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Protecting your home shouldn’t cost a fortune. Thanks to evolving technologies and competitive markets, it’s now possible to get cheap home security systems that deliver great performance for the price. But who comes out ahead? We evaluated four cheap home security companies and considered price, customer service, installation, and standout features to help you find the best value for your budget.
The 4 Best Cheap Home Security Systems
- Abode: Best Overall Home Automation Security Company
- Ring: Best for Cheap, Professional Monitoring Services
- Cove: Best for Cheap, Customized Security Kits
- SimpliSafe: Best Cheap Equipment Bundle
Comparison Chart
| Self-monitor Price starting at | Pro-monitor Price starting at | Cost for Entry-level device kit | Installation options | |
| abode | Free | $20/month | $199 | DIY/Professional |
| Ring | $3/month | $10/month | $239 | DIY/Professional |
| Cove | $15/month | $25/month | $122 | DIY |
| SimpliSafe | $25/month | $25/month | $161 | DIY/Professional |
Data as of 04/27/20
abode
Pros
Super-low pricing tiers
Plan flexibility
Extensive compatibility
Cons
Traditional high rate for professional installation
Pushy online order experience
Contract and Price
Abode offers two plans for cheap home security:
- Standard Plan – $6/month for self-monitoring plus home automation
- Pro Plan – $20/month for professional monitoring
The entry-level Abode device kit costs $199 and includes one gateway, one mini door/window sensor, one motion sensor, one key fob, and a “Secured By Abode” sticker. All systems are compatible with popular smart home technologies including Google Home, Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and IFTTT controls. This is where Abode excels: above-average home automation support.
Abode’s Standard Plan offers one-touch arm/disarm, push alerts to your mobile device, email notifications, and home automation support. Upgrading to the Pro Plan gets you professional monitoring, cellular support, free shipping, and access to exclusive deals and discounts.
You can also choose to self-monitor your system with no monthly cost, but home automation support isn’t included. Security systems from Abode come with a 30-day trial period, and the company doesn’t require a contract.
Customer Service
Abode is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has a “C” rating from the organization, but earns 4 out of 5 stars from customer reviews. Need support? Get help with Abode’s in-depth online help database, which includes advice for installation, mobile issues, and billing, or you can call them directly.
Installation Options
Abode offers two options: DIY or professional install. DIY is straightforward with solid online support, but it’s worth noting that professional install is on par with bigger companies like ADT and starts at just $99.
Amazon Ring
Pros
Affordable monitoring options
Industry-leading devices
Good compatibility
Cons
Expensive equipment
Low ratings on app
Contract and Price
Ring offers two paid plans for home security:
- Protect Basic Plan – $3/month for access to all motion and live view events for 60 days
- Protect Plus Plan – $10/month for 24/7 professional monitoring
The basic five-piece Ring kit comes in at around $239 and includes a base station, contact sensor, motion detector, keypad, and range extender. If you don’t want to pay a monthly fee, you can self-monitor for free, but you won’t get access to stored alert data.
The Basic plan gives you 60 days of stored security access plus snapshot capture, while the Plus plan gets you professional monitoring and 10% off Ring products. This is the company’s strong point: $10/month for professional monitoring outperforms the competition. Ring plans don’t require a contract and Ring offers a 30-day trial period.
Customer Service
Ring currently has an “A+” rating with the BBB, and the company’s accreditation is pending. If customers need help, they can head over to Ring’s website and search the in-depth knowledge base or join the active Ring community.
Installation Options
Ring offers both DIY and professional installation. While its install services are cheaper than Abode, Ring’s starter kit is one of the most expensive on the market—easy self-installation plus cheap professional monitoring are what earn Ring a spot on our list.
Cove
Pros
Low-cost equipment
Pay over time with contract
Long trial period, lifetime warranty
Cons
Limited integrations
No professional installation
Contract and Price
Cove offers two paid plans:
- Cove Basic – $15/month for 24/7 live alarm monitoring and environmental monitoring
- Cove Plus – $25/month for smartphone control along with a lifetime rate-lock guarantee for monitoring
There are no contracts for Cove systems, and you have 60 days to try Cove risk-free. While plans from Cove occupy the middle ground in terms of pricing and features, the company excels when it comes to affordable and customizable home security kits. Just over $122 gets you a security suite designed to meet your needs, rather than a generic product package.
Customer Service
Cove has been accredited with the BBB since 2019, and the company maintains an “A” rating along with 4 out of 5 stars based on customer reviews. If you need help, Cove offers a simple-to-use online database that covers questions about setting up your system, basic use, troubleshooting, and frequently asked questions.
Installation Options
Installation from Cove is exclusively DIY. Its customizable systems are designed for easy installation and setup along with support for both Google and Amazon home automation tools.
SimpliSafe
Pros
Low-priced basic package
Strong app
Cons
DIY system-control comes at full price
Contract and Price
SimpliSafe offers two professionally monitored plans:
- Standard – $15/month for 24/7 monitoring and dispatch, along with built-in cellular connections
- Interactive – $25/month for 24/7 fire monitoring and emergency medical dispatch, along with on-demand video recording
SimpliSafe is another provider that does not require any contracts and comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee. At $161, its basic equipment bundle isn’t the cheapest but offers the best mix of devices to fully protect your home ASAP.
While you can pass on professional monitoring, you won’t get video recording, home automation, or water damage monitoring. It’s worth noting, however, that SimpliSafe’s security app is highly rated on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Customer Service
If you need help, reach out to SimpliSafe via email or call the company’s support line. You can also check out the SimpliSafe’s user forums for answers to common questions or download user manuals online. SimpliSafe has been accredited with the BBB since 2013 and has an “A+” rating.
Installation Options
Opt for easy self-installation of your SimpliSafe devices or you can choose to pay a professional. If cost is your main concern, self-monitored and DIY installation is the cheapest security option. If you’re willing to spend a little up front, the professionally monitored plan and professional install will increase your home security overall.
Further Reading
- SimpliSafe vs. ADT: Who wins the home security battle?
- Check out some of the best DIY home security systems
- Discover which company stands out for professional home security monitoring
How We Chose the Best Cheap Home Security Systems
To create our list of companies with the best cheap home security systems, we compared providers across four key areas: price, customer service, installation options, and areas of expertise to help you find the best fit for your home security solution.
FAQ
What’s the best cheap home security company?
It depends on your needs. If the most cost-effective kit is your priority, choose a company like Cove. If low-cost monitoring matters, go with Ring.
Do cheap home security companies require a contract?
Cheap home security companies like Abode, Ring, Cove, and SimpliSafe don’t require a contract.
How much does a cheap home security system cost?
Cost depends on what you’re willing to spend on monitoring and devices. Cove comes in with the cheapest kit at $122, while Ring’s professional monitoring is just $10/month.
About the Authors
Doug Bonderud is an award-winning freelance writer with the unique ability to translate complex financial concepts into approachable, actionable content that both captures reader interest and delivers key brand messaging.
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