Many homeowners prioritize their safety and that of their property but cannot afford expensive professionally monitored home security systems. However, DIY systems that require no monthly fee are increasingly becoming popular among homeowners. These systems are effective, easy to install, customizable and most importantly, affordable. This article will delve into the benefits, drawbacks, and the top 6 affordable DIY home security systems that are currently available on the market.
How a No-Monthly Fee System Works
Traditional home security systems require a monthly fee for professional monitoring. However, DIY systems that require no monthly fee are available in the market. Such systems are easy to install and monitor by oneself using purchased hardware such as sensors and cameras.
Most DIY companies offer an app that can be used to access live video feed, arm/disarm, and monitor one’s home. Better yet, homeowners can opt in for professional home monitoring services that cost as little as $10 per month!
Benefits of a DIY System
The biggest advantage of DIY home security systems is the absence of ongoing monthly fees. With DIY systems, homeowners can customize the coverage for their homes and add or stop professional monitoring on a month-to-month basis. This feature is convenient, especially for people who travel often or own properties they only occupy occasionally. Additionally, homeowners do not have to sign long-term contracts.
Drawbacks of a DIY System
DIY home security systems lack professional monitoring, and homeowners are required to notify emergency services by themselves. This can be a challenge, especially for people who do not have their smartphones with them consistently or regularly go through periods where they cannot check their phone.
Top 6 Options on the Market
Wyze
Renowned for their budget-friendly home monitoring services, Waze stands out in the market with their remarkably low monthly charges of only $9.99. They extend their commitment to customer satisfaction by providing flexible month-to-month contracts, ensuring consumers are not locked into long-term agreements. This flexibility is further highlighted by a generous 30-day trial period, enabling potential users to explore and test the services before fully committing.
SimpliSafe
This is a best-in-class home security system company with customized and preset packages available. It has won several awards and has a 60-day money-back guarantee. The cost of the preset packages ranges from $244.96 to $504.86.
Homeowners can customize the system according to their needs by adding entry sensors, motion sensors, indoor/outdoor cameras, video doorbell systems, smart locks, glass break sensors, and more. SimpliSafe’s DIY home security system does not require a professional monitoring add-on to secure a home or apartment.
Ring
Ring is popular for its video doorbell and recently introduced its home security system. It offers 5, 8, 10, and 14 piece kits that range from $199.99 to $329.99 USD. The pieces include sensors, motion sensors, smoke, and C02 alarms, glass break sensors, and open window magnets, among others. Ring’s system can be linked and controlled in the free Ring smartphone app. Homeowners can opt-in or out from Protect Pro, Ring’s professional monitoring plan, for $20/month.
Abode
This is a true DIY home security system that comes with a Gateway, which acts as the hub and connects to whatever accessories are needed to protect the space. Homeowners can purchase single, two, or four-packs of accessories such as indoor/outdoor cameras, door/window, and glass break sensors, motion sensors, and keypads and keyfobs. Abode‘s system integrates with Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Amazon Alexa. Homeowners can opt into one of Abode’s plans, the Standard plan or the Pro plan, which has 24/7 professional monitoring.
Blue by ADT
This DIY system comes from the well-known security giant ADT, and it offers Starter, Starter Plus, or Premium System bundles, or homeowners can build their own custom system starting at $179.99. The system includes a smart home hub and a smartphone app.
Sensors for window, door, smoke, motion, and temperature/flood, cameras for indoor, outdoor, and doorbell, and other accessories are available. Homeowners can opt-in or out from professional monitoring for $19.99/month, depending on their needs.
Arlo
This company currently only offers video monitoring systems, but it is about to launch a full DIY security system that promises to be a great option. Their cameras work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, making arming and disarming a breeze.
Their cameras also offer various sensors that detect door and window opening, motion, freeze, leaks, smoke, and CO2, keeping homes safe and flexible. Homeowners can add monitoring for a small fee that varies from $2.99 to $14.99 a month, depending on their number of cameras and whether they want emergency response options.
How to Choose a Home Security System
When choosing a home security system, homeowners need to consider their budget, the alarm pieces available from a given company, and what guarantees the brand makes about trial periods and warranties. With DIY systems, homeowners need only to consider the initial equipment cost and not a monthly budget commitment.
They should also compare the alarm pieces available from a given company to determine if they can get the coverage they want. Additionally, warranties and trial periods ensure that homeowners are not out of pocket if they aren’t satisfied with their new DIY home security system after using it for a while.
Stay Safe and Save!
Homeowners do not have to break the bank to have an effective home security system. DIY home security systems that require no monthly fees are an affordable alternative to traditional professionally monitored systems. While DIY systems lack professional monitoring, they are customizable, easy to install, and flexible.
Homeowners can choose from the top 6 affordable DIY home security systems, including Wyze, SimpliSafe, Ring, Abode, Blue by ADT, and Arlo. Homeowners should consider their budget, the alarm pieces available from a given company, and guarantees offered by the brand when choosing a home security system.