Updated on Sep. 04, 2024
These DIY home security systems are easy to set up and don't require monthly subscription fees. Secure your home in less than 30 minutes!
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Keeping your family safe is worth any expense. Fortunately, securing your home with an alarm system is easier and more affordable than ever. The best DIY home security system allows you to handle security system installation and monitoring yourself, cutting costs and eliminating the need for lengthy contracts.
There are a lot of home security options—from simple motion detector systems to more elaborate kits with door and window sensors, cameras, smoke detectors and more. To help you narrow down your choices, we’ve picked the best of the best systems based on ease of installation, remote monitoring features and communication options like alerting you with a text or phone call.
Read on to find out which one fits your needs best, and get peace of mind with a well-defended home—whether you’re lounging on the couch or away on vacation.
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You’ve heard of the Ring doorbell camera. Now there’s an entire Ring security system that includes a keypad for in-home operation, contact sensors, and a motion detector. Control everything from the Ring app while you’re away, and receive a mobile notification when the system is triggered. It also works with Alexa so you can arm the system by simply saying “Alexa, arm Ring.”
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If your main concern is having visual access to your home while you’re away, the Eufy Security 2-Camera Home Security System might be a good fit. The kit includes two cameras with live-stream and recorded footage in crystal clear 1080p HD, even at night. Thanks to their human detection technology, the cameras can detect body shapes and face patterns. This means that you’re only alerted when a person is approaching, not the neighbor’s dog.
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Looking for an affordable security system? Check out the Alarm Home Security System by Tolviviov. For only about $60, you’ll get an alarm siren station, five window and door sensors and two remote controls. And if one of the window or door sensors is triggered, the base alarm siren sounds, alerting you of intruders. Control the system with the key fob remotes, the mobile app or voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant.
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The SimpliSafe Home Security System has both cameras and sensors. So if an intruder is able to get around the camera view, the entry sensors will sound the alarm. The kit includes one indoor and one outdoor camera for added layers of security. And in addition to window and door sensors, you’ll also get a motion sensor featuring 90 degree vision, allowing you to place the camera in a corner and guard a whole room.
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For another budget-friendly home security system, check out the GE Personal Security Door and Window Alarms. The magnetic door and window sensors sound off a 120-decibel alarm when triggered and can also be set to chime. This is a perfect no-fuss option for people who want to avoid a high-tech setup. It’s also ideal for those who just want a simple intruder alert system.
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You may not think one camera is enough to secure your home, but the Soliom Outdoor Camera does a lot more than your average security camera. It can turn its head 320° horizontally and 90° vertically. Plus, it has the ability to pan, tilt and zoom—giving you a much broader and more flexible view. Best of all, the solar rechargeable battery means you never have to worry about the camera turning off.
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What sets the Night Owl Home Security System apart is its storage capabilities. The included DVR keeps all your footage on a pre-installed 2TB hard disk drive; no cloud uploads, no subscriptions. You own your recordings. The eight indoor/outdoor cameras include motion-activated spotlights, human detection technology and remote viewing with no monthly fees.
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The best DIY home security system depends on the size of your home and your personal safety needs. All of the above systems are high-quality, easy to install and will transform your home into a safe haven at an affordable price point.
