Best DIY Home Security Systems of 2021

If you're at least somewhat technically inclined, are comfortable choosing your own equipment, and want to save a bit of money, consider a home security system with DIY installation. Many of today's home security systems are wireless and operate using your home Wi-Fi network. As a result, they don't require electrical skills or specialized tools to install, and they usually come with step-by-step instructions that are relatively easy to follow. Plus, most DIY home security companies provide support over the phone if you get stuck.

Below we've laid out the major considerations to determine whether a DIY home security system is right for you. We also list our best and cheapest DIY home security systems, explain how much they cost, and tell you what to expect during the installation process.

What Are the Best DIY Home Security Alarm Systems?

We've listed our top-rated DIY home security systems of 2021 to help you choose the one that best fits your needs. They are:

#1 Frontpoint
#1 Cove
#1 SimpliSafe
#4 Abode
#5 Link Interactive
#5 Ring Alarm

The Best DIY Home Security Systems in Detail

DIY systems vary considerably in price, installation method, and available equipment. As a result, the best DIY home security system for you will require a careful examination of your budget, security needs, and DIY skills. Below is a list of our Best DIY Home Security Systems of 2021, along with links to individual company profiles.

Frontpoint: Frontpoint's base Safe Home Starter package comes at a discounted price of only $99 for one hub and keypad, two door/window sensors, one motion sensor, one yard sign, a set of five window decals, and one door sticker. Month-to-month plans cost $44.40 and up – higher than most other DIY competitors' plans. Read More»

Cove Security: Cove Security is a relative newcomer to the DIY home security market. Its equipment is relatively basic, and it doesn't sell pre-packaged systems. Instead, you buy equipment a la carte after answering a series of questions about your home and who lives there, after which Cove's website configures a system for you. This approach may appeal to those who want a simple, no-frills system that's easy to set up and use. Cove's equipment prices are about average among our rated home security systems. Read More»

SimpliSafe: SimpliSafe is competitively priced, easy to install, and doesn't require a long-term contract. Its starter package, called The Foundation, costs $229 and includes one base station, one wireless keypad, one entry sensor, and one motion sensor. The $14.99 Standard monthly plan includes professional monitoring, but you won't be able to control the system remotely or receive notifications on your smartphone unless you sign up for the $24.99 a month Interactive plan. Read More»

Check out our top Simplisafe coupon codes here.

Abode: Abode offers a full-featured system at $229 and up, with pro-grade features like long-range sensors for reliable connectivity, and doesn't require a monthly plan. Another advantage of Abode is that it offers an open platform that integrates with a variety of third-party home automation devices. Read More»

Link Interactive: Link Interactive offers a robust home security system with the option to expand into home automation for a low monthly fee and no required upfront costs or contracts. You can choose to pay upfront for your equipment or spread the cost over one to three years. Completely DIY, the system is entirely wireless and professionally monitored over a cellular connection. Read More»

Ring Alarm: Ring's $199 starter system, the Ring Alarm Security Kit, includes a control panel, a keypad, a motion detector, a contact sensor for doors or windows, and a device that extends the range of the communications between the devices. The company offers a great deal for professional monitoring at only $10 per month for its Protect Plus plan, and there's no cancellation fee. However, the equipment Ring offers is relatively basic and doesn't integrate with many third-party home automation devices. Read More»

Check out our top Ring Alarm discount codes here.

Should I Get a DIY Home Security Alarm System?

DIY security systems aren't for everyone. Read about the pros and cons below to decide if a DIY system is best for your situation.

Reasons to Get a DIY Home Security System

I’m seeking an easy self-service way to protect my home. Installing a DIY security system isn't difficult. According to Lee Walters, a former FBI security specialist, DIY systems are simplified so people can easily figure them out. Security system companies offer tutorials, videos, and tech support staff to help you resolve any issues. The technology used in the best DIY security systems is similar in design and quality to what’s offered by professional-installation security companies.

I want a system that allows me to add smart home devices on my own. In today’s high-tech age, consumers are often familiar with connecting smartphones, wireless security cameras, and thermostats to a home Wi-Fi network. The sensors used in DIY security systems are no different. The best of these systems form the backbone for home automation that allows you to control a wide range of smart home devices including video doorbells, smoke detectors, thermostats, dimmable lights, smart door locks, and garage doors.

With the right gear and a little experience, you can even program sequences of events to increase home security, such as turning on entryway lights as you approach the front door or automatically locking doors when leaving your home. “Lighting on the perimeter of the house in conjunction with an alarm system is a key element for home security,” says Jordan Frankel, founder of Global Security Experts, which conducts home security inspections and invents products to prevent home invasions.

Drawbacks of a DIY Home Security System

Traditional home security companies like Vivint, ADT, and Xfinity Home offer a free home assessment of your security needs. Security experts tell us that this type of evaluation by an experienced security professional is useful for creating a reliable home security system, and only a professionally installed system comes with such an evaluation. Moreover, the base package offered in DIY systems contains only a few window/door sensors or motion detectors. To create an early-warning, full-perimeter system, you likely will need to buy additional sensors, invest time to plan their layout, and install them.

Selecting the right set of sensors is about striking a balance between adequate coverage and practicality. Unlike when you buy a system from a top pro-installation security company, getting a DIY system puts the responsibility on the customer to conduct a careful, objective assessment of the number and types of sensors you need. “There is no concrete formula for how many sensors you need in a room,” Frankel says. “You have to look at it room by room.” He advises against saving a few dollars by buying the smallest starter package.

With a DIY security system, it’s also your job to regularly test that your equipment is working and remains in communication with a monitoring service (if you use one). If something isn't working, it’s also up to you to figure out why the system isn't responding or triggering a false alarm. Traditional alarm companies with professional installation charge for repair visits, but they fix your equipment if something’s wrong.

How to Choose a DIY Home Security System

Choosing a DIY home security system involves deciding how much protection you need, determining your budget, and planning installation.

Cheapest DIY Home Security Systems

We understand that money can be tight and that you want to get the biggest bang for your buck when it comes to buying a DIY home security system. With that in mind, here are the five cheapest DIY home security systems from our Best Home Security Systems of 2021. Prices are based on the 12-month cost of ownership.

#1 Ring Alarm: $235
#2 Abode: $301
#3 Blue By ADT: $379
#4 SimpliSafe: $409
#5 Cove: $493

For more information, see our Cheapest Home Security Systems.

How Much Does a DIY Home Security System Cost?

Among the best DIY home security systems in our ratings, Ring Alarm's base package of equipment is cheapest at $235, while Cove's base package costs the most at $493. Required monthly fees range from $0 for Abode and Ring to $45 or more for Frontpoint. Equipment levels and monitoring features vary, so be sure to read the fine print. See the table below for more information.

Home Security Installation

Depending on your technical skills and the amount of equipment you purchase, installing a DIY home security system can take anywhere from about 30 minutes to several hours. The good news is that all of our Best DIY Home Security Systems of 2021 are designed to be relatively easy to install without special tools, wiring, or electrical skills. You'll need to be generally familiar with how electronic gadgets work, as well as how to set up Wi-Fi-enabled devices in your home.

DIY home security systems consist of various door and window sensors, motion detectors, and a main hub that controls the equipment (usually over Wi-Fi) and can be operated by a keypad and/or a smartphone. Some DIY systems also have security cameras. All of the DIY systems in our ratings allow you to start with a basic kit and add more equipment later.

The specific steps needed to install a DIY home alarm system will vary depending on the system you get. Your home security company will provide detailed installation instructions, including information on placing sensors, setting up passwords, arming and disarming the system, etc. However, the general process is as follows:

Learn More

For more information about home security systems, see the following guides:

The Best Home Security Systems of 2021

Other Home Security Products to Consider

In addition to our rating of the Best Self-Monitored Home Security Systems, consider our ratings of the Best Home Security Cameras.

How U.S. News Evaluated Home Security Systems

We explain what matters most to home and apartment owners, experts and professional reviewers when it comes to Home Security Systems. Then we provide an unbiased evaluation of Home Security Systems. Our goal is to empower consumers with the information and tools they need to make informed decisions. More information about our 360 Reviews methodology for evaluating Home Security Systems is here.