These 5 affordable security system providers offer the basics for your protection and feature unique equipment, such as an all-in-one home security system and easy-to-use devices for arming and disarming. You can also access smart home features, home environmental monitoring and more with these affordable providers.
Home security doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re getting your first place, starting a family, adopting a pet or expanding your home, there are a variety of options for home security that are affordable. You can also get the devices you need for your particular situation or even extras you may want to help make your life easier.
Some home security services are more affordable because of differences in features. Here is a breakdown of some differences you can expect with these security services that help to lower the tab.
Based in Austin, Texas, Protect America has more than 25 years of experience in the home security industry. They are most known for being an affordable home security provider with landline monitoring plans starting at $19.99/mo., a price match guarantee, locked-in rates and more.
Protect America provides your basic home security equipment, cameras, environmental monitoring, additional sensors and more. Much of their equipment is also compatible with home automation devices like smart locks and smart thermostats.
Read more about Protect America packages, pricing and features.
abode gives consumers two options for security kits: the Smart Security Kit and the iota All-In-One Security Kit. Each comes with the essentials you need for protection like a smart hub, sensor(s) and a key fob for easy control as you’re headed out or on your way in. You can also integrate over 100 devices with abode’s security systems, giving you lots of choices for enhancing your security and creating automations.
You can choose between three plans for monitoring: the Basic Plan, Connect Plan or the Secure Plan. abode also provides the options of self-monitoring or professional monitoring. You can choose to install your abode security system on your own or have a HelloTech professional install it for you.
Read more about abode packages, pricing and features.
SimpliSafe was founded over a decade ago and recently updated its equipment to a smaller and more modern look with double the range. Installation is always do-it-yourself and equipment can be customized to your home and needs.
SimpliSafe monitoring ranges from $14.99 per month to $35.10 per month. The Standard plan includes 24/7 monitoring, cellular connection and environmental monitoring. The Interactive plan adds mobile control with alerts on your phone, unlimited camera recording, smart home integrations and more.
Read more about SimpliSafe packages, pricing and features.
Scout began it’s journey in home security in February 2013, launching a crowdfunding campaign to pre-sell equipment. Scout’s mission is to provide modern yet affordable home security solutions. With Scout, you’ll be able to install your own security system and you’ll find an innovative features like an RFID door panel for easy arming & disarming. You’ll also be able to create unique actions whenever your alarm system is triggered.
You can choose from three home security packages–called “Packs”–with Scout. The Scout Small Pack costs $229.00, the Scout Elements Pack costs $349.00 and the Scout Architect Pack costs $549.00. For monitoring, you can choose between two plans: the Always On and the Always On+ Plan. The Always On Plan is a self-monitoring plan that comes with additional features and costs $9.99/mo. The Always On+ Plan is a professional monitoring plan that comes with additional features and costs $19.99/mo.
The Google Nest Secure alarm system is priced at $399 and includes basic equipment like Nest Guard, Nest Detect, a Nest Tag and the Nest App. The Nest Guard is an all-in-one alarm, keypad, motion sensor, and digital assistant. You can arm and disarm the alarm system at the tap of your Nest Tag on top of the Nest Guard. Nest Detect is an additional sensor made for doors and windows while the Nest app is your on-hand control center.
Google Nest provides 24/7 professional monitoring through Brinks Home Security. You could choose to pay for monitoring month-by-month or annually. The month-by-month option has no long-term contract and starts at $29.99/mo., while the annual payment option requires a 3-year contract and starts at $19.99/mo. With the Nest Guard’s built-in Google Assistant technology, you can easily control your security system by voice.
Unlike professionally installed systems, home security systems that can be self-installed allow you to save on installation fees. You’ll likely find that installation fees can run anywhere between $50 and $200, so you’re able to save more installing your own system. One factor to keep in mind when choosing DIY installation is whether or not you feel comfortable with navigating technology. If you feel uncomfortable, it might be better to choose professional installation to avoid mistakes. One last benefit, however, of a DIY installation is that you don’t have to try to find a time to take off from work or on a weekend to schedule an appointment with a technician. So, a DIY installed system can save you additional money and time.
With most professionally installed security systems, you’ll find that you have to sign a contract. Signing a contract will lengthen your service with a provider, thus increasing the amount of money you spend. Sometimes you’ll find service agreements with DIY providers, but they’re usually optional. A perk that you’ll find with some DIY home security systems is that you can just pay for your monitoring on a month-to-month basis, choosing to end your monthly monitoring service or change monitoring plans if you desire.
One last feature that can help lower the cost of home security is cheaper monitoring. On average, you’ll find that monitoring with most providers ranges from $30.00/mo. – $50.00/mo. depending on the plan you choose. With some DIY home security providers, you can choose between self-monitoring and professional monitoring. With self-monitoring, you’ll be able to monitor your home with the help of security alerts as well as video surveillance if you purchase a camera. Self-monitoring options can be free or very inexpensive compared to professional monitoring options.
Here are several affordable security system packages we recommend from these providers.
Protect America’s Copper Package is their basic package that offers homeowners intrusion protection through several door and window sensors and a motion detector. This package is better for smaller homes or homes that don’t have many entry points. The door and window sensors are small so they don’t detract attraction from your home and will safeguard your entry points, letting you know of any openings and closings. With this Protect America package, you’ll also receive a yard sign and four door and window stickers.
The best professional home monitoring plan for this package will depend on the level of security you want. For the Copper Package, if you have Internet capability at home, the Broadband Plan will provide you with more protection in addition to home automation features versus the Landline Plan. This will put homeowners ahead of burglars and thieves who may attempt to deactivate security systems by cutting phone lines.
Starting at: $20.00/mo
The iota All-In-One Security Kit takes home security to the next level. Its main hub – the iota device – can detect motion, record video in HD and allows two-way communication. It’s like a combination of your control hub, motion sensor, and security camera all in one (and, it doesn’t take up much room).
As with the Smart Security Kit, you’ll be able to easily arm and disarm your security system with the key fob, and you can also choose a place to install the mini door/window sensor. With iota, you’ll also be able to connect up to 160 devices and get notifications sent directly to your phone. This means you can connect compatible smart devices from Amazon, Google, Nest, Philips Hue, Kwikset and more to create a safe yet smart home.
Starting at: $14.99/mo
Have a smaller home and just want the basics for security? The SimpliSafe Essentials Package would be a great option as it comes with a base station, keypad, three entry sensors and one motion sensor to cover all of your main entryways. The motion sensor is able to detect activity within a 30 foot range and has a 90-degree field of view. The sensor is also designed to avoid detecting pets that weigh less than 50 pounds, helping to prevent false alarms. You can purchase the equipment for the Essentials Package for $259.95.
Starting at: $19.99/mo
Are you currently renting your space? The Scout Small Pack is great for renters and small homes. What’s slightly different about Scout’s security systems is the RFID (radio-frequency identification) door panel that allows you to swipe in or out with an RFID sticker or key fob. You can adhese the sticker to any common object like a small wood plank, a coaster or other objects for discreetness. And if your home is breached, a loud 105dB alarm will sound to help scare away intruders. You can purchase the Scout Small Pack for $229.00.
Starting at: $19.00/mo
If you’re just looking for the basics to protect your home but want unique equipment, The Google Nest Secure Alarm System will cover your bases with the Nest Guard hub, Nest Detect motion sensors and two Nest Tags. You can easily swipe out to arm your security system with a Nest Tag and swipe in to disarm your system. The Nest Detect motion sensors not only detect activity in your home but can also light your way at night with Pathlight and be silenced to avoid disturbing sleeping family members. You can get the Google Nest Secure Alarm System at retail price for $399.00.
If I don’t feel comfortable installing my security system, can a professional install it for me?
This will depend on the provider. Some providers like SimpliSafe and Nest offer professional installation as an option.
What could I expect to pay if I choose professional monitoring but have to sign a contract with either of these providers?
For the providers we have mentioned here, if you have to sign a contract for professional monitoring, you could expect to pay anywhere between $20.00/mo. – $35.00/mo.
If I want to monitor my home, do these providers offer security cameras.
Yes, if you want to self-monitor your home, each of these providers give you the ability to purchase a security camera with them. Please note that Protect America does not offer self-monitoring as an option.
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