Pros and Cons of Self-Monitoring Home Security Systems

Whether it’s a new family member, a new home, or a new neighborhood, there are plenty of reasons to get a security system. But traditional, professionally monitored systems aren’t your only option.

Self-monitored security systems put the control in your hands. From installation to responding to alarms, it’s all up to you. The best self-monitored security systems come with basic devices like sensors, a base station, and optional cameras. All you have to do is set it up and monitor your home from the mobile app.

The trick is finding which systems have the right add-ons, monthly rates, and equipment fees to fit your budget. So we took a deep dive into some of our favorite DIY self-monitored home security systems to weigh the pros and cons.

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Security systems involve more than alarms and sensors; someone has to hear them and respond. The big difference between a self-monitored and a professionally monitored system is who answers the call.

When the alarm on a self-monitored system sounds, it sends an alert to the owner’s mobile app. Alerts can come from motion sensors, contact sensors, cameras, and other devices. The next step is up to the user. From the mobile app on most self-monitored home systems, users can speak through cameras, see footage, or call the authorities.

On the other hand, professionally monitored systems send alerts to a monitoring station where a trained professional assesses the situation over the phone. These monitoring professionals can help you decide whether the threat is enough to call the authorities and patch you through if needed.

The good news is both options can keep your home safe. But the best choice depends on how often you check your security system app and how well you respond to an emergency. For many users, there are a few signs that a DIY self-monitored home security system could be for you.

Here are a few perks the best self-monitored home security systems bring to the table.

You don’t have to pay someone to monitor your system if you do it yourself. Some systems like Nest, Abode, or Wyze allow you to get away with a one-time equipment fee. But the best self-monitored systems aren’t always the cheapest.

Some require a minimal level of commitment like financing or a self-monitoring fee. Scout, for example, charges $10 for the Always On plan that covers the app and a cellular backup.

Others such as Ring Alarm or Canary offer optional paid perks like stored video footage. Without these subscriptions, you could be limited to only a few minutes of footage to review.

Even if you’re going with a basic system like Kangaroo, it’s good to read the fine print to make sure you won’t get any surprises on your bank statement each month.

When the sensors on a professionally monitored system trigger, the alert goes to a monitoring center. From there, trained professionals contact you or call emergency responders.

Self-monitored systems cut out the middleman, allowing you to assess the situation yourself. That means if your dog triggers the alarm or your kids come home early, you won’t have to worry about a nonemergency causing stress.

In some cities, false alarms that involve the police or fire crews can come with a fine. The best self-monitored security systems allow you to screen the situation before you call first responders.

Self-monitored home security systems are ideal for renters because they’re easy to move from home to home. They’re easy to install and don’t have a monitoring center that needs to know your new address. Self-monitored systems are usually smaller, making them a good fit for apartments, condos, and townhouses.

If you change your mind about your security system, self-monitored home security is easier to upgrade, cancel, or change. Plus, there’s no high-pressure sales rep to talk to when you call to cancel or make changes to your plan.

With a self-monitored system, you’re in control of your alarm system, even during an emergency. Professionally monitored systems watch your home 24/7, so if something goes wrong, you’ll hear about it. Without that extra backup, you might not know about an event if your system loses cellular services or you miss an alarm.

The connection with your security system is only as reliable as your phone. “Dead zones,” software crashes, and battery failures can cut your connection to your security system. If you lose cell service while traveling or your battery dies, your security system can’t tell you if something happens.

Many professionally monitored systems are also professionally installed. These technicians install your system and help out if something malfunctions. If you set up your self-monitored system incorrectly, you might not realize it until a problem arises. And if a product malfunctions, the helpline may be your only option.

Most professionally monitored systems come equipped with a fail-safe code. It enables you to turn off the alarm’s siren but still sends a distress signal to the monitoring service for help. The duress signal is there in case an armed intruder forces you to disarm your security system. The feature lets you call for help without tipping off the intruder. Self-monitored systems don’t have this feature.

If you’ve ever been in an emergency, you know how much it helps to have someone with a level head calling the shots. With a professionally monitored system, once your alarm goes off, you’ll get a phone call from someone with emergency training. With a self-monitored system, you’re on your own.

Canary is a camera-only security system. You can add up to 4 devices to your network to keep an eye on your home inside and out. They come with features like person detection and video clips for when you want to check in on your house.

The cheapest Canary camera, The View, costs $99 and shoots in 1080p HD video, has automatic night vision, and is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. There’s also the Pro camera with a built-in air quality monitor, making it a fitting choice for nurseries and kids’ rooms.

And while Canary doesn’t have professional monitoring available, you can pay $9.99 a month for extra perks like a safety button, two-way talk, and incident report services.

Read our full review of Canary to learn more.

Its price is high but brings a lot to the table. The basic Secure kit comes with a Nest Guard hub, Nest Detect sensors, Nest Tag key fob, and the Nest App. The base station comes with Google Assistant built in and has multiple ways for arming and disarming the alarm.

Even the door and window sensors have cool features. At night or low lights, they glow to light your way around the house (or to the fridge for a midnight snack) They also chime every time they trigger, so you know when someone comes in and out of your house.

Like other self-monitored systems, you get security alerts and call the police through the app. You can also add other Nest products like cameras, thermostats, and the Protect smoke and CO alarm to your system from your phone.

While professional monitoring isn’t available directly through Nest, you can get it through Brinks if you want some backup for your system.

Read our full review of Nest Secure to learn more.

Whether you live in an apartment, condo, or large home, a self-monitored security system simplifies home security. But most systems (professionally or self-monitored) tend to come with up-front costs or some kind of optional add-on—including our top pick, Scout.

See how Scout stacks up in our comprehensive review of the best self-monitored home security systems.

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