Do-it-yourself home security systems offer various starter kits—with prices going up as you buy more equipment. Most DIY brands allow you to build your own alarm system or add items to existing kits. Here's a glance at the self-install security system kits available from our top picks.
Compare DIY home security systems
Company | Best for | Lowest price | Professional monitoring | Mobile app in base plan | Smart home compatibility
 | Learn more |
| Best overall | $19.99/mo. |  Optional | Yes | Amazon, Google | View Packages | |
| Best for renters | $24.99/mo. | Optional | Yes | Amazon, Google, Z-wave | View Packages | |
| Best customer experience | $17.99/mo. | Yes | Yes | Amazon, Google | View Packages |
Data current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
What equipment can I expect in my DIY system starter kit?
Equipment | Base kit price | Build your own | Base kit includes | Learn more |
| $244.00 (4 pieces) | Starting at $199.00 | Base station, keypad, entry sensor, motion sensor | View Packages | |
| $194.98 (4 pieces) | Starting at $194.98 | Base station, yard sign window stickers, entry sensor | View Packages | |
| Á la carte | Á la carte | Á la carte | View Packages |
Data current as of post date.
1. SimpliSafe: Best overall
Best overall
Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Long contracts can be scary; SimpliSafe's month-to-month plans aren't. 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. It's a reader favorite, and we agree wholeheartedly.
Pros
No contract required
Affordable professional monitoring
5 packages to choose from 
Cons
Limited smart capabilities
Some buggy equipment 2. ADT Self Setup: Best for renters
Best for renters
Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Full ADT disclaimer.
Before ADT Self Setup, you had to take on a three-year contract to get the reassurance of ADT's experienced monitoring—and you were also stuck with some of the industry's highest prices. This DIY system doesn't have a contract and offers a competitive plan starting at $24.99 a mont. Plus, it's the only security system that directly integrates with Google Home.
Pros
Trusted security brand
Google home integration
No required contracts Cons
Bulky equipment
Glitchy mobile app 3. Cove: Best customer experience
Best customer experience
Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
One of our favorite things about Cove is its strong focus on customer satisfaction. Its great customer reviews reflect some excellent policies, like a no-contract subscription, a 60-day return policy, and a price-lock option that keeps your monthly fees from going up.
Pros
Great customer reviews
Lifetime warranty available
60-day money-back guarantee Cons
Limited smart home compatibility
False alarms are a pain to dismiss 
