Do-it-yourself home security has a certain appeal. With sensors, cameras, and control panels more streamlined and straightforward than ever, why pay for professional installation when DIY is doable?

To help make your move to DIY home security as painless as possible, we’ve created a list of the best DIY home security systems. With comparisons across overall features, plan pricing, customer service, and ease of installation, we can help you find the best fit for your DIY security needs.

The 4 Best DIY Home Security Systems

Frontpoint: Best for Professional Monitoring

SimpliSafe: Best for Ease of Installation

Scout: Best for Smart Home Integration

Ring: Best for Low-Cost DIY Security

Professional monitoring starting at Self-monitoring starting at Device warranty Frontpoint $45-50/month N/A 36 months SimpliSafe $15-25/month Free 36 months Scout $20/month $10/month 36 months Ring $3-$10/month Free 12 months

*Data as of 04/20/20



Frontpoint

Best for Professional Monitoring Frontpoint

Frontpoint

View plans Pros Great hybrid option

Easy DIY process

Professionals on alert Cons Professional monitoring required

Pricing

Frontpoint offers two DIY security system monitoring plans:

Interactive Plan – $45/month

Ultimate Plan – $50/month

Frontpoint lets you select your own system hardware. Bundle control panels, glass break sensors, cameras, and home automation tools to create the ideal DIY security solution for your home. The basic Frontpoint package comes with four devices, but you can easily order and add more anytime.

While Frontpoint devices are on par with other offerings, the company stands out with full-featured professional monitoring. The Interactive Plan includes 100% wireless and cellular coverage, 24/7 monitoring, crash and smash protection, and geo-location services. The Ultimate Plan, meanwhile, comes with motion-triggered alerts, night vision, live video streaming, and smart lock control. You get a 30-day trial period and all equipment comes with a 36-month warranty. There’s no option for self-monitoring with Frontpoint.

Customer Service

Frontpoint makes it easy to get in touch if you’re experiencing an issue or have a question. Homeowners can check out its in-depth online knowledge base or get in touch by phone. Frontpoint has been accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2009 and enjoys an A+ rating.

Installation Options

Installing your Frontpoint system is straightforward. The control panel comes preconfigured; plug it in and mount it using the attached adhesive strips. The Frontpoint app suggests ideal locations for your sensors and cameras—if you get stuck, the app offers a service line contact to get you back on track.

SimpliSafe

Best for Self Installation SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe

View plans Pros Simple process

Change your mind, change your plan

Inexpensive monitoring Cons No alerts without pro monitoring

Pricing

SimpliSafe offers two DIY home security monitoring plans:

Standard – $15/month

Interactive – $25/month

SimpliSafe lets you select from prebuilt equipment packages or build your own. The standard package includes six devices, but you can mix and match sensors and cameras to best fit your needs. SimpliSafe’s Standard monitoring plan comes with 24/7 monitoring and dispatch, while the Interactive option includes mobile app arming and disarming, on-demand video recording, and smart home integration. You can also choose self-monitoring at no cost. SimpliSafe offers a 60-day trial period and a 36-month equipment warranty.

Customer Service

SimpliSafe has an A+ BBB rating and has been accredited since 2013. Customers can easily get in touch via email or phone from 9 a.m. to midnight EST. Check out the user forums to tap the experience and insight of other SimpliSafe customers.

Installation Options

SimpliSafe excels at simple DIY installation. Devices don’t require any application or software connections, and everything sold by SimpliSafe is plug-and-play. You can also access professional installation help for $79 if you need assistance finding the best location for your sensors and cameras.

Scout

Best for Smart Home Integration Scout Alarm

Scout

View plans Pros Custom and pre-made DIY home security systems

Cheap monitoring

Supports a range of third-party devices Cons

Pricing

Scout offers two plans for DIY home security systems:

Always On – $9.99/month

Always On+ – $19.99/month

Scout lets you purchase a premade set of devices or create your own equipment loadout to suit your home security needs. For example, the Scout Small Pack includes two key fobs with one hub, one door panel, one motion sensor, and two access sensors for the price of $300. Always On monitoring is Scout’s self-monitoring package and comes with the Scout mobile app for iOS and Android, email notifications, push notifications, and no annual contract. Opt for Always On+ if you want police and fire dispatch, cloud storage, and 24/7 professional monitoring. Scout offers a 60-day trial and a 36-month warranty.

Customer Service

If you need help, start with Scout tutorials, and then check out its online knowledge base. If that doesn’t answer your questions, reach out via email or phone. Scout isn’t registered with the BBB, but does have a Consumer Advocate score of 3.8/5.

Installation Options

Scout installation is easy—plug-and-play devices make setup simple and straightforward. You can also integrate automation from third-party providers such as Hue, Nest, and IFTTT. Automation is where Scout excels—connect what you want, when you want to get the most from your DIY system.

Ring

Pricing

Ring offers two DIY home security plans:

Basic – $3/month

Plus – $10/month

Ring’s basic alarm security kit includes one contact sensor, one motion detector, one range extender, a keypad, and the base station for $199. The Basic plan is self-monitored and includes real-time video, two-way talk, and lifetime theft protection. You can also upgrade to the Plus plan for 24/7 professional monitoring and 10% off select Ring products. Ring offers a 30-day trial period and a 12-month warranty.

Customer Service

Join the Ring community to request new features, discuss security concerns, and get help, or reach out to Ring by phone for more in-depth support. Ring isn’t BBB accredited, but has a 1.25 star rating out of 5. on the BBB.

Installation Options

Price and simplicity are Ring’s biggest selling points. Customize your system to meet your needs and easily install all components—Ring products are ready for DIY with all the necessary tools included, making them a suitable choice for your first DIY system.

How We Chose the Best DIY Home Security Systems

To find the best DIY home security systems, we evaluated providers across four important criteria: overall functionality, plan pricing, customer service, and ease of installation.



DIY Home Security FAQ

What is the best DIY home security system? The best DIY home security system depends on your needs. Some providers offer larger equipment packages, while others provide cost-effective monitoring or best-in-class customer service. Prioritize your security must-haves to find your best fit.

How do you make your own security system? DIY home security systems let you combine cameras, sensors, and control panels to create a solution that offers peace of mind.

Does every DIY system need professional monitoring? No. You can choose to leave most DIY systems unmonitored, but this means they won’t connect with local emergency departments if your alarm is triggered.

Our Other Home Security Reviews

We have compared the plans and installed the gadgets, and have amassed favorite products and services to care for all aspects of your home. Check out our top picks in the reviews below.