitoring service costs $29.99 per month.
- 60 day money back guarantee
- Your first month of professional monitoring is free
- No smart home automation in base package
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- Equipment cost:
- $167.97
- Monthly fee:
- $29.99
- Remote access:
- yes
- Backup during power outage:
- yes
- Voice assistant compatibility:
- yes
DIY home security system guide
As the name suggests, a DIY home security system allows you to protect your home without the burden of a full-time contract with a home security company. DIY home security systems also allow you to customize your setup down to the last detail, adding or removing features to suit your home's needs and budget.
How do DIY home security systems work?
There are two types of DIY home security systems. You can choose between a self-installed home security system that you can monitor on your own time through app-assisted live video on your phone, or a smart home security system that has a monitor in your home.
You can also hire a professional monitoring service to set up your DIY home security camera. These professional monitoring plans typically come with a monthly fee, but no additional commitments are required. These plans are suitable for homeowners who want a hassle-free setup without worrying about video storage or constant monitoring.
How to build a “do-it-yourself” home security system
To build a DIY home security system, you must first decide what type of security equipment you want to incorporate into your home. Home security systems vary, but they include:
- An alarm system controlled by a base station control panel (which can include a keypad or touchscreen)
- motion detector, contact sensor, motion sensor
- Window sensors including glass break sensors
- Entrance sensors including door sensors
- Indoor camera system for sensitive areas
- integrated smoke detector
- Battery backup system and cellular backup system
You can choose to install these yourself or hire a professional installation service. In either case, make sure your surveillance system is properly installed and that your outdoor security cameras cover your home's front entrance. The best security cameras and sensors connect wirelessly to your phone, so you can get alerts if something happens while you're out and about.
Once you have your home security system installed, it's time to decide if you want to integrate a smart home. Most home security system technologies are Wi-Fi enabled through routers, with options for integration into smart home solutions such as Apple Homekit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home Automation.
Integrating with these systems allows all your devices to store home security camera footage in the cloud.
Finally, decide whether you need professional monitoring or self-monitoring. This depends on how involved you want to be in the process and whether you're willing to pay a monthly fee for professional monitoring.
How much does a DIY home security system cost?
On average, a home security system costs about $200 to $600. This includes equipment and professional installation. Monthly monitoring fees range from $20 to $60 per month.
Does a DIY home security system require a monthly fee?
DIY security systems require a monthly fee if you hire professional monitoring. In the event of a system breach or home invasion, these companies will contact you and the authorities.
- Lower cost than contracted home security systems
- Advanced customization with security settings
- Smart home integration makes tracking easier
- Home security systems can lower homeowners insurance premiums
- Warranties are limited and repairs may be expensive
- Proper installation is important to avoid errors
- Professional monitoring services may have a monthly fee
- After-the-fact add-ons can be expensive
How to choose the right DIY home security system
There are multiple factors to consider when deciding which DIY home security system to choose. One is cost, which is directly related to the amount of equipment required. For a simple setup, cost may not be an issue, but for an outdoor camera that monitors your entire home 24/7, the initial and ongoing costs can be high.
Smart home compatibility is also a factor to consider, especially if your device is already tied to a specific framework such as Google Nest, Amazon Alexa, or Apple HomeKit. Consider a system that fits your budget and needs and matches your chosen smart home solution.
Frequently asked questions about the best DIY home security systems
Are DIY home security systems suitable for renters?
Most DIY systems are easy to install and remove, so they're a good option for renters who need extra security but don't want to make permanent changes to their home.
What are the best “do-it-yourself” home security systems with no monthly fees?
SimpliSafe offers a DIY home security system with no monthly fees or additional costs beyond the cost of the equipment.
Will a home security system increase the value of your property?
If you are a homeowner, a home security system can increase the value of your home and is a solid investment for not only home security but also financial security.
How to choose the best DIY home security system
Factors we weighed in our review of the best DIY home security systems include the overall cost of the system (both upfront and ongoing costs), the system's smart home integration options, and the overall level of customization available with each system. It will be. Special attention was also paid to how expensive professional monitoring options are compared to self-monitoring options.