Best DIY Home Security Systems
If you want to use technology to protect your home, then you may be looking at DIY home security systems. Today’s technology has made it unbelievably easy to protect our homes and keep our belongings safe. However, sometimes such protective equipment comes at a high cost. Luckily, there are less expensive ways where a little bit of do-it-yourself can provide the protection you want for your home.
What do you mean by DIY Home Security Systems?
One thing to understand before diving into this list is that a DIY security system is not like a simple project where you make the entire thing yourself. Instead, it means that you don’t have to get super-expensive subscriptions and custom-configuration plans from security companies. You order the unassembled equipment online, which comes with detailed step-by-step installation instructions. Many companies that provide DIY security systems also offer no-contract professional monitoring plans.
#1 Ring Home Security
The company that makes this home security system is owned by Amazon. Ring offers their products with a Ring Protect Plus subscription. This is one of the most affordable options with rates as low as $10 per month (or even lower at $100 per year). The equipment costs about $200. A third party monitors the services with a 30-second average response time. If you choose this option, you also get the option of a neighborhood mobile app that helps in sharing news, security footage as well as safety information.
Ring is best suited for video doorbells, but the recording feature only comes if you get the subscription plan. Otherwise only the live version is available but the equipment is easy to install. The equipment that comes with this home security system includes a base station, keypad, motion detector, a contact sensor, and a range extender.
#2 Cove Security
This is not the cheapest of DIY options, but it is the fastest one. Cove sends an emergency text within 2 seconds of the alarm going off. This service also offers inexpensive monitoring along with a $5 monthly reward towards new equipment whenever you need replacements. The price for this subscription is approximately $15 per month, while the equipment begins at around $300.
Other advantages of this DIY system include custom packages, 60-day money-back guarantee as well as easy cancellation. So for those people who move frequently and rent a house instead of an apartment, this is an excellent option. Consider this, if you want to have a test run of such a security system instead of spending a whole lot of money altogether. One flaw with this option, however, is that there is no smart home integration or camera options. So if you do choose Cove, you will need to have a separate camera.
#3 Frontpoint Security
This is a slightly more expensive option that comes at $45 per month subscription and equipment starting from around $320. This DIY package comes with a range of options but the recommended plan for the basic package is quite affordable. It includes sensors, a hub, and signage. One of the biggest benefits of this option is that it offers monthly contracts so you can terminate them at any point you want. If you have to move or you want to move to a more sophisticated security system, you don’t have to wait for the yearly package to end or to bear any extra losses.
FrontPoint is also known for its high-quality customer service and renter-friendly services. Furthermore, their response unit has one of the strictest certifications by the New York Fire Department (NYFD). On the flip side, the home automation services are limited and if you want to get an outdoor camera you will need to get that as an add-on.
#4 Simplisafe
This is another affordable option with a $15 monthly subscription. One of the reasons for the popularity of this security system is the modern yet easy installation method, which only takes less than half an hour to be up and running. Even a novice with technology can deal with this equipment and the company keeps adding more products to its portfolio all the time. SimpliSafe equipment is also compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa which means you can operate it through Google Home devices and Amazon Echo. So if you already have these products you can simply integrate them with your new DIY security system. However, while it is a great option for cellular monitoring, it does not provide mobile alerts unless you take a premium subscription plan.
#5 Abode Security
This final entry on our list is for those who wish to have complete control over monitoring. With a wide range of sensors and devices, you can keep track of the movements around your house. But for monitoring, you will have the option of adding a third party to monitor the security of your home for complete protection. They do offer short-term professional monitoring. You can use this option in the beginning until you get the know-how of the system or use it if you are going away and want your house to stay protected in your absence.
The most interesting part about this option is that while it is an all-in-one home security system with all sorts of integration ability with other smart home equipment, the monthly subscription is only $20 and the subscription plans are also flexible. The equipment cost starts from $299 and goes up as you add more and more smart features to your security system.
Conclusion
There are many options when it comes to security. Now you know a bit more about the available DIY home security kits available. You can choose from their different equipment products and further customize your security system. You’ll save money and have a fully protected home.