Best Self-Monitored Home Security System

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

• What Is the Difference between Monitored and Unmonitored Security Systems?
• Abode vs. Ring: Which Security System Is Better?
• How Does the Police Response Work?
• How to Choose a Security System
• Are Home Security Systems and Alarm Monitoring Worth It?