A self-monitored home security system provides home safety without the high prices and lengthy contracts that often accompany professional monitoring. We compared six security companies based on contract and price, customer service, and installation to recommend the best options for you.
Here's a summary of our top picks for the best self-monitored home security systems:
Provider | Score | Requires a contract? | Length of contract | Upfront costs | Professional monitoring option? | Installation options | Smart Home Compatibility | Camera | Trial period |
SimpliSafe | 4.2 | No | N/A | $229+ | $14.99/mo -$24.99/mo | DIY or professional installation | Yes | Yes | 60 days |
Abode | 3.4 | No | N/A | $229+ | $4/mo or$20/mo | DIY or professional installation | Yes | Yes | 7 days |
Vivint | 2.9 | Optional | 42-60 months | $599+ | $29.99/mo,$39.99/mo, or$44.99/mo | Professional installation | Yes | Yes | 3 days |
Ring | 4.2 | No | N/A | $199.99+ | $10/mo | DIY or professional installation | Yes | Yes | 30 days |
Arlo | 3.2 | No | N/A | $499.99+ | N/A | DIY or professional installation | Yes | Yes | 3 months |
Blue by ADT | 3.4 | No | N/A | $179.99+ | $19.99/mo | DIY installation online | Yes | Yes | 30 days |
Information accurate as of 11/19/2020
4.2/5
SimpliSafe is our favorite option for wireless home security. The company offers flexible packages with excellent devices and a helpful app. The company also boasts top-rated customer satisfaction.
Pros:
Cons:
SimpliSafe's equipment prices start at$229 for its basic packages and go up to$489.
The company offers two wireless home security plans:
SimpliSafe doesn't require contracts -- all plans are month-to-month, and you can cancel anytime. SimpliSafe offers a generous 60-day trial period during which you can return your equipment for a full refund.
SimpliSafe ranked first in a 2020 J.D. Power home security study for overall customer satisfaction. The company is also accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ rating.
SimpliSafe offers both DIY and professional installation. The systems are designed for easy DIY installation, but customers can choose professional installation for a one-time fee of$79.
Check out: full SimpliSafe review.
View now at SimpliSafe3.4/5
Abode is the top home security system for self-monitored security. For$6 per month, you get access to the company's full monitoring capabilities. Abode offers customizable equipment kits with no contracts.
Pros:
Cons:
Abode's equipment prices start at$229 for the basic package.
For its monitoring option, Abode gives customers two plan options:
Abode's website makes it easy for customers to contact the company via chat or use the online knowledge base. However, Abode isn't accredited with the Better Business Bureau, and it has a C rating with the organization.
Abode is designed for easy DIY installation. Customers can also opt for professional installation for a one-time fee of$99.
Check out: Abode review.
View now at Abode3.2/5
If you're looking for a free or low-cost home security option, Arlo might be right for you. The company offers free self-monitoring and extremely low-cost professional monitoring plans.
Pros:
Cons:
Arlo's camera kits start at$499 and go up from there. You can also add individual cameras onto the package for anywhere from$100 to$200 per camera. Arlo offers three plan options:
Arlo is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has an A rating. Customers can get support through the Arlo community, through live chat, or by calling the company.
Arlo customers can choose between DIY and professional installation. While Arlo doesn't actually offer professional installation, it partners with HelloTech for installation services for U.S. customers.
View now at Arlo2.9/5
Vivint offers highly-rated home security with lots of smart home and home automation technology. The company's contracts are flexible, as customers can opt to pay for their equipment upfront to avoid a contract.
Pros:
Cons:
Vivint's equipment prices start at$599 for a basic package. You can either pay for your equipment upfront or finance your equipment, but the latter requires a contract.
Vivint provides three home security packages:
Vivint customers can reach a company representative via online chat or get answers to their questions in the company's digital database. However, the company only has a C- rating with the Better Business Bureau and it isn't accredited.
Vivint offers DIY installation. Professional installation costs between$49 and$99, depending on the system.
Check out: Vivint review.
View now at Vivint4.2/5
Ring offers affordable and flexible home security options. The company is best known for its cameras, but it also offers comprehensive security systems.
Pros:
Cons:
Ring's equipment prices start at$199.99 for the basic package. The company offers two paid wireless home security plans:
Ring customers don't have to opt for a monthly fee. The company offers free self-monitoring, which provides motion-activated notifications, real-time video with Live View, and two-way talk.
Ring isn't accredited with the Better Business Bureau, but it does have an A+ rating. It's also one of the top-rated companies for overall satisfaction in a J.D. Power home security study.
Ring is intended for easy DIY installation. Customers can also choose to have their Ring system professionally installed for a starting price of$99.
Check out: Ring review.
3.4/5
Blue by ADT offers some of the best smart integration for home security systems. It also offers customizable packages and the option for self-monitoring.
Pros:
Cons:
Blue by ADT's equipment starts at$179.99.
The company offers two plan options:
Blue by ADT has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, but it came in last place in a 2020 J.D. Power home security study for overall customer satisfaction. Customers can contact Blue by ADT for help via phone or email.
Blue by ADT doesn't offer professional installation. Its products are only intended for DIY installation.
View now at ADTSimpliSafe is the best self-monitored home security system based on our analysis of price, contract requirements, smart home compatibility, camera, and more.
It's our mission to evaluate consumer services and recommend the best ones for our readers. We do the research and hard work, so choosing the right service for you is as easy as possible. When we evaluate home security systems, we look for companies with a good reputation, quality equipment and competitive pricing.
To choose our top self-monitored security system providers, we use a formula that considers monthly pricing, equipment costs, ease of installation, the flexibility, and customer satisfaction.
Pros
Cons
If you opt for a self-monitored home security system, you'll need access to a smartphone or tablet to do your own monitoring. Keep in mind that if your system sends alerts, you'll need one of these devices to receive them.
Self-monitored security means that no professional team is watching your video stream in case of an emergency. You're responsible for calling the authorities after receiving an alert from your system.
If having a professional team makes you feel safer, consider paying for a professionally monitored system. Self-monitored security offers the same security equipment and many benefits but without monthly fees.
Self-monitored home security systems are a good option if you're looking for quality security equipment to monitor your home without a monthly fee. If you wish to upgrade, most companies offer advanced features with a monthly subscription.