Cheap Home Security Systems
The best cheap home security systems have some common features: no contracts, generous trial periods, DIY installation and self-monitoring options. Plus, both the equipment and professional monitoring prices are budget-friendly. Affordable home security providers also often allow you to pick and choose the equipment you want to purchase, which can help you keep costs down. Here are our top five picks for cheap home security systems.
Top 5 Cheap Home Security Systems in 2020
- SimpliSafe – Best for Easy Installation
- Cove – Best for Instant Text Alerts
- Blue by ADT – Our Recommended DIY Smart Home Security
- Protect America – Best Entry-Level Pricing
- Ring Home Security – Best for Video Doorbells
Compare Cheap Home Security Providers
| Pro monitoring starts at | $14.99/mo. | $14.99/mo. | $19.99/mo. (first month is free) | $19.99/mo. | $10/mo. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installation type | DIY or Professional | DIY | DIY | DIY or Professional | DIY |
| Contract | No contract required | No contract required | No contract required | 36 months | No contract required |
| Trial Period | 60 days | 60 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| BBB rating | A+ | A | A+ | A | C- |
Compare Affordable Security Systems
Our Take on SimpliSafe Home Security
Keep those pesky burglars away with a SimpliSafe security system. Choose from a range of packages and equipment, and get inexpensive professional monitoring.
★ Recommended Plan
We recommend The Barrington if you’re interested in SimpliSafe. This package combines intrusion detection and video surveillance. Equipment starts at $388.93. Professional monitoring starts at $14.99 per month.Pros
- Inexpensive professional monitoring
- Wireless equipment
- Cellular monitoring
Cons
- Mobile alerts not available in the basic monitoring plan
- No selection of smart home devices
- Smart home capabilities not available in basic monitoring plan
Our Take on Cove Security
Get an emergency text within 2 seconds of your alarm with Cove Security. Cove offers inexpensive monitoring and a $5 monthly reward towards new equipment.
★ Recommended Plan
Choose Cove Plus for access to smartphone control, a locked monitoring rate, and Cove’s $5 per month equipment reward. Equipment starts at $290. Professional monitoring starts at $14.99 per month.Pros
- Custom packages with low-pressure sales
- Easy cancellation
- 60-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Premium app subscription required for many features
- Relatively new company
- Lack of smart home integration and camera options
Our Take on Blue by ADT
Get trusted professional monitoring and an easy-to-install security system with Blue by ADT. Even better, your first month of monitoring is free.
★ Recommended Plan
For front-door protection, we recommend the Blue Doorbell Camera System. You’ll get the essentials and a doorbell camera for your home. Equipment starts at $109.19. Professional monitoring starts at $19.99 per month.Pros
- Smart home compatibility
- 7-Day Practice Period
- 24/7 professional monitoring available
Cons
- Limited Blue by ADT equipment
- No smart home add-ons
- Cloud storage costs extra
Our take on Protect America Home Security
Protect America stands out for its low-cost landline monitoring and great coverage for rural areas. Their professional monitoring has over 25 years of award-winning service and monitoring plans that are based on connectivity type. If you’re looking for a capable no-frills home security system you can install yourself, Protect America is a good choice for your family.
What we like
- Price-match guarantee
- Smart home devices and features
- Mobile app access & control
What we don’t like
- Contract required
- Must upgrade to get video surveillance, smart features and smoke detection
- Cellular monitoring is the most expensive plan
Our take on Ring Home Security
Ring offers complete security systems, video doorbells, cameras and more for your home’s protection.The base security system comes with 5 pieces: a base station, keypad, contact sensor, motion detector, and range extender. This alarm security kit has a retail price of $199.00.
What we like
- Inexpensive equipment and professional monitoring
- Easy to install
- A range of security camera devices
What we don’t like
- Video recording not available without a Ring Protect Plan
- Higher-tiered packages cover more area, but don’t add any features
- Cellular backup not available without a Ring Protect Plan
Conclusion
A cheap home security system can provide peace of mind just like some of the more expensive alarm systems on the market. You can always choose a basic starter kit and add additional equipment over time. If you decide you want more advanced technology, or a lifetime warranty, you may want to go with a pricier provider. But there are plenty of cheap home alarm systems that can protect your home with basic home security equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheap Home Security Systems
What is the best low cost home security system?
We think that the right home security system for you will heavily depend on your needs, and it might not necessarily be the cheapest. If you only want the basics for intrusion detection (control panel, sensors, and signage) at a low cost price, then we’d recommend choosing a basic package with a provider like SimpliSafe, Cove, Blue by ADT, and Ring.
How much does a home security system cost?
This is going to depend on the provider, equipment, and any monitoring fee as well. For most home security providers, you can expect to pay at least $100 and up for their systems. For professional monitoring, you can expect to pay at least $8/mo. (and that’s on the low end). But for DIY providers, you’ll generally pay $14.99/mo. and up for professional monitoring.
Do cheap home security systems require a contract?
If you’re looking at DIY providers, the answer is no. Most DIY home security providers do not require a contract. You’ll typically be responsible for the cost of equipment and monitoring. If you want a professional to install your system, you’ll also have to pay an installation fee.
Do cheap home security systems have a monthly fee?
Yes, most cheap home security systems have a monthly monitoring fee unless you decide to monitor your own system. In that case, you may be able to avoid this fee.
What equipment can I get with an affordable home security system?
As with most home security systems, you’ll get the essentials: a control panel, motion sensor(s), door/window sensors, and signage. If you want additional equipment like security cameras, smart home devices, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, glass break sensors, and other devices, you can expect to pay more. If you want some of these additional features for less, we’d recommend providers like Blue by ADT and Cove.
Should I choose a DIY or professionally installed security system?
DIY systems are more convenient to take with you when you move because they are not hardwired into your home’s electrical system. However, if you don’t feel comfortable with new technology, we recommend looking for a professionally installed system so that a representative can teach you how to use each feature.
Should I choose a self-monitored or professionally monitored security system?
Although many cheap security system providers offer self-monitoring to help you find an option that suits your budget, self-monitoring isn’t always practical. There are moments in your life when you can’t check your phone for alerts. A professionally monitored security system is highly recommended because your home will be monitored 24/7 and police will be dispatched when needed, even if you aren’t aware of the problem yet.
