This article gives a review of the 5 DIY Home Security Systems with Cameras.
Given the availability of many affordable smart devices, it is easier than ever to set up a smart security system so that you can monitor your home from anywhere.
It is even more interesting that you can do it yourself (DIY). However, not all DIY home security systems come with cameras. But for the ones that do, they provide comprehensive security.
The best DIY home security systems with cameras offer much-needed safety and reassurance, just like a professionally configured system, but for less.
The only thing that you need to note is that you will have to do a little more work to ensure that your home security system works perfectly.
It can take about two hours or so, depending on how many cameras and sensors you want to install in your home. If you have no issue with that, here are the best five DIY home security systems with cameras.
The Top DIY Home Security Systems with Cameras
These home security systems are not only easier to install, but they also provide the convenience of viewing live video feeds, receiving alerts when the camera detects motions, and talking to your family and visitors from afar.
1. SimpliSafe Essentials
SimpliSafe was among the first brands to offer DIY home security systems with cameras. Back then, when SimpliSafe introduced the first homeowner-friendly system, a greater number of smart home security systems required a professional to install them.
Besides being easy to install, SimpliSafe also has a straightforward buying process, which is completely DIY.
Even before you check out the SimpliSafe website, you will know exactly what you will get and how much you will pay for it.
The SimpliSafe home security system is what you would expect from a robust DIY security system. What we like about this system is that it is lightweight but sturdy.
Besides this, it has several fantastic features, such as the base station, which is packaged in the form of a tower-like gadget.
This base station includes a backup battery to keep the system working even during power outages. Another impressive thing about the SimpliSafe home security system is its state-of-the-art design.
For instance, the base station has a minimalist and appealing design. The same goes for the built-in sensors, which exhibit simplistic aesthetics that can blend easily with most home interiors.
Regarding security, SimpliSafe has a lot to offer. It comes with sensors that detect possible intrusions. You can also use these sensors to alert you to issues that are not considered call-the-cops-worthy but are still good to know.
For instance, when you have a party in your house, you might want to install it in your strategic rooms. You can then set the system to send you alerts to your smartphone. When they are triggered but aren’t sent to the main monitoring center.
This way, you can easily find out if a guest accidentally enters sensitive spaces. The best part of this home security system is the cameras.
There are four sets of cameras, including a smart indoor camera, a basic indoor camera, a hardwired doorbell camera, and a battery-powered outdoor camera.
All four cameras can send alerts, offer movement detection, and know if you have a cloud storage setup. But the one that stands out the most is the smart alarm indoor camera because it uses AI to identify human-triggered motion alerts.
Lastly, if you have set up a smart home, then you can link your SimpliSafe home security system with top smart home platforms such as Google Assistant and Alexa.
The good thing is that SimpliSafe works smoothly with voice controls from their respective smart speakers and apps.
2. Abode DIY System
If you are not keen, you will mistake the Abode home security system for SimpliSafe. It is one of the best DIY home security systems with cameras and other wireless components.
It also has an optional professional monitoring service. What makes it stand out is its easier integration with home automation systems.
This security system allows you to pair home automation devices such as smart thermostats, locks, and lights that use Zigbee, Z-Wave, and even HomeKit wireless standards.
Generally, Abode home security systems offer more extensive smart home integration than most home security systems.
Besides integrating with devices from top wireless security standards such as Zigbee, Z-Wave, and HomeKit. It also works with several third-party brands.
The best of it all is that Abode comes with an easy-to-use app for easier coordination. This means that you can manage your home security from wherever you are.
Abode offers a comprehensive range of safety, security, and automation devices that are controlled via a hub. Specifically, it offers three main packages: the Smart Security Kit, the Abode Security Kit, and the iota All-in-One Kit.
All three kits come with sensors for optimal security. On top of this, they can connect with smart home devices through Alexa, HomeKit, Google Assistant, Zigbee, and Z-Wave.
Actually, Abode iota is one of the few home security systems that works with Apple HomeKit. Among the three, the best one is the iota All-in-One Kit because it comes with advanced features.
The hub comes with a built-in security camera, alarm, cellular chip, and motion sensor. These more functionalities and built-in cameras are what make it more costly than other options.
3. Frontpoint DIY System
When looking for the best DIY home security systems with cameras, it is important to consider customer service. This is where Frontpoint shines. Frontpoint has a respected customer-centric culture.
This home security provider offers many channels to access professional help, including email, phone, and live chat.
Given that you will be doing most of the installation yourself, it is important that your security service provider be available to offer help when you need it.
You can use these channels for many things, including asking for help with the installation. But that is not all. Good customer service will mean nothing if the security systems aren’t good.
Thankfully, Frontpoint offers a robust security system that is durable, wireless, and covers all forms of security and home automation.
Some of the things that make Frontpoint impressive include competitive pricing, DIY installation, professional monitoring, an accompanying app, glass break sensors, indoor and outdoor cameras, the best customer service, and home automation.
4. Ring Alarm
If you are looking for affordable DIY home security systems with cameras, you should consider Ring Alarm.
This security system is also easy to set up, comes with battery and cellular backup, and has a loud alarm. The best of it all is that it has a wide range of compatible add-on devices, including security cameras, video doorbells, and smart lights.
Given that it works perfectly with Alexa, you can control the system via voice commands. Ring’s security system is also compatible with select Kwikset, Schlage, and Yale smart locks, smart switches, smart plugs, and smart outlets on Leviton and GE.
Ring Alarm comes with a built-in Euro WiFi 6 router. This means that you can replace your existing standard router. You can create a mesh network to boost your WiFi connectivity speed for security cameras and other smart devices.
This setup also offers a cellular backup web connection that comes in handy when the internet drops. Another likable feature of this easy-to-use DIY home security system is that it offers one of the best-priced professional monitoring services, which start at $20 per month or $200 annually.
Ring Alarm has almost every imaginable add-on, including door and window sensors, several types of battery-operated and hard-wired doorbells and cameras, and carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
5. Arlo Home Security
Arlo is one of the top brands when it comes to wireless security cameras. It is also among the best DIY home security systems with cameras.
We were particularly impressed with its All-in-One Sensor, which brings together eight functions to detect water leaks, smoke alarms, motion, and open doors, among others.
In addition to this, it has outstanding security camera selections and fantastic self-monitoring options. Interestingly, the system needs no subscription to use it, meaning you can save money by choosing the more affordable camera-only plan.
The only drawback of self-monitoring is that it doesn’t have carbon monoxide or smoke alarm detection, which are available in the professional monitoring plan.
Another shortcoming of the Arlo home security system is that it doesn’t have a built-in backup battery. But the good thing is that you can add this feature. Also, Arlo’s warranty lasts for only one year.
Overall, we believe that the Arlo home security system is an excellent choice. Anyone who wants a security system with a few sensors that can control many things. Without a doubt, Arlo has one of the best security cameras on this list.
Closing Thoughts
The good thing about DIY home security systems with cameras is that they are easy to install, and they send you alerts directly to your phone.
So, you will know everything that happens in your home in real time. The bottom line is that home security systems don’t have to cost you heavily to install.
Most DIY home security systems also offer professional monitoring, where the monitoring team can dispatch help in case of an emergency.
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