In the past, getting a new security system meant calling a national company, having an installer come to your door, and spending a ton of money each month for monitoring. Thankfully, times and technology have changed, making it easier than ever to enjoy the peace of mind a security system provides without lengthy contracts. Here are six of the best DIY home security systems to install in your home this year.
1. Google Nest Security System
If you’re looking for an easy-to-install home security system without a ton of fuss but a high level of style, the Google Nest Secure Alarm System is the way to go. Multi-purpose sensors let you know when a window or door is ajar or is left open. And the system easily integrates with any Nest cameras you already have in or around your home, such as your doorbell or exterior cameras.
Best of all, the system connects to your Google Assistant devices, making it easy to check on what’s going on back at home even when you’re away or use voice activation when you feel like it. If you require professional monitoring, Google Nest also offers this option for an additional fee. Not all DIY home security systems are as accommodating.
Price:
Let’s talk numbers. Sure, Google Nest is innovative and sleek, but how much will it cost your family?
The base equipment cost for a Nest security system is $399.
If you go the professional monitoring route, it’s through Brinks Home Security. Monitoring fees are $19/month within a 3-year contract or $29/month without a contract.
Equipment:
A Nest home security system kit includes:
- Nest Guard keypad and base station
- 2 Nest Detect sensors
- 2 Nest Tag key fobs
- USB power cable
- Power adapter
- 2 open/close magnets for Nest Detect
- Power adapter security bracket
- 2 flat mounting brackets for Nest Detect
- Adhesive strips and mounting screws
- 2 corner mounting brackets for Nest Detect
- Adhesive strips and mounting screws
- Quick start card
- User manual
You can always bulk up your smart security system with other Google Nest equipment that’s compatible with Nest Secure. This includes state-of-the-art products such as the Nest Thermostat or Nest x Yale smart lock.
2. Cove Security System
For those who want a more traditional home security system without the old-fashioned installation fees, there’s the Cove Wireless Security System. This monitored system features most of the basic elements that you would want from a home security system, but with à la carte pricing. For example, you can buy just the right number of key fobs, entry sensors, motion detectors, and more for your home.
The only downside to the Cove Wireless Security System is that the company does not currently offer smart home integration. The system is also not compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant; and in order to have smartphone controls you have to have their premium monitoring plan. However, there are no contracts, which is a huge plus for most homeowners.
Price:
Pricing for a Cove system varies, as they operate within an á la carte system. However, you can get a basic setup for $275. This package includes a control panel, yard and window signs, window/door sensors, a motion sensor, and an indoor camera (that’s on the house).
Cove offers two monitoring plans, Cove Basic and Cove Plus. Cove Basic is $14.99 and Cove Plus is $24.99.
Equipment:
Because Cove operates as a build-as-you-go system, they don’t have set equipment packages for you to choose from. However, their pre-programmed equipment offerings include:
- Cove Touch Panel
- YI Indoor Camera
- Motion Detector
- Door/Window Sensor
- Security Key Fob
- Glass break Detector
- Smoke Heat Freeze Detector
- Carbon Monoxide Detector
- Flood/Freeze Sensor
- Panic/Medical Button
3. SimpliSafe Home Security
Another great choice is SimpliSafe Home Security. This is another monitored DIY home security system option, but unlike its competitors, SimpliSafe features smartphone and home automation access automatically. There are also no contracts, and you don’t have to opt into professional monitoring like Cove requires. Without the professional monitoring, your system will just run as a local alarm model, which is what many people are looking for.
For a brand new setup, look to spend right around $400 for 14-pieces of equipment. However, the company also offers refurbished items, which can easily save you tons of money with little to no difference.
Price:
While you’re free from contracts with SimpliSafe, you do have to fork over money upfront for your equipment. Each of SimpliSafe’s packages (like The Essentials or The Hearth) are under $500. Professional monitoring is broken down into two categories, Standard and Interactive. Standard is $14.99/month and Interactive is $24.99/month.
Equipment:
The equipment you receive varies depending on the package you select. We’ve broken down each package for you to make the decision easier. Currently, SimpliSafe’s packages include:
- The Foundation
- The Essentials
- The Hearth
The Foundation
- Base station
- Keypad
- Entry sensor
- Motion sensor
The Essentials
- Base station
- Keypad
- 3 entry sensors
- Motion sensor
The Hearth
- Base station
- Keypad
- Key fob
- 3 entry sensors
- Motion sensor
- Siren
- Smoke detector
4. Ring Alarm Security Kit
When it comes to DIY home security systems, the Ring Alarm Security Kit is one of the easiest ones to set up and self-install. It has an extremely loud siren and an easy-to-read keypad, making it an optimal choice for homes with seniors or those who are hard of hearing.
Professional monitoring is available and the smartphone app easily integrates with any existing Ring Doorbell or other product you already have. In fact, if you already have these devices, installation is even simpler than it is without them, as all you have to do is push a button and you’re done.
Price:
The base equipment fees for a Ring system starts at $199.99. Professional monitoring starts at $10/month or $100/year.
Equipment:
The Ring Alarm Security Kit includes:
- Base station
- Keypad
- Contact sensor
- Motion detector
- Range extender
5. Honeywell SmartHome Security System
If you have a bit more room in the budget, consider the Honeywell SmartHome Security System. This state-of-the-art setup includes loads of advanced features like a 1080p camera with integrated face recognition, IFTTT functionality, and integration with Amazon Alexa.
Simply put, Honeywell’s security setup is a lot more advanced than other out-of-the-box models. So, what is the downside? Professional monitoring is not available at this time, which means local authorities won’t be contacted if your alarm goes off. For many, this is a dealbreaker, but it might not be for you if all you want is a local system to record happenings around your home.
Price:
Standing on the much higher-end spectrum of DIY home security, a Honeywell SmartHome system costs $449 upfront.
Equipment:
- Smart Home Security Base Station
- Window/door sensors
- Key fob
6. Samsung SmartThings Home Security System
If you’re looking for a setup that truly does a lot of things, the Samsung SmartThings Home Security System is your best bet. This system features numerous different sensors that you can purchase. These issue warnings for things like motion detection, home arrival, water leak detection, and more.
It also plays very nice with other home automation items within the Samsung SmartThings environment and is Google Assistant and Alexa compatible, making it a wise choice if you value home automation. It’s great if you want to be able to tell your home assistant you’re leaving and have all locks triggered, all lightbulbs off, and your alarm set at the same time.
Price:
The Samsung SmartThings Monitoring Kit, which includes the essential equipment, is $140.11. We recommend beefing the kit up with Samsung’s other equipment offerings to enjoy their smart security.
Equipment:
- Hub
- 2 multipurpose sensors
- Motion sensor
- Smart outlet
Things to Look for in a DIY Home Security System
As you start to compare the six systems we have listed here, let’s look at a quick list of the elements that you need to pay attention to when deciding on one.
- Overall cost of the starter system.
- Whether professional monitoring is available, the monthly charge, and any contracts.
- Smartphone and home automation compatibility.
Wrap Up – Best DIY Home Security Systems of 2020
We’ve just listed six great do-it-yourself smart security systems to consider in 2020. As you look towards protecting your family and belongings from unwanted intruders, these are all excellent options for your peace of mind and bottom line.
However, if you’re looking for an easy installation with no effort on your part, then a professionally installed system is a much better route to take. When you choose to have experts install your equipment, you can rest easy knowing your devices will work right the first time. ONIT Smart Home provides both a full line of best-in-class equipment and a team of trained professionals ready to help you each step of the way to ensure your home is protected the way you want it. Around-the-clock professional monitoring means help will be on the way if unwanted activity ever occurs.
Give us a call to learn more about how you can build an affordable and customizable system with ONIT today.