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ADT Self Setup’s impressive cameras and professional monitoring earned it our top recommendation for DIY home security systems.
Updated April 6, 2025
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Remember the days when home security systems needed technicians to come out to your home and set them up? Some still do, but it’s no longer required to get a high-quality security system in your home. Of course, there are good DIY security systems and bad ones. The bad ones are difficult to install, and even if you follow the instructions, they barely work.
That’s why we tested dozens of DIY security systems in our own home to figure out which ones provide top-notch security. After our tests, ADT Self Setup took first place. The honor came not only because it took us only about 45 minutes to install but also because of the quality of the Google Nest product range. That said, we were also really impressed by SimpliSafe and Cove. Keep reading for all the details you need to know to figure out which system’s right for your home.
We’ve found that the best way to make unbiased and trustworthy recommendations is by testing home security systems ourselves. That means buying the equipment, installing it in our homes, and testing it for weeks and sometimes months. It helps us get a feel for what it’s like to live with the security system and learn about its response times, apps, and features. We then use these experiences to make honest recommendations.
Multiple factors can impact testing home security systems, but we find ways to make like-for-like comparisons. For starters, we install and test all the security systems in one house — a two-story, 2,200-square-foot home owned by one of our home security experts. Using a real house instead of a lab means we can accurately assess real-life scenarios and make reliable recommendations.
We also buy the same devices for every home security system and install them in identical locations. You can see the places we regularly choose to set up equipment below.
We looked at multiple factors when choosing the best DIY home security systems. Drawing on our industry knowledge and experience, these are the factors we believe are the most important:
Using these criteria, here is how we arrived at our top five picks:
Rating the Best DIY Home Security Systems
We only cover security and safety equipment. You won’t find reviews on everything from ceiling fans to video game consoles like you would on other review websites. We focus on security and safety, and we’re experts at assessing security systems so our readers get insightful and detailed recommendations. The specialists who worked on this review were:
Our team has over 75 years of combined industry experience, making us the most accomplished home security team online. Since 2016, SafeHome.org has been featured in multiple major outlets, including The Washington Post and The New York Times. As a team, we have achieved:
| ADT Self Setup | SimpliSafe | Cove Security | Alder | Frontpoint | abode | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th |
| Rating | 8.6 | 9.2 | 8.8 | 8.8 | 8.7 | 8.0 |
| Contract length | Monthly | Monthly | Monthly | 36 months | Monthly or 36 months | Monthly |
| Subscription cost | From $24.99 per month | From $9.99 per month | From $19.99 per month | From $35 per month | From $49 per month | From $6.25 per month |
| Equipment cost | From $269 | From $249.96 | From $90 for hub and keypad | Free with three-year contract | From $69 | From $159.99 |
| Install time | 45 minutes | 25 minutes | 20 minutes | 35 minutes | 30 minutes | 15 minutes |
| Review | ADT Self Setup review | SimpliSafe review | Cove review | Alder review | Frontpoint review | abode review |
You’ll rarely hear ‘ADT’ and ‘DIY’ mentioned in the same breath — or at least that used to be the case until 2023 when ADT launched its Self Setup packages. It was everything we expected after testing a professionally installed ADT security system, and then some.
For a couple of years now, ADT has been offering Google Nest Cams as part of its original, pro-installed systems. And surprisingly, ADT Self Setup came with those same Google cameras. We have more to say about these cameras in our Google Nest Cam review, but all in all, they are some of the smartest cameras we’ve tested. They all have person detection, facial recognition, and extremely insightful and detailed notifications.
We installed our ADT security system starting with this hub, the ADT Base.
The first thing we did after receiving our ADT Self Setup package was unpack everything. What immediately jumped out at us was the size and shape of the base station. It’s bigger than we thought, so we needed to change our plan of putting it on our entertainment system. Fortunately, we had some extra space next to our router, which was a better place for a stronger internet connection anyway.
Next, we downloaded the ADT+ app as instructed in the manual and entered our details. From there, it was just a matter of turning on the base station, connecting it to Wi-Fi using the app, and then turning on each individual component. All told, our setup took about 45 minutes. But, most of that time was spent installing our Nest Cam with Floodlight, since we had to mount it to our exterior wall with screws and hardwire it to a junction box.
>> Learn More: Where to Place Security Cameras
Pro Tip: While equipment with all peel-and-stick backings is easier to install, we recommend using mounting hardware if you plan to keep your security system for the long haul. Those peel-and-stick backings tend to lose their adhesion over time, which can cause a false alarm if they fall.
We got the same equipment when DIYing our install as we did the last time we got an ADT system professionally installed. That impressed us. ADT making all of their equipment DIY-friendly means you get access to the best security equipment available without an associated professional installation fee. They design and manufacture all of their own equipment, too, so you won’t find this quality of equipment anywhere else. Trust us, we’ve tried.
You might think top-quality equipment means premium pricing, but ADT keeps their prices reasonable. Here’s an overview of ADT’s packages:
| Packages | Price |
|---|---|
| Security Starter | $349 |
| Outdoor Video | $648.98 |
| Front Door Protection | $718.98 |
FYI:ADT runs sales all the time. Oftentimes, these sales bring the price of their Front Door Protection package, which includes a Google Nest Doorbell and Yale Smart Lock, to the same price as their Security Starter package.
We ordered a Nest Cam with Floodlight for our latest test of ADT Self Setup.
ADT offers the most reliable monitoring in the industry, hands down. They operate 12 redundant monitoring centers. This means if one, or even 11, went down for any reason, our security system would still be monitored by ADT professionals.
Their SMART monitoring feature is our favorite text-based alert, too. This feature lets ADT send you and everyone you live with a group chat. So, anyone in your house can flag it as a false alarm or request emergency personnel. Again, ADT keeps their prices reasonable. Here’s an overview of ADT’s plans:
| Monitoring Plan | Monthly Price |
|---|---|
| Secure Monitoring | $24.99 |
| Smart Monitoring | $29.99 |
| Complete Monitoring | $39.99 |
Pro Tip: Even though ADT doesn’t offer any self-monitoring plans, you can still get cloud storage for your Nest Cams directly through Google by subscribing to a Nest Aware plan. That’s a great way to DIY your monitoring if you can’t afford professional monitoring from ADT.
| Monitoring options | Professional or DIY |
|---|---|
| Installation | DIY |
| Smart platform integration | Alexa and Google Home |
| Equipment cost | Packages starting at $269 |
| Monthly monitoring cost | From $24.99 |
| Contract length | Monthly |
SimpliSafe was originally designed for renters, which is why it takes the top spot on our list of the best security options for apartments. It has since expanded its offerings to cover just about any place you call home — all while keeping the easy installation that makes it great for apartments.
As part of that expansion beyond apartment security, SimpliSafe now offers some of the most advanced monitoring capabilities we’ve seen. Their Core, Pro, and Pro Plus plans enable their monitoring agents to use the two-way audio in your security cameras to scare off intruders and guide you to safety.
Here we are installing a SimpliSafe Entry Sensor on our front door.
When we reviewed SimpliSafe, we were pretty impressed with how easy everything was to install. The only trouble we had was connecting the keypad to the base station, but it was our fault. We got a little overzealous and did things a bit out of order, which caused some problems. If you just download the app first and follow the on-screen instructions, you won’t run into any problems.
Like most DIY systems, SimpliSafe relies on command strips to affix most of the equipment — the motion sensors, the keypad, the contact sensors — to the wall. This is a bit of a double-edged sword, especially with the heavier pieces of equipment. We understand that being able to peel and stick stuff makes SimpliSafe one of the best security options for renters, but when it comes to permanence, it’s not our favorite solution. If you’re installing a SimpliSafe system in your forever home, we recommend using the included mounting brackets and hardware instead. It won’t take much longer as long as you own a drill. We finished our setup in about 25 minutes.
Pro Tip: A few of our devices, like the Wireless Indoor Camera, took about 10 minutes to set up. It needed some time to connect to the Wi-Fi, and then it had to install a sizable firmware update. We went and made a coffee while it did its thing.
Overall, we liked SimpliSafe’s equipment. We think they provide good value given the low price point with packages starting at about $250. Even SimpliSafe’s biggest package only goes up to $729.90. Plus, there’s almost always a SimpliSafe sale, so you’ll get your system for even less. However, don’t expect ADT quality at a discounted rate because that’s not what SimpliSafe offers. We find their equipment noticeably lighter-weight with a more plastic-like feel — but it’s definitely not low quality.
We tested SimpliSafe’s The Starter package as our base and added the Wireless Indoor Camera.
>> Read More: SimpliSafe vs ADT Comparison
When it comes to monitoring, SimpliSafe offers a ton of flexibility. There’s everything from a completely free self-monitoring option to a premium round-the-clock active guard protection plan at $79.99 per month. Then there’s everything in between. That makes it both one of the best security systems with no fees and one of the best monitored security systems.
SimpliSafe’s standout features are their Intruder Intervention (included in the Core, Pro, and Pro Plus plans) and Active Guard Outdoor Protection (included in the Pro and Pro Plus plans). Intruder Intervention works with the Wireless Indoor Camera and allows SimpliSafe’s monitoring agents to access the live feed and two-way audio during alarms. That way, they can assess the situation and then scare off intruders or guide you to safety. Active Guard Outdoor Protection expands this to the Outdoor Camera and triggers when the camera’s AI detects a potential threat.
Here’s an overview of SimpliSafe’s prices for monitoring:
| Monitoring Plan | Monthly Price |
|---|---|
| Unmonitored | Free |
| Self Monitoring with Cloud Storage | $9.99 |
| Standard Monitoring | $21.99 |
| Core Monitoring | $31.99 |
| Pro Monitoring | $49.99 |
| Pro Plus Monitoring | $79.99 |
>> Learn About: Best No-Contract Home Security Systems of 2025
| Monitoring options | Professional and DIY |
|---|---|
| Installation | Professional and DIY |
| Smart platform integration | Alexa and Google Home |
| Equipment cost | Packages starting at $249.96 |
| Monthly monitoring cost | From $21.99 |
| Contract length | Monthly |
Hands down, Cove is one of the best affordable security systems out there. Notice we didn’t say “cheap.” Cheap implies a lack of quality, and that’s not Cove. This company is all about giving you the most bang for your buck.
Cove has been around since 2018, and it’s made quite a mark in the home security space. Not only is the setup lightning fast, all of its equipment is high-quality, durable, and designed with a modern touch. We also really appreciated its three-tiered response system.
After installing and pairing our sensors, Cove’s control panel automatically conducted a sensor test to ensure they all worked.
Cove is one of the few systems that provide a physical manual to help you get set up, but there are really only four steps. Those are:
The second step — after setting up the panel — will walk you through placing all of your sensors and cameras. We were able to get everything set up in about 20 minutes, start to finish. But, sometimes the command strips didn’t feel secure, so we screwed some of the components into our walls and door frames. The last thing you want is to wake up at 2 a.m. with your heart racing because a sensor popped off the wall and tripped your alarm. It’s happened to us.
When I was reviewing Cove, I was able to get everything set up in about 20 minutes, start to finish. That said, I have the same complaint about Cove that I do about SimpliSafe: Sometimes the command strips didn’t feel secure, so I screwed some of the components into my walls and door frames. The last thing you want is to wake up at 2 a.m. with your heart racing because a sensor popped off the wall and tripped your alarm. Trust me; it’s happened to me.
Cove’s low prices meant we could buy as much equipment as we wanted.
If you’re on a budget, you’ll love the price of Cove’s equipment. Entry sensors that only cost $4.50 and cameras that start at $60 are hard to beat. Even SimpliSafe’s prices don’t go that low. And, honestly, we find Cove’s equipment to be fairly comparable to SimpliSafe’s equipment despite the lower cost.
The only thing that threw us off with Cove’s equipment prices was their environmental hazard sensors. They’re very expensive. A smoke detector, for instance, costs $95, whereas SimpliSafe charges $70 for a smoke and CO detector.
Cove also doesn’t have packages for their equipment. Every system is customized and requires a Hub and Touchscreen Panel, which totals $90 as the base price.
FYI: Cove’s always running a sale to the point that their sale price seems to be their normal price. That’s typical of the home security industry. But, if it seems like Cove’s prices are temporarily low, know that those same deals will most likely be there tomorrow too.
Although Cove’s equipment won’t cost you much, they require professional monitoring. Their fees aren’t bad, though. They’re one of the least expensive options for professional monitoring, and we recommend everyone get professional monitoring anyways.
Cove offers two professional monitoring plans. One plan is for standard monitoring, while the other includes camera support, smart home integrations, and a lifetime warranty on equipment. Here’s how much Cove’s monitoring plans cost:
| Monitoring Plan | Monthly Price |
|---|---|
| Cove Basic | $19.99 |
| Cove Plus | $29.99 |
| Monitoring options | Professional or DIY |
|---|---|
| Installation | Professional or DIY |
| Smart platform integration | Alexa and Google Home |
| Equipment cost | From $300 for hub and keypad |
| Monthly monitoring cost | From $19.99 |
| Contract length | Monthly |
When we put Alder to the test, we found that the system was essentially hassle-free. It works right out of the box and doesn’t require you to put any holes in your walls or potentially electrocute yourself when trying to install a security camera. Don’t ask us how we know.
Add to that a long list of features and exceptional design, and you’ve got a great option for a DIY home security system — especially if you’re looking for a solid security system with cameras. Alder’s cams are some of the best we’ve tested.
Alder offers a super-simple setup. But, for some reason, they claim it only takes 10 minutes to install. We’d beg to differ. It took us about 35 minutes to get our system set up. That’s for installing two security cameras, six entry sensors, and a motion sensor. Everything can be mounted using command strips or some minor hardware installation — no need to get out the stud finder or hardwire anything. So, we still think they make their equipment easy to install. It’s just that their marketing can be a bit misleading.
Did You Know? We recommend wiping the Control Panel screen down after setting it up. We used this great mode called “screen cleaning.” It turned off all the controls on the panel for 30 seconds so we could wipe off our greasy fingerprints. Nice touch, Alder!
We compared the size of Alder’s Entry Sensor to Ring’s Entry Sensor.
One of the really cool things about Alder is that it doesn’t require a base station. Unlike SimpliSafe or Frontpoint, Alder’s keypad is the connection point for all of its equipment. We really liked this approach since we didn’t need to figure out a place to stash another piece of equipment. That doesn’t go for their Entry Sensors, though. They’re some of the bulkiest we’ve tested. Same goes for their Motion Sensors, too.
As for cameras, Alder offers Eufy security cameras. That’s the same brand of security cameras that Cove offers. Except, Alder tends to charge more for their cameras overall, although you likely won’t spend anything up front. When we called them to build out our security system, we found that they include their equipment prices into their monthly monitoring fee. So, expect a pretty hefty fee starting at $35 per month, but you won’t have to put any money down.
Pro Tip: Since you need to call Alder to get a custom package anyway, we recommend you negotiate your prices. Ask them to throw in a few components for free and you might be pleasantly surprised.
Like Cove again, Alder requires professional monitoring. Unlike Cove, though, Alder locks you into a long-term, three-year contract. They also don’t advertise their monitoring prices, just like they don’t advertise their equipment prices. The total amount you’ll pay depends on your equipment package, but we found out that they start at $35 per month and tend to go up to about $55 per month. Check out our guide to Alder’s prices for a more detailed breakdown.
With that out of the way, the actual monitoring service that Alder offers is impressive. They offer consistently fast response times. It’s not the 3.4 seconds that Alder advertises, but we received a response time of about 30 seconds during our tests.
Did You Know? Alder has a 30-day money-back guarantee if you decide it’s not for you. In comparison, Cove and SimpliSafe offer 60 days, while ADT gives you six months. However, Vivint only gives three days. Alder’s guarantee isn’t the best or the worst.
| Equipment cost | Packages starting at $360 |
|---|---|
| Monitoring options | Professional |
| Monitoring cost | Starting at $40 per month |
| Contract length | 36 months |
| Installation options | Professional or DIY |
| Smart platform integration | Alexa and Google Home |
One of the best wireless security systems in the industry today, Frontpoint has always been a disrupter in this space. It was a pioneer of the DIY security movement along with Ring and SimpliSafe, and while it might not have the same name recognition as its competitors, you shouldn’t discount it.
From the time we unboxed our Frontpoint system, everything just made sense and worked. We never got confused during the setup process, wondering where a piece of equipment should go or how it should be installed. Frontpoint has clearly taken a lot of time designing its systems with users in mind.
Everything is packaged thoughtfully, and the setup process is intuitive — whether this is your 100th DIY project or your first. Once you plug in the hub and download the app, you’ll be walked through step-by-step, detailed instructions on how to install everything.
Even if you do run into trouble during the install, Frontpoint has your back. They offer some of the best customer service for home security systems. So, when we ran into a little hiccup with one of our entryway sensors not connecting to our hub, we just called up Frontpoint. They helped us troubleshoot it in no time. Turns out our Wi-Fi went down during the pairing process, so we just had to pair it again. Including that minor hiccup, it took us a little over half an hour from boxes to a fully protected home.
We bought Frontpoint’s Essential Home Security System and added four entry sensors.
Right off the bat, Frontpoint’s hub is one of the most aesthetically pleasing pieces of security equipment we’ve used. It has a sleek, opalescent look that you won’t need to hide behind a houseplant.
When comparing Frontpoint and SimpliSafe, you’ll see that Frontpoint offers a few more options for equipment. Frontpoint offers a few bells and whistles that SimpliSafe doesn’t, like garage door tilt sensors and smart plugs. That said, Frontpoint’s equipment tends to cost more than SimpliSafe. They offer great deals on their two main packages, but adding extra equipment gets expensive. For instance, Frontpoint’s entry sensors cost $34.99, whereas SimpliSafe only charges $14.99.
FYI: Ok, there is one thing we don’t love about the Frontpoint Hub. At night, the green light glows so bright that it looks like you’re storing radioactive waste. Thankfully, I was able to jump into the app and schedule when to dim the brightness.
Although Frontpoint’s monitoring is pricey at $49 per month, especially for smaller systems since there’s only one tier, it offers a lot. They use cellular first, since it’s more reliable than Wi-Fi, and only use your internet as a backup. That’s gotta cost them a pretty penny, so we can see where the price comes from. Frontpoint also offers some useful protections like their Crash and Smash protection, which alerts their monitoring center if someone tampers with your control panel.
Pro Tip: If you don’t buy security cameras from Frontpoint, we recommend you give them a call to get a reduced rate on your monitoring. For systems without cameras, they can reduce their monitoring rate since you don’t need cloud storage or video analytics.
| Equipment Cost | Packages starting at $386.93 |
|---|---|
| Monitoring Options | Professional |
| Monitoring Cost | Starting at $14.99 per month |
| Contract Lengths | Monthly or 36 months |
| Installation Options | DIY |
| Smart Platform Integrations | Google Home, Alexa, and Siri |
As one of the most technologically advanced systems we’ve tested, abode is a great option for folks looking for a DIY system that supports smart home automation. In fact, it’s one of the best home automation security systems.
abode lets users integrate and control all sorts of third-party smart equipment using their advanced CUE automation system. When we were testing abode, we set up an automation to turn on our lights and turn down the air conditioner every weekday morning. Then, when we left for work, our doors automatically locked behind us, the lights turned off, and our security system was armed.
Despite all of the high-tech bells and whistles, the core abode system is extremely easy to set up and install. Plug in your Gateway, connect it to your home internet network using the included Ethernet cable — don’t worry, this step is just for the setup; you can connect it to your Wi-Fi later — and download the app. The app will tell you step by step how to set up and install the other pieces of equipment you purchased, like your motion sensors and security cameras.
Pro Tip: There’s a tiny button on the back of the sensors you need to press before mounting. We accidentally skipped that step, so we had to unmount each sensor and push it to get the devices to connect properly. But it only set us back about five minutes.
We bought an abode Iota Security Kit as well as four extra entry sensors, a motion sensor, and a keypad.
Picking out abode equipment isn’t the easiest. They offer three different hubs, which gets confusing. If you want to automate your home with abode, you’ll need the Iota Hub. For smart home integration, meaning voice control through Google Home or Amazon Alexa, you can go with the Smart Security Hub. Basic security systems without any smart home capabilities can use the regular Security Hub. Here’s how much each system costs:
| abode Equipment Package | Price |
|---|---|
| Security Kit | $159.99 |
| Smart Security Kit | $279.99 |
| Iota Security Kit | $379.99 |
The rest of abode’s equipment is fairly basic but also very affordable. They offer a $60 indoor or outdoor security camera that’s regularly on sale for $30. That’s one of the cheapest security cameras we’ve seen, but it also doesn’t offer many bells and whistles like AI threat detection. It’s got the basics covered, like night vision, though. The rest of their equipment follows suit with low costs and necessary functionality.
Pro Tip: abode’s CUE automation system impressed us with how easy it was to set up any automation we wanted, like our morning routine we talked about earlier. But, we got annoyed by all of its beeps and bloops. We ended up giving it the nickname R2-D2. Eventually, we realized we could mute these sounds through the abode app. What a relief.
abode is one of the few security companies to offer us smart home integrations without a subscription.
abode offers one of the most feature-rich free plans available. You can get notifications and integrate your system with Google Home, Alexa, or Apple HomeKit without paying a dime. That said, we still recommend at least the Standard self-monitoring plan. With it, you can review past footage from your cameras and forward alarms to abode’s monitoring centers if you need help. They also offer full 24/7 professional monitoring through their Pro plan. Here’s how much each abode monitoring plan costs:
| abode Subscription Plan | Price |
|---|---|
| No Subscription | Free |
| Standard | $7.99 per month or $74.99 per year |
| Pro | $25.99 per month or $239.99 per year |
>> Read About: Best Home Security Systems That Work With Alexa in 2025
FYI: We recommend using your 30-day free trial by subscribing to the Pro plan. If you find it’s not for you, it’s easy to switch to another tier or cancel it.
| Monitoring options | Professional and DIY |
|---|---|
| Installation | DIY |
| Smart platform integration | Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit |
| Equipment cost | From $159.99 |
| Monthly monitoring cost | From $7.99 |
| Contract length | Month-to-month |
More and more, homeowners are thinking of home security as a must-have item. Our home security research shows:
But, even though property crime is a worrisome trend in the U.S., an expensive, professionally installed security system is outside of some homeowners’ budget. DIY security systems offer a more affordable alternative with a few key benefits, including:
We mounted one of the Nest Cams that came with our ADT Self Setup system on our plant stand in the living room.
Simply put, installing a system yourself keeps the costs low. Providers that require professional installation will often charge you $100 or more for that service, and, oftentimes, these systems are permanently wired and installed. If you don't mind picking up a drill, you can save that money and also have the flexibility of being able to move your system with your family. Plus, the easiest DIY systems, like ADT Self Setup and SimpliSafe, don’t even require a drill.
Many of the DIY home security systems are straightforward investments. Unlike the top professionally installed systems in the market, DIY security systems typically don't require long-term contracts. This can help to significantly reduce the overall cost. If the company does have a contract, it will typically be a month-to-month plan. This can help to significantly reduce the overall cost as you can switch between professional monitoring and DIY monitoring on an as-needed basis. However, there are exceptions like Alder, which is a DIY system that requires a contract.
If you value flexibility, you really need to consider DIY options. After all, you may decide to change the location of a camera or upgrade to newer equipment down the road. Heck, that big book deal might hit, and you'll finally buy that condo down in Puerto Rico and retire. If that's the case, you can easily bring your DIY security system with you for free. If you don't want to jump into the deep end of home security quite yet, a DIY system with no contract is probably the best-case scenario for you.
From Anthony Travaglia, Retired Police Officer, Home Security Expert:
A wireless system is not only easier to install and less expensive than a wired system, it is also harder for criminals to defeat. With the old hardwired systems, a burglar could cut the power and phone line from the outside, causing the system to turn off. Now the systems run off Wi-Fi or cellular and are much harder for criminals to disable. Experienced burglars look for some kind of security system or cameras before they attempt to make entry into your home. So the harder it is for them to turn the system off, the better. Most criminals will think twice before making entry into a residence with a security system because they know police response time is quick, especially if the system is monitored by a professional monitoring company.
Having a home security system is the single most important thing you can do to protect your family and your property. But, as you know, choosing the right system can be time-consuming due to the number of options and the vast amount of data out there. Plus, you never really know what a security system is going to be like until you test it in your home. That’s why we buy every security system we review to get firsthand experience using it and then convey that information to you.
Here we are setting up the latest version of the SimpliSafe Motion Sensor.
Here are a few factors you should consider when choosing a DIY security system for your home:
Everything we bought for our Cove home security system.
While there is something to be said about putting your feet up as a technician installs and sets up your security system for you, DIY systems come with a lot of benefits. Since you set up the system yourself, you learn it inside and out. That can help you make better use of your security. It also offers a ton of flexibility, as you can adjust your setup anytime you want.
Not every DIY security system is good and easy to use, though. We’ve certainly tested our fair share of DIY systems that took us forever to install. That’s why we went over the top six DIY security systems so you can avoid the bad apples with ease. Our top recommendations are ADT Self Setup, SimpliSafe, and Cove. Each one is easy to install and provides top-notch security.
Well, that depends. If you are a renter, you will probably need to get your landlord's permission in writing before purchasing and installing an alarm system. Your landlord might have restrictions due to privacy issues and aesthetic concerns. So, be sure to ask first.
Yes, in most cases. A lot of insurance companies will offer up to a 20 percent discount on their homeowners insurance policies if you install a security system, regardless of whether or not it's a DIY system. However, the discount will probably be less if you don’t get professional monitoring.
There isn't a right or wrong answer to this question. It really depends on your particular situation. So, it's best to look over the pros and cons of each. Both types of security systems can keep your home safe, though.
Most wireless DIY home security systems use your Wi-Fi as the main method of communication. That means your system can go down if your power goes out. That said, if you pay for professional monitoring, most companies include cellular backup in that monitoring fee. Pair that with your system’s backup battery, which most have, and your system can stay online for at least 24 hours without power.
Nowadays, most security systems, whether they’re professionally installed or DIY, offer professional monitoring. Some of them outsource their professional monitoring to third-party monitoring agencies. Those agencies still provide high-quality monitoring, although we prefer the in-house monitoring offered by companies like ADT.
The best wireless DIY security systems offer the same benefits as hardwired systems. Here are the essential features and extras to consider.
Several DIY wireless home security systems include a quality control panel. This feature lets you arm and disarm the system, and it often has a panic button if you need to connect with an emergency operator. Certain control panels offer live-voice assist, and others have modern touch screens that put your home security and home automation controls in one sleek device.
The best DIY home security systems truly excel when it comes to entry sensors. These magnetic sensors are placed on door frames and windows. When the system is active and the magnets separate, the alarm sounds, and you will likely receive an alert. DIY systems come with easy-to-install (velcro or command-strip mounted!) entry sensors. You'll have them up in no time flat.
Chances are your DIY security system will bundle in motion detectors. These infrared devices are simple to set up and work around the clock to monitor the inside of your home. The moment one of them senses movement, the alarm sounds and alerts are sent. And don't worry about your dog tripping the sensor. Most devices are smart enough to distinguish between pets and people.
Burglars break windows. It's in their nature. So, it's important to outfit your home with glass-break sensors. The sensors have built-in microphones that listen to the sound frequency of breaking glass. When a sensor detects glass breaking, it sounds the alarm and sends an alert. This DIY feature is often sold as an upgrade, but it's worth it. Don't pass on glass-break sensors.
Panic buttons are another top feature of DIY home security systems. Users can strategically mount these around their home. Put them in the bathroom, the kitchen, or the garage — and don't miss a beat when a break-in occurs. Panic buttons are especially helpful for seniors who live alone and often come built in to control panels, keychain fobs, and necklace pendants.
DIY home protection from a keychain? It almost sounds too good to be true. But a remote control puts your security commands on a tiny remote, perfect for a keychain. Arm and disarm the system, hit the panic button, and simply enjoy the controls that fit in your pocket or purse. It's the 21st century, after all, and we'd expect nothing less.
DIY wireless home security systems almost always offer mobile access — an impressive feature powered by a companion app. Simply log in to the app to access your controls. You can arm and disarm the system, monitor activity, view live camera feeds, and even control home automation features. What's not to love about mobile access?
The best DIY home security systems are compatible with home automation features. We're talking about everyday household features — like heating and cooling, lights, and door locks — now made possible to control with your smartphone (and, in some cases, your voice!). Often, these features fit seamlessly into your wireless home protection ecosystem. Your life just got a whole lot easier.
It's no secret that hardwired home security systems have their limitations. Lines can be cut, and power can go out. But today's best DIY alarm systems are powered by cellular monitoring. They get their juice from a cellular signal (similar to your phone), which just about guarantees around-the-clock, uninterrupted protection. Get 24/7 home security the modern way — only with cellular monitoring.
