The Best DIY Home Security Systems of 2024 are the ones that are easy to install and manage, come with a loud siren, entry, and motion sensors, and offer professional monitoring.
In short, the best DIY home security system offers safety and reassurance while demanding little from your end.
In most cases, a DIY home security system offers a simple way to install, which usually takes an hour or two depending on your skill level and how many sensors you need to install in your home.
Once installed, it operates in the same way as professionally installed systems. What it does is monitor doors, windows, and everything that moves around your home, and then send alerts if it detects something fishy.
The good thing is that some of the best DIY home security systems also offer professional monitoring services for an additional fee.
This added functionality makes it possible for professional managers to alert authorities when emergency incidents, such as break-ins, occur.
Some security systems even provide smart home coordination so that you can link the system with third-party accessories such as smart locks, lights, and smoke detectors.
The Best DIY Home Security Systems in 2024
1. Abode
Whether you are experienced in matters of home security or just a first-timer, the Abode Essential Starter Kit will meet your needs.
It has something for everyone. That is why we think it is the best DIY home security system. Besides its versatile smart home controller with both Z-Wave and Zigbee integration, it also offers a straightforward setup option.
Another interesting thing about the Abode system is that it can seamlessly connect to HomeKit, meaning that you can control the system using Siri.
The starter bundle is somehow compact in its accessory offerings. But the good thing is that you can choose from several packages and buy additional sensors.
Adobe allows you to choose between three tiers of service. The most basic is the free package, which doesn’t allow you to use automation or record videos from the cameras.
But at least, you can view live videos, get push notifications, and use smart home integrations. The Standard Package costs $6 per month or $60 annually.
This plan gets you a week of rolling cloud storage for video. It also offers a timeline of events, for instance, when windows or doors are opened.
The third plan is the Pro package, which gets you a month of cloud storage plus 24/7 professional monitoring. Besides this, you get cellular backup.
Another good news is that Abode works with Google Nest gadgets, including Nest Hub Max, Google Nest Cam, Nest Doorbell, and Nest Learning Thermostat.
Abode users can do several things, including view live streams from security cameras and video doorbells.
2. SimpliSafe Essentials
SimpliSafe offers several bundles of DIY home security systems. In fact, it can allow you to build your own custom system. The only thing you need to set up the system is the keypad and the company’s base station.
Some of its notable features include installation-friendly system components and contract-free professional monitoring, meaning that you can cancel this plan at any time.
It also has one of the loudest sirens and is so stylish. We believe SimpliSafe Essentials is the best DIY home security system because it comes with more accessories than its competitors.
These accessories include three sensors instead of just one or two. Other accessories are offered at a reasonable price.
These include a video doorbell and a smart lock. These two are rarely included in a DIY smart home security system.
Finally, SimpliSafe also works with both Google Assistant and Alexa for easier coordination. If you require professional monitoring, SimpliSafe offers it in two packages, starting at $14.99 per month.
The $24.99 per month package includes several cool features, such as secret alerts. The good thing is that you can cancel this plan at any time.
3. Ring Alarm
We included the Ring Alarm system in this list of the best DIY home security systems because it is easy to set up, is affordable, and has a loud alarm system, as well as cellular and battery backup.
On top of this, the system is compatible with several add-on gadgets, including security cameras, smart lights, and video doorbells.
Still on compatibility, Ring’s DIY home security system is compatible with select Kwilset, Schlage, Yale smart locks, smart switches, smart plugs, and some smart outlets on Leviton and GE.
You can also connect the system to Alexa. Ring’s second-generation alarm comes with smaller window and door sensors.
The keypad is also well-designed with one-touch buttons for fire, police, and medical assistance. For just $199, you get a keypad, contact sensor, base station, motion detector, and range extender.
The good thing is that if your home already has sensors, you can connect those sensors to Ring’s DIY system, potentially saving you a lot of dollars and the hassle of looking for new sensors.
4. Ooma Smart Security Pack
If you just need a straightforward DIY home security system without professional monitoring, then this system is ideal for you.
With this system, you get the hub, two entry sensors, and one motion sensor. On top of this, you get a reliable VoIP service with affordable monthly fees.
Another impressive thing about this DIY home security system is that you can connect it to your favorite digital assistant, including Alexa and Google Assistant.
The basic package comes with unlimited sensors, push notifications, and a remote siren. If you need a phone call, e911, email notification, or text message, you can add $5.99 per month.
There is also an optional package for professional monitoring, which is available for $14.99 per month. Since the first launch, Ooma has released both cellular backup and battery backup, so your system can continue to run even when the internet and power drop.
5. ADT Self-Setup
ADT Self-Setup is also one of the best DIY home security systems and offers some of the best video doorbells.
This security system works best with Google Nest devices such as the Nest Protect smoke detector, Google Nest Cam, and Nest Doorbell.
The starter kit comes with a Z-wave antenna for smart home connectivity and a hub with a siren and keypad to control the system.
Besides this, you also get an 85-decibel siren, Bluetooth, a 4G LTE cellular radio, a speaker, a 2.4GHz WiFi radio, 24-window/door sensors, and two motion sensors.
However, you can improve the system further with additional Nest cameras, the Nest thermostat, the Google Nest Hub, and additional door and window sensors.
But its monthly monitoring fee of $24.99 is slightly expensive for such a system. But on the positive side, the whole security setup works with the ADT app, which provides live feeds from sensors and cameras in the house.
You will receive alerts every time it detects a motion. Besides this, the app allows you to create smart home routines. For instance, you can set when to turn on or off the lights.
6. Wyze Home Security
Wyze has managed to build a brand as a source of quality smart home devices. One of those gadgets is the Wyze Home Security System.
We love this system because it is easy to set up and is reasonably priced. For just $99, you will receive the starter kit, which comes with a keypad, base station, two window or door sensors, and a motion sensor.
Of course, you can add accessories, especially from Wyze, such as the Wyze Cam v3, which is equally affordable. Its professional monitoring service is also quite affordable when compared to the competition.
Unfortunately, there are a few caveats. While we believe that Wyze Home Security is one of the best DIY home security systems, especially when it comes to pricing, it lacks a few things.
First, it doesn’t have cellular backup like other systems on this list. So, if your internet drops, the system will not work.
It also lacks compatibility with Google Assistant and Alexa. But if you consider its cost and can do without those additional features, then Wyze home security is one of the best bargains.
7. Arlo
To complete our list of the best DIY home security systems, we recommend Arlo. This outdoor security system stood out because of its all-in-one sensors.
A majority of home security sensors serve only one purpose, like sound or motion detection, but Arlo’s all-in-one sensors offer up to eight detection functions.
They can detect sounds and motions such as CO or smoke alarms.
Wrapping It Up
Conventionally, home security systems require complex setup and installation that require a professional to do the job. This has, however, changed with the introduction of DIY home security systems.
These systems come with components that are easy to install and are capable of connecting to your smart home ecosystem.
Most of them come with an app for easier access and management. Moreover, you can integrate with your smart assistants for easier control using voice commands.
So, if you find professionally installed systems to be expensive, you can choose one of the above-listed best DIY home security systems.
These smart home security systems are easy to manage and don’t have to come with a hefty installation fee.
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