Best DIY Home Security Systems of 2023
Find out which systems excelled in our hands-on testing as we compare the top three best DIY home security systems.
Best overall
SimpliSafe
4.25
Pro monitoring starts at$19.99/mo
View Packages
Best for renters
ADT Self Setup
4
Pro monitoring starts at$24.99/mo
View Packages
Best customer experience
Cove
4
Pro monitoring starts at$17.99/mo
View Packages
Data current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Compare DIY home security systems
Company | Best for | Lowest price | Professional monitoring | Mobile app in base plan | Smart home compatibility | Learn more |
Best overall | $19.99/mo. | Optional | Yes | Amazon, Google | View Packages | |
Best for renters | $24.99/mo. | Optional | Yes | Amazon, Google, Z-wave | View Packages | |
Best customer experience | $17.99/mo. | Yes | Yes | Amazon, Google | View Packages |
Data current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
What equipment can I expect in my DIY system starter kit?
Do-it-yourself home security systems offer various starter kits—with prices going up as you buy more equipment. Most DIY brands allow you to build your own alarm system or add items to existing kits. Here’s a glance at the self-install security system kits available from our top picks.
Equipment | Base kit price | Build your own | Base kit includes | Learn more |
$244.00 (4 pieces) |
Starting at $199.00 |
Base station, keypad, entry sensor, motion sensor |
View Packages | |
$194.98 (4 pieces) |
Starting at $194.98 |
Base station, yard sign window stickers, entry sensor |
View Packages | |
Á la carte | Á la carte | Á la carte | View Packages |
Data current as of post date.
DIY home security reviews
1. SimpliSafe: Best overall
Best overall
SimpliSafe
4.25
Starts at$19.99/mo
View Packages
Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Long contracts can be scary; SimpliSafe‘s month-to-month plans aren’t. SimpliSafe is a great system if you’re curious about a new system but don’t want a long-term relationship right out of the gate. It’s a reader favorite, and we agree wholeheartedly.
Pros
No contract required
Affordable professional monitoring
5 packages to choose from
Cons
Limited smart capabilities
Some buggy equipment
2. ADT Self Setup: Best for renters
Best for renters
ADT Self Setup
4
Starts at$24.99/mo
View Packages
Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Full ADT disclaimer.
Before ADT Self Setup, you had to take on a three-year contract to get the reassurance of ADT’s experienced monitoring—and you were also stuck with some of the industry’s highest prices. This DIY system doesn’t have a contract and offers a competitive plan starting at $24.99 a mont. Plus, it’s the only security system that directly integrates with Google Home.
Pros
Trusted security brand
Google home integration
No required contracts
Cons
Bulky equipment
Glitchy mobile app
3. Cove: Best customer experience
Best customer experience
Cove
4
Starts at$17.99/mo
View Packages
Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
One of our favorite things about Cove is its strong focus on customer satisfaction. Its great customer reviews reflect some excellent policies, like a no-contract subscription, a 60-day return policy, and a price-lock option that keeps your monthly fees from going up.
Pros
Great customer reviews
Lifetime warranty available
60-day money-back guarantee
Cons
Limited smart home compatibility
False alarms are a pain to dismiss
How we reviewed the best DIY security systems
Image: SafeWise
To find the best fit for a range of lifestyles and budgets, we’ve extensively researched more than a dozen DIY systems. We looked at key features, home security policies, installation, customer reviews, instruction manuals, and all the fine print.
We also did hands-on testing in real homes and mystery-shopped for a more authentic experience. Over the years, we’ve personally tested most of the systems on our list—except Alder and Link Interactive. None of the systems we tested is perfect and they all have quirks. But we couldn’t find any fatal flaws that prevented alarms.
We wanted our rankings to fit what folks want from self-install security systems—so we surveyed our readers directly. Ultimately, it comes down to that sweet, sweet moolah—over two-thirds of respondents said saving money is their main goal.
Learn more about the methodology we use for each of our reviews.
Disclaimers
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change.