Best DIY Home Security Systems of 2025

The best do-it-yourself home security system is SimpliSafe. It’s easy to install on your own—no hefty installation fees required—and it delivers the most proactive monitoring in the game to help stop a break-in before it happens.

SimpliSafe’s Active Guard monitoring, three-pronged emergency dispatch, affordable no-contract plans, long warranty, and 60-day return policy make it our top DIY pick for 2025. While its smart home compatibility could be stronger, it’s a standout choice if you care more about real security than fancy automation.

Keep reading to see how SimpliSafe performed in hands-on testing and how it stacks up to monitored security systems. You can also check out our comprehensive review of all the best home security systems. 

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If you need more help figuring out if a DIY system fits your needs, read our comparison page that breaks down the pros and cons of professional versus DIY installation.

• Installation: The easiest systems to install yourself don't require any wires or drills and typically take between 30 and 60 minutes to set up. The basic components of a security system, like the base station or hub, literally just need to be plugged in. The system's mobile app will usually walk you through adding all the sensors, cameras, and other devices. Look for equipment that you can either peel and stick or, at most, use a screwdriver (no wiring!).
• No contracts: One of the best parts of a do-it-yourself security system is you typically don't need to sign a contract. But there are some systems, like Frontpoint and Cove, that may come with a contract, depending on how much you can pay upfront and whether or not you use financing. Typically, any financing will include a contract, which also means a higher monthly fee but no big payment due at purchase.
• Equipment: DIY security systems shouldn't require any hard wiring. Look for sensors that are peel-and-stick—ideal for renters who don't want to put holes in the walls. The base station, control panel, and some indoor cameras are usually plugged into an outlet, and then the rest of the equipment is wireless (meaning both battery-powered and Wi-Fi enabled), so you can install them easily with the included adhesive.
• Camera options: A basic security system doesn't necessarily include cameras, but we highly recommend at least one outdoor camera. Look for a system that lets you choose indoor, outdoor, doorbell, or all three camera types. Then, consider the features you want, like two-way talk or night vision—and make sure your system offers those. Keep in mind, depending on the company, there may be a monthly fee for camera cloud storage, even if you don't choose a monthly professional monitoring plan. SimpliSafe has pretty straightforward cameras, while Frontpoint has more advanced options and models.
• Self-monitoring vs. professional monitoring: Make sure the monitoring option you choose meets your home security needs. If you always have your phone and are willing to respond to alerts and call for help if needed, self-monitoring is a good choice. Best of all, you won't be paying a monthly fee. But if you can't always be on call or if you have kids and pets at home while you're away, you might do better with professional monitoring, where someone is watching your system and can respond to an alarm 24/7. 
• Support: If you're worried about your tech skills when it comes to setting up your system, you can find DIY companies that offer virtual assistance and online tutorials. Depending on the company you choose, you can always contact support via online chat or a phone call. 
• Return policy: Do you want try out the system with the option to return it  before you're locked in for good? Many companies offer a trial period (usually 30 or 60 days), just find out if the trial starts when you order your system or when you receive it—that can make a big difference on when you need to cancel for a refund if it doesn't work out.
• Warranty: DIY security companies should offer at least some kind of limited warranty. SimpliSafe and Frontpoint offer a three-year warranty on equipment while Arlo, Abode and Wyze only offer one year of coverage. You'll notice that companies like Cove, that require professional monitoring, offer a lifetime warranty. You can get lifetime coverage with SimpliSafe, too, if you get a professional monitoring plan.

For more information on the broader security market, check our our essential home security systems guide. 

SimpliSafe also has generous equipment policies. We like that it includes a three-year warranty on its equipment rather than the thin one-year coverage from brands like Abode, Arlo, and Wyze. If you upgrade to the Fast Protect™ plan, you'll get lifetime warranty coverage. Plus, its 60-day return policy is twice as long as other brands on our list.

SimpliSafe is a cinch to install and has all the equipment you need to protect your family. Setup took less than an hour during testing. Still, we've had some hiccups during one test getting the smart lock and outdoor camera to work. But our interactions with customer service were excellent, and our recent installation of the latest SimpliSafe system with Active Guard went without a hitch. That said, SimpliSafe's equipment selection lacks smart home options like a thermostat and Z-Wave compatibility.

Overall, SimpliSafe is a great find for anyone looking for affordable proactive security without any contracts or red tape.

Get more info from our SimpliSafe review.

This system is pricier than other brands on our list, but we think Frontpoint is well worth the investment to get excellent customer service and high-end equipment options. Make sure you call to order instead of shopping online if you want the no-contract deal.

Get the full scoop in our Frontpoint review.

Cove's monitoring plans (with RapidSOS) start at $19.99 a month for basic service without mobile app controls or security cameras—matching SimpliSafe's pricing tiers. But Cove's pricier Cove Plus plan ($27.99 a month) ups the ante with a lifetime warranty.

When you sign up for this system, you'll customize it with any sensors you want to install. These extras include a glass break detector, flood sensor, outdoor camera, and a medical alert/panic button. While there aren't any preset starter kits like other brands, Cove's quick survey and online shop keep the process simple. Plus, Cove more regularly discounts equipment for new subscribers than most rivals.

Cove's smart home gear lags behind Abode and Frontpoint. The system has some compatibility with Alexa and Google but no Z-Wave support, so you need to buy directly from Cove if you want to expand your system.

As we tested Cove, we liked how easy the installation was—it took about 30 minutes. Still, Cove was a little too eager to sound a full-blown alarm when we set off the smoke detector while cooking. We'd appreciate an easier way to cancel false alarms in the app or on the control panel.

Overall, Cove is a solid alternative to SimpliSafe, with competitive prices, security cameras (learn more about Cove cameras), and equipment to match. Cove's wildly easy to set up in only a few minutes, and you won't need a contract to do it.

Check out our full Cove review to learn more.

For $22 a month, Abode's professional monitoring compares well with SimpliSafe and Cove. Or you can self-monitor your Abode system. We think most folks will appreciate Abode's affordable equipment as well.

Overall, we think Abode is an underrated gem of a system. Its smart home prowess is hard to beat and is practically on the same level as some smart home hubs.

Check out our full Abode review to learn more.

Arlo's monitoring plan is fairly competitive, but is pricier than most brands in our comparison. Still, it's about $3 cheaper per month than comparable plans from SimpliSafe and Cove. While Arlo's cameras boast strong smart home connections, this doesn't extend to the security system just yet.

Arlo has a few rough spots compared to its rivals. For one, it's the only system on our list without a built-in battery backup. But at least you can add this feature—and cellular backup—by purchasing an accessory for around $80. Also, Arlo's warranty tops out at one year, which is more in line with what you expect for retail electronics than a security system with pro monitoring.

Overall, we think the Arlo security system is an easy choice for folks wanting fewer sensors that watch for multiple things. On top of that, Arlo has the most advanced security cameras on our list.

We wanted our rankings to fit what folks want from self-install security systems—so we surveyed our readers directly. Ultimately, it comes down to that sweet, sweet moolah—over two-thirds of respondents said saving money is their main goal.

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

SimpliSafe is our favorite contract-free DIY home security system. In addition to five equipment plans and simple setup instructions, its professional monitoring is economical and you have the option to self-montior. It doesn't lock you into a contract, and there's a 60-day money-back guarantee if you decide the service isn't for you.

To find out how DIY home alarm systems stand up to professional systems, see our review of the best overall home security systems.

• Best Overall Home Security Systems
• Everything You Need to Know about Home Security
• Security System Installation: Professional vs. DIY
• Installing a Security System Is Easier Than You Think
• The 5 Ds of Home Security