Best DIY Home Security Systems of 2024

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 how SimpliSafe handled hands-on testing and how it compares to other monitored security systems.

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If you need more help figuring out if a DIY system fits your needs, read our comparison page on Professional Installation vs DIY Installation.

• Installation: On average, installing a system takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of your house and the equipment you choose. The basic components of a security system literally just need to be plugged in. For other equipment, you can either peel and stick or, at most, use a screwdriver.
• No contracts: One of the benefits of a do-it-yourself security system is you typically don't need to sign a contract. You save money by not having to pay a technician to install the system, but that usually means you'll need to pay for your equipment upfront. But you'll own your equipment and can take it with you if you move.
• Equipment: DIY security systems don't require any hard wiring. The base station, control panel, and any indoor cameras can be plugged into the wall, and then the rest of the equipment is wireless (meaning both battery-powered and Wi-Fi enabled).
• Camera options: A basic security system doesn't necessarily include cameras. If you want cameras, you can choose indoor, outdoor, doorbell, or all three camera types. If cameras are important to you, consider the features you want, like two-way talk or night vision—and make sure your system offers those. Keep in mind, depending on the company, there may be a monthly fee for camera cloud storage, even if you don't choose a monthly professional monitoring plan. SimpliSafe has pretty straightforward cameras, while Frontpoint has more advanced options and models.
• Self-monitoring vs. professional monitoring: Some DIY security companies (not all) allow you to monitor the system yourself using a smartphone app. Even though you'll be paying a monthly fee, we think a professional monitoring subscription is worth it. Though self-monitoring is a cheaper option, you're responsible for contacting the authorities in case of a break-in or other emergency.
• Support: If you need help during the installation process, you're not alone. Depending on the company you choose, you can always contact support via online chat or a phone call. 
• Return policy: Check the return policy before you buy. Most reputable DIY security companies let you to try out the system and return it within a certain window of time before you're locked in for good.
• Warranty: DIY security companies should offer at least some kind of limited warranty. SimpliSafe and Frontpoint offer a three-year warranty on equipment while Arlo, Abode and Wyze only offer one year of coverage. You'll notice that companies like Cove, that require professional monitoring, offer a lifetime warranty. You can get lifetime coverage with SimpliSafe too, if you get the Fast Protect^TM professional monitoring plan.

SimpliSafe also has 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, Arlo, and Wyze. If you upgrade to the Fast Protect™ plan, you'll get lifetime warranty coverage. Plus, its 60-day return policy is twice as long as other brands on our list.

SimpliSafe is a cinch to install and has all the equipment you need to protect your family. Setup took less than an hour during testing. Still, had only some hiccups getting the smart lock and outdoor camera to work. But our interactions with customer service were excellent. That said, SimpliSafe's equipment selection lacks smart home options like a thermostat and Z-Wave compatibility.

Overall, SimpliSafe's a great find for anyone who wants to protect your home, big or small.

Get more info from our SimpliSafe review.

This system is pricier than other brands on our list, but we think Frontpoint is well worth the investment to get excellent customer service and high-end equipment options. Make sure you call to order instead of online if you want the no-contract deal.

Get the full scoop in our Frontpoint review.

For $22 a month, Abode's professional monitoring compares well with SimpliSafe and Cove. Or you can self-monitor your Abode system. We think most folks will appreciate Abode's affordable equipment as well.

Overall, we think Abode is an underrated gem of a system. Its smart home prowess is hard to beat and is practically on the same level as some smart home hubs.

Check out our full Abode review to learn more.

Arlo's monitoring plan is fairly competitive, but is pricier than most brands in our comparison. Still, it's about $3 cheaper per month than comparable plans from SimpliSafe and Cove. While Arlo's cameras boast strong smart home connections, this doesn't extend to the security system just yet.

Arlo has a few rough spots compared to its rivals. For one, it's the only system on our list without a built-in battery backup. But at least you can add this feature—and cellular backup—by purchasing an accessory for around $80. Also, Arlo's warranty tops out at one year, which is more in line with what you expect for retail electronics than a security system with pro monitoring.

Overall, we think the Arlo security system is an easy choice for folks wanting fewer sensors that watch for multiple things. On top of that, Arlo has the most advanced security cameras on our list.

Cove's monitoring plans (with RapidSOS) start at $17.99 a month for basic service without mobile app controls or security cameras—matching SimpliSafe's pricing tiers. But Cove's pricier Cove Plus plan ($27.99 a month) ups the ante with a lifetime warranty.

When you sign up for this system, you'll customize it with any sensors you want to install. These extras include a glass break detector, flood sensor, outdoor camera, and a medical alert/panic button. While there aren't any preset starter kits like other brands, Cove's quick survey and online shop keep the process simple. Plus, Cove more regularly discounts equipment for new subscribers than most rivals.

Cove's smart home gear lags behind Abode and Frontpoint. The system has some compatibility with Alexa and Google but no Z-Wave support, so you need to buy directly from Cove if you want to expand your system.

As we tested Cove, we liked how easy the installation was—it took about 30 minutes. Still, Cove was a little too eager to sound a full-blown alarm when we set off the smoke detector while cooking. We'd appreciate an easier way to cancel false alarms in the app or on the control panel.

Overall, Cove is a solid alternative to SimpliSafe, with competitive prices, security cameras (learn more about Cove cameras), and equipment to match. Cove's wildly easy to set up in only a few minutes, and you won't need a contract to do it.

Check out our full Cove review to learn more.

During testing, it was difficult to know which arming mode was active using the keypad alone—it took some trial and error.

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 an easy alarm system with some neat add-ons.

Read our full Ring Alarm review.

While we like Kangaroo (especially for apartments), it doesn't offer much smart home compatibility aside from Alexa and Google voice controls. But, overall, it's a budget alternative to Wyze.

Read our full Kangaroo review to learn more.

Wyze offers a huge selection of devices. You can expand your system with extra keypads, entry sensors, motion detectors, climate sensors, and a water leak sensor. Throw Wyze security cameras and smart home devices in the mix, and it's as robust as what Frontpoint, Abode, and Ring offer.

The subscription includes cloud video storage for a single Wyze camera, though you need to pay extra to store video from other cameras. (Or skip the cloud plan in favor of a microSD card.)

Wyze's biggest blindspot is a lack of cellular backup, so it won't work if your internet goes down like other brands on our list (at least there's a battery backup for power outages). While the mobile app is easy to use, it took a while for Wyze to allow multiple users like with Wyze cameras—other family members needed the physical keypad to arm and disarm the system.

Overall, Wyze is the perfect appetizer for anyone wanting to try pro monitoring for the first time without spending too much. We enjoyed our time testing Wyze, but we wish it had a self-monitoring option that doesn't require a subscription.

Learn more in our full Wyze Home Monitoring review.

SimpliSafe is our favorite contract-free DIY home security system. In addition to five equipment plans and simple setup instructions, its professional monitoring is economical and you have the option to self-montior. It doesn't lock you into a contract, and there's a 60-day money-back guarantee if you decide the service isn't for you.

To find out how DIY home alarm systems stand up to professional systems, see our review of the best overall home security systems.

After researching, we found that SimpliSafe is an ideal DIY alarm system pick. It offers affordable monitoring and equipment, a long warranty and a 60-day return policy.

We wanted our rankings to fit what folks want from self-install security systems—so we surveyed our readers directly. Ultimately, it comes down to that sweet, sweet moolah—over two-thirds of respondents said saving money is their main goal.

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

• Best Overall Home Security Systems
• Everything You Need to Know about Home Security
• Security System Installation: Professional vs. DIY
• Installing a Security System Is Easier Than You Think
• The 5 Ds of Home Security