Gaining peace of mind in your home doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult to do.
While traditional home security systems often require long-term contracts and expensive professional installation, most smart DIY security systems are affordable and easy to install, allowing you to pay for a monitoring plan only when you need it.
Ring offers two of the best-performing, easiest-to-use DIY home security systems we've tested: Ring Alarm Pro and the original Ring Alarm. Both systems can be set up and controlled using the same simple smartphone app, and you can customize them to your liking with a variety of additional accessories. Ring also offers more camera and video doorbell options than any other system we picked, and its monitoring plans are among the most comprehensive and least expensive.
Our Recommendations
The system works with almost any type of security accessory, offers internet and power backup options, and has a built-in Wi-Fi 6 router.
Compatibility: Works with Amazon Alexa, Ring
Ring has the best-performing sensors and devices of any system we tested. It's also the most cost-effective when it comes to professional monitoring ($20 per month or $200 per year). The plan gives you 180 days of video storage, cellular backup, and 3GB of 24/7 backup internet, with the option to add more ($3 per GB). The Ring Alarm Pro system stands out because it also has a built-in Eero Wi-Fi 6 router, which can replace a standard home Wi-Fi router or create a wireless mesh network, depending on the service. This improves Wi-Fi range and speed, which is a big help for security cameras and other smart home devices throughout the house. Ring will likely require a monitoring plan, as new customers who opted for self-monitoring can no longer receive smartphone notifications or turn the system on and off using the app (and we don't really recommend self-monitoring in the first place). Ring has halted a controversial program that allowed law enforcement and emergency authorities to directly request access to Ring owners' videos. These authorities will still be able to view publicly available videos and may be able to access user videos directly through Ring with a warrant or if Ring determines the event is significant and urgent.
Our Recommendations
The original Ring system is easy to use, inexpensive to set up, and offers more camera add-ons than any other product on the market.
Compatibility: Works with Amazon Alexa, Ring
The Ring Alarm system offers the same great performance as the Ring Alarm Pro: it's reliable, fast, and has a great selection of add-ons, including more cameras and doorbells than any other product. The only difference is that this model doesn't include the built-in Eero 6 router, but if you already have a mesh network or don't need one, you can get nearly the same security system for a lower price.
runner-up
This kit is affordable, easy to install and use, and highly reliable. The optional monitoring plan costs the same as our top pick's plan, but doesn't offer video storage.
Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, August Smart Locks
SimpliSafe is the only product among our picks that offers true self-monitoring capabilities. That means you can arm or disarm the system from an app and receive alerts on your smartphone when sensors are tripped, all without paying a monthly fee. However, we highly recommend paying for professional monitoring. The good news is that SimpliSafe's monitoring prices are competitive and can be adjusted based on your needs. The company offers a large selection of accessories, including door, smoke, and other sensors, indoor and outdoor video cameras, doorbell cameras, and smart locks. Aside from smart speakers, the only non-SimpliSafe device that's compatible with this system is the August lock.
This is also great
Abode offers more smart home integration than any other security system we tested, allowing you to connect to smart home devices from a variety of manufacturers.
Compatible devices: Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, IFTTT, Zigbee, Z-Wave
Abode is for smart home enthusiasts who want a security system that can integrate with smart lighting, thermostats, voice-controlled speakers, and other connected devices, and don't mind going through the steps to put together that kind of setup. Abode supports Zigbee and Z-Wave enabled devices, Amazon Alexa, Apple Home (HomeKit), Google Home, and IFTTT (If This Then That). There is a fee for this type of support, and we found Abode's starter package, most accessories, and live monitoring to be more expensive than other options.