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SimpliSafe
SecureScore™: 9.2/10
With SimpliSafe, you can choose between self-monitoring and professional monitoring. If you self-monitor, you don’t have to sign any long-term contracts or pay any monthly fees. You’ll receive emails or texts whenever the system is triggered to keep you connected.
Abode is the new kid on the block, but they’ve certainly landed with a splash. Their DIY security systems offer basic-to-advanced home protection. The products integrate seamlessly into smart home automation platforms. And the list of add-ons is endless.
ADT’s eased back on the traditional security system requirements over the years, really listening to customers asking them for more flexibility. Not only is their monitoring now month-to-month, you can opt for self-monitoring as well.
With SimpliSafe, you can choose between self-monitoring and professional monitoring. If you self-monitor, you don’t have to sign any long-term contracts or pay any monthly fees. You’ll receive emails or texts whenever the system is triggered to keep you connected.
Abode is the new kid on the block, but they’ve certainly landed with a splash. Their DIY security systems offer basic-to-advanced home protection. The products integrate seamlessly into smart home automation platforms. And the list of add-ons is endless.
ADT’s eased back on the traditional security system requirements over the years, really listening to customers asking them for more flexibility. Not only is their monitoring now month-to-month, you can opt for self-monitoring as well.
The best home security systems offer professional monitoring, which involves monitoring agents responding to alarm events and requires a monthly fee. We recommend adding the service, but it’s not the end of the world if you don’t use it. In fact, there are security systems that offer both self-monitoring and professional monitoring. So if you’re looking for options without a monthly fee, they are who we recommend. They allow the flexibility to choose how you want your home monitored. And if you choose to add professional monitoring down the line, you won’t have to buy new equipment.
SimpliSafe is currently our top-pick home security system that doesn’t require monitoring. It offers high-quality and reliable equipment – something you’ll need to take responsibility for responding to alerts. It also has an easy to use app for alerts and checking live camera footage, plus the system is simple to install all on your own.
Keep reading to learn more about SimpliSafe and our other top picks that don’t require monitoring, namely, abode, ADT, Ring, and Arlo.
Pro Tip: Most of our top picks offer a free trial of their monitoring service. Take advantage of the trial to see how professional monitoring works and take the time to consider if you can live without it.
Top 3 Self-monitored Home Security Systems for 2024
Our Methodology - How We Test and Rank Security Systems Without Monitoring
Our Approach
The best way to offer honest and trustworthy recommendations is by getting hands-on experience with home security systems. So we buy the systems and set up each device in our own homes. We test each system for weeks, sometimes months, so we can get a feel for what it’s like to live with it and its different features. This way we can give you our accurate, unbiased findings.
Our Testing Setup
To ensure a level playing field, all of our test systems are installed in the same house – a two-story, 2,200-square-foot home owned by one of our security experts. In our experience, testing systems in a real location gives us the most accurate and authentic results.
We also buy the same devices for each brand and install them in identical locations. Here’s what our typical system setup looks like:
To give you the best self-monitored security systems, we focused on the three most important factors for such systems. In our expert opinion, they are:
Self-monitoring features (40%): Instead of staring at live camera feeds, you should be able to receive real-time alerts and easily respond to incidents anytime and anywhere.
Equipment options (30%): It’s much easier to monitor your security system yourself when you have reliable equipment that doesn’t trigger false alarms every 30 seconds.
Affordability (30%): While you might spend less money on monitoring fees, you don’t want to lose these savings when paying upfront equipment costs.
After comparing our top picks based on these criteria, here’s how we rated them:
Rating the Best Security Systems Without Monitoring
Why You Can Trust Us
We’ve all seen those websites that review everything from microwaves to golf balls. But our team of security experts exclusively reviews security and safety equipment. The specialists assigned to this review include:
Rob Gabriele, Editorial Director & Home Security Expert
Andrew Garcia, Lead Editor & Home Security Researcher
Derek Prall, Home Security Expert & Testing Coordinator
Jaime Fraze, Security Camera & Video Doorbell Expert
Paul Frew, Home Security System Expert & Security Camera 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. Our work on SafeHome.org began in 2016 and has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and many other major outlets. Together, we have:
Spent over 10,000+ hours on research
Published 60+ security system reviews
Produced 40+ industry research/studies
Created 10+ home security guides
Every recommendation we make is based on first-hand product experience and a thorough understanding of the home security industry. Now, it’s time to find out more about the best security systems without monitoring.
SimpliSafe is a pioneer of DIY home security. It’s easy to install and just as easy to use. That doesn’t mean it cuts corners though. In fact, of all the DIY security systems we’ve tested, SimpliSafe has the most advanced security features. Most of those features are reserved for users with a monitoring plan, though. But at the minimum, we got real-time alerts from our sensors, clear live video from our security cameras, and several burglar deterrent features such as two-way talk via the cameras and loud sirens. That’s everything you need when self-monitoring a security system.
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
No touch screen keypad
Our Experience:
Pricing
SimpliSafe offers a couple of self-monitoring options. You can get away with a $0 monthly fee and enjoy the free basic features we mentioned above, or you can pay $9.99 per month to give up to ten of your security cameras cloud storage. The thing is, without cloud storage, SimpliSafe cameras can’t record. They may be some of the best security cameras on the market, but that lack of local video storage is one of their biggest downsides. We recommend paying the $9.99 fee.
Now, when it comes to equipment, SimpliSafe’s pricing is among the most competitive we’ve seen. Forget other brands that offer starter kits worth over $500; you can get a basic SimpliSafe security system for around $250, and a comprehensive one with multiple security cameras included for about $700. What’s more, SimpliSafe loves doling out discounts. If you check out our guide to SimpliSafe deals, you’ll see that security systems are often on sale for at least 20-percent off. So far, the biggest we’ve seen this year was during SimpliSafe’s Black Friday sale where everything was 70-percent off.
Installing a SimpliSafe entryway sensor.
FYI: Like a number of home security companies, SimpliSafe lets you finance your equipment. However, you must buy at least $200 worth of equipment to qualify. When they’re on sale, the two least expensive packages – the Foundation and the Essentials – don’t cost enough for financing.
Affordable equipment isn’t the same thing as cheap equipment. All of SimpliSafe’s devices are solid and well-built. Take the outdoor camera, for example. It’s rated IP65, which means it’s dust-tight and can withstand water droplets. As we note in our SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera review, It’s also capable of withstanding temperatures up to 20 degrees below zero Fahrenheit. That might not protect you in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, but it should work for almost everyone else.
And SimpliSafe is always improving its equipment. It’s on its third generation of devices, and it just introduced a brand-new Smart Alarm Indoor Camera with built-in AI that can distinguish between people and pets — pretty handy for eliminating false alarms.
FYI: In addition to cameras, SimpliSafe offers a whole range of security equipment, including entryway sensors, motion detectors, glass break detectors, and flood and fire sensors. All those devices are routed through the SimpliSafe hub, which is modern, white, and emits a soft glow from underneath.
SimpliSafe Packages
Package
Retail price
The Beacon (10 pieces)
$709.90 or $29.58 for 24 months
The Haven (14 pieces)
$519.86 or $21.66 for 24 months
The Knox (13 pieces)
$479.87 or $19.99 for 24 months
The Lighthouse (7 pieces)
$469.93 or $19.58 for 24 months
The Hearth (9 pieces)
$399.91 or $16.66 for 24 months
The Essentials (5 pieces)
$275.95
The Foundation (4 pieces)
$249.96
Monitoring
OK, so SimpliSafe wouldn’t be on this list if it didn’t allow DIY monitoring. The thing is, SimpliSafe also offers professional monitoring. Why is that important? Because no matter how vigilant you may be about your home security, there are times when you need a break. Who wants to spend their time at DisneyWorld checking alerts and reviewing footage? Sign up for a month of SimpliSafe, and you don’t have to. And because SimpliSafe’s monitoring plan doesn’t involve contracts, you can sign up for that one month and then go right back to self-monitoring.
Our Experience Testing SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe works great either as a self-monitored or professionally monitored security system. We tested it as both, and while monitoring it ourselves required more work, we felt pretty secure either way. A week into testing SimpliSafe, a guy wearing a safety vest knocked on our door. Our SimpliSafe video doorbell immediately alerted us at work, and we were able to pull up the live footage and speak with him. Turns out, they were just doing some pipeline maintenance in the area and letting everyone know. But it was great that we were able to see and speak with him even though we were miles apart.
Pro Tip: In our tests, we noticed a bit of a lag when trying to communicate through the doorbell. It’s not so bad that you can’t give the delivery guy some instructions, but it’s bad enough that you probably won’t be able to have a full-blown conversation.
That’s how it went during our tests. We’d get alerts either from our cameras or sensors, confirm it, and decide how to react. And again, the reliability of SimpliSafe’s equipment makes all that possible and streamlined.
But we do want to point out another advantage of SimpliSafe – contract-free professional monitoring. We know this is supposed to be about self-monitored systems, but hear us out. With SimpliSafe, you can self-monitor the system most of the time, and only get professional monitoring if you’re going on a long holiday. Once you get home, you can cancel the service and go back to a more hands-on approach. We did that recently when we went on a two-week trip out of state for Thanksgiving. It’s exactly for that flexibility and adaptability that we named SimpliSafe the best no-contract home security system.
Abode offers self-monitored, affordable systems, but you still get some great high-tech features you wouldn’t normally expect outside a system like Vivint. As we note in our full abode review, these systems integrate smoothly with Google Home, Alexa, and even Apple HomeKit. Plus they’re compatible with thousands of smart home devices, from Bose speakers to Phillips Hue lightbulbs. Abode isn’t perfect – who is? – but the company offers more bang for your buck than most competitors.
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:
Pricing
Just how affordable is abode? You can get a complete system for just $139.99. That’s not a sale price; that’s abode’s everyday retail price. abode’s most expensive kit, the Iota All-in-One, is just $379.99. You can add an abode Cam 2, which works both indoors and outdoors, for just $60 more. That’s $40 cheaper than SimpliSafe’s SimpliCam.
Testing out the abode Keypad
Monitoring is equally affordable with abode. For starters, you can self-monitor for free, and you can’t get much cheaper than free. But, like SimpliSafe, abode allows you to ramp up your monitoring when you need to. Add video recording for just $5.83 per month, about half of what SimpliSafe charges. Or, you can get full professional monitoring, 24/7, 365 days a year, for – get this – $12 per month. That almost makes it a shame to self-monitor.
Abode offers a wide range of devices, including hubs, entry sensors, motion sensors, glass break sensors, smoke detectors, and cameras. All of these devices include high-tech options like the ability to utilize IFTTT routines. In fact, in keeping with its commitment to making cutting-edge home security devices affordable, abode expanded its line to include smart home equipment like front door locks. These feature a choice of fingerprint access or a Bluetooth keypad, and have quickly become some of the best smart locks on the market.
The knock on abode is that its camera selection is limited. The company offers just two cameras: a dual-use indoor/outdoor model, and a video doorbell. Maybe abode doesn’t need more models than this, though? After all, both cameras feature smart detection, work remarkably well with Alexa and Google Home, and offer Z-Wave connections to thousands of other smart home devices. What else do you need, really?
Pro Tip: Smart home devices are notorious entry points for hackers to gain access to your network. When we were testing abode, we made sure to use a router-level VPN to keep ourselves safe.
Monitoring
Like SimpliSafe, abode offers a range of monitoring options. You can, of course, self-monitor for free. Why else would we have included the company on this list? The free Basic plan includes push notifications, live video streaming, and the ability to turn the system on and off using the app.
The real icing on the cake is that you get smart platform integration with abode. A lot of companies don’t even offer that, and those that do typically charge a premium fee. For example, if you want smart features from Vivint, it’ll cost you at least $45 per month. Even SimpliSafe requires you to sign up for a $20-per-month monitoring plan if you want to run your system through Alexa or Google Home. Abode gives you these same features even if you’re self-monitoring.
Our Experience Testing abode
abode integrates with a ridiculous number of smart devices. It’s not just that you can hook your system up to Google Home or Alexa and use your voice to operate it. You can also connect it to Apple HomeKit, which even Vivint doesn’t allow.
FYI: Abode is Z-Wave compatible. Z-Wave technology gives you access to thousands of smart home devices, from thermostats to toaster ovens, and the company even manufactures its own devices. You can get smart light bulbs, smart plugs, and even a smart lock for your front door. You can build an entire smart world and never have to pay abode a cent in monitoring fees.
Our favorite aspect of abode is that it works with IFTTT. In fact, it makes our list of the best security systems for IFTTT. If you don’t know the If This Then That platform, it lets you create sophisticated routines connecting all your smart devices. All we had to do at bedtime was say, “Alexa, good night,” and it turned off our lights, armed our abode system, and played a little Miles Davis to send us off to dreamland. “Kind of Blue” in our ears and no worries about our security? That’s the way to get a good night’s sleep.
We had to install our abode equipment ourselves. That’s to be expected. Most self-monitored systems don’t come with professional installation. No problem. Except that, unfortunately, abode isn’t as straightforward and simple to install as most of the other DIY-installed systems we’ve tried. We were particularly thrown by the fact that we had to use an ethernet cable to connect the hub to our router. Once we did that, it worked fine via Wi-Fi, but seems like an unnecessarily complicated process to get to that point.
The other knock on abode? Only one camera option. That means it has to double duty as both an indoor and outdoor camera. That means it’s either more durable than it needs to be to work inside or less durable than it needs to be outside. Turns out, it was the former, which is the better of the two options. Abode’s Cam 2 is rated IP 65, which means it is dust tight and can withstand water jets. In addition, it can handle temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit. Do we really need something that hearty for our living room, though?
Bottom line: you can do better than abode if you’re willing to spend the money. If you’re looking for a low-cost alternative that can still get the job done, abode could fit the bill.
Here’s a brand-new entry on this list and one we never thought we’d see. ADT has been around for 150 years – longer than any other home security system out there – and in that time, it has never offered a self-monitoring option. Never say a leopard can’t change its spots, though. In the last year, ADT changed with the times and now you can install your own system and monitor it yourself too.
ADT’s Self-Setup system puts the best home security system within reach of almost any homeowner. Of course, you’re here for self-monitored systems, but ADT still offers the best professional monitoring in the industry, with three tiers to choose from. Quality and flexibility? We predict this company will have a long, bright future in front of itself.
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:
Pricing
ADT used to be one of the most expensive systems around, but like we said above, they’ve paid attention to industry trends and consumer desires. Now they offer much more flexible, much more affordable options.
While almost every company in the world has raised its prices over the last few years, ADT lowered the cost of its equipment. Prices for sensors, for example, now start at $20 for the entryway sensors. Motion sensors go for just $40. Even ADT security cameras are now more affordable, and that’s despite the fact that they are all new with improved quality. ADT currently offers Google Nest products, and they offer them with no markup. Indoor, plug-in cameras cost just $99. Indoor/ outdoor battery-powered models cost $179. You can build a pretty comprehensive system using these components, and keep an eye on it all yourself. That’s a huge departure from ADT’s traditional posture, but we’re glad to see they’re keeping up with the times.
Monitoring
So as we’ve mentioned above, even if you plan to self-monitor, having professional monitoring options is a definite benefit in our playbook. ADT has this in spades. With 12 monitoring centers around the country all with their own redundancies built in, you don’t have to worry about reliability.
Installing an ADT security camera
ADT pioneered their SMART monitoring feature, which gives homeowners the option of confirming an alarm with monitoring centers to cut down on false alarms. Ultimately, that means in the event of a real crisis, emergency personnel arrive on the scene quicker. If you’re set on monitoring the system yourself, you won’t be using this, but it’s nice to know you have the option. And here’s the thing – lots of homeowners self-monitor to save money, and we get that. It’s nice to know you can add a month of professional service when you need it such as when you’re on vacation. With month-to-month plans, you just cancel it when you get home and go right back to handling security yourself.
FYI: If you’re having trouble getting your equipment set up right, you can do what we did and call up ADT’s virtual installation support. They were able to walk us through the ins and outs of everything and helped us avoid a mistake or two as well.
Our Experience Testing ADT
We’ve been so used to ADT being a traditional system that we were a little taken aback when they launched Self Setup. To be honest, we didn’t think they were going to get it right and we weren’t sure ADT would be able to compete with SimpliSafe.
We were wrong. By partnering with Google, ADT offers some of the most technologically advanced pieces of security equipment available on the market today, and since you’re going to be self monitoring, you want the highest-quality equipment you can get. We were also impressed by how easy everything was to set up. Similar to Cove, ADT’s equipment relies mostly on command stips to hold everything in place — no special tools or knowledge required. We had our test system up and running in about 30 minutes flat.
Product Specs:
Monitoring Options
Professional or DIY
Installation
DIY
Smart Platform Integration
Alexa and Google Home
Equipment Cost
Packages starting at $499
Monthly Monitoring Cost
From $29.99
Contract Length
Monthly
Runner-Ups
Ring
We think Ring has some great, affordable cameras and video doorbells. But when we reviewed the system, we found it was a little light in the sensor department, which isn’t ideal for a self-monitoring security system.
The Ring Alarm system we reviewed came with only a motion sensor and entryway sensors.
The other flaw is that if you need somewhere to store your video footage, you’ll have to pay for it or upgrade to a professional monitoring plan. On the plus side, Ring’s security system is easy to install – it only took us 25 minutes. The app is also user-friendly and makes handling notifications a breeze.
Arlo
Arlo’s security cameras are some of the best around and are reasonably priced. They use AI to recognize regular visitors and can connect to other smart home devices. The only issue is that these features are not included in the self-monitoring plan.
Considering the Arlo Pro 4.
But the cameras are exceptional. In our Arlo review, we learned they have an integrated spotlight and two-way audio. We could also set up activity zones so we weren’t getting constant alerts whenever our dog was rolling around on the fresh-cut grass.
Researching the Best No-Monitoring Systems
We try to make your life as easy as possible by doing all the home security research and hands-on testing for you. Below is a quick rundown of what we look for in a no-monitoring system.
Equipment: Does a company offer all the components you need to protect your house, and are the devices you purchase going to be reliable long term? At the very least, you’ll need a hub, entryway sensors, and a motion sensor. But we also recommend outdoor security cameras and a video doorbell. Finally, be sure the company offers a mobile app so that you can access and control your system from your smartphone.
Monitoring: You’re looking for a self-monitored system. In addition to asking whether a particular system offers DIY monitoring, you should find out what sort of features you get when you DIY it. Will your system send you alerts, and will you be able to check video feeds to see what’s going on? And does the company offer professional monitoring too? It’s always nice to have options, as you may decide to upgrade at some point.
Price: The real trick here is to weigh what you’re getting against the cost. If you need only basic security, there are some truly affordable systems out there, even some in the $100 to $200 range. If you’re self-monitoring, you won’t have to worry about any monthly fees. If you need top-of-the-line equipment or professional installation, you should expect to pay anywhere from $400 to $1,000 or more.
Pros and Cons of Self-monitoring
OK, so you came here looking for a great self-monitoring system. It never hurts to consider all the options, right? Let’s talk about some of the pros and cons of unmonitored systems just to make sure you’ve thought it all through.
Pros
Cons
Less expensive/free
No professional oversight
More customizable
Less peace of mind
More control
Usually have to install yourself
Benefits
There are certainly instances when paying for professional monitoring just isn’t practical. We live in a pretty secure apartment building. We want to be able to talk to anyone who knocks on our door, and we like being able to check on our cat while we’re at work, but we don’t need a full team of professionals monitoring our home 24/7.
Installing a SimpliSafe motion sensor.
Another great reason to go the self-monitoring route is to save money. Professional monitoring requires a monthly fee. And, if you don’t mind keeping tabs on alerts and alarms yourself, you can avoid the extra money and the hassle of long-term contracts.
Cost: Obviously, if you’re truly self-monitoring, you never have to pay monthly fees. Even if you choose to add video storage, you can usually save quite a bit over a fully monitored system. Also, self-monitored systems tend to be cheaper overall than professionally monitored systems, with more affordable equipment. Plus, unmonitored systems usually require DIY installation, so you’ll also save money on setup.
Home automation: As a general rule, professionally monitored systems tend to be old-school in their approach. Self-monitored systems tend to be newer and more progressive. That difference extends to home automation. Self-monitored systems are designed to give you control, so you can expect the best user-friendly apps, integration with Alexa and Google Home, and lots of smart device compatibility. Most of these systems are IFTTT compatible, and some even offer their own proprietary line of smart products.
Fewer false alarms: If you’re in charge of your home security, you don’t have to worry so much about false alarms. These systems don’t connect to emergency personnel directly, so you can verify an alarm before you act on it. Of course, you can always summon the fire department, the police, or medical assistance if you need it, but you can be sure it’s genuinely needed before you make the call.
Control: With self-monitored systems, you get to do your security your way. You don’t have to worry about who might be watching camera footage. You get to decide exactly what constitutes a genuine emergency; you can be as paranoid or as cavalier as you choose. Plus, many self-monitored systems, including SimpliSafe, abode, and Canary, let you add features like person detection and video storage on demand or buy a single month of professional monitoring whenever you need it. You’re in charge.
Pro Tip: If you purchase home security cameras with local storage, you can save video without having to invest in a cloud storage plan, saving you even more money. Most Lorex cameras, for example, use either a microSD card or a DVR/NVR setup.
Expert Examined
From Anthony Travaglia, Retired Police Officer, Home Security Expert:
As a patrol officer I responded to numerous alarm calls to both residential and commercial properties. Oftentimes, the alarms were false alarms, but they could not be confirmed safe without having officers respond to assess the situation. Several times I had to wake up homeowners in the middle of the night due to an alarm and a call generated by a monitoring company. It can be startling to be woken up by police officers knocking on your door in the middle of the night. With self monitoring, you can determine for yourself if the alarm requires a police response or not. Read more about Anthony Travaglia →
Drawbacks
If an alarm sounds but nobody responds, is that alarm truly useful? The biggest drawback of unmonitored security systems is that they won’t notify dispatchers when there’s a problem. A second drawback is that unmonitored systems often rely on broadband internet to send text alerts. Most professionally monitored systems offer some form of cellular connection, which is far more reliable. Ultimately, professionally monitored systems offer the peace of mind you just can’t get from doing it yourself.
Convenience: It may seem obvious, but it’s worth pointing out: You don’t have to monitor a professionally monitored system — ever. The system works and you’re protected, whether or not you’re paying attention. Too busy mowing the lawn to respond to an alert? No problem. At the dentist with a mouth full of novocaine? No problem. Self-monitoring, on the other hand, can be a little taxing.
Level of security: Self-monitoring doesn’t come with quite the same level of security as professional monitoring. Again, you must recognize that your home security works only if you are available. When you’re too busy or distracted or asleep to check an alert, your home goes unprotected. Also, most truly unmonitored systems don’t include video storage. That means you can’t go back and check an alert you missed, and you can’t provide police with footage if there’s a break-in.
No home insurance discount: Most professionally monitored home security systems offer some level of discount on homeowners insurance. Most self-monitored systems don’t. Insurance companies recognize that professional systems just offer a higher level of security overall.
Peace of mind: Here’s the bottom line: A professionally monitored system is going to give you greater peace of mind over the long haul. Can you protect your home through self-monitoring? Of course. But you have to realize that you don’t have any backup.
Keep in mind that crime rates are not the same everywhere. According to our research, there are residents of some states that might need professional monitoring more than others. Here’s the rate of break ins per 1,000 homes.
New Mexico 12.84
Mississippi 12.55
Louisiana 11.17
Oklahoma 11.09
Nevada 10.78
When you plot out the data, it seems nearly half of all residential burglaries occurred in Southern states, though rates are also high in the West.
Expert Examined
From Anthony Travaglia, Retired Police Officer, Home Security Expert:
Monitoring companies can be a benefit when you are unaware of an alarm/burglary in progress. They can determine if a police response is needed quickly. Timing is critical when it comes to crimes in progress. The faster officers can arrive the better chance they have at apprehending a suspect.
Tips for Self-monitoring
As we’ve pointed out, there are some real advantages to self-monitoring your home security. It’s important to know what you’re in for. Here are a few handy tips that can help make it a little easier.
Sign up for cameras if you can afford them. Entry sensors can be useful, but if you’re self-monitoring, you’re going to want to know what’s happening when a sensor goes off. Without cameras, you’re essentially blind.
Position your cameras carefully. If you’re totally in charge of your monitoring, you don’t want to leave any blind spots in your home. Place cameras where they can do the most good and where you can maximize your field of view.
If you’re self-monitoring, you need to review every alert you get. Any one of them could be an emergency. If you’re getting tons of false alarms from the neighbor’s cat, traffic, or leaves blowing by, you can get frustrated pretty quickly. Look for equipment that includes AI technology, such as facial recognition (Google Nest Cams have it!) so every alert is real.
Add recording to your cameras if at all possible. Some cameras come with local storage options: DVRs, NVRs, or micro SD cards. Other companies let you store video for a nominal fee, far less than you’d pay for professional monitoring. Stored video lets you see what happened, and it provides you with evidence should you ever need any to turn over to the police.
Final Thoughts
You’re giving something up when you choose to self-monitor your system. Professional monitors keep an eye on your home 24/7. You don’t have to worry about security when you’re sleeping, get a root canal at the dentist, or having drinks at a friend’s. That’s not to say you shouldn’t go that route. There are advantages to be had from self-monitoring, too. If you’re giving up the protection of having trained personnel take care of your security, though, you want to make sure you’re fully equipped to take over the job yourself.
Installing an ADT Control Panel.
Every system on this list provides you with the tools you need to monitor your own security, including real-time alerts, access to live video feeds, and the option to store footage. Don’t worry, they save you money too, by leaving the monitoring up to you. Our number one priority, though, is keeping you safe, and we think this list gives you what you need to do that.
FAQ
You’ll find even more information about the best unmonitored security systems in this FAQ section.
No, home security systems don’t need professional monitoring. There are a number of systems on the market, including SimpliSafe, abode, and Canary, that allow you to monitor your home security yourself. These provide real-time alerts so that you know there’s a problem as well as access to live footage so that you can find out what the problem is.
The biggest advantage of a self-monitored home security system is that you never have to pay for monthly monitoring. Once you pay for the equipment, you never have to pay another dime. These systems also give you total control over your security, and they prevent many false alarms.
There are two ways self-monitored systems store video footage: via local storage or through some form of cloud storage. Most companies charge for cloud storage. Alternatively, you can forego storage and rely entirely on live footage to see what’s happening at your home. If you purchase cameras with local storage — DVR, NVR, or micro SD cards — you can review footage any time at no additional cost.
Yes. SimpliSafe, abode, and Canary all offer professional monitoring as an option. In addition, all three let you sign up for a single month of professional monitoring, so you can add a month when you need it and cancel it when you don’t.
Yes. A lot of self-monitored security systems work with Alexa, Google Home, and even Apple HomeKit. However, many of them require you to purchase a monthly plan in order to access smart functions.
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.
