Best DIY Install Alarm Systems of 2020

Our Top Picks for 2020

The top three DIY systems we chose come with custom equipment packages, cellular monitoring, and smart home compatibility. Our top pick, Frontpoint, has a hub and keypad that are smash-proof and encrypted to keep your home and information safe. Frontpoint’s excellent customer service and five package options make it simple for security newbies to install, use, and add smart devices to their system.

Our runner up, Link Interactive, lets you customize your security system from the ground up. After you choose a monitoring plan, you can handpick security, emergency, and home automation equipment to add to your home. This means you can design your security system based on your family’s needs.

And finally, SimpliSafe is our favorite contract-free DIY security system. In addition to eight equipment plans and simple setup instructions, you can choose to monitor the system yourself or opt for professional monitoring. You won’t be locked into a contract, and there’s a 60-day money-back guarantee if you decide the service isn’t for you

Compare DIY Home Security Systems

About DIY Install Home Security Systems

Security systems don’t have to come with a hefty installation fee—DIY alarms can be easily installed on your own. Today’s DIY systems are customizable and come with companion apps that guide you through installation, monitoring, and emergencies.

Most DIY security systems link your system to a professional monitoring center that watches for alerts. This means you’ll have monthly monitoring fees, but it takes the pressure off of you, boosts emergency response times, and cuts down on false alarms. If you’re looking to do it all yourself, some DIY systems offer self-monitoring service. This skips the monthly fees, but you’ll have to watch your alarms and call emergency responders if needed.

Reviews: Best DIY Home Security Systems

Frontpoint: Best Overall

Frontpoint’s DIY security system offers reliable professional monitoring with easy-to-install devices. We found customer reviews consistently praising the easy setup, helpful customer support, and effective equipment.

For $0 down, you can get started with your own security system that includes a smart hub and keypad, three window and door sensors, two motion sensors, yard signs, window decals, and door stickers. A system this size should be enough to protect a small home or condo. These devices are standard because they’re useful for monitoring your home’s entry points and the rooms inside. The Frontpoint hub and keypad work in tandem as the brains of the system. The hub encrypts information like keycodes and schedules so hackers can’t touch the digital valuables in your home.

The monthly monitoring rates are higher than average, but you get a lot at every tier. Features like 24/7 monitoring, automated system checks, and unique user codes come standard for all the equipment plans. The higher end packages require more expensive monitoring plans, but come with extra features like live video streaming and motion detection alerts.

Get the full scoop in our Frontpoint review.

Link Interactive: Best for Customization

Whether you want bare bones or bells and whistles, Link Interactive has truly customizable DIY home security systems. You can choose your equipment, choose your contract length, or add video monitoring.

Each of the three plans includes professional, 100% cellular monitoring and intrusion, fire, and Crash & Smash alarms. And while smart home capabilities are limited on the Standard plan, you can still purchase smart locks to secure your home.

Installing a security system by yourself sounds intimidating, but Link Interactive makes it as easy as peeling off a sticker or grabbing a screwdriver. The company has a lot of equipment to choose from too, including several indoor and outdoor cameras. But video monitoring is available only through the Elite plan, which can get pricey. Learn more in our full Link Interactive review.  

SimpliSafe: Budget Pick

Long contracts can be scary, but you don’t have to be afraid of SimpliSafe’s month-to-month plans. SimpliSafe is a great system if you’re curious about a new system but don’t want a long term relationship out the gate. 

The monthly prices range from $14.99 to $24.99, the same as many people’s coffee budget. 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. The Interactive plan also gives you mobile access to your system so you can keep an eye on it from your phone. 

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, smart locks, and outdoor cameras. 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.

More DIY Systems to Consider

Nest Secure: Best for Smart Homes

Cove: Best for Easy Setup

Cove offers no-frills, no-commitment DIY home security. It’s wildly easy to set up Cove in only a few minutes and you won’t need a contract to do it. When you sign up for this system, you’ll begin with a basic package you get to customize. From there, you can add any sensors you want to install. Some of these extras include glass break detectors, flood sensors, and a medical alert button.

Cove is new to the game, but if it can improve its limited smart home capabilities, it’ll be higher up on our list.

• Professional monitoring
• No contracts
• Custom packages
• Limited smart home equipment

Ring: Best for Outdoor Cameras

Amazon-owned Ring is another no-contract DIY system to watch. While you can get professional monitoring, you can also spend a minimum $199, set up your system, and monitor it yourself.

Ring has several equipment packages to choose from and a whole fleet of outdoor lights and cameras to keep your home and backyard illuminated and safe. It also has the most smart doorbell options of any of the DIY alarm systems on our list. If you decide Ring isn’t for you, the 30-day money-back guarantee will return your cash, no strings attached. We like Ring because it’s a simple system with some neat add-ons. It is fresh on the market, so we’ll have to keep watching to see how it performs over time. Read our full review on Ring.

• Generous selection of outdoor cameras
• No contracts
• Optional professional monitoring

Things to Consider before You Buy a DIY Home Security System

There are tons of great systems out there that you can install yourself, but there are a few things to keep in mind before you make the plunge. Money is a factor for many, but there are other things to consider too.

First, your schedule can affect how you receive and respond to alerts. If you’re away often, professional monitoring may be the best choice because the monitoring center can alert authorities if you’re unavailable when an alarm is triggered.

Second, think of how often you have visitors while you’re not at home. You may need to trust dog walkers, babysitters, house cleaners, and other folks with your security code to get inside your home. For these scenarios, consider a system with key fobs or personal codes they can use to enter. Other DIY systems have doorbell cameras you can use to buzz in visitors when you aren’t home.

Lastly, consider your living plans for the next three years. A lot of security systems with DIY installation have a 36-month contract. If you’re currently renting, will you be moving in the next three years? If so, look for a DIY security system you can take with you and install in your new home. All the companies above let you take your equipment with you.

Overall, considering factors like your family’s schedule, any regular visitors, and your security goals can help you choose a security system that’s suits your family’s lifestyle.

FAQs

Can I take my DIY system with me if I move?

Most DIY systems are easy to setup and can move with you from place to place, making them great for renters. Generally, DIY systems come with peel and stick sensors that attach directly to the wall. At most, you’ll need a screwdriver to pop open battery cases or secure equipment to the wall. All of this easy assembly makes for easy disassembly when you pack up and move to a new home.

How many sensors do I need in my house?

The size of your house will affect how many sensors you’ll need. At minimum, you should have a sensor at each main point of entry. This may mean only one if you live in an apartment or several if you have a larger house with multiple exit points.

Will my dog set off the system when I’m gone?

Most motion sensors aren’t triggered by pets under 40 pounds. For dogs over 40 pounds, you can replace motion sensors with glass break sensors or indoor security cameras. Just note that not all companies monitor security cameras for you.

Can I mix products from different systems?

Not usually, but systems compatible with Z-Wave technology allow you to customize your home with third-party products like smart light bulbs, outlets, and more. Z-Wave uses radio signals to connect your devices through the smart hub so you can control everything from one place. You can find Z-Wave products from a variety of manufacturers to mix and match your smart home system.

Other products carry Zigbee technology that creates a connected mesh network throughout your home. The more Zigbee products you have, the stronger your network becomes. When paired with the right security system, both Z-Wave and Zigbee devices can make your home smarter and safer.

What do I do if my system breaks or malfunctions?

Most DIY systems come with at least a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you have problems with your system within that first month, you can return it for free. Each system has its own unique policy and warranty, so it’s best to read the fine print before purchasing and save the paperwork.

How We Chose the Best DIY Home Security Systems

Purchasing and setting up your own home security system is an investment, so we wanted to recommend the best. In order to find the best fit for a range of lifestyles and budgets, we did extensive research on home security policies, installation, customer reviews, instruction manuals, and all the fine print. We even mystery shopped to get the most accurate experience we could. Learn more about the methodology we use for each of our reviews.

Related Resources on SafeWise

• Security System Installation: Professional vs. DIY Installation
• Installing a Security System Is Easier Than You Think
• What Are the Advantages of Installing a Do-It-Yourself Security System?