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SimpliSafe
SecureScore™: 9.2/10
There’s a reason why SimpliSafe is one of our favorite security system providers — mainly because they’re one of the most flexible companies out there. With no complicated contracts to sign, you’re never locked into anything. And with their high-quality, easy-to-use equipment, you’ll have your home protected in no time.
Cove may be new to the home security game, but it has already proven itself as a flexible and reliable home security option. With easy DIY installation that rivals SimpliSafe and affordable prices, it’s a strong no-contract option for homeowners and renters on a budget.
ADT used to be known for its long-term contracts and professional installation. But now, they also offer high-quality, easy-to-install equipment to go with their best-in-industry professional monitoring service.
There’s a reason why SimpliSafe is one of our favorite security system providers — mainly because they’re one of the most flexible companies out there. With no complicated contracts to sign, you’re never locked into anything. And with their high-quality, easy-to-use equipment, you’ll have your home protected in no time.
Cove may be new to the home security game, but it has already proven itself as a flexible and reliable home security option. With easy DIY installation that rivals SimpliSafe and affordable prices, it’s a strong no-contract option for homeowners and renters on a budget.
ADT used to be known for its long-term contracts and professional installation. But now, they also offer high-quality, easy-to-install equipment to go with their best-in-industry professional monitoring service.
Let me start by saying that having to sign a monitoring contract isn’t all that bad. Contracts keep equipment prices low. They also sometimes guarantee you’ll pay the same monthly fee for the years to come. That said, contracts are also a pain to get out of, which is why a contract-free security system is often the best choice for renters, retirees on a fixed income, and military families.
If you’re looking for a security system that won’t require you to sign a monitoring agreement, I might be able to help. I test security systems for a living. Based on my most recent round of tests, I’ve concluded that SimpliSafe, Cove, ADT Self Setup, Ring Alarm, and abode are the best options for those who don’t want to make a commitment. They all have a few things in common; they offer DIY home security equipment, they offer professional monitoring services, and, of course, they are contract-free.
Read on to find out which is the best option for your home.
Expert Examined
From Anthony Travaglia, Retired Police Officer, Home Security Expert
“While working as a patrol officer one hot Las Vegas summer night, I was dispatched to a residential burglar alarm via ADT monitoring company. Upon arrival we made entry into the home, but we found no one inside. Other officers were in the area looking for possible suspects. Two streets away one officer noticed a male walking down the street dressed in black pants and a black hooded sweatshirt with the hood over his head. The officer conducted a reasonable suspicion person stop (due to the fact we just had a burglary alarm in the area). Also, wearing long pants and a thick hooded sweatshirt is not your typical Vegas summer attire. Eventually we were able to identify the suspects after viewing the footage of the homeowners external and internal cameras.” Learn more about Anthony.
Our Methodology: How We Tested and Ranked The Best Security Systems Without Contracts
Our Approach
There’s only one way to make unbiased and trustworthy recommendations, and that’s by testing home security systems ourselves. That means spending our own money to buy the equipment, setting them up in our own homes, and testing each system extensively for weeks and sometimes months. We aim to get a feel for the usability, response time, app, and features of each security system so we can give you honest recommendations based on first-hand experience.
Our Testing Setup
We try our best to compare apples to apples. For example, we install every test unit in the same environment, a two-story, 2,200-square-foot home owned by one of our security experts. We find testing security systems in real houses gives us the most accurate results.
We also buy the same equipment for each test system and install the devices in identical locations. Below is our typical testing setup:
After setting up the test units, we draw upon our extensive expertise to choose the factors most important for the category we are testing for. These are the top-priority items for security systems without contracts:
Affordability (40%): Even if we’re paying month to month, we don’t want to be stung by hidden fees or expensive upfront costs.
Equipment quality (30%): We assess the equipment quality, the range of products, and whether they provide adequate coverage for our property.
Monitoring effectiveness (30%): How effective is the monitoring service we’re paying for? Not signing a contract shouldn’t mean we get a lower-quality service.
Using those criteria, here’s how we scored our top picks.
Rating the Best Security Systems Without Contracts
Why You Can Trust Us
Our team of experts only reviews safety and security equipment. We’re not like those other websites that review everything from robot vacuum cleaners to dishwashers. This approach means we analyze every aspect of a test system to give readers reliable recommendations. The experts who worked on this guide include:
Rob Gabriele, Editorial Director & Home Security Expert
Andrew Garcia, Lead Editor & Home Security Researcher
Derek Prall, Home Security Expert & Testing Coordinator
Paul Frew, Home Security System Expert & Security Camera Expert
Jaime Fraze, Security Camera & Video Doorbell Expert
Joshua Lee, Former patrol officer and detective for a police department in Arizona.
With over 75 years of combined industry experience, we are the most accomplished home security team online. Since SafeHome.org began in 2016, our team has been featured in multiple major outlets, including The Washington Post and The New York Times. Together, we have achieved:
10,000+ hours of research on security topics
60+ home security system reviews
40+ industry research/studies published
Hundreds of home security guides created
Every recommendation on SafeHome.org is based on first-hand product experience and a deep understanding of the home security industry. Now, let’s learn more about the best security systems without contracts.
Back in 2006, Chad and Eleanor Laurans saw the need for a security system that caters to renters. That led to the creation of SimpliSafe. It started as a security system with DIY installation and DIY monitoring, but over time, SimpliSafe evolved to offer professional monitoring as well.
I’ve been testing SimpliSafe security systems since 2015, and I can confirm that it’s more than just a system for renters now. It has evolved to the point where it’s capable of even going toe-to-toe with ADT’s packages in terms of features. Meanwhile, SimpliSafe still maintains its renter-friendly qualities, including its no-contract approach.
Before I talk about SimpliSafe in detail, here’s a quick overview of its pros and cons.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
Offers no-monthly-fee self-monitoring
Stylish wireless equipment
Allows DIY setup but offers professional installation
Equipment packages start at $250
Live Guard Protection feature for the Smart Alarm indoor camera and outdoor camera
Cons:
Missing a few types of equipment, like garage door sensors
Offers only a battery-powered option for outdoor video security
Monitoring price increased three times in the past four years
One of the new features that thrills me the most is Live Guard Protection. It gives SimpliSafe’s emergency personnel live video and two-way audio access to the Smart Alarm camera in times of emergency. This allows agents to talk directly to intruders to inform them they’re on camera and that the police are on the way. That’s so much better than a good old siren.
FYI: All SimpliSafe cameras have two-way audio that users can access. I used the two-way audio feature on the video doorbell to let in guests. SimpliSafe has a great smart lock that can be used from the app. So instead of coming to the door to let people in, I used my phone while I was on a lounge chair in the backyard.
Just note that Live Guard Protection, along with SimpliSafe’s other features, required me to pay $29.99 for the Fast Protect plan. I didn’t sign a contract though, which means I can downgrade or even cancel my SimpliSafe subscriptions anytime. Here’s a breakdown of the plans:
Features and cost
Self-monitoring
Standard monitoring
Fast Protect Monitoring
Monthly cost
$0
$19.99
$29.99
Professional monitoring
No
Yes
Yes
Live Guard Protection
No
No
Yes
Video verification
No
No
Yes
Cellular backup
No
Yes
Yes
Cloud recording for security cameras
+$4.99 per camera or $9.99 for 5 cameras
+$4.99 per camera or $9.99 for 5 cameras
Yes (up to 10 cameras)
How SimpliSafe Contract-Free Monitoring Works
One downside of no-contract systems is that most of them require users to pay for the equipment upfront. The problem with that is that home security equipment can cost hundreds of dollars. The cheapest SimpliSafe package costs around $250, and that includes only two sensors plus the base station and keypad. The package I bought cost me nearly $400.
All the equipment I bought from SimpliSafe.
Fortunately, SimpliSafe offers financing options. You can pay in full right off the bat and be on your merry way, but you can also have Affirm finance your purchase. Just note that by doing the latter, you’ll enter a contract with Affirm. The contract can be up to 24 months depending on your repayment plan.
Another piece of good news is that however you choose to pay for your equipment, SimpliSafe will never require you to sign a monitoring contract. I opted for a three-month financing plan but was able to cancel my Fast Protect subscription two months in, after I finished testing SimpliSafe. There were no extra fees or penalties.
How SimpliSafe Protects Homes
So, how was the SimpliSafe system I tested? In a word, great. I did the installation myself, and after I set it up, I immediately activated my 30-day Fast Protect free trial. I was surprised it costs $29.99 per month now. Fast Protect used to cost only $27.99 per month when I tested SimpliSafe last year, and that’s after it increased from $24.99 the year before. So there’s that; SimpliSafe increased its monitoring rates twice in a span of three years. But still, SimpliSafe is cheaper than the cost of a Frontpoint system — also a DIY option — but Frontpoint requires a contract. That’s not the only difference. I go in-depth on the differences between these two systems in my Frontpoint vs. SimpliSafe comparison.
FYI: SimpliSafe equipment is easy to set up yourself, but they do offer professional installation if you want someone else to do it. Pricing starts from $125.
I also want to point out that SimpliSafe also added new features and equipment options, which I loved. There’s the Live Guard Protection I mentioned earlier, the Smart Alarm wireless indoor camera, and text alerts. Unlike before, where I had to wait more or less 30 seconds for the monitoring center to alert me via a phone call, text alerts now arrive within 10 to 15 seconds of a sensor being triggered. SimpliSafe now has one of the fastest response times thanks to that.
Cove is fairly new to the scene. Its first system came out in 2018, but recent improvements to the system show that it’s evolving to become one of the top options.
When I first tested Cove, it had a handy but bulky touch-screen control panel. Now, it offers a two-device setup: a hub you can tuck away out of sight and a sleek-looking touchscreen tablet. That’s similar to the Frontpoint system I tested, only Cove’s controller is touch-screen. That’s just one example of Cove’s recent upgrades. It also started integrating with eufy cameras (see my eufy security camera review) and making the mobile app accessible to all users.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
Monitoring starts at $17.99 per month
Simple but functional mobile app and touchscreen controller
85 dB siren built into each Cove Hub and touchscreen keypad
Affordable equipment options
Frequently offers deals and discounts
Cons:
No self-monitoring option
Limited home automation and integrations
Doesn’t offer equipment financing
More limited equipment options than other brands
Our Experience:
Cove’s Best Feature
Cove stands out as the most affordable option for no-contract home security. It doesn’t offer equipment financing options like SimpliSafe does, but Cove’s pricing is also generally lower. That and its frequent deals and discounts make it one of the most affordable security systems.
If you remember, my SimpliSafe system cost me nearly $400 — $372 to be exact. With the same pieces, I got my Cove package for only $125 thanks to an ongoing 70 percent off deal and a free security camera offer at the time. That’s a $250 difference. Huge!
Even Cove’s monitoring is more affordable than SimpliSafe’s. It starts at $17.99 per month. The most expensive plan costs $27.99. That said, Cove offers fewer features than SimpliSafe. That’s one thing to consider; Cove is more affordable, but it doesn’t offer more premium features like SimpliSafe’s Live Guard Protection.
FYI: I noticed in the Cove Plus monitoring plan, they give you $5 per month when you purchase extra equipment. It’s a nice little bonus, especially as I plan on adding more devices to my system in the future.
How Cove Contract-Free Monitoring Works
Another thing to consider is that unlike SimpliSafe, Cove doesn’t work as a self-monitored alarm. That means you’ll need to maintain a monitoring subscription to use Cove. But since you’re not locked into a contract, you can cancel anytime without penalties. Here’s an overview of the two plans you can choose between with Cove:
Features and cost
Cove Basic
Cove Plus
Monthly cost
$17.99
$27.99
24/7 professional monitoring
Yes
Yes
Text notifications
Yes
Yes
Equipment warranty
1 year
Lifetime
Video verification
No
Yes
And then there’s the upfront equipment fee. The Cove system I purchased includes a motion sensor, door sensor, extra siren, and indoor camera. It’s a pretty simple package, but if you’re planning to build out a comprehensive security system, it could cost you several hundred dollars. Without a financing option, that will come straight out of your pocket.
Those things aside, the fact that Cove doesn’t require contracts makes it a flexible option. You can even take the system with you in case you have to move. The system is entirely wireless except for a few pieces that need to be plugged in.
Perusing the Cove Setup guide
How Cove Protects Homes
Cove may be a simple security system — or at least simpler than options like the sophisticated Vivint system I tested — but it’s fully capable of protecting homes. I like that it has sirens, a lot of them. Cove has a built-in 85 dB siren in the main hub and in each touch-screen keypad. By the way, you can place up to four touch-screen keypads around the house. I also bought an auxiliary siren for only $36. That’s a lot of sirens.
Cove’s main feature is professional monitoring. I appreciated receiving alerts three ways: via text and app notifications sent within 20 seconds of the alarm being triggered and via a phone call within 30 to 45 seconds. And Cove proved to be reliable too. I connected the system to my home internet, but it has cellular backup.
The one thing missing from Cove is home automation. The app has a section for automations, but since Cove doesn’t work with third-party smart home devices besides Alexa and Google Assistant, I didn’t really find much use for that. If you prefer a security system with home automation, skip on over to abode below.
For over 150 years, ADT has been recognized as one of the best home security systems in the industry. Thankfully, they’re not living in the past. Just like us, they’re seeing the DIY movement flood social media and have adapted accordingly.
The Self Setup packages include some of the same high-quality equipment the company is famous for, a selection of Google Nest products, and access to the best monitoring service available. Just like I did with SimpliSafe and Cove, I built a security system from scratch and got to work setting it up.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
150 years of experience in the security industry
Some of the same high-quality equipment as the traditional service
Best-in-industry monitoring service
Google Nest products available
One-touch emergency response
Cons:
Some of the equipment is more expensive than other brands
Limited features when self-monitored
Limited products available
Our Experience:
ADT Self Setup’s Best Feature
It’s a coin toss between the equipment and the monitoring. If you’ve read our ADT review, you’ll know that it is one of the best home security systems around. But there are some obstacles, namely the three-year contract and mandatory professional installation.
Thankfully, their ADT Self Setup offering has eradicated these steps. I went to the website and built my own security system from a smorgasbord of ADT and Google Nest products. There were also a couple of equipment packages available, but I knew what I needed for my home.
FYI: ADT has replaced its mostly-wired security cameras with Google Nest Cams, which come in a battery-powered indoor/outdoor option, a plug-in indoor camera, and a hardwired camera with floodlight. They all connected to my Wi-Fi.
ADT’s professional monitoring costs for Self Setup start from $29.99, which includes their best-in-industry 24/7 monitoring service, access to the ADT+ app, and home automation features. But because I bought some cameras, I needed the premium option, which is $44.99. It adds cloud storage and video verification.
My view from the ADT Self Setup website
How ADT Self Setup Contract-Free Monitoring Works
After signing up for the monitoring service, I found out I was getting access to the same SMART Monitoring platform. It’s a text-based alerting system that can outpace phone call alerts by as much as 30 seconds, in my experience. And the best part? It’s included no matter which monitoring plan you choose, even the basic $29.99 monthly option.
SMART Monitoring connects to police eight times faster than a traditional voice call. While I was testing, the platform let me manage alerts and label them as a false alarm. But I also noticed I could request police assistance.
Another button I spotted was labeled emergency request. I didn’t press it but learned that ADT handles 95 percent of these alarms within 60 seconds.
How ADT Self Setup Protects Homes
Beyond those monitoring features I’ve mentioned, ADT’s equipment gave me a strong sense of security and safety. They are some of the highest-quality devices I’ve tested from a no-contract company.
For starters, the cameras are made by Google Nest. See my Google Nest Cam review; they’re not your ordinary security cameras. They have advanced video analytics that can recognize faces, which I used to have my cameras alert me when my kids get home from school.
The hub was also another huge favorite of mine, as it has contingencies like cellular and battery backup that kept my system powered at all times – even when power to my whole block was cut during a nasty thunderstorm.
As for the system itself, there weren’t a lot of components for me to test. There were alarm sensors like door/window sensors and motion sensors, as well as add-on sensors like water and freeze sensors. But that’s it. Unlike SimpliSafe and ADT, Ring doesn’t offer smoke alarms.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
Plenty of security and doorbell cameras to choose from
Affordable professional monitoring ($20 per month or $200 per year)
30-minute DIY installation
Seven-day practice mode for new professional monitoring subscription
Loud built-in siren
Cons:
Limited sensor options
Has had privacy and security breaches (which have been resolved)
Cameras need a subscription to record
Slower professional monitoring response times
Our Experience:
Ring Alarm’s Best Feature
Ring Alarm lacks that wow factor I like to see from modern DIY security systems, but fortunately, Ring Alarm isn’t on its own. It’s a part of a larger Ring ecosystem that includes a bunch of security cameras and video doorbells. I tested Ring Alarm with those security cameras and the overall cohesiveness of the entire system impressed me.
FYI: I chose the Ring wireless and battery-powered cameras, but I also noticed they sell hardwired, solar, and power over ethernet options.
Here’s an example: While at work, I received an app notification from Ring notifying me that my front door opened. I was horrified, so I quickly opened up the Ring app to see if my Ring Indoor Cam caught anything. It did; my friends used my hidden spare key to “break in” and set up a surprise birthday party for me. It ruined the surprise, but at least I got to see how easy it is to monitor a Ring Alarm system with Ring cameras. By the time the monitoring center called about a minute after I received the alert, I was able to explain what happened.
How Ring No-Contract Monitoring Works
Ring Alarm works a little bit like SimpliSafe in that it can function as either a professionally monitored or a self-monitored system. It’s actually more affordable. For Ring’s contract-free professional monitoring, I paid only $20 per month. That already included cloud video recording for any number of Ring cameras, cellular backup, and video verification. That’s why it’s my top pick for those who need extensive video security. But I know some of you don’t want professional monitoring, so here’s an overview of all the subscription plans that Ring offers:
Features and cost
Ring Protect Basic
Ring Protect Plus
Ring Protect Pro
Monthly cost
$4.99
$10
$20
Video history
For one camera
Unlimited cameras
Unlimited cameras
Enhanced notifications
No
Yes
Yes
24/7 professional monitoring
No
No
Yes
Cellular backup
No
No
Yes
Now, this is completely optional, but you can sign up for a one-year subscription and save $40. Annual billing costs only $200. What’s great about this — besides the discount — is if you cancel midway through the subscription, you’ll get a refund for unused months. That’s one of the better refund policies I’ve seen for annual subscriptions. Most brands, like Arlo, don’t give prorated refunds. But Arlo does have a few advantages over Ring that I cover in my Arlo vs. Ring comparison.
Check out the view from the Ring Alarm app
How Ring Protects Homes
There’s a lot to consider before choosing Ring. Equipment-wise, you won’t get as many sensor options as with brands like SimpliSafe and Cove. But if you look at the bigger picture — that is, include the Ring security cameras and doorbells in the equation — you’ll see a well-rounded system.
Ring Alarm and Ring’s cameras complement each other well. Ring’s cameras focus more on the outdoors. Meanwhile, Ring Alarm focuses on indoor security. The only outdoor equipment it offers is the outdoor contact (entry) sensor designed for gates and sheds.
The cameras and the security system fit together like two pieces of a puzzle. Ring Alarm takes care of indoor security while the Ring cameras take care of perimeter security.
Fun fact: abode’s founder is a former ADT executive, back when ADT didn’t have a no-contract system yet. The idea was to launch a system that rivals ADT in features but is more flexible in terms of contracts, monitoring, and installation. Thus, the DIY abode system with optional professional monitoring was born.
I chose the iota All-in-One system from abode because the hub includes a built-in motion sensor and indoor camera. I recommend you do the same, especially if you’re interested in abode’s best feature: home automation.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
Home automation powered by abode’s CUE engine
Multiple hubs to choose from
Integrates well with third-party smart home products
Innovative iota All-in-One hub comes equipped with a camera and motion sensor
Cons:
Only one security camera offered
Setup could be more intuitive
No touch-screen panels; app reliant
Limited equipment in starter kits
Our Experience:
abode’s Best Feature
Home automation is abode’s strongest suit. It rivals Vivint and is a good Vivint alternative if you’re looking for a customizable system you can use to automate your home.
My abode experience has been great thanks to CUE, the automation engine built into the abode smartphone and web app. It has allowed me to customize automation rules, set schedules, and create easy-to-activate scenes. And since abode works with so many third-party products — even my existing Nest Thermostat — I was able to really customize my home.
Pro Tip: I’m notorious for forgetting to lock the front door when I go for a walk in the morning. But not anymore. I set an automation in the abode app so the door immediately locks every time it closes.
On this list, abode and ADT are the only ones that offer real home automation. SimpliSafe and Ring Alarm work with Alexa and Google Assistant but don’t offer their own automation platform. Cove has an in-app automation feature, but since it doesn’t really work with third-party products, it has limited use. With abode, both integrations and automations are possible. And even though Ring is owned by Amazon, I still liked abode’s integration better when I directly compared Ring and abode.
How abode’s Contract-Free Monitoring Works
abode’s monitoring worked pretty much like SimpliSafe’s. Keep in mind that integrations will work even if you don’t have a monitoring plan. Integrated smart home products will be controllable through the abode app. However, abode’s home automation platform, CUE, works only when you have a monitoring plan. That’s one of the big differences I talk about in my SimpliSafe vs. abode comparison.
The good news is you don’t have to go with professional monitoring. abode offers a premium self-monitoring option for $6.99 per month. That, too, includes CUE plus a few premium features like access to camera recordings, a 10-day timeline of history logs, an in-app panic alarm, and premium customer support. I personally switched to this plan when I worked from home for a month, but the rest of the time, I went with the Pro Plan ($24.99 per month) with professional monitoring.
Here’s the breakdown of those plans and their features:
Features and cost
Pro Plan
(Professional Monitoring)
Standard Plan
(Premium Self-Monitoring)
Monthly price
$24.99
$6.99
Annual price
$229.99 (save $70)
$69.99 (save $14)
Professional monitoring
Yes
No
Cellular backup
Yes
No
Smart Detect in security cameras
Yes
Yes
Access to exclusive deals
Yes
No
How abode Protects Homes
Home automation aside, abode has pretty big holes to fill when it comes to protecting homes. For starters, it offers only one security camera. It’s an indoor/outdoor camera, but still, it would have been better if it had a camera built specifically for indoor use and a different one built for outdoor use. All the other options on this list provide at least three choices for security cameras. Second, abode doesn’t offer that many sensors. It makes up for that by being able to connect with third-party devices, but direct sensor pairing is still the best, in my humble opinion.
Everything I bought from abode is ready to be unpacked
On the bright side, abode proved to be a reliable system. App alerts came in quickly, about five to 10 seconds after a sensor is triggered. There’s also cellular backup too, but only if you’re on the Pro Plan. Otherwise, you’d need to make sure your network is in tip-top shape to avoid missed alerts.
Is a No-Contract Security System Really the Best Choice?
I think we can all agree installing a security system is a good idea. After all, our latest research found that 39 million U.S. households have one. But that’s not all we discovered. Some other stats that stood out to us are:
There were 119 million packages stolen in 2023.
Over $463.5 billion worth of goods were stolen in 2022.
Only 8 percent of these items were recovered.
13 million more households are looking to install a security system in 2024.
It’s not that we don’t trust contract-free systems to provide reliable protection. As we all saw, there are pretty good no-contract security options out there. They provide home protection just as well as security systems that require a contract.
But before you hammer down the nail, let’s discuss the pros and cons of a monitoring contract — why it might be a better choice for some and why some might want to avoid it. I discussed those in greater detail in my guide to home security contracts, so check that out if you have the time. Here’s the bottom line:
Pros of Monitoring Contracts
Offsets equipment cost: Some contract-free options provide equipment financing up to 12 months, but security systems with contracts offer financing up to 60 months. That means lower upfront cost and monthly equipment repayment for you.
Equipment on lease: Even better, some companies will let you lease rather than buy the equipment. That’s an even more practical solution because it often costs less to lease equipment in the short run.
Warranty: Most of the time, your equipment will receive continuous warranty for repairs and replacement as long as you’re still under contract. Some contract-free options such as Cove provide lifetime equipment warranty for as long as you’re subscribed to a monitoring plan, but not all of them do.
Guarantees: Speaking of warranty, contracted security brands will often throw in a guarantee or two if you sign a contract. ADT has a six-month money-back guarantee and theft protection guarantee, for example. You don’t usually get the same from no-contract brands.
Installing the latest version of the SimpliSafe Motion Sensor
Cons of Monitoring Contracts
Can make moving difficult: A monitoring agreement can make it difficult for you to change addresses. In most cases, you will have to renew your contract for another two or three years (or worse, five years) to take your system with you in the move.
Early-termination fee: One of the biggest catches of signing a contract is that once you sign the dotted line, you’d be on the hook for the rest of the contract term. If you try to cancel before the contract expires, you will be charged a hefty penalty. Some companies are more lenient, allowing military families and seniors to cancel for free due to extenuating circumstances, but such companies are rare. (Hint: See Vivint’s contract terms.)
Expert Examined
From Anthony Travaglia, Retired Police Officer, Home Security Expert
“Contract or no contract, signing up with 24/7 monitoring is a great way to protect your home. Monitoring companies are watching over your home 24/7 and immediately contact law enforcement when an alarm is tripped. Response times by patrol officers can vary, but the faster officers can arrive on scene, the better chance they have of catching the criminal red-handed and prosecuting the criminal.”
Preparing to install my Ring security system
Comparing No-Contract Security Systems
As you can see, contracts are for some people, but for others, it’s a must-avoid. It’s all up to you. Either way, there are good options available to you.
If you’re leaning more toward a no-contract option, it’s imperative that you know what factors to compare, especially the cost-related factors. Buying a security system is a sizable expense, so you have to make sure you’re not biting off more than you can chew.
Equipment and installation cost: Contract-free security systems are also DIY, but some offer optional professional installation. The price usually ranges from $100 to $150. On top of that, you’re likely going to have to pay for the equipment upfront, which can range anywhere from $200 to $500 for a basic system.
Availability of financing: As I discussed earlier, very few no-contract options offer financing. Those that do have very short repayment terms, usually up to a year. You should look for a brand that offers payment options that suit your budget.
Refund policy: Your biggest expense when buying a no-contract system is the equipment fee, but it doesn’t always work out. If you’re planning to buy your equipment right out the gate, make sure there’s a refund policy so you can return your order and get your money back in case you change your mind.
Warranty: You should also check the warranty terms. Will you get free replacement or repairs in case something goes wrong with the equipment? For how long is the system under warranty? Does the company handle the repairs, or must you go to an accredited service center?
Self-monitoring option: This is very important. If you go with a contract-free solution, it’s likely because you want some flexibility. You want to be able to cancel anytime. But what happens when you cancel your monitoring? Will you be able to use the system as a self-monitored alarm, or will it turn into a very expensive paperweight?
Features of the Best No-Contract Home Security Systems
Cost-related factors aside, you should also consider the features of the no-contract security system.
Wireless Equipment
We get it. Hardwired systems require drilling, wiring, and splicing circuitry. This is too much commitment for most people. That’s why the best no-contract, month-to-month home security systems are 100 percent wireless units. Many systems with wireless equipment can be set up in mere minutes, with no tools and no fuss. Go with wireless; you won’t be sorry.
DIY Setup
Another attractive feature with no-contract security systems is easy DIY setup. The best companies preprogram the equipment before it arrives at your door. This means plug-and-play setup without having to troubleshoot the system on your own. Phew! Do-it-yourself setup is now easier than ever. You’ll be up and running with home protection in no time at all.
Cellular Monitoring
No-contract home security and cellular monitoring go hand-in-hand. Wireless systems use cellular monitoring, as opposed to landline or Wi-Fi hookup, to connect to emergency operators at the monitoring station. Cellular monitoring is powered by cell towers, and it’s typically more reliable and secure than other options. Just be sure you live in an area with a cellular signal, and you’re as good as gold.
Remote Access
Remote access is another popular feature. It’s the 21st century after all, and people demand immediate mobile access to everything. Why should home security be any different? Remote access allows you to open your companion app anytime, anywhere, to monitor and control your month-to-month home security system. With remote access, home protection is always close at hand.
Entryway Sensors
Secure the perimeter with entryway sensors. This feature comes standard with every no-contract security system. Simply mount these magnetic sensors to door frames and windows. When a security breach occurs, the magnets separate, the alarm sounds, and alerts are sent. These easy-install sensors can typically be put into place with removable adhesive.
Motion Detectors
Shore up your defense with motion detectors. This feature also comes with most no-contract home security systems. Leveraging infrared motion sensors, the devices pick up movement inside your home. Upon detection, the motion detectors trigger the alarm and alerts. While these detectors are useful anywhere in the home, they become especially helpful in monitoring rooms with high-value items like art and jewelry.
Special Features
Who doesn’t love special features? Most no-contract security systems come with a control panel, entryway sensors, a base station, and a motion detector. These are special in their own right. But users can add-on neat features like glass-break sensors, panic buttons, smart smoke alarms, and key ring remote controls. Go on, upgrade your home security system to your heart’s content.
Special Alert Zones
Keep a hawk-eye on certain areas of your home with special alert zones. This feature comes with the best no-contract, month-to-month security plans. Keep your kids away from the liquor cabinet, thieves away from your gun locker, and a close eye on Mona Lisa in the foyer. Special alert zones offer increased security where it matters most.
Ownership
Another key feature to look for is outright ownership of the security equipment. Many no-contract systems give immediate ownership to the user. Of course, the units often still function just fine if and when the month-to-month monitoring plan is canceled. The best part about owning your system is that the equipment can move with you wherever you go.
As a home security expert and Managing Editor for SafeHome.org, Rob Gabriele has written and edited over 1,000 articles related to home security. His expertise is in smart home protection with thousands of hours of testing and research under his belt. Formerly a reporter and producer for the USAToday network, Rob has been a writer and editor for over 10 years. He holds a Master’s of Science with an emphasis on writing from the University of Montana, and he currently lives in Indianapolis, IN.
