Best DIY Home Security Systems of 2022

Looking for an alarm system that makes you feel safer? We've tested all the top professional installation and DIY home security package costs, here's our comparison of 10 DIY home security systems to find the one that's right for you.

Most home security systems today are wireless and operate using your home Wi-Fi network. Professional installation, while requiring less effort, usually costs money and time. You will pay the installation fee and you must be present on the day of installation to supervise the process. If you're at least a little tech inclined and want to save money, consider a DIY-installed home security system. Most DIY home security companies have step-by-step instructions, don't require electrical skills or professional tools, and offer support over the phone if you get stuck.

Such as our top pick SimpliSafe. It grabbed our attention with affordable monitoring and equipment, and the long warranty and 60-day return policy were worth sticking with. Its smart home compatibility could be better, but it's a solid option for most people.

Read on to learn more about SimpliSafe and how it compares to the "expensive but good value" Frontpoint and other monitored security systems with DIY installations.

Our Best DIY Home Security Systems Rating

1. SimpliSafe: Best DIY Home Security System
2. Frontpoint: Best equipment upgrades
3. Abode: Best for smart homes
4. Wyze: Best budget system
5. Blue by ADT: Best optional monitoring
6. Kangaroo: Best Price Advantage
7. Ring Alarm Security Kit: Best for Ring Device Users
8. Cove Security: Best Easiest Install
9. Alder: Best for Medical Alerts
10. Link Interactive: Best for Smoke, Fire, and CO Detection

• How we reviewed

Compare DIY home security systems

Company	Best for	Lowest price	Professional monitoring	Mobile app in base plan	Smart home compatibility	Learn more	Read review
SimpliSafe	Best overall	$17.99/mo.	Optional	Yes	Amazon, Google	View Packages	Read review
Frontpoint	Best equipment upgrades	$34.99/mo.	Yes	Yes	Amazon, Google, Z-Wave	View Packages	Read review
Abode	Best for smart homes	$21.99/mo.	Optional	Yes	Amazon, Apple, Google, Z-Wave, Zigbee	View Packages	Read review
Wyze	Best budget system	$9.99/mo.	Optional	Yes	Amazon, Google	View on Amazon	Read review
Blue by ADT	Best optional monitoring	$19.99/mo.	Optional	Yes	Amazon, Google,Z-Wave	View Packages	Read review

Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

What's in my DIY Security System Starter Kit?

Equipment	Base kit price	Build your own	Base kit includes	Learn more
SimpliSafe	$244.00 (4 pieces)	Starting at $199.00	Base station, keypad, entry sensor, motion sensor	View Packages
Frontpoint	$129.00 (7 pieces)	Starting at $228.74	Hub, keypad, entry sensors (2), motion sensor, doorbell camera, home defense kit	View Packages
Abode	$279.00 (5 pieces)	Starting at $279.00	Base station, mini entry sensor, motion sensor, key fob, sticker	View Packages
Wyze	$99.98 (7 pieces)	Starting at $29.99	Hub, keypad, entry sensors (2), motion sensor, stickers (2)	View Packages
Blue by ADT	$219.99 (8 pieces)	Starting at $179.00	Base station, entry sensors (2), yard sign, stickers (4)	View Packages

Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Best DIY Home Security Systems Reviews

#1. SimpliSafe: Best DIY Home Security System

Pros	Cons
Easy to install on your own No contract required System batteries last 10+ years Affordable professional monitoring 5 packages to choose from Can arm or disarm the system from your phone, Amazon Alexa, Apple Watch, etc.	Limited smart capabilities No facial recognition and may send false alerts May be difficult to use for customers who aren’t tech-savvy

#2. Frontpoint: Best equipment upgrades

Pros	Cons
Great customer service Excellent equipment Option to start for $0 down	Pricey monitoring

#3. Abode: Best for smart homes

Pros	Cons
Doesn’t require a long-term contract Strong smart home compatibility Custom automations Optional self-monitoring	No custom automation on the free plan Limited devices included in starter kits 4G cellular backup only available with Pro Plan

#4. Wyze: Best budget system

Pros	Cons
Most affordable monitoring Cheap security cameras Includes cloud storage for one Wyze camera	No cellular backup Can't share system app access with household

#5. Blue by ADT: Best optional monitoring

Pros	Cons
Self-monitoring option Many equipment and camera options Reliability of ADT	Bulky equipment

More DIY home security brands we considered

#6. Kangaroo: Best Price Advantage

#7. Ring Alarm Security Kit: Best for Ring Device Users

#8. Cove Security: Best Easiest Install

#9. Alder: Best for Medical Alerts

#10. Link Interactive: Best for Smoke, Fire, and CO Detection

Final word

Having a security system can significantly improve the safety of your home. Of course, professionally installed and monitored security can get very expensive. One smart way we like to save money is to choose a system we can install ourselves, SimpliSafe is our favorite no-contract DIY home security system. In addition to five device plans and simple setup instructions, its professional monitoring is also economical. It doesn't lock you into a contract, and there's a 60-day money-back guarantee if you don't think the service is right for you.

Frontpoint is not far behind SimpliSafe. If it wasn't expensive, this would be our favorite system with a DIY installation, especially since it forgoes the monitoring contract requirement. It's more expensive than the other DIY systems on this list, but the excellent equipment and customer service justify the price.

How we reviewed the Best DIY Security Systems

It's a seemingly simple and extremely tedious job, and we've extensively researched 15+ DIY security systems in order to find the best product for every lifestyle and budget. Visiting different homes for feedback, we looked at key features, home safety policies, installation scenarios, privacy, customer reviews, instruction manuals, installation support services and all the fine print. In addition to these our staff have also done manual testing in real homes and even conducted mystery shopping for the most authentic experience.

We wanted our rankings to meet people's need for self-installing home security systems - so we surveyed our readers directly. At the end of the day, saving money is their main motivation.

Learn more about the methodology we use for each of our reviews.

Disclaimers

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