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.

• Frontpoint is offering a free doorbell camera, a $99 starter kit, and 20% discount on equipment to new subscribers.
• Abode is offering 10% accessories on kit orders with the promo code: WINTER21.
• Amazon shoppers can get a $10 Echo Dot with the purchase of Ring Alarm's five-, eight-, and 14-piece kits.
• Kangaroo is offering $20 off its Front Door Security Kit and free ground shipping with the promo code: GBYE20.
• New Link Interactive customers qualify for $100 off and a free smart thermostat.

DIY security systems each offer various starter kits—with prices going up as you buy more equipment. Most DIY brands allow you to build your own system or add items to existing kits. Here's a glance at the kits available from our top picks.

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 extensively researched 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.

In our latest update, we wanted our rankings to accurately fit what folks want out of DIY security systems so we surveyed our readers directly. To make a long story short, it all comes down to that sweet, sweet moolah with over two-thirds of respondents saying that saving money is their primary motivation.

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.

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

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 $0 down and a short payment plan (3, 6, or 12 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, window decals, and a door sticker. 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—starting at $45 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.

The higher-end packages require the $50 monthly monitoring plan but include live video streaming, smart devices, and motion detection alerts. 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 DIY 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 as little as $199.99, making it one of the most affordable options on our list and a good alternative to SimpliSafe. We especially like that its most expensive starter kit includes 14 devices for $330 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 a simple 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.

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.

Today’s DIY systems are customizable and come with companion apps that guide you through installation, monitoring, and emergencies. But here are a few things to consider before taking the plunge.

Most DIY systems are easy to set up and can move with you, making them great for renters. All the companies above let you take your equipment with you. The simple assembly makes for easy disassembly when you pack up to move out, which is especially convenient for renters.

DIY system moving tips

• Generally, DIY systems come with peel-and-stick sensors that attach directly to the wall. This is usually easy to remove, and you can replace the adhesive in your new place.
• At most, you’ll need a screwdriver to pop open battery cases or remove equipment from the wall.
• Some devices, like video doorbells, light switches, and thermostats, require light electrical work.
• Keeping your previous equipment makes it easier to swap them back out when you move.

The size of your house determines how many contact sensors you’ll need. At minimum, you should have a sensor at each main point of entry—exterior doors and easily accessible windows. This may mean only one if you live in an apartment or several if you have a larger house with multiple exit points.

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 (usually called video verification).

Learn more over on our list of pet-friendly security systems.

Not usually, but systems compatible with Z-Wave technology allow you to customize your home with third-party products like smart light bulbs 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.

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.

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.
• Stay up-to-date on hacks and breaches.

Contributing writer: Katie McEntire

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