You can get a home security system without wires, installation costs, and monthly fees. With the best DIY home security systems, you have your home’s security in your hands – you can operate the security cameras and alarm systems remotely from your smartphone. These systems are easy to install, with most offering plug-and-play systems. As such, you never need a professional to install, which cuts down your home security costs. The DIY home security kits include smart cameras, doorbells, sensors, and motion detectors. These systems can be part of a smart home system connecting to your voice assistant to simplify management. Read on for more.
Advantages of DIY Home Security Systems
Today, several brands offer the best home DIY camera systems. The increasing competition between these brands fosters innovation to bring even better systems. Modern DIY home security systems are more compact with better quality audio and video. Some DIY home security systems can work as home automation centers, allowing you to control the lights and other household appliances.
Here are the major benefits of the best DIY home security systems:
- Relatively Affordable
Hard-wired home security systems will cost you about $1500. On top of that, you will pay a monthly monitoring fee. Although this takes the hassle of monitoring your home, the high initial cost might put you off. Home DIY systems lower costs while allowing you more control of your home’s security system. You can install these systems for as little as $100, but comprehensive systems cost as much as $500. With the best DIY home security systems, you never have to pay a monthly fee as you manage the home’s security from your smartphone.
- Easy Installation
Because the best DIY home security systems are wireless, you do not need a professional to install them. Installation requires you to download the system app, connect the control panel, position the cameras and alarm systems, switch them on, and add them from the smartphone app. You can add as many cameras as the app accommodates. You can follow the same procedure when upgrading the security system to add more cameras and sensors. The installation process can take an hour or less. After installation, troubleshooting the system is easy – you will get alerts whenever a problem or the battery needs replacement.
- Operates in a Power Outage
Battery-powered systems are ideal in a neighborhood with frequent power outages. Most of the best DIY home security systems use lithium-ion batteries that can serve you for up to five years. The control panel runs on AC power but also features backup batteries in a power outage. Even better, it is challenging for burglars to interfere with the cameras as that would require disconnecting each camera at a time – unlike cutting off wires in a traditional security system.
- Highly Scalable
Do you want to see more areas around or inside your home? Scaling the security system only requires buying more cameras and sensors and adding them. You can add the cameras and sensors from your smartphone and the control panel. Other systems you can add include smoke detectors, floor sensors, glass breaker sensors, door/window sensors, and motion detectors. Some of the best DIY home security systems allow you to add 50 devices or more.
- Get Alerts Directly to Your Phone
With the best DIY home security systems, you can monitor activities in and around your home anytime. The system will alert you whenever something or someone is detected. If you are unavailable, you can program it to send an alert to someone else. Even better, you can have multiple remote controllers so every family member can access the security system. It would help if you never had a landline connection to receive alerts – the wireless security system still sends you alerts.
Best DIY Home Security Systems
For a long time, the best DIY home security systems have come from companies such as Arlo and Simplisafe. However, more brands have emerged, making choosing the best system daunting. Here are some of the best DIY home security systems for you:
#1: REOLINK Security Camera System
Reolink is a new brand offering a vast selection of wireless cameras. The Reolink Argus was the first wireless camera from Reolink in 2016. It was among the first cameras to connect directly to WiFi without a hub. The Argus runs on WiFi, making accessibility easy. It can work indoors and outdoors, and you can charge it using the Reolink Solar Panel. This way, you will be connected even during a power outage.
Features and Benefits
Protective Sleeve – A stretchy silicone cover keeps the Argus 2 cameras protected when used outdoors. You only need to slip the cover to make some adjustments, and it is ready to face outdoor elements. If you go for the Argus 2E and other later models, you get IP65 weatherproofing, so you never need the sleeve when using the system outdoors.
Easy-to-Use App – The Reolink app is easy to use. You only need to scan the QR code at the back of the camera, and the unit is added. Reolink cameras connect directly to WiFi and then connect to the smartphone app so you can start managing your home security system.
Camera Resolution – With these cameras, you will have a wide 120-degree field of vision. Better still, you get sharp views with the 1080p HD resolution with the cameras. One of the cool features of this camera includes adjusting video playback to quadruple the speed so you can quickly find out what happened while you were not watching.
LTE Camera System – If your home is in a remote area with no internet connection, you can buy the Reolink Go Plus, which uses cellular data to send you alerts and works past the limiting range of wireless connections.
#2: OSI Wireless WiFi Smart Home Security DIY Alarm SYSTEM-14 Piece
If you need to move frequently, the OSI system is one of the best DIY home security systems for you. It comes as a complete security system with a WiFi panel, hard-wired siren, wireless strobe siren, two wireless PIR motion detectors, five wireless window/door sensors, two remote controllers, and two RFID tags.
Features and Benefits
- Smart Life App – OSI offers an easy way to manage the best DIY home security systems from a simple app. You can add security systems from the app to scale up, arm, and disarm the system, monitor your home, and receive notifications. When WiFi is off, the system connects to your mobile data to send alerts.
- 5 Ways to Arm and Disarm – You can use your voice assistant, Google Home, or Alexa to arm the system. You can also use the two remote controllers or the RFID tags to arm and disarm the system. For voice assistant control, use the Smart Life App.
- 30-Minute Setup – Since you do not need wires to connect the system, setup takes 30 minutes or less. OSI provides 3M tape to position the sensors on windows, doors, and other areas.
- Scalable – OSI allows you to add up to 99 wireless zones. Buy new systems and add them through your Smart Life app.
#3: Arlo Home Security System
Arlo’s DIY home security systems live up to the high quality of their wired security systems. With Arlo, you can monitor your system without a monthly subscription, monitor with cloud storage, or professional monitoring at a fee. Arlo does not require a contract allowing you to cancel any time for each of these services.
Features and Benefits
- Keypad Sensor Hub – Every system from Arlo offers a multi-purpose hub with a keypad. The keypad features a number pad with an emergency response button that contacts the ambulance, fire department, and the police. All devices that use Arlo’s SecureLink can connect to the hub. The hub also doubles as a motion detector and a listener for the smoke detector. It also features a built-in speaker that sends alerts when the window and door sensors detect something.
- Access Codes – As one of the best DIY home security systems, Arlo offers advanced security with a PIN code. You can assign secondary pins to ensure no one accesses your system without your knowledge. The keypad features a backlight, which you can switch off anytime.
- Arlo Cellular and Battery – You can add the battery backup to your system to use it even during a power outage. These features come as separate units, as the hub lacks a built-in battery.
- Advanced Sensors – Arlo offers several sensors, including access, motion, tilt, ambient light, ambient temperature, and water leak sensors. You can adjust the sensor’s sensitivity of the sensors depending on the level of security needed. There is also a smoke and CO alarm listener.
- Arming Modes – Adjust the arming modes depending on whether you are home or away. When away, set it to Arm Away so that all sensors and cameras can trigger an alarm. Set to Arm Home to disarm indoor motion detectors if you are home. When there are many people in and out of your home, set to Standby Mode so that the cameras and sensors do not trigger an alarm.
#4: SimpliSafe 10 Piece Wireless Home Security System
SimpliSafe has some of the best DIY home security systems. Their 10-piece wireless system offers you a base station, key fob, keypad, three entry sensors, motion sensor, siren, glass-break sensor, and a wired indoor camera.
Features and Benefits
- Optional Professional Monitoring – At 60c/day, you can get a professional to monitor your home 24/7. SimpliSafe does not require contract signing and has no hidden fees. If you would rather cut costs and monitor your system, the brand offers an advanced but easy-to-use app that can arm, disarm, and remotely set up your system.
- Advanced Cameras – Outdoor cameras offer a 140-degree field of view with crisp, clear 1080p HD video resolution. You also get color night vision to see what happens in your home when you are away. The indoor camera offers the same resolution and also comes with a built-in stainless steel shutter to give you control.
- Base Station – This unit features a built-in battery to stay on even during a power outage. It connects all the sensors and cameras.
- Key Fob – Thanks to the provided key fob, arm and disarm the security system with a button.
- Keypad – The backlit keypad allows you to arm or disarm the security system at the touch of a button. It also features a hidden panic button that allows you to contact police and other emergency service providers.
- Siren – The 105dB siren is loud enough to keep burglars off your premises. It is a wired system that you can install indoors or outdoors.
#5: WYZE 24/7 Recording DIY Home Security System
The WYZE brand has become among the best DIY home security systems thanks to its 24/7 monitoring services. Their agents at Noonlight are always available to ensure you get the help you need. However, you can still monitor your system from wherever you are. The brand designed these systems to fit wherever you want them – including corner mounts and skinny probes. Their security cameras system package includes a hub, motion sensor, keypad, entry sensor, leak sensor, climate sensor, and a leak sensor probe.
Features and Benefits
- Expandable – WYZE allows you to install their system in a few minutes. You only need to peel the tape and stick the system wherever needed. Better still, you can add up to 100 sensors to the system when you move to a bigger house.
- WYZE App – The WYZE app features an interactive interface to arm and disarm your security system and check the status of the sensors.
- Live Camera Feeds – WYZE records any time motion is detected. You can scroll through the recordings or watch the live feed from the app. Each system features a two-way audio that you can use to communicate with burglars or pets.
- Leak and Climate Sensors – Mitigate the damages that may result from a leak with the leak sensors. You will get a call from Noonlight to ensure your home is safe.
- Alexa Integration – You can integrate your system with Alexa for voice control. Whether you want to arm or disarm, access a live feed, or record, the system allows you to use voice commands.
- Color Night Vision – You can see what is happening in your home at night thanks to Color Night Vision. Its f/1.6 aperture allows it to capture more light for clear videos at night.
#6: Swann Home DVR Security Camera System
The DVR systems from Swann are among the best DIY home security systems when you need high video resolution. You can get them in 1080p or 4K resolution for clear videos any time of the day. The highly scalable system allows you to add as many cameras and sensors as your home needs.
Features and Benefits
- High-Quality Camera – Swann uses traditional analog cameras. Instead of making the system wireless, the brand focused on creating high-quality video recording for homeowners. As such, you can access 1080p and 4K resolution with night color vision for crisp, clear videos.
- Easy-To-Use App – Although the cameras are wired, you will receive alerts on your smartphone through the app. The streaming is always on, and you can access multiple cameras from the app interface. You can store the recordings or playback depending on what you need to see.
- 1TB HDD – Swann cameras are always recording, which makes this one of the best DIY home security systems. The system features a pre-installed 1TB HDD to deliver continuous recording. However, you can set it to record motion-triggered-only recordings.
- Weatherproof Design – Each unit in the system sports a weatherproof design for outdoor use.
- Alexa Compatible – As a smart system, you can arm, disarm, and set up security cameras through Alexa.
DIY Home Security Brands To Consider
1. SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe has some of the best DIY home security systems. They were the first company to introduce DIY systems in 2006. Their systems were renter-friendly, so they needed wireless for DIY installation.
The SimpliSafe equipment is what you expect from a company that has been in the market for almost 20 years. Sensors, cameras, hubs, and doorbells are lightweight and sturdy. They have a battery backup to keep them running when the power is out.
2. Frontpoint
FrontPoint offers the best customer service for the best DIY home security systems. The brand is customer-centric, with several channels where customers can access help. Their systems are wireless and durable, and they allow automation. The system offers an app to monitor your system, but you can also opt for professional monitoring. Some of their devices include glass break sensors, smoke detectors, climate sensors, smart lights, door locks, thermostats, and indoor and outdoor security cameras.
3. Kangaroo
Kangaroo is a great option when you need some of the most affordable best DIY home security systems. You can get a whole system for less than $100 with professional monitoring at less than $10 monthly. Their devices connect directly to the internet, so you never need a keypad. It is easy to use, especially when you connect to the smartphone app. Their system package contains indoor and outdoor cameras and basic sensors.
4. Wyze
Wyze is another budget-friendly, best DIY home security system. They focus on creating the best camera quality to deliver clear videos during the day and at night. The brand offers many devices, including climate sensors, water leak sensors, motion detectors, entry sensors, hubs, cameras, and keypads. You can also buy their smart home devices.
5. Arlo
Arlo is popular for their all-in-one sensor that can detect up to eight types of triggers. It offers several self-monitoring options for homeowners and renters with an outstanding camera selection. Their monitoring plans are highly competitive at $3 cheaper than the leading brands. Arlo offers LTE-enabled cameras to give you a wider connection and ensure that their cameras do not rely on a hub. Cameras from Arlo offer HD and UHD resolution, night vision, wide field of vision, two-way audio, and digital zoom.
6. ADT Home Security Systems
ADT is one of the oldest security system brands. It offers a range of equipment, including wired Nest security cameras, wireless Nest cam, Nest Cam with built-in floodlights, and battery-powered doorbell. The package may also include Nest smart speakers. Today, they allow users to self-monitor, but you can also use professional monitoring plans.
7. Cove
Cove features security systems featuring a touch panel, keyring remote, and motion and door sensors. However, you can add other units, such as smoke and CO detectors, window sensors, glass break sensors, medical buttons, and flood sensors. However, the brand does not make cameras. You can monitor your system or opt for Cove’s professional monitoring service.
8. Abode
Abode offers the same features as SimpliSafe except that they are popular for home automation. You can pair your security system with smart lights and thermostats and use Alexa to control them. Although the system might be relatively complex, it is easier to manage. Like SimpliSafe, you have optional professional monitoring when you need to relax. Some of their devices include climate sensors, indoor and outdoor cameras, and home automation systems.
Final Word
Do-it-yourself security systems are popular today. They keep your home safe without the high costs of professionally installed and monitored systems. Most of these systems feature a plug-and-play design, so you never have to deal with complicated setups. When shopping for the best DIY home security systems, consider the ease of installation and ease of use, the selection of equipment in relation to the price, and the quality. For instance, if you need cameras at night, ensure they have night color vision. If you need a system to use outdoors, ensure it is weatherproof.
Besides the features, consider the cost of the system. The number of units, the quality of the items, and added features, such as storage, should guide you when determining an affordable system. Some brands offer professional monitoring at a fee. You will install the systems and then subscribe to their plans to get a professional looking after your home 24/7. Most brands above offer these services – compare the pricing and pick the system that meets your needs.