The Best DIY Home Security Systems for 2022

Home security is essential to protect your most valuable investment: your home. Your home is your sanctuary, and you deserve a tailored home security system that meets your specific needs. Sometimes, that means installing and managing it yourself.

The world of home security has evolved rapidly over the past few years with a variety of different options. These include video doorbells, motion sensors, automatic locks, and other devices designed to give your home the best security possible.

Choosing your own security system requires careful consideration and evaluation of your needs. (A mansion in Beverly Hills won't have the same concerns as a haute apartment in the heart of a vibrant complex.) Location, implementation, automation, and ease of use all play into your choice.What's the difference between DIY and professionally installed security systems?

A DIY security system allows you to almost completely streamlined self-service installation and the freedom to customize your equipment as you need. Also, you can generally set up these savvy security systems in minutes. Beyond the benefit of little to no installation time, you can move these systems around to best fit your needs. Overall, DIY security systems allow you to have a reliable systems while saving money.

1. SimpliSafe Home Security
2. Cove Security
3. Wyze Home Monitoring
4. Frontpoint Home Security
5. Ring Alarm Pro

SimpliSafe is one of the top DIY home security system options on the market today. This service was founded in 2006, and has been offering premium home security options since its creation.

With SimpliSafe, homeowners can choose from pre-built home security bundles or customize their system. This level of versatility is helpful to both new and seasoned homeowners who are looking for a more targeted home security system.

One of SimpliSafe's most popular claims to fame is the lack of contracts involved. You can enjoy a secure space throughout the entire year with absolutely no contract or commitment thanks to 24/7 monitoring services. They also don't require a phone line for the products to function, which is helpful in streamlining the installation process in newer homes. If you prefer, SimpliSafe also offers two self-monitoring plans: one free, and one for $9.99 per month.

This system is loved by customers around the globe. They offer affordable pricing for the space, and put customer satisfaction first in everything that they do. SimpliSafe offers a 60-day money-back guarantee. If you aren't completely satisfied, they'll take it back – no questions asked. This type of guarantee is rare for most companies, which sets SimpliSafe apart from other home security providers.

SimpliSafe offers a variety of home protection products to suit the needs of the modern-day homeowner. There are five pre-built systems to choose from. All include one month of professional 24/7 monitoring for free, after which the cost is only 93 cents per day.

• ​The Foundation​: designed with smaller apartments in mind. Starting at $244.96, it includes the Base Station, one Entry Sensor, one Motion Sensor, and one Wireless Keypad.
• ​The Essentials​: starts at $275.95 and includes one Base Station, one Keypad, three Entry Sensors, and one Motion Sensor. This package is ideal for smaller homes or apartments with multiple entryways.
• ​The Hearth​: designed for medium-sized homes. It starts at $389.91 and includes one Base Station, one Keypad, three Entry Sensors, one Motion Sensor, one Smoke Detector, one Keyfob, and one Wireless Siren.
• ​The Knox​: one of the most expansive systems SimpliSafe offers. It starts at $464.87 and includes everything the Hearth has, plus three additional Entry Sensors and one more Motion Sensor.
• ​The Haven​: at $504.86, it's the largest system. It's designed for large homes that need additional security. It includes the standard Base Station and Keypad, but also provides four Entry Sensors, two Motion Sensors, a Panic Button, Smoke Detector, Temperature Sensor, Water Sensor, Keyfob, and Wireless Siren.

With SimpliSafe's customizable home security bundle options, you can have complete peace of mind knowing that every element of your home is safe. In this bundle, you'll receive a base set that includes your traditional Base Station and a Wireless Keypad.

You then can choose a variety of products such as burglary sensors, hazard sensors, and add-ons. While each element of the home security package is able to be installed by the homeowner, SimpliSafe offers customers the option of having professional installation options in the "add-ons" section of the bundle. This offers you either choice, depending on which you'd prefer for your home.

SimpliSafe offers affordable pricing options that allow the company to be as accessible as possible to homeowners in need. You can choose to either pay the flat fee and total purchase cost at check out, or sign up for one of SimpliSafe's flexible monthly payment plans.

​Read the full SimpliSafe Review​

​Shop SimpliSafe Security Systems Here​

Cove is relatively new to the home security scene, but has quickly risen the ranks and become a top option for homeowners who are looking for a sleek, easy-to-use system that actually works. Cove was created in 2018, and has since been featured by big names like Google, CBS, NBC, and Trust Pilot. With an average installation time of just 27 minutes and a flawless customer-centered purchase process, Cove is an industry leader when it comes to home security—trusted by millions in the United States and beyond.

When you're looking for a home security system, you're ideally looking for something that covers every single base and can go above and beyond to ensure your personal safety. With Cove, you can enjoy the amenities of a modern smart-home security system and more. Cove is prepared with 24/7 live agent coverage, cellular backup, and doesn't even need a specific phone plan or line to provide comprehensive coverage. They even offer cross-platform compatibility with competing brand assets if they're on the right channel frequency.

Cove has made flexibility one of its main focuses and offers no contract plans for consumers who still want to have the ability to live monitor without the commitment. They also offer a 60-day money-back guarantee with every purchase to ensure your complete satisfaction.

With Cove, you can also enjoy a variety of monitoring options, ranging from Cove InstaText and Live Assist options, as well as the RapidSOS system which works directly with local 911 centers to provide you direct assistance in the case of an emergency. They offer this service for 90% of the United States, and the range is expanding by the day. This system is proprietary to Cove and provides users with nearly-instantaneous connection to the proper dispatch team, providing them with all information ahead of time so that they can help more effectively.

Cove's InstaText option isn't just handy for your personal protection; it also saves you valuable time if you're away from home or unable to answer a call—and in the era of home offices and never ending meetings, that's pretty convenient. Using Triple-Touch data verification, you simply answer a push notification from the automated system to let them know that no additional assistance is needed. This cuts down on false alarms and wasted time, as well as prolonged pesky alarms that will disrupt your neighbors.

Cove's Live Assist system allows you to speak to a live person at any hour, 365 days per year. With a simple press of a button in your main panel, you'll be connected to a live representative who is ready to assist you in case of emergency.

The company offers a diverse array of products that are designed to protect your home from every vulnerability. Ranging from sleek motion detectors and alarm systems to cameras and detectors, you'll be aware of every movement in the home - no matter what time of day or where you are. That's the peace of mind that you can enjoy with Cove's fully customizable and monitored systems.

Cove offers customized plans and walks clients through a 1-minute questionnaire to offer tailored solutions for your home security needs. After the process, you'll be directed to your list of suggested home security items to purchase. You can purchase whatever base products and accessories you wish, and also be able to see any ongoing deals that the site is offering at the time of purchase.

If you're looking for specific pieces rather than a package, explore any one of the products you're interested in and proceed to purchase whatever you need to complete your home security system. With thousands of reviews and three awards in the U.S. Business Report in the home security sector, you can buy in confidence and create the ultimate security setup.

​Shop Cove Security Systems Here​

Wyze prides itself on being the tech-forward, affordable solution for homeowners that offers no long term binding contract, free shipping, and a 30-day return policy. The company's products don't require complicated installation processes—unlike other DIY home security solutions—making them a savvy choice for homeowners who don't consider themselves handy with tools. This also eliminates the need for further intrusion into your schedule with professional installation and home visits.

The products that Wyze offers are versatile and can suit any size of home – once more, something that other companies don't always offer. They offer a variety of package discounts and have a U.S. based response team that operates 24/7, courtesy of its partnership with Noonlight. The service is 5-diamond certified and protects millions in its user base, every day.

If you need additional help tailoring your products to your home, Wyze's customer service team is standing by. The products utilize simple peel and stick installation, making the onboarding process easy. This company is also one of the most affordable options on the market without restricting your use or access to the products. Both the products and the subscription service feature a quarter of the cost of leading competitive brands in the space, offering you the most for your money and giving you the peace of mind that you deserve.

Wyze offers an incredibly broad range of security products, both traditional and not traditional. On the home security front, there aren't pre-built packages; instead, you build your plan according to your needs. Start with your choice of plan – whether monthly or annual – and then choose the accessories that you need for your home. After this, you can pick additional services like Cam Plus or Sprinkler Plus.

There are security devices you might not think of, too – like the Wyze Gun Safe. If you own firearms, it's important to keep them locked up. You can also look into purchasing smart locks, additional cameras, and much more. Wyze offers affordable products that make it easy to expand your home security system.

​Read the full Wyze Review​

​Shop Wyze Security Systems Here​

Frontpoint offers a smart DIY home security system solution for homeowners looking for the ultimate ease of use. The products are voice activated, making these some of the most comprehensive and easy-to-use solutions on the market. Frontpoint is more than a home security system; the company has expanded its smart tech to have the ability to open and close doors, turn lights on and off, and other basic home tasks. This is just one of the differentiations that Frontpoint has to offer in comparison with other brands.

This home protection system also offers back up protection through a cellular connection, taking the extra step to ensure that your home is protected. The system conducts automatic hourly checks, ensuring nothing is out of the ordinary. Your data is protected by cutting edge storage technology.

The brand has also diversified its services to offer ID protection. Its identity protection team is available every day of the year, at all hours of the day to help in the case of fraud detection. Beyond the total-system protection that this company offers, they've also received numerous endorsements from high-performing entities like Inc. and PCMag.

Frontpoint is all about versatility. The company offers multiple pre-built bundles for equipment, but also allows users to create their own.

The Safehouse is the most affordable option, starting at $392.40. It includes one Frontpoint Hub and Keypad, two door and window sensors, one motion sensor, a free doorbell camera, and one Home Defense Kit.

The Bunker is the next level up. At $633.92, it includes one Frontpoint Hub and Keypad, three door and window sensors, one Motion Sensor, One Indoor Camera, one Smoke and Heat Sensor, one free Doorbell Camera, and one Home Defense Kit.

The Fortress is the highest level option. It starts at $797.88 with one Frontpoint Hub and Keypad, six door and window sensors, two motion sensors, one Indoor Camera, one Smoke and Heat Sensor, a free Doorbell Camera, and one Home Defense Kit.

The Build Your Own option starts at $304.98. For a limited time, it also includes a free Doorbell Camera. You begin with a Frontpoint Hub and Keypad, then add on additional pieces from there. You have two payment options: either cover the full cost upfront, or pay monthly for the package. This allows you to protect your home even on a budget.

​Shop Frontpoint Security Systems Here​

Ring has expanded its product offerings from smart doorbells and security cameras to smart lighting and a full home security system. The products are easy to use and designed for seamless home installation, although some customers may prefer the ease of use that comes with a professional installation service. No matter what your preference is, Ring is here to make that possible.

Ring prides itself on working with its clients, and offers flexible month to month payment plans that users can opt for rather than a long-term contract. This is what initially drew many to the service, beyond the tech-friendly options that Ring provided. When you choose Ring, you'll also receive cross-compatibility that's unavailable with other conventional systems. Ring integrates directly into your smart home system and communicates with WiFi-based eero extenders and Alexa systems.

This is all made possible thanks to the RIng app on mobile devices. Here, you can view a collection of alerts, notifications, and seamlessly manage your Ring devices on the network—from smart lights to alarm systems. You'll also enjoy the peace of mind that comes from 24/7 monitoring and availability, should you choose that subscription package.

While Ring offers bundles for the types of security equipment that you are looking for, the site is more friendly to users who are looking for a standalone purchase—such as a doorbell set or a camera set. Users can get the best deals on Ring products if they shop the Bundle options on the site (these can often come with a built-in discount of $50 or more).

A basic Ring Stick Up Cam with Pan-Tilt is $129.99, while a Starter Pro Bundle that includes the Video Doorbell Pro 2 with Floodlight Cam Wired Pro is $509.98.

When you choose to shop bundles, you walk away with a more comprehensive home security option that you can enjoy upon arrival. You can also choose to purchase it one piece at a time while enjoying the monitoring subscription service that Ring offers. No matter what your choice is, Ring has tailored solutions for every home and is committed to customer satisfaction. When you purchase your Ring device today, you'll also receive a free yard sign as a deterrent when you spend $299 or more.

​Read the full Ring Alarm Review​

​Shop Ring Alarm​

What exactly defines a DIY home security system?

A DIY security system allows users to customize their experience and features streamlined self-service installation methods. You won't need to call anyone out, and can generally set up these savvy options in minutes. On the other hand, many DIY systems do offer professional installation and setup for an additional cost.

There are several benefits to using a DIY security system. Beyond the customization, you can also enjoy the benefits of short installation time, easy dismantling and portability, and better pricing structures. The downside is that most DIY systems are also self-monitored, although more companies have begun offering professional monitoring plans.

Alternatively, professional security options can sometimes offer you a lower home insurance premium while providing the assurance of a professional installing the system in your home.

For many, a DIY home security system is a better fit due to its flexibility and cost effectiveness. Most home security options on the market today feature an easy to install interface that can be enabled in minutes.

Below, we outline some of the most popular DIY home security system options available on the market so that you can purchase in confidence.

DIY home security systems allow homeowners to reduce the cost of a system and protect their home for less. Options like Ring, SimpliSafe, and others allow you to customize your security system to fit your home's specific needs, and many even include numerous smart home products to make day-to-day life more convenient.