SafeWise experts test the products we recommend. We may earn money when you buy through our links. Learn more.
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 its long warranty and 60-day return policy.
If you want the best monitoring in the business and you are renting, go with ADT Self Setup.
If you want the best customer experience, go with Cove.
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.
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.
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.
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.
No contract required
Affordable professional monitoring
5 packages to choose from 
Limited smart capabilities
Some buggy equipment 
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.
Trusted security brand
Google home integration
No required contracts
Bulky equipment
Glitchy mobile app 
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.
Great customer reviews
Lifetime warranty available
60-day money-back guarantee
Limited smart home compatibility
False alarms are a pain to dismiss 
Image: SafeWise
To find the best fit for a range of lifestyles and budgets, we've extensively researched more than a dozen DIY systems. We looked at key features, home security policies, installation, customer reviews, instruction manuals, and all the fine print.
We also did hands-on testing in real homes and mystery-shopped for a more authentic experience. Over the years, we've personally tested most of the systems on our list—except Alder and Link Interactive. None of the systems we tested is perfect and they all have quirks. But we couldn't find any fatal flaws that prevented alarms.
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.
Subscribe to SafeWise for updates on safety news, product releases, and deals!
