Installing a home security system is one of the easiest things you can do, and it’s something that everyone should consider if they live in a house or apartment. The Best DIY Home Security Systems include motion and entry sensors, a loud siren, professional monitoring for your safety, and an easy-to-use interface so you don’t have to spend hours trying to figure out how it works. All of these features are necessary for keeping your family safe while you’re away on vacation or working at home.
The best DIY home security systems let you protect your home for less than it would cost to have a professional installer come into your house. As their name suggests, you simply install a wireless DIY home security system- most of which use sensors that are wireless! You don’t need any tools other than a screwdriver and some window or door stickers to do this; in most cases, all you’ll need is a screwdriver. Plus, many of the best DIY home Security Systems offer professional monitoring so that if there’s an emergency break-in or fire, professionals will be alerted!
What are the best DIY home security systems?
We’ve tested a number of systems in order to come up with the best DIY home security system, and the Abode Essentials Starter Kit is one of the best options on the market. It’s cost-effective, offers integrated smart home capabilities like smart bulbs and door locks, as well as everything else necessary for setting up a reliable security system, and it works with Apple’s “smart home” platform.
The Ooma Home Security Kit is a great DIY home security system that gets you all the basics, such as motion sensors and integration with other smart home devices. Since it launched, the company has added both cellular and battery backups. However, these extra costs make this less of an offer than its initial price.
Ring Alarm customers may find themselves in a tough situation if they don’t want to subscribe to its professional monitoring service, Ring Protect Pro. It will now cost $20 per month instead of $10.Current Ring Protect Plus subscribers will be grandfathered in until January 1, 2025- but this doesn’t mean that you won’t have to pay anything extra for professional monitoring. Wyze is also increasing the price of its professional monitoring service by 50%.
If you’re looking for something simpler, we recommend checking out our guides for the best home security cameras and the best smart locks. As for leaving it to others, here are some of the best professionally installed home security systems!
We discussed here 9 the best DIY home security systems
1. Abode Essentials Starter Kit
The best DIY home security system
The Abode Essentials Starter Kit is a versatile smart home controller with both Zigbee and Z-Wave integration — which means you can use it to control things like smart bulbs and locks. It’s also straightforward to set up. The beginner’s bundle is a bit slim in its accessory offerings, but you can choose from a host of other packages and purchase additional sensors separately.
With Abode, you can live a better life by renting out an extra room or office for your business. We offer three tiers of service: Free, Standard ($6/month or $60/year), and Pro ($20/month or $200/year). The free plan does not let you record video from cameras or use automation within the system, but you can view live video, use smart home integrations, and get push notifications.
The Standard Plan gets you 7 days of rolling cloud storage for video and a timeline of events, such as when doors are opened. The Pro plan gets you 30 days of cloud storage, as well as 24/7 professional monitoring, as well as cellular backup. If you have the Standard plan, you can also get three- and seven-day monitoring on an event-by-event basis for $8 and $15 each.
2. Ooma Smart Security Starter Pack
Specification
- Professional Monitoring / Monthly Price:–> $14.99
- Number of Sensors Included:–> 2
- Cellular Backup: –>No
- Battery Backup:–> No
- Smart Home Compatibility:—> IFTTT, Google Assistant Nest, Alexa
Reason to buy
- Affordable kit and accessories
- Remote access to emergency services
- No app is required for notifications
Ooma Smart Security Starter Pack is a bare-bones system, but it has the features you need and more. It comes with an integrated hub that can be used to control all of the sensors in your home, as well as voice and facial recognition for added peace of mind. Additionally, there are monthly low-cost VoIP service plans available so you never have to worry about data rates again!
If you want to get the most out of Ooma, our free tier includes push notifications and unlimited sensors. The only downside is that you can’t use them to call or text people, but this can be easily remedied by subscribing to a higher-level account.
Ooma also added professional monitoring for an extra $14.99 per month, which was a much-needed feature. Since its launch, Ooma has added both battery backup ($34.99) and cellular backup so your system will continue to function if the power and Internet go down. The Ooma Telo 4G costs $129, plus $11.98/month!
3. SimpliSafe Essentials
Best professional monitoring
Specification
- Professional Monitoring / Monthly Price:–> $14.99-$49.99
- Number of Sensors Included:–> 4
- Cellular Backup:–>Yes
- Battery Backup:–> Yes
- Smart Home Compatibility:–> August, Google Assistant, Alexa
Reason to buy
- The Keypad remote is familiar
- The alarm is very loud
- Easy to install
The SimpliSafe Essentials kit, as our runner-up pick for the best DIY smart security system, has the loudest siren we tested (93 decibels) and is also stylish. It also comes with more accessories than most of its competitors, including three entry sensors instead of the standard one or two. Additional accessories won’t break the bank, either. Overall, this kit is a great option for those who want an easy-to-use DIY smart security system that can handle any home situation.
If you want a smart lock that integrates with both Alexa and Google Assistant, Simplisafe is the perfect option. It has a professional monitoring service for $14.99 per month, which includes features like secret alerts. You can also cancel the plan at any time for an additional fee of $24.99/month!
4. Ring Alarm
An affordable professional monitoring
Specification
Reason to buy
- Affordable professional monitoring
- Easy to install
- Loud alarm
Ring’s alarm system is the perfect way to keep your home safe and secure. It includes a loud alarm, battery backup, and cellular coverage so you can be sure that even if something goes wrong with your phone or power source, you’ll have access to help as soon as possible. Plus, Ring has compatible add-on devices like video doorbells, security cameras, and smart lights so you can arm and disarm your system by voice without ever having to leave your comfort zone.
Alarms are an essential part of any home, and the Ring Alarm Security Kit is designed to protect your property from vandalism or theft. This kit includes a keypad with one-touch buttons for Police, Fire, and Medical assistance, as well as a range extender. Plus, it costs just $199!
If you have the Ring Alarm Pro, then you can purchase a professional-grade monitoring service that includes Eero Wi-Fi 6 mesh router built into the main hub itself. The price for this service is $20/month, and it includes professional backup if your home has an Eero Wi-Fi 6 network.
5. Wyze Home Security
A budget DIY home security system
specification
- Professional Monitoring/Monthly Price:–> $10 a month/$100 year
- Number of Sensors Included:–> 3
- Cellular Backup:–> No
- Battery Backup:–> Yes
- Smart Home Compatibility:–> None
Reason to buy
- Inexpensive professional monitoring
- Battery backup good
- Easy to install and use
The motion sensor is an essential part of any home security system, and the Wyze Home Security System comes with one. If your house experiences a sudden influx in motion – like if there’s someone moving around in your attic or basement – then the motion sensor will alert you straight away. It also has been designed to be easily adjustable to fit most homes, so you can get the perfect level of signal wherever it matters most.
Despite these limitations, the Wyze Home Security Camera is a very affordable and easy-to-use home security system that can provide you with excellent value for your money. It has many features that make it stand out from other similar systems on the market, making it an ideal choice for anyone who wants to keep their home safe and secure.
7. Abode iota home security kit
Works with a lot of smart home devices
Specification
- Professional Monitoring/Monthly Price:–> $30/month, or $8-$15 for three- or seven-day monitoring
- Number of Sensors Included:–> 2
- Cellular Backup:–> Yes
- Battery Backup:–> Yes
- Smart Home Compatibility:–> Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, Nest, IFTTT, Zigbee, Z-Wave
Reason to buy
- Works with Alexa, Google Home
- Can connect to other Z-Wave, Zigbee smart-home devices
- Fast, easy setup
If you have an Abode iota home security system, it comes with one main feature that’s not found on most systems: a built-in 1080p camera. This camera can be used to watch your home from anywhere in the world, and if there is motion detection going on in your house, the alarm will sound loud to let everyone know. In addition to this great feature, Abode has added another innovative feature to its latest model—an a93-dB alarm that connects all of its other door and motion sensors so you never have to worry about anyone getting past your security system without being detected.
If you’re looking for an AI security system that works with Apple HomeKit, the iota is a good option. It’s a camera that can be connected to your home through HomeKit and get push notifications when things happen in your home. However, like standalone wireless security cameras, the iota does not have as many features as some of the other options on this list.
The Standard Plan gets you rolling with 7-day cloud storage for videos and events, as well as professional monitoring. The Pro plan features 30 days of cloud storage, 24/7 cellular backup, three-and seven-day monitoring on an as-needed basis for $8 and $15 each.
8. Alexa Guard Plus
Alexa-based home security
Specification
- Professional Monitoring / Monthly Price:–> Yes/$4.99
- Number of Sensors Included:–> n/a
- Cellular Backup:–> No
- Battery Backup:–> No
- Smart Home Compatibility:–> Alexa
Reason to buy
- Uses existing Amazon Echo devices
- Low monthly price
If you already have a bunch of Echo speakers, Alexa Guard Plus is an affordable way to get an ad-hoc home security system. It uses microphones in compatible Echo devices to listen for things like glass breaking, footsteps, or smoke and fire alarms and will send an alert to your smartphone. From there, you can contact a helpline that can connect you with emergency services.
Alexa Guard Plus is different from the other services on this list in a few ways. For one, it relies on Amazon Echo devices instead of professional monitors. This means you won’t have to worry about battery or cellular backup; Alexa will keep track of your device’s location and contact you if something goes wrong. Additionally, with Ring Protect Plus service, you can connect your Echos with other smart home devices like thermostats and video doorbells! If all of your compatible home security cameras are working together (namely from Ring and Blink), they’ll start making barking dog sounds when there’s motion detected in the environment!
9. Honeywell Smart Home Security
Includes a camera with motion detection
Specification
- Professional Monitoring / Monthly Price:–> No
- Number of Sensors Included:–> 2
- Cellular Backup:–> No
- Battery Backup:–> Yes
- Smart Home Compatibility:–> Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
Reason to buy
- Alexa built-in
- Built-in camera with motion detection
- Works as Z-Wave hub
The Security Hub is Honeywell’s latest product, designed to help protect your home from burglars and other potential threats. It has a built-in security camera and speaker, allowing you to use it as a smart speaker when not using it as a security device. The hub also includes Alexa, so you can use it with Google Assistant.
The camera in the Honeywell hub also has facial recognition, but we found this feature didn’t work as well as it should have. Moreover, the hub doesn’t have all of Alexa’s features. The base station does have a battery backup, but Honeywell doesn’t offer professional monitoring as an option, nor cellular backup.
How we test DIY home security systems
We tested out the DIY home security systems in the suburbs of the San Francisco Bay Area in a two-story townhouse over the course of three months. Each kit comes with a base station and a variety of sensors. The security gateways were all configured on the first floor of the house near the main entrance, while motion sensors were placed facing the front door and were no higher than six feet off ground. (This was done to test whether each sensor would pick up cat movement.) Additionally, we used a sliding glass door to test each entry sensor.
Most mobile apps work fine with the sirens from these brands, but we tested their relative loudness by setting off the alarms and leaving the house. We signed up for every professional monitoring service to check their responsiveness in case of a trigger. Each gateway was also unplugged and used in battery mode to determine its abilities in case of a power outage. If the gateway required an Ethernet connection, it was hooked up to a Google Wi-Fi node that was closest to the front door.
How to Choose the Best DIY Home Security System for Your Home
When it comes to home security, there are a lot of factors you need to take into account. The type of home you live in, the size of your yard, and whether or not you have a backyard. However, one of the most important things to consider is the security system you choose. If you don’t have time to go through all of the research and find the best option for your home, we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we will tell you about the different types of security systems and how they can be used to protect your home.
Home security systems
There are a lot of different types of home security systems, and it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. Here are six tips to help you choose the best DIY home security system:
1. Decide what type of security you need. There are many different types of home security systems, so it’s important to make sure you have the right one for your needs.
2. Research the different options. Once you’ve decided on a type of security system, research the different options available to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
3. Compare prices. Sometimes it’s important to compare prices before making a purchase. You may not have time to research every option, and it can save you some money in the end.
4. Consider your budget. The cost of a security system will affect how much money you can spend on other areas of your business, such as marketing or growth strategies.
5. Consider your needs. When looking at different types of security systems, consider what type of protection you need and what kind of features would be beneficial for your home.
6. Make a decision! Once you’ve determined which type of security system is right for your home, make a decision on how much money to spend and how much space you want your system to take up in your yard.
Security in your backyard
One of the most common questions people ask is how to secure their backyard. There are a few different ways to secure your backyard, and the best way to do it will depend on the type of security system you choose.
Some systems require you to have a keycard or code to open the door. Other systems require you to install a camera and watch it 24/7. Still, others use sensors that detect movement or sound. The best way to decide which system is right for you is to talk to a professional installer.
How to choose the right security system for your home
When it comes to home security, there are a lot of factors you need to take into account. The type of home you live in, the size of your yard, and whether or not you have a backyard. However, one of the most important things to consider is the security system you choose. If you don’t have time to go through all of the research and find the best option for your home, we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we will tell you about the different types of security systems and how they can be used to protect your home.
We’ll start with a brief overview of security systems:
1) Home security systems: These systems are designed to keep your home safe from intruders. They can be used for either public or private areas of your home.
2) Security cameras: A security camera can help you keep an eye on your house 24/7. It can also be useful if you want to monitor activity in your home while away from home.
3) Wireless home security systems: Wireless home security systems allow you to share a single camera system with family or friends so that they can see and/or hear what is happening in your house while you’re away. This system is great if you don’t have time to visit your house each day and want to keep an eye on it from anywhere in the world.
4) Outdoor security systems: Outdoor security systems allow
Conclusion
Home security is an important part of any home. And the best way to protect your home is to have a well-made DIY home security system. You need to choose the right security system for your home and your needs. You should also choose the right type of security system for your home. The Best DIY Home Security Systems include motion and entry sensors, a loud siren, and professional monitoring for your safety
