Adding a sense of security to your home doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult.
While traditional home security systems often require long-term contracts and expensive professional installation, most smart DIY security systems are affordable, easy to install, and only pay for monitoring plans when you need them. you can pay.
Ring offers two of the best-performing and easiest-to-use DIY home security systems we’ve tested: Ring Alarm Pro and the original Ring Alarm. Both systems can be set up and controlled using the same simple smartphone app, and can be customized to your liking using a wide range of add-on accessories. Ring offers more camera and video doorbell options than any other plan, and its surveillance plans are among the most comprehensive and cheapest.
Most recommended
The system works with almost any type of security accessory, offers internet and power backup options, and has a built-in Wi-Fi 6 router.
Compatibility: Works with Amazon Alexa, Ring
Ring has the best performing sensors and devices of any system we tested. It is also the most cost-effective when it comes to professional monitoring. In October 2024, Ring changed its subscription plans. That means you’ll be paying between $20 and $30 a month to get monitoring. Both plans include 180 days of video history, and higher plans add 24/7 backup internet and 24/7 video recording. The Ring Alarm Pro system stands out because it also has a built-in Eero Wi-Fi 6 router. This allows you to replace your standard home Wi-Fi router or create a wireless mesh network that can improve your Wi-Fi range and speed, depending on the service, and is great for security cameras and other smart home devices. It will be a big help. house. Ring also added self-monitoring. This allows users to receive smartphone notifications, but they cannot monitor or disable the system using the app. So you’ll probably need a monitoring plan (and self-monitoring isn’t really recommended anyway). .
Most recommended
The original Ring system is easy to use, inexpensive to set up, and includes more camera add-ons than any other product.
Compatibility: Works with Amazon Alexa, Ring
The Ring Alarm System offers the same great performance as the Ring Alarm Pro. It’s reliable, fast, and has a great selection of add-ons, including more cameras and doorbells than other picks. The only difference is that this model doesn’t have a built-in Eero 6 router, but if you already have or don’t need a mesh network, you can get a nearly identical security system for less. Masu.
runner-up
This kit is affordable, easy to install and use, and works reliably. The optional monitoring plan is only a few dollars more expensive than our most recommended plan, but it doesn’t offer video storage.
Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, August Smart Lock
SimpliSafe is the only product that offers true self-monitoring. This means you can activate or deactivate the system from the app and receive smartphone alerts when sensors are activated without paying a monthly fee. However, we highly recommend paying for professional monitoring. So, fortunately, SimpliSafe’s monitoring pricing is competitive and adjustable based on your needs. The company offers a wide range of accessories, including door, smoke and other sensors, indoor and outdoor video cameras, doorbell cameras, and smart locks. Other than smart speakers, the only non-SimpliSafe device this system is compatible with is the August lock.
Ideal for these people
Abode offers more smart home integrations than any other security system we’ve tested, allowing you to connect to smart home devices from a variety of manufacturers.
Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, IFTTT, Zigbee, Z-Wave
Abode is for smart home enthusiasts who want a security system that can integrate with smart lighting, thermostats, voice-controlled speakers, and other connected devices and don’t mind the steps to assemble that kind of setup. Abode supports both Zigbee and Z-Wave enabled devices, as well as Amazon Alexa, Apple Home (HomeKit), Google Home, and IFTTT (If This then That). This kind of support comes at a price. We found Abode’s accessories and live monitoring to be more expensive than other recommendations.
