Best DIY Home Security Systems of 2025
The best DIY home security systems are affordable and easy to set up without a professional.
The best DIY home security systems offer drill-free sensor installation, wireless connections and straightforward setup instructions. They connect to Wi-Fi, run on batteries or plug into outlets. Sensors stick on with adhesives, and cameras attach with screws. You can monitor DIY alarm systems yourself or pay for monitoring.
Are DIY security systems worth it?
DIY home security systems can be ideal for renters or those looking to save on setup costs. Though traditional alarm systems often require a professional to install equipment, many companies now offer cameras, alarms and other devices you can set up yourself.
We tested several DIY home security systems and compared their setup processes, customization, integration capabilities and unique features. Here are our picks.
Some devices in a DIY alarm system, such as a wired video doorbell, might require a professional to hardwire into your home. Several DIY home security providers offer professional installation if needed, either directly through the company or through a partner.
Company | NerdWallet rating | Equipment cost | Professional monitoring monthly cost | Hazard detection | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best monitoring | 4.5/5 | $269.00 Base kit includes one ADT base and one door/window sensor. | $24.99 and up $39.99 with cameras and $29.99 with other smart home devices. Monitoring costs are $10 more per month with professional installation. A monitoring plan is required with equipment purchase (1 month minimum for DIY and a several-year contract with professional installation), but you can arm and disarm a DIY system for free after the first month. | Add-on CO detector, smoke detector and water/temperature sensor. | on ADT Security System's website |
on ADT Security System's website | |||||
on ADT Security System's website | |||||
Best overall | 5.0/5 | $250.96 Base kit includes one base station, one keypad, one entry sensor and one motion sensor. Sometimes you can get a free Smart Alarm wireless indoor security camera and a free trial of professional monitoring if they're running a promotion. | $22.99 Self monitoring available for $9.99 per month. You can also access basic features with no plan. | Add-on smoke/CO detector, water and temperature sensor. | on SimpliSafe's website |
on SimpliSafe's website | |||||
on SimpliSafe's website | |||||
Best multifunction sensors | 4.5/5 | $199.99 Base kit includes one keypad sensor hub, two sensors, and a free 30-day pro monitoring trial. | $29.99 Some sensor features not available without subscription. Self monitoring for cameras starts at $9.99 per month. | Sensors can detect water and temperature and alert you when a smoke/CO detector goes off. No actual smoke/CO detector, and you'll need a paid monthly plan to use the sensor's alarm listening feature. | on Arlo's website |
on Arlo's website | |||||
on Arlo's website | |||||
Best DIY system | 4.5/5 | $199.99 Base kit includes alarm base station, keypad, door/window contact sensor, motion detector and alarm range extender. | $19.99 Self monitoring with smart features starts at $4.99 per month. You'll need a $9.99 monthly plan to arm and disarm your system remotely. | Add-on smoke/CO detector and listener, flood and freeze sensor. | on Money.com and Amazon.com |
on Money.com and Amazon.com | |||||
on Money.com and Amazon.com | |||||
Best smart home integration | 4.0/5 | $130 Base kit includes security hub, key fob and mini sensor for door/window. | $25.99 Self monitoring with extra features is $7.99 per month, but you can also use basic features for free. | Add-on smoke alarm monitor and leak detector. No actual smoke/CO detector. | on NerdWallet |
on NerdWallet | |||||
on NerdWallet | |||||
4.0/5 | $179.97 Base kit includes Outdoor 4 camera, Mini 2 camera, Video Doorbell, and Sync Module Core (hub). | No professional monitoring available. Self monitoring with video recording and other advanced features available for $3.99 per month for one camera or $11.99 per month for multiple devices. | None. | on NerdWallet | |
on NerdWallet | |||||
on NerdWallet | |||||
1. SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe is our top overall home security system and our favorite DIY choice. The company offers device packages that were easy for us to set up and control through the SimpliSafe app, and the company’s setup instructions were very thorough.
If you want a completely DIY experience, you can self-monitor your SimpliSafe alarm system, or you can purchase professional monitoring for a monthly fee with no long-term contract. Often, home security system providers only provide access to certain features if you pay for a monthly monitoring plan. Compared to other providers we reviewed, we like that SimpliSafe includes the most features with free self-monitoring, including remote arming and disarming and smart detection.
The company also has technicians who can set up your system for $124.99 and up.
SimpliSafe offers comprehensive packages at affordable prices with both self- and pro-monitoring subscription options.
2. Ring
Ring’s home security equipment is a popular DIY option, though we found the Wi-Fi router more complicated to set up than other providers. Otherwise, device setup is straightforward, and the app provides dozens of customizable features — more than any other system we tried — to tailor the system to your needs.
However, Ring requires you to sign up for a paid plan if you want to arm and disarm the system remotely and receive intelligent alerts. Other DIY providers offer this for free.
Ring offers affordable professional monitoring and a DIY system with high-quality cameras.
» READ: NerdWallet's full review of Ring
3. Arlo
Arlo also offers affordably-priced DIY home security equipment. The app doesn’t have as many features as Ring’s or SimpliSafe’s, but the devices are functional and relatively easy to set up.
Arlo’s alarm systems have eight functions, though not all the functions are accessible for free; some features, such as smoke and CO alarm alerts, require a paid monthly plan. You’ll still be able to receive basic alerts with the free version, and you can upgrade to a higher-priced plan for professional monitoring.
Arlo provides a flexible system for a variety of safety needs with 8-in-1 sensors.
» READ: NerdWallet's full review of Arlo
4. ADT Self Setup
ADT offers both professionally installed and self-setup systems. The self-setup system is pricier than other DIY home security system providers on this list, but ADT has long-standing professional monitoring capabilities that may be worth the splurge for some.
We found the setup for the ADT equipment itself to be simple, though we had some trouble integrating it with partner Nest’s camera and smart home devices.
ADT requires a minimum one-month purchase of professional monitoring with any equipment. After that month, you can downgrade to free self-monitoring with remote arming and basic notifications.
ADT is the most established home security provider, with well-reviewed professional monitoring services.
» READ: NerdWallet's full review of ADT
5. Abode
Abode offers budget-priced home security equipment and packages. You can self-monitor your system for free with limited features, pay a small monthly fee for smart notifications or pay a higher monthly fee for professional monitoring.
Abode doesn’t offer professional installation, but like SimpliSafe, all of its equipment can be DIY setup. We had a hiccup or two setting up devices in the app, but nothing major. Most Abode equipment can also be easily installed with stick-on adhesive and doesn’t require drilling.
Abode's security system is compatible with the widest range of smart home products including Amazon Echo, Google Home and Nest.
6. Blink
Blink, owned by Amazon, offers camera-only security systems that are affordable and simple to set up on your own. Among providers, it was one of our most straightforward systems to install, with high-quality camera feeds without any delays.
Blink is the only DIY home security provider on this list that doesn’t offer any professional monitoring; you can pay a monthly fee for camera recordings and other advanced features.
Blink offers a high-quality camera-only system with long battery life at budget prices.
7. Google Nest
Like Blink, Nest only offers cameras, not a sensor-based alarm system. Nest devices are ideal for smart home automation, though you’ll need a Google Home Premium subscription starting at $10 per month for advanced features such as facial recognition, glass-break detection and video storage.
We had some issues using both the Google Home app and the Nest app to access all of the device features, which may be leftover from Google’s 2024 deactivation of its alarm system Nest Secure.
Nest no longer offers an alarm system, but its cameras are still a top choice for easy integration with other Google smart home products.
Methodology
We collect data from providers and do firsthand testing as necessary. Our process starts by gathering information from providers and contacting providers for further information where needed. This information, combined with our specialists’ hands-on research, makes up our proprietary assessment process that scores each provider’s performance. The final output produces star ratings from poor (1 star) to excellent (5 stars). Ratings are rounded to the nearest half-star. Learn more about our ratings methodology here.