Best DIY Home Security Systems of 2020

Bottom line: DIY with Frontpoint

Security systems don’t have to come with a hefty installation fee—you can easily install DIY alarms 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 home to a professional monitoring center that watches for alerts. This means you’ll have a monthly fee, but it takes the pressure off of you, boosts emergency response times, and cuts down on false alarms.

This brings us to our top pick, Frontpoint. It 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.

Compare DIY home security systems

Info current as of 06/30/2020. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Our approach

Purchasing and setting up your own home security system is an investment, so we wanted to recommend the best.

To find the best fit for a range of lifestyles and budgets, we did extensive research on key features, home security policies, installation, customer reviews, instruction manuals, and all the fine print. We even mystery shopped to get the most authentic experience we could.

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

Reviews: Best DIY home security systems

1. Frontpoint: Best overall DIY security system

The Frontpoint 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.

If you pay up front for equipment, you can skip the contract with Frontpoint, but you’re on the hook for at least $250 depending on the devices you get.

For $0 down and a short contract (3, 6, or 12 months), you can get started with your own alarm system that includes a smart hub and keypad, three door and window 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 against intruders. 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.

2. SimpliSafe: Best budget DIY security system

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 right out of 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 app 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 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.

3. Link Interactive: Best DIY security system for customization

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

Each of the three plans includes:

• Professional, 100% cellular monitoring
• Intrusion, fire, and tampering (Crash & Smash) alarms

Installing a security system by yourself sounds intimidating, but Link Interactive makes it as easy as peeling off a sticker or grabbing a screwdriver.

This security 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.

And while there are limited smart home capabilities on the Standard plan, you can still purchase smart locks to secure your home.

Learn more in our full Link Interactive review.

4. Google Nest Secure: Best DIY security system for smart homes

5. Ring: Best DIY security system for outdoor cameras

Amazon-owned Ring is another no-contract DIY home security system to watch. While you can get professional monitoring, you can also monitor it yourself. We like Ring because it’s a simple system with some neat add-ons.

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.

Because Ring is an Amazon company, it has excellent integration with Amazon Alexa smart speakers and fits well into an Alexa-centric smart home.

Ring starter kits cost as little as $199.99, making it one of the more affordable options on our list and a good alternative to SimpliSafe, our budget pick.

Read our full review on Ring.

6. Alder: Best DIY security system for easy setup

Alder has a relatively simple setup process: the company programs every sensor and accessory before shipping your system. While this is what Frontpoint does, Alder’s monitoring service starts at $29.99 a month, which is about $15 lower.

We also like that Alder includes mobile app controls and video monitoring with all of its plans instead of making it a premium feature. Alder’s video monitoring is an especially sweet deal compared to professionally installed systems like Vivint and ADT.

Alder locks in your monitoring rate when you sign up, so the price doesn’t go up unexpectedly. That’s good, because Alder also requires one of the longest contracts we’ve seen for home security—a five-year term.

Read our full review of Alder.

Final word

Frontpoint isn’t just our favorite system with a DIY install, it’s our favorite security system period, especially since it dropped its monitoring contract requirement last year. Even though it’s more expensive than other systems on this list, we think it’s well worth the investment to get excellent customer service and equipment options.

Our runner up, SimpliSafe, is our favorite contract-free DIY home 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 get locked into a contract, and there’s a 60-day money-back guarantee if you decide the service isn’t for you.

And finally, 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.

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 security systems stand up to ones with professional installation, see our review of the best home security systems.

DIY security systems FAQ

What should I consider before buying a DIY home security system?

There are tons of great systems that you can install yourself, but there are a few things to keep in mind before you take the plunge.

1. Notification preferences 

Your schedule can affect how you receive and respond to notifications. If you’re away often, professional monitoring may be best because the alarm monitoring center alerts authorities if you’re unavailable when an alarm triggers.

2. Visitor access 

Do dog walkers, babysitters, house cleaners, and other folks need access to your home when you’re not there? Consider a system with a key fob or personal code they can use to enter. Other DIY systems have a video doorbell you can use to buzz in visitors when you aren’t home.

3. Long-term living plans 

Lastly, consider your living plans for the next three years. A lot of monitored 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 to your new home. All the companies above let you take your equipment with you.

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

Most DIY systems are easy to set up and can move with you, 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. The simple assembly makes for easy disassembly when you pack up to move out.

How many entry sensors do I need in my house? 

The size of your house will determine how many contact 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 motion detector when I’m gone? 

Pets under 40 pounds don’t trigger most motion sensors. For dogs over 40 pounds, you can replace the motion sensor with a glass break sensor or security camera. 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 lightbulbs and outlets.

Z-Wave uses radio signals to connect your smart home devices to a smart hub, which controls everything from one place. You can find Z-Wave products from a variety of manufacturers.

Other products use 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 home security company has a unique policy and warranty, so it’s best to read the fine print before purchasing.

How do I protect my DIY security system from hacking? 

Hacking is a risk every user takes when using any internet-connected wireless system.

The good news is you can minimize the risk with proper internet security. Secure your system from online threats with these tips:

• Use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts.
• Opt for extra security measures like two-factor authentication.
• Add shared users instead of sharing login credentials.
• Change your home Wi-Fi password frequently.

Contributing writer: John Carlsen

Related articles

• 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?
• Everything You Need to Know about Home Security

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