The Best DIY Home Security Systems of 2024

SimpliSafe is our previous No. 1 pick for the best DIY smart home security system. The Ring Alarm Pro, our new top pick, offers better features and more value, but SimpliSafe is still a sound choice for self-installed home security thanks to its blend of serious smarts and impressive performance.

From start to finish, SimpliSafe made the installation process a cinch thanks to its simple peel-and-stick installation of entry sensors, motion detectors, and keypad (no tools required). The products come clearly labeled in the box, making for a headache-free setup that any home security novice can easily tackle. We also found SimpliSafe’s motion detectors to be some of the most pet-friendly, taking into account different installation methods depending on the size of your cat or dog. (This can help pet owners avoid false alarm triggers when the system is armed.) One bummer is that if you wish to adjust the motion sensitivity of a sensor after installation, you will have to remove it and adjust the settings from the back of the device. With Ring, you can do this from the app without having to break out the ladder.

The entry sensors come with a claimed 10-year battery life—much longer than many other smart sensors we tested. The system supports up to 100 sensors and SimpliSafe offers plenty of options to pick from including water leak detectors, temperature/freeze sensors, glass break sensors, and more. We also like that SimpliSafe sensors are some of the easiest to remove and reposition, making the system an ideal option for renters.

SimpliSafe offers users the flexibility of choosing between preconfigured home security bundles or individually purchasing components for a truly customizable DIY alarm system. A home base and keypad are necessary components of the SimpliSafe system and are included with your purchase if you opt for a preconfigured bundle. The home base plugs into a standard electrical outlet and has a 24-hour battery backup.

SimpliSafe's alarm system supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. While it doesn’t fully support Apple HomeKit, you can control some aspects of the system on an Apple Watch like arming and disarming the system and receiving alerts. It also integrates with August door locks, one of the best smart locks we’ve ever tested, and can lock the door depending on the status of your alarm system.

A paid plan isn't required to use SimpliSafe, but it's the best way to get the most out of your alarm system. While self-monitoring is available at no cost, it’s pretty barebones. You won’t receive smart alerts or be able to arm/disarm your system remotely, but you can access the 7-day event history and view the status of your system anytime. Plans start at $14.99/month for basic features like 24/7 professional monitoring and a built-in cell connection to keep your system powered at all times.

Read our full review of the SimpliSafe 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System

Ring’s Alarm System gets a lot right: perfect packaging, elementary instructions, detailed smart alerts whether you’re tethered to paid professional monitoring or not, and a powerful 104-decibel alarm siren. Ring’s plans are some of the most affordable in our roundup, too, including free self-monitoring or continuous professional monitoring for $10/month.

The system comes with door and window sensors and motion detectors that work reliably and a convenient keypad that’s easy to hang by your front door. We like that it sends straightforward smart notifications that include important, upfront details like the date, time, and name of the triggered sensor. It also takes into account cats and dogs, making it one of the most pet-friendly systems we’ve tested.

As one might expect from Ring, there’s no integration with Google Assistant or Apple’s Siri. With Alexa voice control, you can arm/disarm the system (a handy feature since there’s no key fob) and manage the status of your system. Ring’s system also supports Alexa Guard, which uses your Echo speakers to listen for possible emergencies like glass breaking and smoke/carbon monoxide detector alarms. Additionally, you can incorporate Ring doorbells, smart cameras, and lighting into the system. It also works with third-party devices like smart locks and Z-wave devices, giving you plenty of options to build out your home security system.

If professional monitoring is what you’re after, Cove Alarm Systems may appeal to you. Cove does not offer self-monitoring, meaning you’ll always be tied to the monthly payment plan that comes with continuous monitoring. But if that’s not a deal-breaker, there are some good reasons to look into it.

Cove’s starter kit caught our eye from the get-go with its gorgeous 7-inch touchscreen display panel, something no other system we tested offers. In addition to the standard motion detectors and window/door sensors, Cove’s basic equipment setup includes above-average offerings like a smart water leak detector and two key fob remote controls instead of just one. We like that the touch screen panel makes audible announcements when a sensor is opened and gives visual cues so you can easily see the status of the system, making it easy to know when people are coming and going without being tied to your phone.

Unlike every other system we tested, the setup for Cove is done online and not via the companion app. During setup, a representative from Cove’s monitoring team called via the touchscreen control panel to confirm it was working. Unfortunately, we had a hard time hearing what the person was saying and the call got disconnected. They immediately called me on my cell phone, which is a nice touch, especially considering emergencies. However, my first impressions of the touch panel’s ability to communicate were less than ideal.

The Cove Basic Plan costs $15/month and includes continuous live monitoring, 24-hour battery backup, and more. But if you want to control the system from your smartphone and integrate it with smart assistants like Alexa and Google (no support for Siri), the Cove Plus Plan ($25/month) is the one to get. The alarm setup includes a free, 30-day professional monitoring trial and a 60-day money-back guarantee.

All in all, the setup process felt too involved and took me longer than it did with other alarms included in this guide. The Cove app also repeatedly logged me out after each use and I found it cumbersome to log back in each time. Cove’s system is a good option if you only want professional monitoring or if you prefer a touchscreen panel to a regular keypad, but be prepared to spend about 30 minutes setting the system up.

At 104.5 decibels, Fronpoint’s Safe Home Starter Kit has the loudest siren of the bunch. The system works well and comes with all of the expected components like door/window and motion sensors, a hub, and a wireless keypad. A key fob is an additional purchase, but you can arm/disarm the system via the companion app or voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant, something not every system we’ve tested has.

Frointpoint's hub works without Wi-Fi, using a cellular signal for a reliable connection at all times, but you can connect the hub to your internet as a backup. Similar to other alarms we tested, the hub also has a 24-hour battery backup in the event of a power outage. Frontpoint uses Alarm.com for its mobile app, where you can easily monitor the status of your system.

Frontpoint offers helpful user security features like a Duress Code and the ability to build out a custom system tailored to your home without being locked into a preconfigured package. The home security company has an in-house line of smart home devices like cameras that can also be added to the security system. However, Skybell video doorbells are the only third-party devices that currently integrate with Frontpoint’s home security system.

As much as we like Frontpoint, and were impressed by its accuracy and smarts, the monthly monitoring fees are the most expensive of any system we tested. The Interactive Plan costs $45/month and the Ultimate Plan is $50/month. Both paid options come with 24/7 professional monitoring, wireless/cellular connection, automated system checks, crash and smash protection, and more. While these features are great to have, the cost is considerably more than the others we’ve tested.

Abode may not be as well known as other home security brands on our list, but the iota Security Kit is a smart home lover's dream. The gateway hub has a discreetly built-in 1080p HD security camera and offers rare compatibility across all three major smart assistants: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. The system also comes with one mini door/window sensor and one key fob. It also supports up to 160 devices from popular brands like Philips Hue, Lifx, Yale, Kwikset, and more, making it the most versatile home security system for your well-connected home.

The system itself is a delight to use, but the setup and installation process could’ve been better. Unlike SimpliSafe and Ring’s flawless packaging, Abode’s products are not clearly labeled inside of the box, which may confuse home security first-timers (professional installation is available). Additionally, the motion sensor’s activation tab is shorter than others we’ve tested and we ended up having to use tweezers to remove it. Finally, the sensors are installed using velcro, not adhesive tape like most setups. The velcro is difficult to remove, leaves behind a sticky residue, and is unusable after pulling it up once, making Abode’s security system a poor option for renters.

Despite all of that, Abode’s system, once set up, is quick and full of smarts. When a sensor is triggered, the gateway makes a chirping sound. The gateway also offers visual cues about the alarm’s status. The audible and visual signals are a nice touch for managing your system as you’re moving throughout your home.

Abode has two paid monitoring subscriptions, which you'll need because there is no free cloud storage. The $6/month self-monitoring plan includes push alerts, activity history, home automations, geofencing, on-demand monitoring (ideal for short vacations), and more. The Pro Plan runs $20/month and includes professional monitoring, cellular backup, person detection, and geofencing. The system is more expensive than some of the other kits we tested and therefore not the best option for most people, but for souped-up smart homes, Abode’s iota Security Kit is a winner.

Ecobee’s Home Security Solution is the only DIY alarm system we tested that doesn’t offer professional monitoring. Instead, you have to pay $5/month for self-monitoring, which includes video storage for one device and support for Autopilot, a neat geofencing feature that ditches the need for keypads, hubs, and alarm countdowns. Ecobee plays nice with Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa, but there's no support for Google Assistant.

The kit comes with an Ecobee SmartCamera (functions as the “hub”), two smart sensors, and four smart sensors for doors and windows. An Ecobee smart thermostat also works as a hub. There’s no key fob or keypad, but you don’t need one thanks to Ecobee's Autopilot feature. Autopilot automatically arms or disarms your system when you (and other authorized users) come and go. With autopilot, you can automate your system to arm when you leave and disarm when you return. It can also be used to create smart home automations like enabling the camera to record when you're not there and shutting it off when you return.

The camera has Alexa built-in, clear 1080p video quality day and night, control over motion sensitivity, and the ability to define activity zones. It also offers a spectacular 180-degree field of view and comes with motion tracking technology, meaning it can follow an object around the room, showing you exactly what’s going on when you’re not there. The camera can also listen for your smoke alarm and alert you if it starts going off, a feature often included with more expensive monthly plans. The system comes with a limited three-year warranty and you can return it for free within 30 days of purchase for a full refund.

We were unimpressed by the alarm sound, which sounds more like an alarm clock going off than a siren meant to deter intruders or alert you to a problem. Ecobee’s alarm system is a viable option if you’re on a budget and only want self-monitoring capabilities, but you’ll need to look elsewhere for better services.