The Best DIY Home Security Systems of 2021

DIY home security systems help customers avoid an installation fee by giving them the freedom to self-install their security systems. Installation is generally easy and less complex than with traditionally wired security systems. Two other big advantages that the best DIY security systems offer are the flexibility of equipment placement and the lack of contracts. Top DIY providers offer wireless equipment, making it easy to set up the control panel or hub, sensors and smart home devices where you’d like. And the ability to avoid signing a contract provides much relief for renters, frequent movers and people on a budget. Traditional providers often require contracts for their services. Professional and self-monitoring are also options — putting you in control of your money and security. We’ve found that SimpliSafe is the best overall for homeowners and renters with its inexpensive monitoring and equipment. We dive into the details of these national DIY home security brands and how they can help you protect your home.

SimpliSafe equipment is attractive, modern and easy to install, and the company adds new products all the time. SimpliSafe systems work with Alexa and Google Assistant, so they support voice commands through Amazon Echo and Google Home devices (sold separately). SimpliSafe also offers an indoor camera and video doorbell if you’re interested in monitoring numerous areas of your home.

SimpliSafe offers two tiers of 24/7 monitoring plans (one with expanded app functionality, one without) with a Visual Verification option for customers with cameras. Visual Verification lets monitoring personnel review surveillance footage if an alarm is triggered, which SimpliSafe says speeds response time and reduces false alarms. These services are performed by COPS Monitoring, a company with 43+ years of experience serving over 3 million customers. There’s also an option to self-monitor using the mobile app, but some functionality is limited if you don’t subscribe to a monitoring plan.

According to SimpliSafe, installation requires no tools and usually takes less than 30 minutes. The ease of self-installation makes SimpliSafe a go-to choice for renters, homeowners and frequent movers alike.

With SimpliSafe, equipment is paid for upfront (or financed through PayPal Credit), and packages start at $183. Long-term monitoring contracts are not required, and month-to-month subscriptions range from $15–$25 per month. Overall, SimpliSafe is a popular system that offers great value with lots of flexibility.

SimpliSafe is continuing to provide 24/7 alarm response for customers. This includes responding to alarms triggered for break-ins, fire, carbon monoxide, and medical emergencies. SimpliSafe is also continuing to provide technical support by phone and ensures that they are following federal safety guidelines. Learn more here.

Blue by ADT equipment is easy to install and connect to your favorite smart home equipment, including Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Its devices support voice control and remote control using the Blue by ADT mobile app for modern home security. Blue by ADT has a collection of cameras that connect to LifeShield security systems wirelessly. 

Blue by ADT gives you the option to choose between self-monitoring free of charge and professional monitoring for only $20 per month. Their professional monitoring plan comes with emergency alerts, 30 days of cloud video storage and the first month free.

Blue by ADT is completely DIY for an easy, free setup that doesn’t require a professional. Its videos and technical support make it easy to set up your cameras and wirelessly connect them to your smart home equipment. What we love most is that its indoor camera doubles as fire and carbon monoxide detection to cover your family’s safety and security. The company’s equipment is filled with next-level features, including custom motion zones and facial recognition, making it the best provider for DIY smart home security.

Blue by ADT has affordable cameras and monitoring services. All cameras cost $199 each, and the monitoring service is a month-to-month rate of $20 for more flexibility without requiring a contract.

Blue by ADT is continuing to provide 24/7 monitoring and customer support during regular business hours from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET on Saturdays and Sundays. Learn more here.

Cove doesn’t offer preset packages you can choose from, but you can easily put together your own security system online. Cove focuses on providing the essentials you need for protecting your home with intrusion detection equipment and an indoor security camera for monitoring your home. Cove’s Touch Alarm Panel boasts two-way communication and Smash & Grab Protection for additional security against intruders. As far as video surveillance, Cove is limited, providing only an indoor camera, but you’ll still be able to monitor your home by video if you choose.

Cove doesn’t offer preset packages you can choose from, but you can easily put together your own security system online. Cove focuses on providing the essentials you need for protecting your home with intrusion detection equipment and an indoor security camera for monitoring your home. Cove’s Touch Alarm Panel boasts two-way communication and Smash & Grab Protection for additional security against intruders. As far as video surveillance, Cove is limited, providing only an indoor camera, but you’ll still be able to monitor your home by video if you choose.

You’ll get 24/7 professional monitoring with Cove through either the Cove Basic or Cove Plus plans. Cove provides this service through COPS Monitoring, an organization that has 6 UL-Listed centers. Your home will be monitored over a 100% cellular connection for greater protection against power outages or Wi-Fi internet issues.

Cove Security’s system is designed for DIY installation. The provider claims their system can be installed in as little as 30 minutes. Cove’s equipment is pre-configured so that when it arrives, you’ll simply follow the provided instructions for setup.

With Cove’s InstaText program, you get immediate notifications anytime an alarm is triggered. The text will give you the option to cancel the alarm, request a call from Cove, or have help sent to your home. You’ll get a text within 30 seconds of a problem, while other providers may take upwards of five minutes to reach out.

With Cove, you have greater control over your security system’s cost by choosing the devices you need and want online, with no up-selling involved. Compared to other DIY providers, Cove’s equipment is less expensive, and you may be able to find the devices on sale during any promotions.

Cove is continuing to serve its customers with 24/7 alarm response and newly added 24/7 customer support. Additionally, Cove also understands the financial impact the pandemic is having on customers and has stated that the company will work with them to create a plan for keeping their monitoring service. Learn more here. 

The Frontpoint security product lineup includes everything you need for smart home security, including activity detection, cameras and mobile app access. Choose a starter package or build your own system from scratch. The Frontpoint alarm panel also serves as a Z-wave smart home hub.

Frontpoint customers are served by Rapid Response Monitoring, a multi-award-winning monitoring center with two central stations. Rapid Response is UL-certified and approved by the New York Fire Department , one of the strictest certifications in this field.

Frontpoint customers give the provider high ratings for service, especially throughout the product selection and DIY installation process. The company also maintains a high Better Business Bureau rating, and its mobile app has strong reviews in the Apple Store and Google Play. Plus, the provider recently shifted from an outdated long-term contract model to a more user-friendly monthly plan.

Frontpoint equipment pricing is on the low end, but its monitoring services start at a higher price point than many of its competitors. However, Frontpoint offers all customers benefits that are often only available through higher-tier plans, such as complete mobile app access and “Crash & Smash” protection. Frontpoint pricing represents a good value overall, and it’s even better with a seasonal discount. There’s also a 30-day no-risk trial period.

Frontpoint is also continuing to provide 24/7 alarm response and customer service by phone, chat and email. Rest assured that a Frontpoint monitoring associate will be available to help. You can visit Frontpoint’s support page to view their user guides and videos for help with security system setup. Learn more here.

Alder doesn’t offer any preset home security packages you can choose from. Instead. the provider will work with you to help you choose the right devices to protect your home. Some will find this aspect of Alder frustrating as they may be upsold on equipment they may not need. Some customers may also want the ease of choosing a preset package versus working with a specialist.

With Alder Security, you will find standard equipment such as a touchscreen control panel, motion sensors, door/window sensors, a key fob, smoke detector, flood & freeze sensor, and signage. Alder also offers security cameras. You can choose from the Arlo Pro Indoor/Outdoor camera or the YI Indoor Camera.

Alder offers professional monitoring via a cellular network connection. The price will depend on the equipment you purchase. The provider doesn’t advertise monitoring pricing online, but you can find out how much you’ll need to pay for monthly monitoring by working with a specialist.

Alder Security systems are designed for self-installation. The provider claims that installation is an easy process — all you’ll need to do is follow the instructions for setup, and you can have your system ready in as little as 10 minutes. Installation doesn’t require any tools on your part, as most devices can adhere to the appropriate locations.

Alder provides a simple but effective security system to its customers. There aren’t many frills when it comes to equipment or service. But if all you want is the basics, then Alder is a good choice. The company doesn’t offer any preset packages — you simply pick and choose what you need.

Alder doesn’t advertise pricing for its security systems online, and since each customer’s system may vary, the price may vary as well. We’re not able to compare Alder to other providers regarding price, but Alder does offer the essentials and more for protecting your home, and we believe that contributes to the provider’s overall value.

*Alder Security has not made a public statement about its operations in response to COVID-19.

Link Interactive offers a wide variety of panels, sensors, remotes, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, indoor and outdoor cameras, smart locks, thermostats, and lights — everything you need for intrusion detection, surveillance, environmental monitoring, and home automation, with the freedom to build your own system from the ground up.

Link Interactive’s monitoring service is handled by Avantguard, a wholesale monitoring center that serves over 800,000 subscribers. Avantguard is TMA Five Diamond and Underwriters Laboratories certified — both important accreditations. It’s also possible to request a self-monitored plan through Link Interactive. However, it might not be available in your area, and there is still a considerable fee ($31 per month) associated with app use.

Link Interactive’s website provides a comprehensive listing of all product options with specifications. It’s a great tool for configuring the system and learning the role of each device. We recommend you use this tool for research and call Link Interactive to make your purchase. At the time of writing, there are service plans, deals and options not listed online.

It’s possible to get a very good value with the right equipment selection and service agreement from Link Interactive. Customers purchase equipment upfront and sign on to a one-, two- or three-year contract. Equipment runs on the expensive side, but Link Interactive rewards longer contracts with increasingly substantial equipment discounts. Monitoring costs $31-$45 monthly.

Link Interactive is monitoring the effects of COVID-19 and will continue to provide alarm response as well as home installations and service. 

Ring (owned by Amazon since 2018) is first and foremost a smart home technology company. It played a huge role in turning video doorbells and wireless security cameras into the everyday items they are now. Beyond cameras, Ring sells smart lighting and a customizable Alarm Security Kit with optional professional monitoring.

With Ring, professional monitoring is available through the Ring Protect Plus subscription. At $10 per month or $100 per year, it’s the most affordable option we’ve seen. Monitoring services are performed by a third-party monitoring service with a 30-second average response time. Ring users also can take advantage of the Neighborhood mobile app, a community social network for sharing news, security footage and safety info.

Ring’s video doorbells help set the standard for the industry. They’re competitively priced with a well-rounded set of specs and features. Whether you want to buy a security system and add on a video doorbell or build a safer, smarter home one device at a time, Ring is a solid option.

Ring products are generally affordable. Its video doorbells start at $60, and the five-piece security kit starts at $199. Plus, Amazon regularly posts Ring discounts, especially around the holidays. Monitoring is a bargain compared to traditional home security companies, but remember that Ring’s first focus is smart home products, not security services.

Ring is taking additional precautions to protect its employees at this time by allowing them to work remotely. Phone support is still available for English speakers between 3 a.m. and 11 p.m. PT seven days a week. Email support, however, is no longer available for English speakers. The company has listed its online Help Center as a resource for assistance. Learn more here.

Nest currently has one home security system you can purchase, and that’s the Nest Secure System. It comes with the essentials you need for basic intrusion detection like a base station and sensors. You’ll also be able to use Google Assistant for voice control in addition to a variety of Google smart devices and Nest cameras. Feel free to add on devices as you see fit for your home.

Brinks Home Security provides professional monitoring for the Nest Secure System. Brinks’s monitoring service for Nest starts at $19 per month. Professional monitoring is optional with Nest — you can opt to self-monitor your home instead. If you choose professional monitoring for Nest, you’ll have access to Brinks’s fast response services.

It’s no secret that with Nest, you’ll get access to some of the best smart home integrations with Google. If you have a Google smart device such as the Nest Hub or Google Home, you’ll be able to integrate your Nest with your other devices. For voice control, simply ask Google Assistant to help.

Nest’s security system is competitively priced compared to other DIY providers. Retailing for $399, the Nest Secure System gives you access to unique equipment like the Nest Guard Hub, two Nest tags for easy arming/disarming, two Nest Detector sensors, two open/close magnets, a power adapter, and additional items for getting started. However, Google is no longer directly selling this system. While it is still supporting Nest devices, it announced that it would discontinue sales and production of the systems.

*Google Nest has not made a public statement about its operations in response to COVID-19.

In terms of equipment, Abode offers the typical do-it-yourself selection of intrusion protection and alarms, plus a few different indoor camera and home automation options. It doesn’t have a carbon monoxide detector or an outdoor camera, which might be deal breakers for some people. However, the Abode hub supports Z-wave, Zigbee, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa, so you can find plenty of compatible third-party devices.

Abode offers affordable plans for both self-monitoring and professional monitoring. Self-monitoring through the mobile app is free, which is unusual. Many security providers will charge at least a nominal fee for full access to mobile app monitoring. There’s also a $7 per month self-monitoring plan that includes cellular backup if the home wifi network goes down. Professional monitoring starts at $20 per month.

Many people looking for DIY home security solutions want systems that they can install and monitor themselves. Because of its range of self- and professionally monitored plans, Abode is our top pick for the diehard DIYer.

Abode is a budget-priced option for tech-savvy people who want to set up and monitor their own system. Equipment and/or monitoring are often steeply discounted if you bundle them together. We’ve seen professional monitoring start as low as $8.33 per month. with the purchase of a starter kit.

At Safety.com, we continually refine our lists in order to provide up-to-date, well-researched insights. When ranking home security providers, we consider value, availability, brand reputation, trustworthy reviews, popularity, warranty and other reliability indicators. Learn more about our reviews and rankings methodology.

Safety.com conducted a survey to find out more about home security ownership and the motivation behind these purchases. Here’s a few tidbits about the DIY home security industry:

• 29.1% of Americans own a DIY home security product, such as a video doorbell, self-monitored system, or a smart lock.
• 8.1% of Americans own a full self-monitored home security system.
• 12% of our survey respondents aged 18-34 mentioned owning a self-monitored system (vs. 7% aged 35+).
• 74.3% of survey respondents said their new security system or product makes them feel safe.

Be sure to read any guides or manuals included with your security system on DIY installation. Here are some general steps for setup:

Step 1 – Find an appropriate location and set up your control panel and keypad (if one comes with your security system). You may be able to adhere your control panel to a wall, or it may require nails for setting in place.

Step 2 – Place your motion detectors and door/window sensors appropriately throughout your home. These devices may be adhered to surfaces as well.

Step 3 – Place any signage like stickers in windows and a yard sign out front.

Step 4 – If you have any smart home devices, you’ll need to follow the specific instructions for setup to ensure that they function properly with your security system.

Step 5 – If you have any security cameras, follow the instructions required for setup to ensure proper function.

DIY home security systems are typically less expensive than traditional systems because you can cut out the cost of professional installation and potentially monitoring as well. 

• Monitoring: $10 to $50 per month.
• Upfront cost of home security equipment: $100 to $250 
• Monthly equipment renting costs: $10 to $35 per month

The actual equipment cost will depend on the DIY security provider you choose. Installation, monitoring, and equipment costs are all important factors to consider when finding the best security system for your home.

Already have a few providers in mind but not sure which one is best? Let us help with our head-to-head provider comparisons. Here are our most popular provider comparisons:

• SimpliSafe vs. Ring
• ADT vs. SimpliSafe
• SimpliSafe vs. Nest
• All Head-to-Head Provider Comparisons

• Simplisafe
• Blue By ADT
• Cove
• Frontpoint Security
• Alder
• Link Interactive
• Ring
• Nest
• Abode