Best No Subscription Home Security Systems in 2025

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

It's especially impressive that you can get a system with all of that compatibility without a required subscription. In fact, Abode is one of the easiest security systems to use through the app, without paying anything extra.

Rebecca Edwards, our Managing Editor, uses Abode exclusively in her apartment. Because the building is secure, she opts for self-monitoring. "I like that I can check in on things while travelling without a monthly fee," Edwards said.

We like that Abode gives you three hubs to choose from: Smart Hub,  Abode Security Hub, and Iota. The Security Hub is a traditional smart hub with no additional features beyond an integrated siren (and this is one Abode device that doesn't work with Apple). The Smart Hub is made to work with smart homes and has a siren.

On the other hand, Abode Iota is an all-in-one security system with a smart hub, siren, motion sensor, and HD video. It watches your home without extra sensors, though we recommend getting some if you have a larger space to protect. I tested the Abode Iota in a two-bedroom apartment, and it covered all the points of entry and common areas.

As you might expect from a system with this level of smart home compatibility, Abode can also 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.

Yes, you can self-monitor SimpliSafe for free. Without a subscription, SimpliSafe lets you remotely arm and disarm the system through the app and view live camera feeds. 

If you want to record video footage and get alerts but stick to self-monitoring, you can do that for around $21.99 a month for up to 10 cameras.

SimpliSafe gives all customers 30 free days of monitoring so you can see if you think it's worth it. If you prefer self-monitoring without a subscription, you can change your plan after the first month—make sure to call to cancel or change your plan before the 30-day mark. 

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 $99 a month, the Active Guard Outdoor Protection plan includes quick dispatch technology, video alarm verification, and a new live guard feature that's on patrol 24/7. You can get overnight Active Guard monitoring for about half that.

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. Its on-demand subscription is perfect for extra security that you don't need all year, like while on vacation.

Read our full SimpliSafe review.

The Reolink Wireless Security System stands out for its emphasis on local storage, no monthly fees, and fast setup, making it ideal for those who prefer full control over their security setup. It’s not a full-featured security ecosystem, but it's a strong contender for those who prioritize clear footage, local control, and flexible camera options. 

With two hub options—the standard Home Hub and the Home Hub Pro—users can choose based on storage and camera support needs. After the hub is set up, you just need to set up a camera or two, and you're done. You could also try a multi-camera system if that's what you need. 

Reolink lacks traditional security accessories like door sensors, smoke detectors, or CO monitors, focusing instead on a robust camera-based approach. Its extensive camera lineup includes LTE, battery-powered, and dual-lens models, providing flexible options for whatever you need. 

Cameras like the Argus 4 Pro and PT Ultra offer impressive features such as 4K resolution, wide-angle and panoramic views, and motion zone customization. Though priced higher than some competitors, the superior quality of Reolink’s cameras justifies the cost.

Some security systems only offer certain camera features if you buy a monthly plan. Reolink doesn't try to get you to upgrade to a monitoring plan; in fact, there isn't one. They do offer a cloud storage plan, which is nice to know is there, but they don't try to get you to purchase it. All of the camera's and hub's features work without upgrading to a monitoring plan and we love that. 

Eufy is a solid security system without a subscription and affordable equipment. It stores security camera footage locally without a plan and offers plenty of cameras. The latest base station has built-in smart detection for security cameras to help you spot people, vehicles, and animals—there's even facial recognition (so you won't get an alert every time the dog walker stops by).

The system even has enhanced long-distance connectivity so that all of the sensors throughout your home can send a signal to the base, no matter how big your home is.

You can sign up for optional professional monitoring through Eufy's Plus Plan for around $10 monthly. 

Eufy offers a lot without a subscription, but it does have some limitations. We like that Eufy works with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa, but other than that, it's limited when it comes to smart security integration. 

The Eufy security system offers only the basics when it comes to security devices: entry sensors, a motion sensor, and a water leak sensor. There's currently no direct integration with glass break sensors or life safety devices like smoke and CO alarms. It does have a line of smart home gadgets like smart lights, locks, and baby gear. 

Where Eufy stands out is its vast array of local-storage security cameras. It gives you the freedom to store and review video footage without paying for a monthly cloud subscription. Best of all, local storage means you're not vulnerable to having your footage hacked. Overall, Eufy is an exciting newcomer to the home security game. With what we've seen from its cameras, we have high hopes for how the Eufy security kit will evolve. For now, it's a great, low-risk, entry-level security option with no essential functions behind a paywall.

However, 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.

As the newest entry on our list, Arlo stands apart from other self-monitored systems. First and foremost, the Arlo All-in-One Sensor (around $30) 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.

Arlo's all-in-one smart sensor can perform most functions with no monthly fees. You're not required to pay for an Arlo Smart Plan subscription in order to use the system. 

As for Arlo's cameras, you can view live video and receive basic motion notifications without a subscription. 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 $20 a month) is generally worthwhile if you have multiple cameras.

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 2K (most top out at 1080p). 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. If you want that functionality, you'll have to pay for professional monitoring—Arlo's priciest plan. Fortunately, Arlo cameras can detect the same alarms on the cheaper, camera-centric plans.

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.

Ring used to give you a fair amount of functionality without a subscription, but recent changes have made self-monitoring with Ring Alarm less robust.

Since the cameras lack local storage, they work best with a subscription, which adds a monthly fee. Getting the Ring Basic Plan (for less than $5 per month) is worth it. It stores video for up to 180 days, gives you person and package alerts, and offers video preview alerts.  I'm also excited for Smart Search to be out of Beta and available for all Ring customers—this feature lets you search your video footage (e.g., "green jacket") to find specific clips faster.

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 Basic or higher if you want full access to smart home integrations, alarm history, and alarm notifications.

We've done hands-on testing with every brand in this review. 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 and talked to technology officers and other company representatives to gain insights and confirm our conclusions.