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.

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"). SimpliSafe's plans include professional monitoring with RapidSOS  for security issues and environmental threats like fires and gas leaks. Still, only the Interactive plan uses video verification to check for false alarms using security cameras.

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

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 and Wyze. 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. That said, SimpliSafe lacks smart home options like a thermostat and Z-Wave compatibility. Overall, SimpliSafe'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. If you pay up front for equipment, you can skip the payment plan.

Frontpoint is a high-end DIY security system with monitoring starting at $34.99 a month with the exclusive SafeWise monitoring deal. The quality of the equipment and customer service make it one of our favorite security systems. As a bonus, Frontpoint includes Allstate Identity Protection with every system to help protect you online.

Frontpoint offers a three-warranty on its equipment, like SimpliSafe. But it differs by offering a full suite of smart devices like a smart thermostat, smart plug, smoke detector, and Z-Wave compatibility.

This system is pricier than other brands on our list, so it's just shy of the top spot. Still, we think Frontpoint is well worth the investment to get excellent customer service and equipment options.

Get the full scoop in our Frontpoint review.

Abode goes a step further than basic smart home connections with custom automations using its CUE service upgrade. 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.

For $20 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.

Cove's monitoring plans (with RapidSOS) start at $14.99 a month for basic service without mobile app controls or security cameras—similar to SimpliSafe's pricing tiers. But Cove's pricier Cove Plus plan ($24.99 a month) ups the ante with a lifetime warranty compared to SimpliSafe's three-year coverage.

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.

Overall, Cove is a solid alternative to SimpliSafe, with competitive prices, security 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.

Wyze offers a huge selection of devices. You can expand your system with extra keypads, entry sensors, motion detectors, climate sensors, and a water leak sensor. Throw Wyze security cameras and smart home devices in the mix, and it's as robust as what Frontpoint, Abode, and Ring offer.

The subscription includes cloud video storage for a single Wyze camera, though you need to pay extra to store video from other cameras. (Or skip the cloud plan in favor of a microSD card.)

Wyze's biggest blindspot is a lack of cellular backup, so it won't work if your internet goes down like other brands on our list (at least there's a battery backup for power outages). While the mobile app is easy to use, you can't share system access with other Wyze users in your home like with Wyze cameras—they need the physical keypad to arm and disarm your system.

Overall, Wyze is the perfect appetizer for anyone wanting to try pro monitoring for the first time without spending too much. Learn more in our full Wyze Home Monitoring review.

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. 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.

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

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

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To find the best fit for a range of lifestyles and budgets, we extensively researched 10 DIY systems. We looked at 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 fit what folks want from 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.

Contributing writers: Alina Bradford, Katie McEntire

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