Best Self-Monitored Home Security System

We researched the best security systems for self-monitoring to see if they can match professional monitoring.
Best overall
Scout Small Pack
Scout
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
  • pro
    Cellular backup
  • pro
    Phone and text alerts
Best for changing your mind
SimpliSafe
4 out of 5 stars
4
  • pro
    Cellular backup
  • pro
    Smart lock
Best no-fee option
Arlo Home Security System Starter Bundle
Arlo
4 out of 5 stars
4
  • pro
    Cellular backup
  • pro
    All-in-One Sensor
Best for Apple customers
Abode security starter kit
Abode
4 out of 5 stars
4
  • pro
    Cellular backup
  • pro
    Multiple hub options
Best for Alexa
Ring Alarm
Ring
3.9 out of 5 stars
3.9
  • pro
    Cellular backup
  • pro
    Huge range of cameras

SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review. We may earn money when you buy through our links.

If you're looking for a reliable self-monitored security system, Scout is an easy choice thanks to a cellular backup independent of professional alarm monitoring. Yes, it does require a monthly fee to use. But the cellular backup and ability to receive alerts via phone calls and text messages make a difference compared to systems that use only a mobile app and standard internet connection.

Scout is an excellent compromise between app-based self-monitoring and full professional monitoring services. Check out our comparison to learn what we evaluated and why Scout is the best self-monitored home security system. Plus, see which competitors don't require monthly fees.

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Big News: Abode has a NEW DIY home security kit!

The NEW Abode Security Kit was released on May 25, 2023 and you can get it on sale for $79.99 ($60 off). The Abode Security Hub comes with a 93 dB siren, built-in Wi-Fi, and smart home compatibility with brands like Amazon Alexa and Google Nest. You can choose either professional monitoring or self-monitoring.

Checklist
Should I have my security system monitored?

SafeWise recommends choosing professional monitoring because it acts with or without you during an emergency. Self-monitoring is cheaper, but professional monitoring's independence wins every time. The best DIY security systems overcome self-monitoring's biggest vulnerabilities: dead smartphones and inattentive users.



Compare self-monitored security systems

Brand
Best for
Base kit price
Average device cost
Base kit includes
Free mobile access
Cellular backup
Learn more
Best overall $51.16Hub, Door Panel,
motion sensor,
entry sensor (2),
key fob (2)
Icon No  LightNo
Icon Yes  LightYes
Best for changing to pro monitoring $54.17Hub, keypad, motion sensor, entry sensor
Icon Yes  LightPartial functionality
Icon Yes  LightWith pro monitoring
Best no-fee option $128.74Hub, sensors (2)
Icon Yes  LightPartial functionality
Icon Yes  LightWith pro monitoring and add-on
Best for Apple HomeKit $58.50Hub, key fob,
entry sensor,
window sticker
Icon Yes  LightPartial functionality
Icon Yes  LightWith pro monitoring
Best for Alexa $128.16Hub, keypad,
entry sensor,
motion sensor,
range extender
Icon Yes  LightLimited functionality
Icon Yes  LightWith pro monitoring
Best budget $37.79Keypad,
doorbell camera,
motion/entry sensors (2),
key fob (2)
Icon Yes  LightPartial functionality
Icon No  LightNo

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Optional pro monitoring

Every system in our review provides optional professional monitoring in case you change your mind about monitoring your system on your own. Here are the professional monitoring prices for each brand:

  • Scout Always On+: $19.99/mo.
  • Arlo Safe & Secure Pro: $24.99/mo.
  • SimpliSafe Standard: $17.99/mo.
  • Abode Pro: $21.99/mo.
  • Ring Protect Pro: $20.00/mo.
  • Kangaroo Complete Protect: $8.25/mo. (billed annually)

And the best part is that none of these brands offer more than one pro monitoring plan. You don't need to worry about paying extra to use security cameras or smart home gear (though you may need to pay separately for cloud video storage on security cameras).

Self-monitored home security system reviews

1. Scout: Best self-monitored home security system

Best overall
Scout Small Pack
Scout
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
Starting at
$229.00

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Bear with us a moment; Scout is our top pick because the benefits of its compulsory paid plan make it unbeatable for self-monitoring. It's the only self-monitored security system that includes a cellular backup without paying for professional monitoring. So you should seriously consider Scout if you value reliable connectivity without delegating your security to others (like calling the police).

pro
Pros
pro Cellular backup
pro Phone and text alerts
pro Excellent smart home compatibility
con
Cons
con Requires monthly fee
con No free mobile app
con Requires Ethernet internet connection

At first glance, Scout Alarm's monthly fee for using the app and system seems ridiculous. But when you realize that comes with a cellular backup that works when the internet goes down (and a battery backup for power outages), you have a security system that's always ready to tell you what's happening at home.

You also get alerts outside the mobile app via email, phone calls, and text messages. One of the best things about calls and texts is that they work on any cell phone—making Scout perfect for folks without a smartphone.

We're also big fans of Scout Alarm's smart home compatibility, which works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Philips Hue smart lights, LIFX smart lights, select Z-Wave devices, and Zigbee devices. We'd say Scout's smart home integration is better than Ring's but less comprehensive than Abode's.

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Scout Always On+

You can enhance your system with Scout Always On+, which adds professional monitoring for $19.99 a month. It also comes with free cloud storage for a single Scout security camera.

The final drawback of self-monitoring with Scout is that it doesn't have built-in Wi-Fi. Instead, it requires running an Ethernet cable (included) to your router to connect to the internet. It's not difficult, but some folks might not have an Ethernet port to spare.

Scout's attractive equipment sells for reasonable prices comparable to Abode and Ring. But it is a bit more expensive than budget brands like Kangaroo. Although Scout sells a wide selection of sensors and cameras, its selection is narrower than offerings from Ring and Abode.

Overall, Scout masters the art of self-monitoring your home security system by providing a cellular backup and alerts that work on any phone. But paying a monthly fee might be too high a hurdle for some folks. (Luckily, we have Arlo.) Head over to our Scout review to learn more.

2. SimpliSafe: Best for changing your mind

Best for changing your mind about self-monitoring
SimpliSafe
4 out of 5 stars
4
Starting at
$244.96

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Yes, you can self-monitor SimpliSafe for free. SimpliSafe's Unmonitored package lets you remotely arm and disarm the system through the app and view live camera feeds. If you want to record video footage but stick to self-monitoring, you can do that for around $10 a month for up to five cameras.

pro
Pros
pro Easy setup
pro Affordable equipment
pro Stylish design
con
Cons
con Limited smart home compatibility
con Quiet base station siren
con So-so cameras

Although its cellular backup isn't free and there's no way to quickly dial 911 through the app, we think SimpliSafe deserves a spot on our list for folks who may want to switch to professional monitoring in the future.

If that's the case, you'll already have the equipment for one of the best pro monitoring packages in the industry. At around $30 a month, SimpliSafe's Fast Protect™ plan includes quick dispatch technology, video alarm verification, and a new live guard feature.

Because SimpliSafe's a no-contract system, you can turn on monitoring if you need it and cancel it when you're ready to go back to self-monitoring. 

Read our full SimpliSafe review.

3. Arlo: Best no-fee option

Best no-fee option
Arlo Home Security System Starter Bundle
Arlo
4 out of 5 stars
4
Starting at
$199.99

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

As the newest entry on our list, Arlo delivers stands apart from other self-monitored systems. First and foremost, the Arlo All-in-One Sensor offers an affordable way to add various sensors to your home in a compact package. It detects motion, light, temperature, water leaks, and multiple types of doors opening—and it can hear when your smoke and carbon monoxide alarm goes off.

pro
Pros
pro All-in-One Sensor detects up to 8 trigger types
pro Easy installation and setup
pro Outstanding security camera selection
con
Cons
con Battery backup requires an $80 add-on
con Weak smart home compatibility
con Cameras work best with subscription

While Arlo doesn't sell as many camera types as Ring, its 2K and 4K models easily win in video quality. Ring tops out at a standard 1080p—as do most brands on this list. During testing, we loved Arlo's simple setup process, though some features are tough to track down in the app.

Arlo's sensors and cameras work to varying degrees without a paid Arlo plan. For example, you can use most of the All-in-One Sensor's features, except for smoke and carbon monoxide alarm detection. Anyone wanting this functionality must pay for professional monitoring—Arlo's priciest plan. Fortunately, Arlo cameras can detect the same alarms on the cheaper, camera-centric plans.

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Arlo Safe & Secure Pro

For $24.99 a month (or $240 a year), you can add professional monitoring to your Arlo system with Arlo Safe & Secure Pro. It includes smoke and CO monitoring for the All-in-One Sensor, cloud video storage, cellular backup, and Arlo Safe personal security app access.

As for Arlo's cameras, you can view live video and receive basic motion notifications. However, they aren't as useful without the video storage, smart motion detection, and interactive notifications you get with a paid plan. Although Arlo offers a local video recording option, prepare to pay extra for the required Arlo Smart Hub and a USB drive. Paying for Arlo Secure (about $13 a month) is generally worthwhile if you have three or more cameras.

The Arlo security system lacks the smart home compatibility of Arlo cameras, so you can't use it with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa yet. There's also no battery or cellular backup unless you buy an $80 accessory—and cellular backup requires a pro monitoring plan. Overall, Arlo is an excellent system for self-monitoring, but the costs can balloon when buying a lot of cameras. Check out our Arlo Home Security System review for more info.

4. Abode: Best for Apple customers

Best for Apple customers
Abode security starter kit
Abode
4 out of 5 stars
4
Starting at
$279.00

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Abode always makes the cut when we compare security systems—its smart home prowess and flexible monitoring options are hard to ignore. It’s the only security system with Apple HomeKit, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. Those first two are important because other security systems don't have them.

pro
Pros
pro Advanced smart home compatibility
pro Custom home automation settings
pro Multiple hub options
con
Cons
con Limited features without subscription
con Pricier equipment
con Below-average mobile app ratings

We like that Abode gives you two hubs to choose from: Gateway and Iota. The Gateway is a traditional smart hub with no additional features beyond an integrated siren. On the other hand, Abode Iota is an all-in-one security system with a smart hub, siren, security camera, and motion sensor. It watches your home without extra sensors, though we recommend getting some to improve its abilities.

As you might expect from a system with this level of smart home compatibility, Abode also can automate how your devices work together. Unfortunately, it locks this feature behind the Abode Standard plan ($7 a month)—free app users can't record videos, schedule tasks, or receive notifications without a fee. You still have manual control over every device, but remote control is less beneficial than automation.

Checklist
Abode Pro

Abode Pro brings professional monitoring to your system for $22 a month ($220 a year) and adds a slew of features on top of the Abode Standard plan. This includes cellular backup and perks for Abode's online shop.

Despite costing less than Vivint, Frontpoint, and ADT—Abode is one of the pricier self-monitored security systems on our list. Abode's hubs and sensors cost more than similar devices from competitors. Also, its mobile app ratings on Android and iOS are relatively low. Although the app works well enough, critical reviews (and our testing confirms this) complain about buggy geofencing, paid automation, and instability affecting the user experience.

Overall, we really like Abode for its self-monitoring and smart device compatibility. We hope that Abode can fix the hit-or-miss mobile app experience (and drop or lower the automation plan costs) to unleash the potential of this DIY system. Visit our Abode review to learn more about this smart home powerhouse.

5. Ring Alarm: Best for Alexa

Best for Alexa
Ring Alarm
Ring Alarm
3.9 out of 5 stars
3.9
Starting at
$199.99

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

As a security system, Ring Alarm is nearly on par with Abode in terms of smart home functionality. But Ring really resonates when it comes to camera selection—a delicious buffet of video doorbells and security cameras. Much like Arlo, Ring cameras aren't as affordable as ones from Wyze and Abode, but there's a model for almost every need and price.

pro
Pros
pro Huge range of cameras
pro Good smart home compatibility
pro Can use existing wired sensors in your home
con
Cons
con Cameras work best with subscription
con Limited Z-Wave compatibility
con Few sensors in starting package

Since the cameras lack local storage, they work best with a subscription, which adds a monthly fee. If you have more than three cameras, getting Ring Protect Plus, which stores video for unlimited cameras, is worth it.​​ Ring Protect Plus also adds a lifetime warranty on your devices—need we say more?

The biggest smart home differences between Ring Alarm and Abode are that Ring doesn't support Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, or Zigbee—and it doesn't support as many Z-Wave devices. But if you're a dyed-in-the-wool Alexa user, Ring is the easy choice. (Amazon owns Ring.)

Unfortunately, Ring no longer provides a fully functional mobile app to non-subscribers. You must subscribe to Ring Protect Basic or higher if you want full access to smart home integrations, alarm history, and alarm notifications.

Bell
Ring Protect Pro

Ring Protect Pro adds professional monitoring to your Ring Alarm system for $20 a month (or $200 a year). It includes cellular backup, lifetime warranty coverage, enhanced notifications,  cloud video storage for unlimited cameras, and a discount at Ring's online shop.

Ring Alarm has a strong selection of sensors and other equipment. Its starter kit selection is gigantic—with many combinations of sensors, cameras, and Amazon Echos. Unless you have a studio apartment, we recommend skipping the cheapest starter package (5-Piece) since it comes with only a single motion sensor and entry sensor.

Overall, Ring Alarm is the best self-monitored home security system with cameras, wired sensors, and Amazon Alexa smart devices. Between the system and cameras, it's one of the most expensive options in our top five, but it's probably worth the higher costs for most folks. Check out our full Ring Alarm review to see how this system stands out beyond self-monitoring.

Video: Learn more about Ring's security system

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Retrofit Alarm Kit

One of the most unique things about Ring is the Retrofit Alarm Kit (about $320). This works with wired alarm sensors you might find in some older homes (assuming they're still functional). It still requires the base station that comes in Ring Alarm's starter kits but could save money if you already have the infrastructure.

6. Kangaroo: Best budget

Best budget
Kangaroo Front Door Security Kit
Kangaroo
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.75
Starting at
$179.00

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Every Kangaroo device is a standalone product that connects to your Wi-Fi network. This is a vastly different strategy from the other systems on our list, which all require a hub or base station to work. This means you can build a Kangaroo system without a pricey starter kit. But, even with this flexibility, you'll appreciate Kangaroo's starter kits, which bundle devices together in a cheaper package.

pro
Pros
pro Standalone Wi-Fi sensors
pro Combined motion and entry sensors
pro Cheap doorbell camera
con
Cons
con Limited equipment options
con No real smart home features
con No cellular backup

Two Kangaroo products stand out compared to the competition: Motion + Entry Sensor and Doorbell Camera + Chime. The best thing about the Motion + Entry Sensor (about $30) is that it combines a motion detector and a contact sensor. This makes sense for smaller apartments where the main living area is next to the front door—you can watch the door and room at the same time.

The Doorbell Camera + Chime (about $40) is similarly awesome—mostly because it's the cheapest video doorbell you can buy. Kangaroo provides cheap cloud storage for this camera (about $2 a month), which makes it an ultra-budget alternative to Ring and Arlo. Because it comes with a chime, you might even consider using it indoors outside a private dorm room or techie teen's bedroom.

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Kangaroo Complete Protect

You can add professional monitoring with the Kangaroo Complete Protect plan. It costs $99 a year ($8.25 a month) and adds video storage, security camera features, smart home integration, text and phone notifications, and Kangaroo Coverage. Kangaroo Coverage reimburses you for theft, fire, smoke, and water-related damage.

Although Kangaroo doesn't have a wide selection of other equipment, this makes everything simple to configure for your needs. There isn't much smart home support if you don't pay for professional monitoring (around $99 a year); Kangaroo locks Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility for non-subscribers. And you won't find cellular backup—no matter how much you pay.

Overall, we like Kangaroo's affordable, standalone equipment for apartment dwellers and folks who want a simpler self-home-monitoring system. But Kangaroo’s limitations ultimately make it a weak budget option. Learn more about this security company's unique approach in our full Kangaroo review.

Video: Learn more about Kangaroo's home security

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More brands we considered

Eufy

Eufy has the makings of a solid home security system with self-monitoring. It stores security camera footage locally without a plan and offers plenty of cameras. The latest base station, the HomeBase 3, offers built-in security camera smart detection to help you spot people, vehicles, and animals—there's even facial recognition.

You can sign up for optional professional monitoring through Eufy's Protection Plan Plus for around $10 monthly. Still, Eufy falls short on sensor selection, and there's no battery or cellular backup to keep your system running when the power goes out. Learn more in our Eufy home security review.

Lorex

The Lorex Home Center camera system supports add-on sensors, making it a great candidate for folks wanting a self-monitoring alarm system with cameras. The sensor selection is pretty sparse—just motion and entry sensors—but it's more than enough to build a functional security system.

We tested this camera and loved how easy it was to set up and use. It doesn't have optional professional monitoring or a cellular backup, but it comes with a smart display command center. The display is great for controlling your system without an app, and there's tons of video storage included. Learn more in our Lorex cameras review.

Ooma

Ooma came close to making our top five because it has a nifty feature: Remote 911. It allows you to call your local 911 dispatchers from the Ooma app. This is useful when you're on vacation and need to summon help to your home—something other self-monitoring security systems lack—though it requires a monthly fee to work. You wouldn't need to call a friend or neighbor to check on an alarm like with other systems.

It's fortunate that Ooma has Remote 911 because this system has no security cameras. We also struggled with the small equipment selection and optional monitoring available in only 42 states. Still, this unique little system could work well for some folks. Learn more in our complete Ooma review.

ADT Self Setup

ADT Self Setup is a solid option for a self-monitored alarm system, but it doesn't offer as many device options as Abode and Ring. Its biggest perk is direct integration with Google Nest security cameras and smart hubs, making ADT Self Setup the only brand on our list with deep Google Home integration.

The starter kits and sensors have reasonable prices, and it's hard to beat ADT's experience with pro monitoring. Still, we think this security system is better with professional monitoring than without. Learn more in our in-depth ADT Self Setup review.

Final word

Scout wins our recommendation for self-monitored security systems because no other brand offers cellular backup without professional monitoring. We also like that you get phone and text message alerts alongside more traditional email and push notifications. Unfortunately, Scout charges a monthly fee even to access your system, which misses the point of self-monitoring to avoid fees.

If you want self-monitoring without a monthly fee, any of our other top five picks will work, though we're partial to Arlo's All-in-One Sensor and Abode's lower plan prices. Check out our DIY home security system review if you want a no-contract option for professional monitoring.

FAQ

How can I monitor my own home security system?

You can monitor your own security system as long as it supports self-monitoring. While all the systems we feature in this review work for self-monitoring, brands like Vivint, Frontpoint, ADT, Wyze, and Cove do not support self-monitoring. Instead, they require a subscription to a professional monitoring service.

Once you have a system that works with self-monitoring, the process is simple:

  1. Arm your self-monitored alarm system.
    • Use away mode to track all of your sensors when leaving the house (motion sensors, entry sensors, glass break sensors, indoor cameras, and outdoor cameras).
    • Use home mode (or sleep mode) when going to bed, which tracks only activity at the perimeter of your home (yard, windows, and doors—depending on your equipment). It ignores activity inside your home, so you don't set off the siren for a midnight snack.
  2. If something happens, the system's app sends you a notification or sounds a siren.
  3. Verify it isn't a false alarm using a security camera—it doesn't need to integrate with the system. Any Wi-Fi security camera will work. Look for anything out of the ordinary: broken windows, an open front door, or maybe an unfamiliar car in the driveway.
    • We don't recommend going home to verify an alarm in person (unless you're in the house already)—it could be dangerous. You can call a trusted neighbor for verification (without entering your home), but a security camera is much safer.
    • Don't call the police without verifying your alarm. You may be on the hook for false-alarm fines.
    • Smoke (not from cooking) and carbon monoxide alarms may require an immediate response without verification. This is especially important if you have family or pets in the house.
  4. After you verify the alarm, you can call the police. Just remember that 911 calls route through the closest dispatcher to your location.
    • You can call from your cell phone if you're still in the same city.
    • If you're out of town on vacation, have a neighbor call for you.
What is the best home security system without a monthly fee?

Arlo is one of the best security systems for the money. Its flexible All-in-One Sensor can watch for various threats and hazards for a competitive price. It has no battery backup, but you can buy one for around $80. If you can stomach a monthly fee, Arlo's cloud video storage is an excellent add-on for the company's outstanding security cameras.

As long as you don't need to return ADT equipment upon ending your contract. If you convert a home security system to self-monitoring, the experience will be very different. You'll lose access to the mobile app (if your plan supports it) and 24/7 emergency response. (Using Vivint equipment without monitoring is a similar experience.)

Practically all security systems work without professional monitoring, but you have only local control through a keypad or control panel. This works fine when you're home, but it's only a fraction of the functionality of a self-monitored system with an app.

Practically all security systems will work without professional monitoring, but you have only local control through a keypad or control panel. This works fine when you're home, but it's only a fraction of the functionality of a self-monitored system with an app.

Most security systems work without a smartphone, even monitoring-centric systems like Vivint. But you won't get alerts when you're away from home.

This is a major reason we chose Scout as our self-monitoring top pick—since it works with regular phones as well as smartphones.

Find home security and safety resources in your area

How we reviewed the best self-monitored security systems

Arlo Home Security System testing

Image: John Carlsen, SafeWise

We've done hands-on testing with every brand in this review—though it's been a few years with some of them. Those experiences were a good starting point for putting this comparison together and ultimately determining our rankings. We also researched each brand's current offerings to reconfirm our conclusions.

All the brands we chose allow DIY installation and self-monitoring while offering optional professional monitoring. But unlike our other home security comparisons, we used a laser focus on self-monitoring and didn't allow pro monitoring to affect our rankings. Visit our methodology to learn more about how we test and review products.

Related articles on SafeWise

Disclaimers

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

†Google, Google Nest, Google Assistant, and other related marks are trademarks of Google LLC.

John Carlsen
Written by
John Carlsen
John is a technology journalist specializing in smart home devices, security cameras, and home security systems. He has over a decade of experience researching, testing, and reviewing the latest tech—he was the Smart Home Editor for Top Ten Reviews and wrote for ASecureLife before joining SafeWise as a Staff Writer in 2020. John holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism emphasis from Utah Valley University. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, photography, cooking, and starting countless DIY projects he has yet to complete.

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