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DIY home security systems offer an affordable and flexible solution to home safety, with most leading platforms selling self-install kits and month-to-month professional monitoring you can start or cancel anytime. In 2025, mature DIY options include SimpliSafe, Ring, Abode, ADT Self Setup (formerly Blue by ADT), plus newer/budget choices like Arlo, Wyze, and ecobee. Typical 24/7 professional monitoring runs about $10–$30 per month depending on features (Wirecutter; SimpliSafe; Ring; Abode; Wyze; ecobee). Note: Google Nest Secure was shut down and disabled in 2024 and is no longer a viable option (The Verge). The best DIY systems pair low, no‑contract monitoring with flexible equipment bundles and strong smart‑home compatibility; several of these also appear on our overall list of best security systems. While many complex home projects have tilted back toward professional installation since the pandemic (retailers report Pro demand outpacing DIY and most renovators still hire pros) (Houzz 2024; Home Depot; Lowe’s), security alarm kits remain among the simplest categories to set up yourself.
The 4 Best DIY Home Security Systems
- Blue by ADT: Now ADT Self Setup — best for Nest integration and no‑contract ADT monitoring
- Frontpoint: Best for professional monitoring focus (DIY hardware)
- SimpliSafe: Best for ease of installation and video verification options
- Ring: Best for low-cost DIY with deep camera/doorbell ecosystem
Compare the Top DIY Security Systems
| Provider | Reviews.com score | Requires a contract? | Upfront costs | Professional monitoring option? | Professional installation option? | Smart Home Compatibility | Camera | Warranty |
| Blue by ADT | 3.4 | No | $200–$400+ (kits; promos vary) | $24.99/mo+ | No | Yes | Yes | 1 year |
| Frontpoint | 2 | No | 319.95+ | $44.99/mo – $49.99/mo | No | Yes | Yes | 3 years |
| SimpliSafe | 4.2 | No | $250–$700+ (typical bundles) | $19.99/mo – $29.99/mo | Yes | Yes | Yes | 3 years |
| Ring | 4.2 | No | $200–$350+ (base kits) | $20/mo or $200/yr | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1 year |
Information accurate as of: 11/07/2025
Monitoring price references: SimpliSafe lists Self Monitoring with Camera at $9.99/mo, Standard at $19.99/mo, and Fast Protect at $29.99/mo; Ring Protect Pro is $20/mo or $200/yr for 24/7 monitoring of Ring Alarm; ADT Self Setup professional monitoring commonly starts around $24.99/mo; Abode Pro is $22.99/mo with a $6.99/mo self-monitoring tier. Hardware kit pricing is frequently discounted; verify current offers at checkout. Google Nest Secure was discontinued in 2024 (source).
Blue by ADT — Best for Customization
Pros
- Customizable packages
- Optional self-monitoring
- Access to ADT’s top-rated monitoring systems
Cons
- No professional installation option
- Mixed customer service reviews
Reviews Score: 3.4
Blue by ADT has evolved into ADT Self Setup, ADT’s DIY line that pairs self-install hardware with optional month‑to‑month professional monitoring. It’s a strong fit if you want ADT’s monitoring network and compatibility with Google Nest devices without signing a long‑term contract (ADT Self Setup; Google/Matter context).
Pricing
Typical starter kits land in the low‑to‑mid $200s before discounts. Professional monitoring commonly starts around $24.99/month on a no‑contract basis, with cellular backup for alarm signaling (ADT Self Setup). Pricing and bundles change frequently due to promotions.
Customer Service
ADT Self Setup emphasizes flexibility: hardware is purchased upfront and monitoring is month‑to‑month with straightforward cancellation. Broader subscription norms are moving toward simpler online cancellation (FTC’s “click to cancel” initiative) (FTC). When evaluating service quality, remember that 98% of consumers read local business reviews and prioritize recent feedback and responsive support (BrightLocal 2024).
Installation options
Designed for DIY install with in‑app guidance; support can assist during setup. If you want a professionally installed system from ADT instead, expect a multi‑year contract (often ~36 months) for the traditional pro‑installed service (ADT residential contract).
Frontpoint
Pros
- Excellent professional monitoring
- Build-your-own package option
Cons
- Most expensive system on our list
- No professional installation option
Reviews Score: 2
Frontpoint is a fully DIY, self‑installed alarm system that emphasizes professional monitoring. It typically costs more than budget‑focused rivals, but delivers robust monitoring and a straightforward app experience. In the broader market, full professional monitoring commonly ranges from about $18–$30/month for DIY providers, with higher prices for some premium or pro‑installed services (SimpliSafe; Ring; Abode; Vivint).
Pricing
Frontpoint’s pre‑configured kits and build‑your‑own options are frequently discounted. Its monitoring has historically trended higher than the lowest‑cost DIY plans, reflecting an emphasis on professional response. For context, DIY kits across the market commonly cost $200–$700 before discounts (Wirecutter).
Customer Service
Support is available via phone/chat during set hours, with online setup guides for common tasks. Because review recency strongly influences consumer choice, prioritize up‑to‑date customer feedback when comparing providers (BrightLocal 2024).
Installation options
Frontpoint is designed for DIY installation — there’s no pro install option. The company hosts step‑by‑step videos and guides to shepherd setup.
Check out our full Frontpoint review
SimpliSafe
Pros
- Top in customer satisfaction
- Optional professional monitoring
- Build-your-own package option
Cons
- No self-monitoring option
- Limited home automation features
- No standalone smart home products
Reviews Score: 4.2
SimpliSafe is consistently recommended for easy setup and reliable performance, with broad accessory support and strong monitoring options (Wirecutter). Advanced plans add video verification/live‑agent features on compatible cameras to help speed response and reduce false alarms (SimpliSafe Fast Protect).
Pricing
Typical bundles run roughly $250–$700 before discounts, and you can build your own system. Monitoring is month‑to‑month: Self Monitoring with Camera is $9.99/mo, Standard Monitoring is $19.99/mo, and Fast Protect is $29.99/mo with cellular backup and live‑agent video features (SimpliSafe plans).
Customer Service
Plans are no‑contract and can be canceled anytime. When comparing service quality, focus on recent customer feedback and responsiveness, which consumers value highly (BrightLocal 2024).
Installation options
SimpliSafe is designed for self‑install. Optional professional installation is available for a one‑time fee (quoted at checkout).
Check out our full SimpliSafe review.
Ring
Pros
- Low-cost system
- Optional professional installation
- Packages for any size home
Cons
- Cellular backup only available with paid professional monitoring
- Video recording only available with paid professional monitoring
Reviews Score: 4.2
Ring is a top value pick: kits are easy to install, and the ecosystem tightly integrates cameras and doorbells. The Alarm Pro variant adds an eero router and local features. Deep Alexa integration and rich camera tie‑ins make it ideal for Amazon‑centric homes (Wirecutter).
Pricing
Representative base kits commonly list around $200–$350 before discounts. Optional 24/7 professional monitoring is available with Ring Protect Pro for $20/month or $200/year; plans are month‑to‑month with cellular backup for Ring Alarm (Ring Protect Pro).
Customer Service
Ring provides extensive online resources and 24/7 contact options in many regions. As with all providers, weigh recent customer reviews and responsiveness when judging support quality (BrightLocal 2024).
Installation options
Ring Alarm is designed for quick DIY setup. Third‑party professional installation is available in many areas (pricing varies by location). Check out our full Ring review.
How Much Do DIY Security Systems Cost?
There are many good affordable security systems on the market, but price points vary widely. In 2025, common DIY starter kits cost about $200–$700 before discounts, while 24/7 professional monitoring typically ranges from roughly $17.99–$49.99+ per month across major providers, with budget options near $10/month and self‑monitoring tiers around $6.99–$9.99 (SimpliSafe; Ring; Abode; Cove; Vivint).
Illustrative 3‑year total cost examples (equipment + monitoring): budget DIY (Ring): ~$249 + 36×$20 ≈ $969; value DIY with richer features (Abode Pro): ~$280 + 36×$22.99 ≈ $1,108; feature‑rich DIY (SimpliSafe Fast Protect): ~$400 + 36×$29.99 ≈ $1,480; a pro‑installed baseline (Vivint): ~$1,000 + 36×$39.99 ≈ $2,440. Actual quotes vary by configuration, promos, taxes/fees, and permits (Ring; Abode; SimpliSafe; Vivint). Even within one system you can customize with cameras and door and window sensors. Optional pro installation (where offered) and local permit fees will increase your total cost.
DIY Home Security Factors and Features to Consider
To find the best fit, compare pricing, monitoring features, smart‑home compatibility, and the platform’s security/privacy posture. Newer advancements can materially change day‑to‑day experience and reliability.
- Price: Typical DIY starter kits cost about $200–$700 before discounts, while professional monitoring commonly falls between ~$18–$30/month (budget options near $10/month; self‑monitoring tiers around $6.99–$9.99). Confirm plan features like cellular backup and camera limits before you buy (SimpliSafe; Ring; Abode; Wyze).
- Contract: Most DIY providers are month‑to‑month and “no long‑term contract,” while traditional pro‑installed systems often use multi‑year agreements (e.g., ADT’s residential services contract specifies an initial 36‑month term) (ADT contract). Avoid financing arrangements that effectively lock you in if flexibility is a priority.
- Installation: DIY alarm kits are designed for easy self‑install. Post‑pandemic, consumers increasingly hire pros for complex, code‑dependent projects, but security kits remain accessible for DIY setup (Houzz 2024; Home Depot; Lowe’s).
- Equipment and AI features: Look for cameras with on‑device computer vision to identify people/vehicles/animals and configurable Activity Zones to cut false alerts (e.g., Nest cameras) (Google Nest). Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video analyzes footage on device and provides end‑to‑end encrypted recordings (Apple).
- Monitoring: Plans differ meaningfully. Some include video verification or live‑agent engagement for faster emergency dispatch (e.g., SimpliSafe Fast Protect) (SimpliSafe). Abode uniquely offers short‑term, on‑demand pro monitoring (e.g., 3‑ or 7‑day windows) that’s useful for travel or rentals (Abode on‑demand).
- Smart home compatibility: Most systems support Alexa/Google. If you use Apple Home, Abode and ecobee stand out for native support. The Matter standard and Matter 1.4 updates improve cross‑platform control for sensors/locks, especially over Thread, but full security system arming/disarming via Matter remains limited; expect to use each provider’s app for alarm‑specific controls.
- Connectivity and reliability: Cameras benefit from strong Wi‑Fi (Wi‑Fi 6/6E baseline; Wi‑Fi 7 is emerging for multi‑camera homes) (Wi‑Fi Alliance). Battery sensors work well on low‑power meshes like Thread. Prioritize cellular backup for alarm signaling on monitored tiers.
- Security and privacy: Favor devices aligned with secure‑by‑design best practices (unique credentials, MFA, automatic updates) (CISA) and watch for the emerging U.S. Cyber Trust Mark labeling for IoT security baselines (FCC 2024).
How Did We Choose the Best DIY Home Security Systems?
We compared DIY systems on total cost of ownership (equipment + monitoring), contract flexibility, and installation experience, and we weighted modern capabilities that reduce false alerts and improve response: cellular backup, video verification/live‑agent features where available, and reliable camera performance. We also evaluated smart‑home reach (Alexa/Google; Apple Home via platforms like Abode and ecobee), standards support such as Matter/Apple Home/SmartThings/Home Assistant, connectivity resiliency (Wi‑Fi 6/6E/7; Thread), and security posture (MFA, auto‑updates, emerging U.S. Cyber Trust Mark) (see provider plan pages: SimpliSafe, Ring, ADT Self Setup, Abode; and editorial context from Wirecutter).
FAQs about DIY Home Security Systems
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