Most Reliable DIY Home Security Systems
In the past, do-it-yourself home security systems may have been more accessible than a professionally installed system, but they often offered a lesser number of options and weren't always as reliable. No longer. Today, home security systems you can install yourself feature the same level of security that you get from an often more expensive system that has to be installed by professionals.
The top DIY home security systems are not only easy to install in a few simple steps, but are extremely reliable, feature all the components of a professionally installed system, are customizable according to each user's specific needs and can be linked to emergency services such as the police, fire departments and local private security monitoring companies.
9Ranks reviews and compares the best DIY home security systems you can purchase online. Read on to find out which system is the best for your needs and compare prices and features at a glance so you can make an informed decision on which company and package is the best for you.
Index#1SimpliSafe
Pros
- No drilling or wiring required
- Low-cost monthly monitoring option
- Customizable packages
- Live cam feed on app
Cons
- Remote access only avai. with monitoring package
- No video storage option
SimpliSafe's easy-to-install set-up makes sure anybody can safely and securely install the system in no time at all. The system is wireless which means you don't have to worry about dealing with electrical issues such wiring and phone-line accessibility. And, when it comes to hooking-up the system, the basic features come with pre-installed heavy-duty sticky back tabs which securely attach sensor pads to wherever you deem the best place. So, in minutes your system is up and ready to start protecting your home with no need to worry about drilling or using any additional DIY tools. This option also means SimpliSafe is one of the most recommended and popular options for those looking for a security option for a temporary residence, or those are worried about causing damage to the inside or outside of a property.
SimpliSafe's DIY system can be tailored to each buyer's requirements. Their Essential Kit features the basics of any system including a base station, Keypad, motion sensor and 3 entry sensors — all of which can be installed without any additional tools or previous DIY experience. Extra features such as wireless outdoor and indoor cameras, glassbreak sensors, smoke detector and water detector sensors can be added on according to requirements.
When it comes to self-sufficiency, you can also opt to self-monitor the camera feeds using SimpliSafe's smartphone app. However, if you want an added layer of protection, the company's professional monitoring system offers a monthly plan so you don't have to splurge on a yearly package without first seeing if you need the professional back-up system.
Specifications
Installation
SmartHome Integration
Security Systems
Add-on options
#2Arlo
Pros
- Versatile multi-use sensors
- Up to 4K camera feed
- Night-vision cams
- Options for monthly subscriptions
Cons
- Alerts only available to subscribers
- Can get expensive
- 2K/4K cam feed incur monthly fee
Arlo is known for it's competitively priced intelligent home security cameras that can distinguish between the presence of people and pets, as well as update users if packages are deposited in front of the house entry. Now the company has upgraded options with a complete DIY home security system featuring multi-use sensors. The sensors are unlike many other sensors on the market, in as much as the new Arlo sensor can fulfill the role of multiple sensors. An Arlos DIY sensor reacts to motion, the opening of doors and windows, the presence of smoke, water and CO, as well as being reactive to light and temperature. This means one sensor does it all without the need to purchase several units in order to fully cover a home's security.
Installing one of their versatile sensors is super-easy and requires no experience in DIY. All the sensors are wireless negating the need for additional wiring or having to hook-up the unit to a phone-line. While the Arlo DIY home security system is slightly more expensive than others on the market, it can save you a significant amount of money if you're looking for more than just a basic home security package which you can install by yourself without having to pay for a professional installation set-up.
There is no professionally monitoring package offered by Arlo. You simply pay for the system and you're set. But you can upgrade to a Secure Plan which gives you up to a month's storage of video capture, notifications sent to your smartphone if a presence is detected by a camera and a one-touch response on the app that sends the nearest first responder directly to the location of the camera which detected unusual activity or the presence of water/CO2/fire.
Specifications
Installation
SmartHome Integration
Security Systems
Add-on options
| SimpliSafe | Arlo | |
|---|---|---|
| Contract | Optional | Optional |
| Installation | ||
| Professional | ||
| DIY | ||
| Over the Phone | ||
| SmartHome Integration | ||
| Alexa Integration | ||
| Google Integration | ||
How to Choose the Best DIY Home Security System for Your Needs
The first thing to decide on when choosing a DIY home security system is how easy you need the installation process to be. If you have some experience in DIY and aren't bothered by having to drill into your property or wire-up a system, then simplicity in installation won't be a factor and you should concentrate more on pricing and components needed, such as outdoor cameras, integrated alarm systems, and multi-level options controlled by one central unit.
However, for most, the overriding factor when choosing a DIY home security system is ease of use, and one that doesn't require any DIY skills or even additional tools such as drills and wiring hook-ups. Many systems offer sensor pads that can be securely adhered using sticky pads included in the product bought. It's always worth checking if it's noted that you'll need to drill to install outdoor and indoor security cameras and if so, whether they'll need to be attached to a hardwire system, as opposed to working on an easier, though sometimes more expensive wifi network.
Another issue to take into account is whether you want to pay for a monthly monitoring plan, and if so, does it include immediate alerts to your local emergency service. Or, if you want to monitor the system yourself via access with a smartphone app. Many products include an app at no extra fee which let you view a camera feed in real-time, though the user has to alert authorities if a security breach appears.
The above options cover all bases. From a basic installation that a do-it-yourself novice can do quickly and easily, to more intricate installations requiring basic DIY knowledge. The more expensive the package, the more features are generally included in the system. However, in many cases, it's best to start with a basic package and purchase additional features depending on the size of your property and ease of installation.
