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A self-monitored home security system delivers app alerts and camera clips without long-term contracts, and most DIY options are month-to-month. To reflect current pricing and features, we evaluated equipment costs, plan tiers, installation options, smart home interoperability, and the latest monitoring capabilities using providers’ 2025 listings and industry sources (SimpliSafe; Ring; abode; Vivint; Wyze; interoperability context: Matter).
The 6 Best Self-Monitored Home Security Systems
- SimpliSafe: Best Overall Wireless Home Security
- Abode: Best for Self-Monitored Security Solutions
- Vivint: Best for Home Automation
- Ring: Best Wireless Security Camera Options
- Arlo: Best No Monthly Fee Security
- ADT: Best for Smart Home Integration and Video Guarding
| Provider | Reviews.com 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 | Low-$200s to $500+ (typical kits) | $19.99–$29.99/mo; self-monitoring with recordings $9.99/mo | DIY or professional installation (pricing varies) | Ecosystem integrations; Matter/Thread support varies by device | Yes | 60 days |
| Abode | 3.4 | No | N/A | $279.99+ (Security Kit) | $6.99/mo (self) or $21.99/mo (pro) | DIY or professional installation (via partners) | Broad ecosystem support; Matter/Thread context evolving | Yes | Varies by promotion |
| Vivint | 2.9 | Optional | 36–60 months when financing | Quote-based; varies by system | Starts around $39.99/mo (pro monitoring) | Professional installation | Yes | Yes | N/A |
| Ring | 4.2 | No | N/A | $199.99+ (starter kits) | $20/mo (Protect Pro) | DIY or professional installation | Works with major ecosystems; local control depends on device | Yes | 30 days |
| Arlo | 3.2 | No | N/A | Varies by camera/kit | Optional Arlo Secure (no long-term contract) | DIY; pro help via partners (e.g., HelloTech) | Ecosystem integrations; Matter scope limited for cameras | Yes | Varies by device |
| ADT | 3.4 | Often (for pro-installed) | Varies by plan/financing | Quote-based | Yes; add-on video guard services available | Professional installation | Yes | Yes | N/A |
Information accurate as of: 2025
SimpliSafe — Best Overall Wireless Home Security
4.2/5
SimpliSafe offers flexible DIY kits with optional pro monitoring and a straightforward app experience. Hardware bundles frequently go on sale, and plans remain month-to-month. Current monitoring options include Self Monitoring with Camera Recordings ($9.99/mo), Standard Monitoring ($19.99/mo), and Fast Protect Monitoring ($29.99/mo), with Fast Protect emphasizing faster dispatch and video-assisted features where supported (plans; equipment).
Pros
- Top in customer satisfaction
- Optional professional monitoring
- Excellent devices and app
Cons
- Self-monitoring requires their top-tier monthly plan
- No standalone smart home products
Contract & Price
Typical multi-piece kits list in the low-$200s to $500+ before promotions, and all plans are contract-free. Monitoring tiers are published and can be changed or canceled anytime (SimpliSafe plans).
- Self Monitoring with Camera Recordings: $9.99/mo (no dispatch)
- Standard Monitoring: $19.99/mo (24/7 dispatch)
- Fast Protect Monitoring: $29.99/mo (24/7 dispatch with enhanced, faster response features)
There’s a 60-day money-back trial on equipment purchases.
Customer Service
For current third-party benchmarks, see the latest J.D. Power press releases and ACSI updates. SimpliSafe also maintains a profile with the Better Business Bureau.
Installation options
DIY setup is quick; professional installation is available in many areas and pricing varies by location. For smart home interoperability, SimpliSafe devices can participate in broader ecosystems; industry standardization around Matter and Google Home/Alexa/Apple Home continues to expand device compatibility and local-control options.
Check out our full SimpliSafe review.
Abode — Best for Self-Monitored Security Solutions
3.4/5
Abode is purpose-built for self-monitoring with strong automation at a low monthly cost. The Standard plan is $6.99/mo for self-monitoring, and the Pro plan is $21.99/mo for 24/7 professional monitoring with cellular backup—both contract-free (plans). The Security Kit commonly lists around $279.99 with additional à la carte devices available (equipment).
Pros
- Low-cost monitoring solutions
- Lifetime warranty for professional monitored systems
Cons
- 7-day trial period
- No smart doorbell
- Cellular backup not available for basic monitoring plan
Contract & Price
Abode publishes two clear tiers and keeps everything month-to-month.
- Standard – $6.99/mo for self-monitoring with notifications and automations
- Pro – $21.99/mo for 24/7 pro monitoring with cellular backup
Customer Service
Support is available via chat and an online help center. For independent satisfaction trends, refer to current J.D. Power press releases and ACSI sector updates.
Installation options
Designed for DIY; optional pro installation is available in many markets via partners (pricing varies). Abode works with major smart-home ecosystems, and industry momentum around Matter and Google Home/Apple Home/Alexa continues to improve cross-platform automations.
Check out our full Abode review.
Vivint — Best for Home Automation
2.9/5
Vivint provides professionally installed systems with whole-home integration. Equipment is quoted per device and commonly financed over 36–60 months; paying upfront helps avoid a financing contract. Monitoring starts around $39.99/mo, with higher tiers adding video and smart-home services (Vivint pricing).
Pros
- Flexible contract options
- In-house smart home tech
- Professional monitoring option
Cons
- More expensive than the other options
- Have to pay for equipment upfront to avoid a contract
Contract & Price
Vivint publishes monitoring starting prices but builds final quotes around your chosen gear; financing typically runs 36–60 months if selected. See current pricing for details:
- Monitoring – starts at ~$39.99/mo for 24/7 professional monitoring
- Video/smart-home tiers – add camera support and advanced features
Customer Service
Vivint provides chat and a digital help center. See the company’s Better Business Bureau profile for current details, and refer to the latest J.D. Power and ACSI releases for broader satisfaction trends.
Installation options
Professional installation only. Vivint systems integrate with major ecosystems; as Matter and Thread expand, expect more robust local automations alongside cloud capabilities.
Check out our full Vivint review.
Ring — Best Wireless Security Camera Options
4.2/5
Ring offers affordable DIY kits and a wide camera lineup. Ring Protect Pro is $20/mo for 24/7 professional monitoring of Ring Alarm plus cloud video and home features, while Protect Basic (per-device video) increased to $5/mo in the U.S. (Ring Protect Plans; price update). A 5‑piece Alarm kit commonly lists around $199.99 (kit example).
Pros
- Low-cost system
- Optional professional installation
- Packages for any size home
Cons
- Mediocre app
- Cellular backup and video recording only available with paid professional monitoring
Contract & Price
Ring sells equipment upfront with optional subscriptions. For whole-home alarm monitoring, choose Protect Pro ($20/mo). For single-device video storage and rich alerts, Protect Basic is $5/mo in the U.S. (plan details).
- Free tier: Live View, motion alerts, and two-way talk on supported devices
- Protect Basic: per-device cloud video
- Protect Pro: 24/7 pro monitoring for Ring Alarm plus expanded benefits
Professional monitoring availability and local permit rules vary; see Ring’s support resources for eligibility and requirements (monitoring support).
Customer Service
Ring maintains a BBB profile. For the latest independent satisfaction snapshots, consult J.D. Power and ACSI.
Installation options
DIY setup is standard; pro installation is available through partners (pricing varies). Cameras increasingly use on-device AI and even radar (e.g., 3D Motion Detection) to improve accuracy and reduce false alerts (example). Interoperability with major ecosystems is strong, while standardized support via Matter is evolving for security devices.
Check out our full Ring review.
Arlo — Best No Monthly Fee Security
3.2/5
If you’re looking for a free or low-cost home security option, Arlo is a camera-first solution with self-monitoring by default. Many models support Live View and notifications without a subscription; upgrading to Arlo Secure adds cloud video storage and advanced AI detection. There’s no long-term contract, and you can add or remove service as needed.
Pros
- Optional free self-monitoring
- High-quality video capability
- Low-cost monthly plans
Cons
- Extra cost for 24/7 recording
- Most expensive camera on the list
Contract & Price
Arlo sells cameras and doorbells à la carte and in bundles. You can self-monitor at no monthly cost on many devices, or subscribe to Arlo Secure for premium cloud recording and smart detection. Choose equipment based on coverage needs; add more cameras over time.
- No required contract for basic self-monitoring features on compatible devices
- Arlo Secure subscription tiers add cloud video and AI detection
- Mix-and-match devices to build a fully self-monitored setup
Customer Service
Support is available through the Arlo Community, live chat, and phone. Check Arlo’s current BBB profile for accreditation and rating details as they can change over time.
Installation options
DIY setup is typical; Arlo partners with HelloTech for optional installation assistance in many U.S. markets. Like most camera ecosystems, core control is cloud-based with growing local capabilities; standardized interoperability via Matter is still developing for cameras.
ADT — Best for Smart Home Integration
3.4/5
ADT has shifted emphasis to professionally installed, professionally monitored systems and expanded video-forward services. A notable add-on is ADT Virtual Security Guard, where live agents monitor eligible cameras to detect and deter incidents with two-way talk-down and escalation if needed. Company updates highlight the focus on pro-installed services (ADT investor news).
Pros
- Customizable packages
- Optional self-monitoring
- Advanced smart home integration
Cons
- No professional installation option
- Mixed customer service reviews
Contract & Price
ADT pricing is quote-based and varies by configuration; professional installation is standard. Monitoring plans and any add-ons like Virtual Security Guard are available in select markets; terms and eligibility vary by location.
- Professional monitoring required for core alarm services
- Optional live video monitoring (Virtual Security Guard) on compatible cameras
- Equipment and monitoring terms vary; confirm locally
Customer Service
For the latest independent satisfaction data, reference J.D. Power sector press releases and the ACSI. Availability and service levels can differ by region.
Installation options
Professional installation only. ADT systems integrate with leading smart-home platforms, and the industry’s shift toward Matter and local-first control continues to improve reliability and cross-platform automation.
Pros & Cons of a Self-Monitored Home Security System
Pros
- Low or no monthly fees: Self-monitored home security systems can be used free or with low-cost plans (e.g., abode Standard $6.99/mo; SimpliSafe self-monitoring $9.99/mo).
- No long-term contracts: DIY plans are typically month-to-month; you can change tiers or cancel anytime (Ring Protect).
- Easy to install: Most self-monitored systems are designed for DIY setup with optional pro help where available.
- Growing interoperability: Ecosystem and standards support (e.g., Matter, Thread) is improving local control and cross-platform automations.
Cons
- Owner-managed response: Without professional monitoring, you must verify alerts and call authorities yourself.
- Feature trade-offs: Cloud recording, rich notifications, or video verification often require paid tiers (Ring Protect; SimpliSafe Fast Protect).
How Did We Choose the Best Self-Monitored Home Security Systems?
We prioritized total cost of ownership (equipment + plan over time), clarity of plan tiers, installation flexibility, smart-home interoperability, and modern monitoring options. Entry DIY kits typically start near $200 (e.g., Ring Alarm 5‑piece at about $199.99: example kit), with full professional monitoring around $20–$30/mo for mainstream DIY (e.g., Ring Protect Pro $20/mo; SimpliSafe $19.99–$29.99/mo) and budget options near $10/mo (Wyze $9.99/mo). Pro-installed systems like Vivint start near $39.99/mo for monitoring with equipment priced per device. We also considered advances such as video-forward services and industry standards for faster, more reliable response (e.g., alarm validation scoring via SIA AVS‑01 and enhanced 911 data sharing via RapidSOS), and the state of interoperability and local control (Matter).
FAQs about Self-Monitored Home Security Systems
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