DIY home security systems have some great advantages over professional companies for security systems such as ADT i Vivint. Most importantly, they make home security more affordable. You do not have to pay thousands of dollars in advance or during a multi-year contract. DIY home security systems cost money a few hundred dollars, and you can install them yourself. Plus, you’ll be getting rid of clutter you don’t need.
We tested some of the most popular DIY home security options available and rounded out our choices below the best, including Ring Alarm Pro.
Want to know if DIY is the right choice for you? Read our comparison of DIY and professionally installed home security systems.
Do-it-yourself home security systems.
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The Ring Alarm Pro system has rocked the do-it-yourself home security market by wrapping a Wi-Fi 6 Eero router in its base device. This means you’ll get all the basic security you expect from, say, SimpliSafe or Abode, but you’ll also get access to all sorts of extra features, including backup Wi-Fi on your mobile network in the event of a power outage, network security monitoring, local processing and storage for all your Ring devices and integration with Alexa’s Guard Plus service (provided you have an Echo speaker or screen).
Ring still has a problematic history when it comes to its practices and privacy policies, but Ring Alarm Pro is undoubtedly one of the smartest home security systems I have ever tested, and has surprisingly good prices in a crowded market. A basic system with four entry sensors, one motion detector, one Z-Wave extender and a keyboard costs $ 300, and you can add other a la carte devices at reasonable prices.
Read our review of Ring Alarm Pro.
Chris Monroe / CNET
SimpliSafe was one of the first home security system options to come to market and is a reasonable alternative to ADT and other professional alarm companies. This is largely due to the affordable price of this home security system and the wide range of accessories. You can regularly find his starter kit for around $ 200.
SimpliSafe’s impressive array of accessories such as a keychain, additional motion sensors, smoke detector, glass breakage sensor, siren and solid performance at a price make it our favorite home security system DIY – if basic security is all you need.
Read our review of the SimpliSafe Home Security System (2018).
David Priest / CNET
Wyze Home Monitoring stands out for its affordable price. The basic kit includes two door / window sensors, a motion detector, a keyboard and a base station with a built-in siren – all for around $ 100 (an increase from the original price of $ 50). Add $ 10 a month for professional supervision or simply sign up for a year of professional follow-up ($ 60) and get half the discount for a starter kit. From there, you can add cameras for around $ 30, sensors for less than $ 10, and a host of other gadgets at ridiculously cheap prices. The only real drawback: Wyze has no mobile backup in case of power outage or internet.
What other DIY home security systems have we tested?
The above systems are not the only DIY options we tested. We tried it too Abode Iota, Cove, Lorex, Frontpoint, Kangaroo i An alarm is ringing. Iota was an excellent security system, but it was not able to match Simplisafe’s prices. Frontpoint, meanwhile, offers great hardware at competitive prices, but its monthly tracking fees of $ 45 are too much. Cove simply struggled to differentiate himself in any significant way.
Favorable options Kangaroo and Ring Alarm could not completely knock out Wyze. The Kangaroo almost matches Wyze’s price, but its hardware – especially its clumsy doorbell camera – leaves something to be desired. Meanwhile, Ring Alarm, although it is everywhere, is part of the company with a worrying history when it comes to police partnerships. While the Ring Alarm is stable with the Wyze, the Wyze comes first simply because it doesn’t carry all your luggage like the Ring.
Finally, Lorex offers a local network of connected cameras – but it doesn’t offer the integration that smarter systems do for the same price.
Do you have more questions? Look at this a comprehensive guide to all things home security.
Do-it-yourself home security system FAQs
How do I choose the best DIY security system for my home?
There are a few things to consider when choosing the right DIY home security system.
It is obvious that the cost – both in advance for equipment and potential current subscriptions for monitoring or storage – is one of the main factors when choosing a home security setting. Some systems, such as the Wyze Home Monitoring System shown above, are available for less than $ 100. Others can return you $ 200 to $ 300 or more, and the price could increase with each sensor, camera, or alarm you add. Adding another layer of complexity to the equation: Many of these systems have significant discounts throughout the year.
When talking about adding a device, be sure to consider the number of areas, such as doors and windows, you will want to set up a camera or sensor when choosing a DIY security kit. Some DIY security systems may have a base and one or two sensors, while others, such as the Ring Alarm Pro, come with four sensors, a motion sensor and a range extender.
Higher priced security systems are likely to come with more devices, plus lots of useful features and compatibility with other smart home devices, which is something else you’ll want to consider when choosing a DIY home security system. Ring Alarm Pro, our best choice for DIY security systems, has backup with cellular power, local processing and storage for Ring devices along with easy integration with Alexa Guard Plus service.
Finally, you will want to consider local storage and tracking options in relation to subscription. The DIY Ring system, for example, can offer a number of options for tracking and storing data at an additional monthly cost that are not available with other devices. On the other hand, if you would rather monitor your home security system and manage your data storage yourself, many devices allow you to do so at no extra cost.
Is it better to have professional home security compared to the DIY version?
DIY home security system certainly has its advantages, such as lower cost and easy self-installation, but professional security has its advantages. Although do-it-yourself systems are usually easy to install and set up, you won’t have to worry about any of this when a professional system is installed by an experienced technician.
Professional systems are generally more expensive than DIY, but can have lower start-up costs. It is possible to get free or discounted equipment and free installation with a professional system, but keep in mind that you may also need to sign a one-year or two-year contract.
Signing a contract is sad, but the level of monitoring, support and guarantees can be worth it. While DIY systems often come with warranties, tracking options and technical support, professional services are likely to provide a hassle-free experience – if you’re willing to pay for it.
How much do home security systems “do it yourself” cost?
A DIY security system can cost $ 60 to $ 400 or more depending on the brand and model you buy and where you buy it. The Wyze home surveillance system is great value for $ 80, for example. On the other side of the spectrum, SimpliSafe’s 10-piece DIY home security system is available for $ 469 on their website – and those prices can be much higher if you opt for all the bells and whistles the service offers.
As with any addition or upgrade to your home, you will want to estimate the cost and what you get for the money, when choosing a DIY security system for your home. It’s easy to add up the cost of a DIY system, but keep in mind that even choosing a cheaper system that doesn’t meet your needs may not be worth your time.