Wyze Home Monitoring
Best value on a DIY security system
Want to monitor your home but don’t have thousands of dollars to drop on a home security system? These days, there are plenty of DIY options that are easy to install and can keep your home safe without all the expenses and contracts that come with a professional security system. Plus, the majority of do-it-yourself home security systems allow you to mix and match cameras, keypads, entry sensors and more for a completely customized security setup that’s affordable and optimized for your home. We’ve explored dozens of different configurations and setups and have rounded up the best DIY home security systems on the market right now. Read on to find out which system is best for your home.
Want to find out if DIY is right for you? We compare DIY with professionally installed home security systems.
Best DIY home security systems
Installation DIY installationContract Required NoVoice Assistant Amazon Alexa, Google AssistantAdditional Fees 24/7 professional monitoring fee, recording feesService Bundles N/A
The Ring Alarm Pro system has shaken the DIY home security market, wrapping a Wi-Fi 6 Eero router into its base device. That means you get all the basic security you’d expect from, say, SimpliSafe or Abode, but you’ll also get access to all sorts of extra features, including cellular-powered backup Wi-Fi in case of power outages, network security monitoring, local processing and storage for all of your Ring devices and integration with Alexa’s Guard Plus service (provided you have an Echo speaker or display).
SimpliSafe was one of the first DIY home security system options to hit the market and is a reasonable alternative to ADT and other professional alarm company firms. That’s due in large part to this home security system’s affordable cost and wide variety of accessories. SimpliSafe makes a variety of different starter kits that usually start at around $250, and you can often get them for less through discounts.
Installation DIY installationContract Required NoVoice Assistant Amazon Alexa, Google AssistantAdditional Fees 24/7 professional monitoring fee, cloud storage feeService Bundles N/A
Wyze Home Monitoring is a standout due to its affordable cost. You’ll need a $30 Wyze Sense Hub to start, or you can pay $100 for a year of professional monitoring and get it for free. Or you can pay $10 each month, but you don’t get the Hub for free. From there, you can add keypads, entry sensors, motion detectors and more to build the system that works best for your home. The only real drawback: Wyze doesn’t have cellular backup in case of power or internet outages.
Other DIY home security systems we’ve tested
The above systems weren’t the only DIY options we explored. We’ve also tried out Abode Iota, Cove, Lorex, Frontpoint, Kangaroo and Ring Alarm. Iota was a great security system, but it wasn’t able to match Simplisafe’s prices. Frontpoint, meanwhile, offers great hardware at competitive prices, but its monthly $45 monitoring fees are too much. Cove simply struggled to distinguish itself in any significant way.
Budget-friendly options Kangaroo and Ring Alarm couldn’t quite knock out Wyze. Kangaroo nearly matches Wyze’s price, but its hardware — especially its janky doorbell cam — leaves something to be desired. Meanwhile, Ring Alarm, though a great deal all around, is part of a company with a troubling history when it comes to police partnerships. While Ring Alarm is neck-and-neck with Wyze, Wyze comes out on top simply because it’s not carrying all the baggage that Ring is.
Finally, Lorex offers a local network of connected cameras — but it doesn’t offer the integration that smarter systems do for the same price.
Still have questions? Check out this comprehensive guide to all things home security.
How we test home security systems
Hands-on testing is core to our evaluations of any home security products. In short, when it comes to home security systems, we pay special attention to the user experience, the promised features, reliability and overall value — along with a few other elements. We do the testing in a real home environment over the course of at least a full week. If you want to read more about our review process, check out our in-depth article on how we test home security systems and services.
Watch this: How to buy the right security camera for you
DIY home security systems compared
| Our Picks | Ring Alarm Pro | SimpliSafe (8-piece set) | Wyze Home Monitoring | Arlo Home Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| System price | $210 | $239 | $116 | $180 |
| Monitoring price | $20/month | $15/month | $10/month | $25/month |
| Starter equipment | Eero Wi-Fi 6 mesh router, door/window sensors, motion detectors, a keypad, a siren and optional professional monitoring subscriptions | 1 base station, 1 keypad, 1 motion sensor, 3 entry sensors | 1 hub, 1 keypad, 1 motion sensor, 2 entry sensors and 3 months of professional monitoring | 1 keypad control panel, 2 All-in-One sensors |
| Contract required? | No | No | No | No |
| Setup | DIY installation | DIY installation | DIY installation | DIY installation |
| Extra features | Cellular-powered backup Wi-Fi, network security monitoring, local processing, storage for all of your Ring devices and integration with Alexa’s Guard Plus service | Customizable system, built-in Wi-Fi and cellular, integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant | Customizable system, integration with many third-party devices, integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant | 24/7 emergency response, smart interactive notifications, cellular and battery backup, integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant |
| Review score | 9 | 8.5 | 8.4 | N/A |
DIY home security system FAQs
How do I choose the best DIY home security system?
There are a few considerations to take into account when choosing the right DIY home security system.
Is it better to have professional home security service over a DIY version?
A DIY home security system certainly has its advantages, like lower pricing and simple self-installation, but professional security has its perks. While DIY systems are typically easy to install and set up, you won’t have to worry about any of that when a professional system is installed by an experienced technician.
How much do DIY home security systems cost?
A DIY security system can cost $60 to $400 or more depending on the brand and model you buy and where you purchase it. The Wyze home monitoring system is a great value at $80, for example. On the other end of the spectrum, SimpliSafe’s 10-piece DIY home security system that lists for $479 on their website — and those prices can go much higher if you opt for all the bells and whistles the service offers.
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