Cheapest Home Security Systems of 2021

Home security systems are expensive. The equipment itself can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, and if you want professional monitoring, that comes at an additional monthly fee. Plus, some companies lock you into expensive long-term contracts. Nevertheless, there are ways you can save money on a home security system. We explain how below, along with listing the most affordable home security systems in our ratings so you can decide which one best suits your needs.

What Are the Cheapest Home Security Systems?

Our Cheapest Home Security Systems of 2021 are all DIY systems. They include:

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

The Best Cheap Home Security Alarm Systems in Detail

Our Cheapest Home Security Systems of 2021 are:

Ring Alarm: Ring's $199 base system, called the Ring Alarm Security Kit, includes a base station, 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's $10 per month Protect Plus plan for professional monitoring is a bargain. However, a Ring security system is relatively basic and doesn't currently integrate with many third-party home automation devices that work with competing systems. Read More»

Check out our top Ring Alarm discount codes here.

Abode: Abode is a full-featured DIY home security solution that doesn’t require a monthly plan. It earns a place in our rating partly because it’s easy to install and configure. Unlike its chief DIY competitors, Abode is also intended to be an open platform for a wide array of third-party home automation devices. Currently, Abode is strictly a DIY system, but the company has plans to partner with a nationwide network of professional installers. Read More»

Blue by ADT: ADT is the largest and best known professionally installed home security provider in the U.S. Its new DIY Blue by ADT system is controllable from a smartphone app and comes with the company's well-regarded 24/7 professional monitoring. Blue by ADT starter packs are available on ADT's website and through a growing number of retailers, including Amazon. These starter systems begin at $199.15 and can be supplemented by additional Blue by ADT sensors and cameras, and by compatible gear such as smart lights and smart locks from other smart home equipment makers. Read More»

Check out the top Blue By ADT promo codes here.

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 Interactive plan. Read More»

Check out our top Simplisafe coupon codes here.

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»

What Are the Cheapest Professionally Installed Home Security Systems?

If you're looking for professional installation, there are some relatively affordable options. Below are our Cheapest Professionally Installed Home Security Systems.

#1 ADT Security – $870
#2 Xfinity Home – $900
#3 Vivint – $1,079
#4 Brinks Home Security – $1,416

What Are the Cheapest Home Security Systems With Outdoor Cameras?

Those who want a home security system with outdoor cameras, which many security experts recommend, should check out our Cheapest Home Security Systems With Outdoor Cameras:

#1 Ring Alarm – $235
#2 Blue By ADT – $379
#3 Frontpoint – $853
#4 ADT Security – $870

Should I Get a Cheap Home Security Alarm System?

The cost of a home security system can be steep, with hundreds or thousands of dollars invested in equipment and even more in long-term monthly monitoring fees. As a result, there's a temptation to buy as inexpensive a system as possible upfront. But while there are relatively affordable home security systems on the market, it's a mistake to focus solely on price. For several reasons, a cheap home alarm system might not meet your needs.

One way to save money is to avoid installation fees by purchasing one of the DIY home security systems in our ratings. But some of these systems include rather basic equipment that doesn't integrate with smart home devices, which you might consider a priority. Plus, you won't get the benefit of an in-home security consultation, and no one will come to troubleshoot if there's a problem. Thus, while DIY systems are fine for many people, if you want the best available equipment and the highest level of customer service and support, a professionally installed system is the way to go.

Before buying a low-priced home security system, ask yourself these questions:

How to Choose a Home Security System

To choose a home security system, take the following steps:

For more information, see How to Buy a Home Security System.

How Much Does a Cheap Home Security System Cost?

For the cheap home security systems in our ratings, the 12-month total cost of ownership ranges from $235 for Ring to $493 for Cove. Monthly monitoring prices range from $3 for Ring to $15 and up for Blue By ADT. Equipment levels and monitoring features vary, so be sure to read the fine print.

How Can I Get an Affordable Home Security System?

Affordable home security is an achievable goal, but it requires research and priority-setting. Do you really need a sensor on every window, video cameras indoors and out, and the latest in home automation technology? Do you want professional monitoring, or are you willing to self-monitor your system? Can you install the system yourself? Answering these and other questions will help you identify areas where you can save money.

For more information see, How to Buy a Home Security System.

How Can I Save Money on Home Security Equipment?

One way to get more affordable home security is to be sensible when selecting what equipment you purchase. Most home security companies offer a wide array of equipment with different features and price points, including several types of cameras and sensors, home automation equipment, etc. Just because you can add something to your system doesn't mean you have to. For example, you might be able to forgo niceties like large hard drives for video storage, cameras with two-way audio, internet-enabled door locks and other gadgets, and sensors on upper-floor windows unless they are somehow easily accessible. A professional security assessment can help to determine what's truly essential. You can also design a good system yourself after first doing some research and then carefully evaluating your security issues.

Certain pieces of equipment are essential or highly recommended for any security system, starting with a central hub to which all the sensors and cameras are connected. At a minimum, security experts also recommend sensors on every entry door and first-floor window, interior motion detectors for when you're away from home, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors connected to the security system so that you and/or a professional monitoring center will be notified in an emergency. Some experts say outdoor security cameras aren't essential, though they are useful for monitoring entry points and places hidden from neighbors. Beyond these basic items, feel free to limit your purchases for a more affordable home security system. Most systems are expandable, so you can always add equipment later if you wish.

For more information, see How does a Home Security System Work?

Equipment You Should Have:

Equipment That's Nice to Have

How Can I Save Money on Home Security Monitoring?

Most home security systems come with the option of professional monitoring. For an extra fee of about $10 to $40 a month, the security company's trained staff will monitor your system around-the-clock and notify the authorities if there's a fire, burglary, or some other emergency.

Some more affordable home security systems allow for free self-monitoring on your smartphone. While self-monitoring lowers the cost of home security, it has significant drawbacks and is discouraged by most home security experts. The primary issue with self-monitoring is that it's impossible to continuously monitor your own security system (while you're sleeping, for example). Moreover, even if you check your security system on your smartphone occasionally when you're away from home, you might not notice there's a problem until it's too late. If there's a fire, the difference between saving and losing your home could be a matter of minutes. Moreover, because burglars usually grab whatever they can in a short time and flee, they might be long gone before you see the video footage of the break-in. With professional monitoring, you can rest assured that as soon as something happens, security company staff will receive an alert and notify the proper authorities. As a result, self-monitoring probably isn't the smartest choice in your quest to save money on a security system.

For more information, see Should a Home Security System Have Professional Monitoring?

How Can I Save Money on Installation?

A better way to lower the cost of home security is to buy a system that you can install yourself. With a professionally installed system, a technician visits your house and performs a security assessment to determine what equipment you need and where it should be placed. He or she then installs it for you for a fee of $100 or more, depending on the company and the size of the system.

This approach has significant advantages. Most importantly, you get a security system that's tailored to your home. You also will have someone to call if there's a problem with the equipment later. However, be aware that the technician might encourage you to purchase more equipment than you need. To help avoid this, ask whether a company's technicians are paid a flat rate or a commission based on the size of your system.

If you're looking for a lower-priced security system, consider one that you self-install. These systems use your home's Wi-Fi network to communicate with the central hub. This means the equipment doesn't need hard wiring and is relatively easy to set up without tools or damage to your walls. Easy-to-follow setup instructions are provided, often on a smartphone app. Depending on how much equipment you purchase and how familiar you are with Wi-Fi-enabled electronic devices, installation could take anywhere from half an hour to a couple of hours. Remember that although most DIY home security companies provide phone support, you will have to fix any technical issues that arise or send the equipment back if it's defective.

For more information to decide if self-installation is a good way for you to get save money on a home alarm system, see Pro-Installed vs. DIY Home Security Systems.

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.