Best DIY Home Security Systems of 2022
Updated by Alexia on
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
- SimpliSafe: Best DIY Home Security System
- Frontpoint: Best equipment upgrades
- Abode: Best for smart homes
- Wyze: Best budget system
- Blue by ADT: Best optional monitoring
- Kangaroo: Best Price Advantage
- Ring Alarm Security Kit: Best for Ring Device Users
- Cove Security: Best Easiest Install
- Alder: Best for Medical Alerts
- Link Interactive: Best for Smoke, Fire, and CO Detection
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
-
SimpliSafe -
Optional pro monitoring
Affordable monitoring
50% off
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
|
#2. Frontpoint: Best equipment upgrades
-
Frontpoint -
Pro monitoring
Great customer service
40% off
Pros | Cons |
Great customer service Excellent equipment Option to start for $0 down |
Pricey monitoring
|
#3. Abode: Best for smart homes
-
Abode -
Optional pro monitoring
Excellent smart home options
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
|
#4. Wyze: Best budget system
-
Wyze -
Pro monitoring
Affordable cameras
5% off
Pros | Cons |
Most affordable monitoring Cheap security cameras Includes cloud storage for one Wyze camera |
No cellular backup
|
#5. Blue by ADT: Best optional monitoring
-
Blue by ADT -
Optional pro monitoring
Reliability of ADT
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
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Bestwirelesscam.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
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