Best DIY Home Security Systems of 2024
Save money and invest in a DIY home security system. Here are a few of the best we've found.
- Macy has been working for CNET for coming on 2 years. Prior to CNET, Macy received a North Carolina College Media Association award in sports writing.
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What to consider
What is the best overall DIY home security system?
If you want to monitor your home but you don't have the money to pay for a professional setup then consider investing in a DIY security system. These days, there are plenty of DIY security cameras and monitoring setups that are simple to install and can help keep your home safe without the expenses and contracts that come with a professional security system. Over many years, our CNET experts have explored dozens of different configurations and setups and have rounded up the best DIY home security systems on the market right now. After thorough testing, we've determined the Ring Alarm Pro as the very best DIY home security system overall.
While many of the security systems on the following list are fitting options, the Ring Alarm Pro stands out for its reasonable price, reliable security features and its myriad extra features like backup Wi-Fi, and local processing and storage. As a bonus, Ring and most of the other do-it-yourself home security systems on our list allow you to mix and match cameras, keypads, entry sensors and more for a customized security setup that's optimized for your space.
Best DIY home security systems of 2024
The Ring Alarm Pro system has shaken the DIY home security market, wrapping a Wi-Fi 6 Eero router into its base device. That means you get all the basic security you'd expect from, say, SimpliSafe or Abode, but you'll also get access to all sorts of extra features, including cellular-powered backup Wi-Fi in case of power outages, network security monitoring, local processing and storage for all of your Ring devices and integration with Alexa's Guard Plus service (provided you have an Echo speaker or display).
Ring still has a troubling history when it comes to its privacy practices and policies, but the Ring Alarm Pro is undeniably one of the smartest DIY home security systems I've ever tested, and it's surprisingly well priced in a crowded market. The base system with four entry sensors, one motion detector, one Z-Wave extender, a keypad and a base station costs $300, though you can currently snag it for $90 off, and you can add other devices a la carte for reasonable prices.
Best basic DIY home security system
SimpliSafe Home Security
SimpliSafe was one of the first DIY home security system options to hit the market and is a reasonable alternative to ADT and other professional alarm company firms. That's due in large part to this home security system's affordable cost and wide variety of accessories. SimpliSafe makes a variety of different starter kits that usually start at around $250, and you can often get them for less through discounts.
SimpliSafe's impressive array of accessories such as indoor and outdoor security cameras, key fob, additional motion sensors, smoke detector, glass break sensor, siren and solid performance for the price make it our favorite DIY home security system -- if basic security is all you're after.
Wyze Home Monitoring is a standout due to its affordable cost. You'll need a $30 Wyze Sense Hub to start, or you can pay $100 for a year of professional monitoring and get it for free. Or you can pay $10 each month, but you don't get the Hub for free. From there, you can add keypads, entry sensors, motion detectors and more to build the system that works best for your home. The only real drawback: Wyze doesn't have cellular backup in case of power or internet outages.
There is also a five-piece Core Kit available for around $100 on Amazon. A monitoring subscription is required, but the kit includes three free months.
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Wyze Home Monitoring
Editors' note, Sept. 22, 2023: A reported security breach has affected some Wyze camera users. Out of caution and until Wyze resolves its systems for reporting breaches to users, we've removed our Editors' Choice designation from Wyze products. We will update this page as we reevaluate home security cameras and accessories.
Wyze Home Monitoring is a standout due to its affordable cost. You'll need a $30 Wyze Sense Hub to start, or you can pay $100 for a year of professional monitoring and get it for free. Or you can pay $10 each month, but you don't get the Hub for free. From there, you can add keypads, entry sensors, motion detectors and more to build the system that works best for your home. The only real drawback: Wyze doesn't have cellular backup in case of power or internet outages.
There is also a five-piece Core Kit available for around $100 on Amazon. A monitoring subscription is required, but the kit includes three free months.
Starting at $180 for a keypad sensor hub and two sensors, Arlo's starter bundle isn't the cheapest you'll find, but its sensors are the most versatile. Other Arlo home security bundles range from $270 for the keypad, five sensors and a yard sign to $900 for a system with a base station, three spotlight cameras, a battery charging station and yard sign. You can also start with the $180 bundle and customize your system by adding individual cameras, sensors and a doorbell to your network.
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Arlo Home Security
Arlo, maker of one of our favorite outdoor security cameras, introduced its new home security system and it immediately stood out for its All-in-One sensors. While most home security sensors serve a single purpose such as motion or sound detection, the Arlo All-in-One sensors are capable of eight different detection functions. The sensors can detect motion and sounds such as smoke or CO alarms, plus changes in ambient light or temperature.
Starting at $180 for a keypad sensor hub and two sensors, Arlo's starter bundle isn't the cheapest you'll find, but its sensors are the most versatile. Other Arlo home security bundles range from $270 for the keypad, five sensors and a yard sign to $900 for a system with a base station, three spotlight cameras, a battery charging station and yard sign. You can also start with the $180 bundle and customize your system by adding individual cameras, sensors and a doorbell to your network.
DIY home security systems compared
| Our Picks | Ring Alarm Pro | SimpliSafe (8-piece set) | Wyze Home Monitoring | Arlo Home Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| System price | $210 | $239 | $116 | $180 |
| Monitoring price | $20/month | $15/month | $10/month | $25/month |
| Starter equipment | Eero Wi-Fi 6 mesh router, door/window sensors, motion detectors, a keypad, a siren and optional professional monitoring subscriptions | 1 base station, 1 keypad, 1 motion sensor, 3 entry sensors | 1 hub, 1 keypad, 1 motion sensor, 2 entry sensors and 3 months of professional monitoring | 1 keypad control panel, 2 All-in-One sensors |
| Contract required? | No | No | No | No |
| Setup | DIY installation | DIY installation | DIY installation | DIY installation |
| Extra features | Cellular-powered backup Wi-Fi, network security monitoring, local processing, storage for all of your Ring devices and integration with Alexa's Guard Plus service | Customizable system, built-in Wi-Fi and cellular, integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant | Customizable system, integration with many third-party devices, integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant | 24/7 emergency response, smart interactive notifications, cellular and battery backup, integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant |
| Review score | 9 | 8.5 | 8.4 | N/A |
Factors to consider when choosing a DIY home security system
When selecting a home security system, the first decision to consider is usually a DIY-versus-pro system decision. But since you've already decided to go the DIY route, here's some more parameters to consider when shopping around for home security systems:
Equipment and installation
Do you just need to keep watch over your entryways? A good video doorbell for your front door and an outdoor camera covering the back may be all you need -- easy to install and monitor yourself. However, if you want to keep closer tabs on your home inside and out with 24/7 monitoring and quick access to emergency response services, you'll want a more robust system. Most DIY (and professional brands too) offer home security bundles with most, if not all, of the equipment you'd need to get started and the ability to add single devices as needed.
Smart home compatibility
Most home security devices are compatible with Alexa and Google Home smart hubs, but if you prefer Apple HomeKit or another smart home ecosystem, you may have to do a bit more shopping and comparing to find a system compatible with your existing smart home devices. Don't fret over compatibility too much, however, as Matter will make it easier to connect previously noncompatible devices.
Costs, upfront and ongoing
I listed "cost" last here for a reason. A complete home security system will likely cost you at least a couple of hundred bucks, so be prepared for that. There's the potential to spend lots more on equipment, of course, or a lot less -- maybe a $35 security camera will satisfy your security needs.
Still, the upfront cost of a home security system is roughly the same from one brand to the next, so don't let cost be the deciding factor. Find a system that has the equipment and features you want first, then compare pricing. And if you're comfortable with self-monitoring, DIY systems may not come with any ongoing costs. Monthly subscriptions (without a contract) for cloud storage, enhanced features and possibly even professional monitoring are typically an option with DIY systems, often for lower monthly fees than professional services.
How we test home security systems
Hands-on testing is core to our evaluations of any home security products. In short, when it comes to home security systems, we pay special attention to the user experience, the promised features, reliability and overall value -- along with a few other elements. We do the testing in a real home environment over the course of at least a full week. If you want to read more about our review process, check out our in-depth article on how we test home security systems and services.
Other DIY home security systems we tested
The above systems weren't the only DIY options we explored. We've also tried out Abode Iota, Cove, Lorex, Frontpoint, Kangaroo and Ring Alarm. Lota was a great security system, but it wasn't able to match Simplisafe's prices. Frontpoint, meanwhile, offers great hardware at competitive prices, but its monthly $45 monitoring fees are too much. Cove simply struggled to distinguish itself in any significant way.
Budget-friendly options Kangaroo and Ring Alarm were serviceable, but couldn't quite knock out Wyze. Kangaroo nearly matches Wyze's price, but its hardware -- especially its janky doorbell cam -- leaves something to be desired.
Finally, Lorex offers a local network of connected cameras -- but it doesn't offer the integration that smarter systems do for the same price.