Best DIY Home Security Systems of 2021

Security systems don’t have to come with a hefty installation fee—you can easily install DIY alarms on your own, like our top pick, SimpliSafe. It catches our attention with affordable monitoring and equipment, and the long warranty and 60-day return policy are worth sticking around for. Its smart home compatibility could be better, but it's a great choice for most folks.

Read on to learn more about SimpliSafe and how it compares to the "pricey but worth it" Frontpoint and other monitored security systems with DIY installation.

• SimpliSafe is offering 40% off with the purchase of a new system. 
• Abode is offering 10% off accessories with a starter kit purchase. Use the code SUNSET10 at the checkout. 
• New Link Interactive customers qualify for up to $250 off a new system.
• Kangaroo is having a warehouse clearance sale.

The monthly monitoring prices range from $14.99 to $24.99—way less than many people’s coffee budget (especially if you live "the Venti life"). Both of SimpliSafe’s plans include professional monitoring for environmental threats like fires and gas leaks, but only the Interactive plan tackles invasion and security issues.

SimpliSafe also has some 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 and Blue by ADT. It also has a 60-day return policy that's twice as long as other brands on our list (not that we'd want to return it).

The Interactive plan also gives you mobile app access to your system so you can keep an eye on it from your phone. While we usually recommend starting with a cheaper plan, SimpliSafe's Interactive plan is worth the upgrade since mobile app controls make it easier to control than using the keypad alone.

SimpliSafe has all the equipment you need to protect your family, plus it’s a cinch to install. That said, SimpliSafe is missing features like Z-Wave compatibility and an outdoor camera. Still, it’s a great find for anyone who wants basic security in their home, big or small.

Get more info from our SimpliSafe review.

For about $10 a month with consumer financing and a short payment plan (6, 12, or 36 months), you can start with your own alarm system that includes a smart hub and keypad, two door and window sensors, one motion sensor, a yard sign, and window decals. If you pay up front for equipment, you can skip the payment plan.

Frontpoint is a high-end DIY security system with the highest monthly monitoring rates on our list at $49.99 a month. The quality of the equipment and customer service make it one of our favorite security systems overall, but it ranks lower here, mostly due to its high price.

Even though Frontpoint is pricier than other systems on this list, we think it’s well worth the investment to get excellent customer service and equipment options.

Get the full scoop in our Frontpoint review.

It even has a great selection of equipment, including three different security cameras—all costing around $200 each. We think the price is pretty steep for these cameras, especially compared to Ring. The cloud video storage with the monitoring subscription is small—and you pay extra for more storage.

Blue by ADT is new to the market, so it sometimes feels incomplete. The mobile app is a little glitchy, but we expect this to improve through software updates. It's also disappointing that the company lacks a live chat support option, which is often a fast lane to help with your system compared to phone and email.

Overall, Blue by ADT is a welcome DIY option from such a well-known brand as ADT. It shows that even an older company can learn new tricks to help its customers better.

Learn more in our full Blue by ADT review.

While smart home connections are certainly useful, Abode goes a step further by allowing you to create custom automations using its CUE service. These are easy to set up (unless you use the mobile app) so your system can run automatically based on time of day, your location, and when sensors detect something. One automation worth trying is having Abode arm itself when you leave the house.

When we tested Abode, we didn't like how the CUE automations and some settings weren't very accessible through the Abode app, but the company stepped up and fixed this in a recent app update. The CUE automations do have a drawback; they aren't free for customers without a paid subscription.

For $20 a month, Abode's professional monitoring compares well with SimpliSafe and Blue by ADT. Or you can self-monitor your Abode system without signing up for the professional service. We think most folks will appreciate Abode's affordable equipment as well.

Check out our full Abode review to learn more.

At $10 a month, Ring Alarm has the lowest professional monitoring price among self-install home security systems. Not only that, but it includes cloud video storage for all of your Ring security cameras and video doorbells without forcing you to upgrade to a more expensive plan.

Ring has several equipment packages to choose from and a whole fleet of outdoor cameras and lights to keep your home and backyard illuminated and safe. It also has more smart doorbell options than other DIY alarm systems on our list.

Ring starter kits cost $249.99, making it an affordable options and a good alternative to SimpliSafe. We especially like that its most expensive home security kit is a little over $300 when similar kits from Frontpoint and SimpliSafe cost nearly $500.

Because Ring is an Amazon company, it has excellent integration with Amazon Alexa smart speakers and fits nicely into an Alexa-centric smart home. Overall, we like Ring because it’s an easy alarm system with some neat add-ons.

Read our full Ring Alarm review.

Our top pick, SimpliSafe, is our favorite contract-free DIY home security system. In addition to six equipment plans and simple setup instructions, you can choose to monitor the system yourself or opt for professional monitoring. It won’t lock you into a contract, and there’s a 60-day money-back guarantee if you decide the service isn’t for you.

Frontpoint isn't far behind SimpliSafe. If it wasn't almost twice the price, it would be our favorite system with a DIY install, especially since it dropped its monitoring contract requirement. It’s more expensive than other DIY systems on this list, but the excellent equipment and customer service justify the price.

We ultimately think that full-service systems like Vivint are better for most people since an expert has your back. But it's hard to ignore the sense of accomplishment—and lower prices—you find in DIY security systems.

Overall, considering factors like your family’s schedule, any regular visitors, and your security goals can help you choose a security system that suits your family’s lifestyle. To find out how DIY home alarm systems stand up to ones with professional installation, see our review of the best home security systems.

Contributing writers: Alina Bradford, Katie McEntire

To find the best fit for a range of lifestyles and budgets, we extensively researched key features, home security policies, installation, customer reviews, instruction manuals, and all the fine print. We also did hands-on testing in real homes and even mystery-shopped to get the most authentic experience.

We wanted our rankings to accurately fit what folks want out of self-install home security systems. So we surveyed our readers directly. Ultimately, it all comes down to that sweet, sweet moolah—with over two-thirds of respondents saying that saving money is their primary motivation.

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

• Best Home Security Systems
• Everything You Need to Know about Home Security
• How to Know if a DIY Home Security System is for You
• Kangaroo Home Security Review
• Installing a Security System Is Easier Than You Think
• Security System Installation: Professional vs. DIY Installation
• The 5 Ds of Home Security
• What Are the Advantages of Installing a Do-It-Yourself Security System?