{"id":325131,"date":"2025-11-07T18:48:55","date_gmt":"2025-11-07T23:48:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/?page_id=95989"},"modified":"2025-11-14T08:43:00","modified_gmt":"2025-11-14T13:43:00","slug":"best-diy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/home\/security-systems\/best-diy\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best DIY Home Security Systems of 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n<p>DIY home security systems offer an affordable and flexible solution to home safety, with most leading platforms selling self-install kits and month-to-month professional monitoring you can start or cancel anytime. In 2025, mature DIY options include SimpliSafe, Ring, Abode, ADT Self Setup (formerly Blue by ADT), plus newer\/budget choices like Arlo, Wyze, and ecobee. Typical 24\/7 professional monitoring runs about $10\u2013$30 per month depending on features (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-home-security-system\/\">Wirecutter<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/simplisafe.com\/monitoring\">SimpliSafe<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/ring.com\/protect-plans\">Ring<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/goabode.com\/plans\">Abode<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/wyze.com\">Wyze<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecobee.com\/smart-security\/\">ecobee<\/a>). Note: Google Nest Secure was shut down and disabled in 2024 and is no longer a viable option (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\">The Verge<\/a>). The best DIY systems pair low, no\u2011contract monitoring with flexible equipment bundles and strong smart\u2011home compatibility; several of these also appear on our overall list of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/home\/security-systems\/best\/\">best security systems<\/a>. While many complex home projects have tilted back toward professional installation since the pandemic (retailers report Pro demand outpacing DIY and most renovators still hire pros) (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzz.com\/magazine\/2024-us-houzz-home-study-renovation-activity-remains-strong-stsetivw\">Houzz 2024<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2024\/08\/13\/home-depot-hd-q2-2024-earnings.html\">Home Depot<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2024\/08\/20\/lowes-low-q2-2024-earnings.html\">Lowe\u2019s<\/a>), security alarm kits remain among the simplest categories to set up yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The 4 Best DIY Home Security Systems<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#blue\" rel=\"nofollow\" class=\"achor-toggles\">Blue by ADT<\/a>:<strong> <\/strong>Now ADT Self Setup \u2014 best for Nest integration and no\u2011contract ADT monitoring<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#frontpoint\" class=\"achor-toggles\">Frontpoint<\/a>: Best for professional monitoring focus (DIY hardware)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#simplisafe\">SimpliSafe<\/a>: Best for ease of installation and video verification options<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#ring\">Ring<\/a>: Best for low-cost DIY with deep camera\/doorbell ecosystem<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Compare the Top DIY Security Systems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table table table-striped table-bordered table--bordered-top table--rounded\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Provider<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Reviews.com score<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Requires a contract?<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Upfront costs<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Professional monitoring option?<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Professional installation option?<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Smart Home Compatibility<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Camera<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Warranty<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Blue by ADT<\/strong><\/td><td>3.4<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>$200\u2013$400+ (kits; promos vary)<\/td><td>$24.99\/mo+<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>1 year<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Frontpoint<\/strong><\/td><td>2<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>319.95+<\/td><td>$44.99\/mo &#8211; $49.99\/mo<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>3 years<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>SimpliSafe<\/strong><\/td><td>4.2<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>$250\u2013$700+ (typical bundles)<\/td><td>$19.99\/mo &#8211; $29.99\/mo<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>3 years<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Ring<\/strong><\/td><td>4.2<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>$200\u2013$350+ (base kits)<\/td><td>$20\/mo or $200\/yr<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>1 year<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Information accurate as of: 11\/07\/2025<\/em><br>Monitoring price references: <a href=\"https:\/\/simplisafe.com\/monitoring\">SimpliSafe<\/a> lists Self Monitoring with Camera at $9.99\/mo, Standard at $19.99\/mo, and Fast Protect at $29.99\/mo; <a href=\"https:\/\/ring.com\/protect-plans\">Ring Protect Pro<\/a> is $20\/mo or $200\/yr for 24\/7 monitoring of Ring Alarm; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.adt.com\">ADT Self Setup<\/a> professional monitoring commonly starts around $24.99\/mo; <a href=\"https:\/\/goabode.com\/plans\">Abode<\/a> Pro is $22.99\/mo with a $6.99\/mo self-monitoring tier. Hardware kit pricing is frequently discounted; verify current offers at checkout. Google Nest Secure was discontinued in 2024 (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\">source<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n  <style>\n    .myFinance-widget {\n    min-height: 670px;\n    }\n  <\/style>\n  <div class=\"myFinance-widget\" data-widget-id=\"7c9fe833-dde7-4eb5-b71f-d741b8cccd66\" data-campaign=\"reviews-non-monitored-security\"><\/div>\n\n<script async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\" id=\"myFinance-widget-script\">\n  !function () {function e() {var s = \"myFinance-widget-ad-script\";if (!document.getElementById(s)) {var e = document.createElement(\"script\"), n = document.getElementById(\"myFinance-widget-script\"), a = t + \"widget\/myFinance.js\";e.id = s, e.type = \"text\/javascript\", e.async = !0, e.src = a, n.parentNode.insertBefore(e, n);}var c = \"myFinance-widget-css\";if (!document.getElementById(c)) {var d = document.getElementsByTagName(\"head\")[0], i = document.createElement(\"link\");i.id = c, i.rel = \"stylesheet\", i.type = \"text\/css\", i.href = t + \"widget\/myFinance.css\", i.media = \"all\", d.appendChild(i)}}var t = \"https:\/\/static.myfinance.com\/\";document.attachEvent ? document.attachEvent(\"onreadystatechange\", function () {\"complete\" === document.readyState && e()}) : document.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", e, !1)}();\n<\/script>\n\n\n            <span class=\"b-anchor\" id=\"blue\" > <\/span>\n    \n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Blue by ADT \u2014 Best for Customization<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n                                                            \n            <section id=\"blue-by-adt\"\n         class=\"block b-item-list-card b-item-list-card--\"\n         data-js=\"block-item-list-card\"\n         data-preamp=\"block-item-list-card\">\n\n        <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card\">\n\n                <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left\">\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__top\">\n                <span class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__top--top\">Best for<\/span>\n                <span class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__top--top\"> Customization<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__bottom\">\n                                                    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.adt.com\/protect\/diy?rvitemid=342384-20\"\n                        data-tag='product' data-tag-outcome='MONETIZABLE' data-tag-location='LISTCARD' data-tag-product-id='342384' data-tag-product-name='Blue by ADT' data-tag-brand='Blue by ADT' data-tag-price='0' data-tag-subscription='' data-tag-category=''\n                        aria-label=\"Blue by ADT button\" \n                        rel=\"nofollow sponsored\" >\n                                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Blue-by-ADT-Logo.png\" alt=\"Image for Blue-by-ADT-Logo\" \/>\n                                            <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right\">\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__top\n                        b-item-list-card__card__right__top--line\">\n                Blue by ADT\n            <\/div>\n\n            <br>\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__topv2\" >\n                Blue by ADT\n            <\/div>\n            <br>\n\n           <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__middle\">\n                                        <a class=\"reviews-btn--primary reviews-btn--large reviews-btn--expand\"\n                    disable-tagular\n                    target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.adt.com\/protect\/diy?rvitemid=342384-20\" type=\"button\"\n                    aria-label=\"Blue by ADT button\" data-tag='product' data-tag-outcome='MONETIZABLE' data-tag-location='LISTCARD' data-tag-product-id='342384' data-tag-product-name='Blue by ADT' data-tag-brand='Blue by ADT' data-tag-price='0' data-tag-subscription='' data-tag-category='' \n                    rel=\"nofollow sponsored\"\n                >\n                View plans<\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__bottomv2 h-margin-top-15\">\n                \n            <\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__info\">\n        <div class=\"grid-x\">\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__info__line cell medium-auto \">\n                <p class=\"b-item-list-card__info__line--title\"> Pros <\/p>\n                <ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Customizable packages<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optional self-monitoring<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Access to ADT\u2019s top-rated monitoring systems<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__info__line cell medium-auto\">\n                <p class=\"b-item-list-card__info__line--title\"> Cons <\/p>\n                <ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No professional installation option<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mixed customer service reviews<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n      <div class=\"grid-x\">\n        <a href=\"#\" class=\"b-item-list-card__footer cell back_to_top\" data-tag='cta' data-tag-element-type='LINK' data-tag-location='LISTCARD' data-tag-outcome='INTERNALLINK' >\n            <p>Return to top\n                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"b-item-list-card__footer-image lazyload\" alt='Return to top arrow' style=\"height: 20px; margin-left: 5px;\"\n                data-src=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-content\/themes\/reviews-2020\/assets\/images\/Arrow.svg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-content\/themes\/reviews-2020\/assets\/images\/LightGray-placeholder.png\">\n            <\/p>\n        <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n    \n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reviews Score: 3.4&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Blue by ADT has evolved into <a href=\"https:\/\/www.adt.com\">ADT Self Setup<\/a>, ADT\u2019s DIY line that pairs self-install hardware with optional month\u2011to\u2011month professional monitoring. It\u2019s a strong fit if you want ADT\u2019s monitoring network and compatibility with Google Nest devices without signing a long\u2011term contract (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.adt.com\">ADT Self Setup<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/developers.home.google.com\/matter\">Google\/Matter<\/a> context).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pricing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Typical starter kits land in the low\u2011to\u2011mid $200s before discounts. Professional monitoring commonly starts around $24.99\/month on a no\u2011contract basis, with cellular backup for alarm signaling (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.adt.com\">ADT Self Setup<\/a>). Pricing and bundles change frequently due to promotions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Customer Service<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>ADT Self Setup emphasizes flexibility: hardware is purchased upfront and monitoring is month\u2011to\u2011month with straightforward cancellation. Broader subscription norms are moving toward simpler online cancellation (FTC\u2019s \u201cclick to cancel\u201d initiative) (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ftc.gov\">FTC<\/a>). When evaluating service quality, remember that 98% of consumers read local business reviews and prioritize recent feedback and responsive support (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightlocal.com\/research\/local-consumer-review-survey\/\">BrightLocal 2024<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Installation options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Designed for DIY install with in\u2011app guidance; support can assist during setup. If you want a professionally installed system from ADT instead, expect a multi\u2011year contract (often ~36 months) for the traditional pro\u2011installed service (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.adt.com\">ADT residential contract<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n            <span class=\"b-anchor\" id=\"frontpoint\" > <\/span>\n    \n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Frontpoint<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n                                                            \n            <section id=\"frontpoint\"\n         class=\"block b-item-list-card b-item-list-card--\"\n         data-js=\"block-item-list-card\"\n         data-preamp=\"block-item-list-card\">\n\n        <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card\">\n\n                <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left\">\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__top\">\n                <span class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__top--top\">Best for<\/span>\n                <span class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__top--top\"> Professional Monitoring<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__bottom\">\n                                                    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/oc.brcclx.com\/t\/?lid=26673786&#038;cr=28177&#038;last_updated=1598469132&#038;rvitemid=323278-20\"\n                        data-tag='product' data-tag-outcome='MONETIZABLE' data-tag-location='LISTCARD' data-tag-product-id='323278' data-tag-product-name='Frontpoint' data-tag-brand='Frontpoint' data-tag-price='0' data-tag-subscription='' data-tag-category=''\n                        aria-label=\"Frontpoint button\" \n                        rel=\"nofollow sponsored\" >\n                                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Frontpoint-Logo-Square.png\" alt=\"Image for Frontpoint Logo Square\" \/>\n                                            <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right\">\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__top\n                        b-item-list-card__card__right__top--line\">\n                Frontpoint\n            <\/div>\n\n            <br>\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__topv2\" >\n                Frontpoint\n            <\/div>\n            <br>\n\n           <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__middle\">\n                                        <a class=\"reviews-btn--primary reviews-btn--large reviews-btn--expand\"\n                    disable-tagular\n                    target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/oc.brcclx.com\/t\/?lid=26673786&#038;cr=28177&#038;last_updated=1598469132&#038;rvitemid=323278-20\" type=\"button\"\n                    aria-label=\"Frontpoint button\" data-tag='product' data-tag-outcome='MONETIZABLE' data-tag-location='LISTCARD' data-tag-product-id='323278' data-tag-product-name='Frontpoint' data-tag-brand='Frontpoint' data-tag-price='0' data-tag-subscription='' data-tag-category='' \n                    rel=\"nofollow sponsored\"\n                >\n                View plans<\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__bottomv2 h-margin-top-15\">\n                \n            <\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__info\">\n        <div class=\"grid-x\">\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__info__line cell medium-auto \">\n                <p class=\"b-item-list-card__info__line--title\"> Pros <\/p>\n                <ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excellent professional monitoring<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Build-your-own package option<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__info__line cell medium-auto\">\n                <p class=\"b-item-list-card__info__line--title\"> Cons <\/p>\n                <ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most expensive system on our list<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No professional installation option<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n      <div class=\"grid-x\">\n        <a href=\"#\" class=\"b-item-list-card__footer cell back_to_top\" data-tag='cta' data-tag-element-type='LINK' data-tag-location='LISTCARD' data-tag-outcome='INTERNALLINK' >\n            <p>Return to top\n                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"b-item-list-card__footer-image lazyload\" alt='Return to top arrow' style=\"height: 20px; margin-left: 5px;\"\n                data-src=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-content\/themes\/reviews-2020\/assets\/images\/Arrow.svg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-content\/themes\/reviews-2020\/assets\/images\/LightGray-placeholder.png\">\n            <\/p>\n        <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n    \n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reviews Score: 2<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Frontpoint is a fully DIY, self\u2011installed alarm system that emphasizes professional monitoring. It typically costs more than budget\u2011focused rivals, but delivers robust monitoring and a straightforward app experience. In the broader market, full professional monitoring commonly ranges from about $18\u2013$30\/month for DIY providers, with higher prices for some premium or pro\u2011installed services (<a href=\"https:\/\/simplisafe.com\/monitoring\">SimpliSafe<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/ring.com\/protect-plans\">Ring<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/goabode.com\/plans\">Abode<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\">Vivint<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pricing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Frontpoint\u2019s pre\u2011configured kits and build\u2011your\u2011own options are frequently discounted. Its monitoring has historically trended higher than the lowest\u2011cost DIY plans, reflecting an emphasis on professional response. For context, DIY kits across the market commonly cost $200\u2013$700 before discounts (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-home-security-system\/\">Wirecutter<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Customer Service<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Support is available via phone\/chat during set hours, with online setup guides for common tasks. Because review recency strongly influences consumer choice, prioritize up\u2011to\u2011date customer feedback when comparing providers (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightlocal.com\/research\/local-consumer-review-survey\/\">BrightLocal 2024<\/a>). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Installation options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Frontpoint is designed for DIY installation \u2014 there\u2019s no pro install option. The company hosts step\u2011by\u2011step videos and guides to shepherd setup.<br>Check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/home\/security-systems\/frontpoint-security-review\/\">full Frontpoint review<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n            <span class=\"b-anchor\" id=\"simplisafe\" > <\/span>\n    \n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>SimpliSafe<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n                                                            \n            <section id=\"simplisafe\"\n         class=\"block b-item-list-card b-item-list-card--\"\n         data-js=\"block-item-list-card\"\n         data-preamp=\"block-item-list-card\">\n\n        <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card\">\n\n                <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left\">\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__top\">\n                <span class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__top--top\">Best for<\/span>\n                <span class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__top--top\"> Customer Satisfaction<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__bottom\">\n                                                    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/simplisafe.com\/value?utm_source=reviews&#038;utm_medium=ppc&#038;utm_campaign=201810&#038;utm_term=r16141&#038;utm=323280-20\"\n                        data-tag='product' data-tag-outcome='MONETIZABLE' data-tag-location='LISTCARD' data-tag-product-id='323280' data-tag-product-name='SimpliSafe' data-tag-brand='SimpliSafe' data-tag-price='0' data-tag-subscription='' data-tag-category=''\n                        aria-label=\"SimpliSafe button\" \n                        rel=\"nofollow sponsored\" >\n                                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Simplisafe-Logo4.png\" alt=\"Image for Simplisafe-Logo4\" \/>\n                                            <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right\">\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__top\n                        b-item-list-card__card__right__top--line\">\n                SimpliSafe\n            <\/div>\n\n            <br>\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__topv2\" >\n                SimpliSafe\n            <\/div>\n            <br>\n\n           <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__middle\">\n                                        <a class=\"reviews-btn--primary reviews-btn--large reviews-btn--expand\"\n                    disable-tagular\n                    target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/simplisafe.com\/value?utm_source=reviews&#038;utm_medium=ppc&#038;utm_campaign=201810&#038;utm_term=r16141&#038;utm=323280-20\" type=\"button\"\n                    aria-label=\"SimpliSafe button\" data-tag='product' data-tag-outcome='MONETIZABLE' data-tag-location='LISTCARD' data-tag-product-id='323280' data-tag-product-name='SimpliSafe' data-tag-brand='SimpliSafe' data-tag-price='0' data-tag-subscription='' data-tag-category='' \n                    rel=\"nofollow sponsored\"\n                >\n                View plans<\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__bottomv2 h-margin-top-15\">\n                \n            <\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__info\">\n        <div class=\"grid-x\">\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__info__line cell medium-auto \">\n                <p class=\"b-item-list-card__info__line--title\"> Pros <\/p>\n                <ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Top in customer satisfaction<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optional professional monitoring<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Build-your-own package option<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__info__line cell medium-auto\">\n                <p class=\"b-item-list-card__info__line--title\"> Cons <\/p>\n                <ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No self-monitoring option<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Limited home automation features<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No standalone smart home products<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n      <div class=\"grid-x\">\n        <a href=\"#\" class=\"b-item-list-card__footer cell back_to_top\" data-tag='cta' data-tag-element-type='LINK' data-tag-location='LISTCARD' data-tag-outcome='INTERNALLINK' >\n            <p>Return to top\n                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"b-item-list-card__footer-image lazyload\" alt='Return to top arrow' style=\"height: 20px; margin-left: 5px;\"\n                data-src=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-content\/themes\/reviews-2020\/assets\/images\/Arrow.svg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-content\/themes\/reviews-2020\/assets\/images\/LightGray-placeholder.png\">\n            <\/p>\n        <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n    \n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reviews Score: 4.2<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>SimpliSafe is consistently recommended for easy setup and reliable performance, with broad accessory support and strong monitoring options (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-home-security-system\/\">Wirecutter<\/a>). Advanced plans add video verification\/live\u2011agent features on compatible cameras to help speed response and reduce false alarms (<a href=\"https:\/\/simplisafe.com\/monitoring\">SimpliSafe Fast Protect<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pricing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Typical bundles run roughly $250\u2013$700 before discounts, and you can build your own system. Monitoring is month\u2011to\u2011month: Self Monitoring with Camera is $9.99\/mo, Standard Monitoring is $19.99\/mo, and Fast Protect is $29.99\/mo with cellular backup and live\u2011agent video features (<a href=\"https:\/\/simplisafe.com\/monitoring\">SimpliSafe plans<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Customer Service<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Plans are no\u2011contract and can be canceled anytime. When comparing service quality, focus on recent customer feedback and responsiveness, which consumers value highly (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightlocal.com\/research\/local-consumer-review-survey\/\">BrightLocal 2024<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Installation options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>SimpliSafe is designed for self\u2011install. Optional professional installation is available for a one\u2011time fee (quoted at checkout).<br>Check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/home\/security-systems\/simplisafe-review\/\">full SimpliSafe review<\/a>.\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n            <span class=\"b-anchor\" id=\"ring\" > <\/span>\n    \n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ring&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n                                                            \n            <section id=\"ring-security\"\n         class=\"block b-item-list-card b-item-list-card--\"\n         data-js=\"block-item-list-card\"\n         data-preamp=\"block-item-list-card\">\n\n        <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card\">\n\n                <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left\">\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__top\">\n                <span class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__top--top\">Best for<\/span>\n                <span class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__top--top\"> Low-Cost DIY Security<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__left__bottom\">\n                                                    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B07D7Q6CHB\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=9325&#038;creativeASIN=B07D7Q6CHB&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;linkId=e3ac90d888851b942b61847720ce171a&#038;tag=315890-20\"\n                        data-tag='product' data-tag-outcome='MONETIZABLE' data-tag-location='LISTCARD' data-tag-product-id='315890' data-tag-product-name='Ring Security' data-tag-brand='Ring' data-tag-price='0' data-tag-subscription='month' data-tag-category=''\n                        aria-label=\"Ring button\" \n                        rel=\"nofollow sponsored\" >\n                                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/ringlogo.png\" alt=\"Image for ringlogo\" \/>\n                                            <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right\">\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__top\n                        b-item-list-card__card__right__top--line\">\n                Ring\n            <\/div>\n\n            <br>\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__topv2\" >\n                Ring Security\n            <\/div>\n            <br>\n\n           <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__middle\">\n                                        <a class=\"reviews-btn--primary reviews-btn--large reviews-btn--expand\"\n                    disable-tagular\n                    target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B07D7Q6CHB\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=9325&#038;creativeASIN=B07D7Q6CHB&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;linkId=e3ac90d888851b942b61847720ce171a&#038;tag=315890-20\" type=\"button\"\n                    aria-label=\"Ring button\" data-tag='product' data-tag-outcome='MONETIZABLE' data-tag-location='LISTCARD' data-tag-product-id='315890' data-tag-product-name='Ring Security' data-tag-brand='Ring' data-tag-price='0' data-tag-subscription='month' data-tag-category='' \n                    rel=\"nofollow sponsored\"\n                >\n                View plans<\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__card__right__bottomv2 h-margin-top-15\">\n                \n            <\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__info\">\n        <div class=\"grid-x\">\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__info__line cell medium-auto \">\n                <p class=\"b-item-list-card__info__line--title\"> Pros <\/p>\n                <ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low-cost system<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optional professional installation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Packages for any size home<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"b-item-list-card__info__line cell medium-auto\">\n                <p class=\"b-item-list-card__info__line--title\"> Cons <\/p>\n                <ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cellular backup only available with paid professional monitoring<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Video recording only available with paid professional monitoring<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n      <div class=\"grid-x\">\n        <a href=\"#\" class=\"b-item-list-card__footer cell back_to_top\" data-tag='cta' data-tag-element-type='LINK' data-tag-location='LISTCARD' data-tag-outcome='INTERNALLINK' >\n            <p>Return to top\n                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"b-item-list-card__footer-image lazyload\" alt='Return to top arrow' style=\"height: 20px; margin-left: 5px;\"\n                data-src=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-content\/themes\/reviews-2020\/assets\/images\/Arrow.svg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-content\/themes\/reviews-2020\/assets\/images\/LightGray-placeholder.png\">\n            <\/p>\n        <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n    \n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reviews Score: 4.2<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Ring is a top value pick: kits are easy to install, and the ecosystem tightly integrates cameras and doorbells. The Alarm Pro variant adds an eero router and local features. Deep Alexa integration and rich camera tie\u2011ins make it ideal for Amazon\u2011centric homes (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-home-security-system\/\">Wirecutter<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pricing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Representative base kits commonly list around $200\u2013$350 before discounts. Optional 24\/7 professional monitoring is available with Ring Protect Pro for $20\/month or $200\/year; plans are month\u2011to\u2011month with cellular backup for Ring Alarm (<a href=\"https:\/\/ring.com\/protect-plans\">Ring Protect Pro<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Customer Service<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Ring provides extensive online resources and 24\/7 contact options in many regions. As with all providers, weigh recent customer reviews and responsiveness when judging support quality (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightlocal.com\/research\/local-consumer-review-survey\/\">BrightLocal 2024<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Installation options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Ring Alarm is designed for quick DIY setup. Third\u2011party professional installation is available in many areas (pricing varies by location). Check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/home\/security-systems\/ring-alarm-review\/\">full Ring review<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Much Do DIY Security Systems Cost?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many good <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/home\/security-systems\/home-security-cost\/\">affordable security systems<\/a> on the market, but price points vary widely. In 2025, common DIY starter kits cost about $200\u2013$700 before discounts, while 24\/7 professional monitoring typically ranges from roughly $17.99\u2013$49.99+ per month across major providers, with budget options near $10\/month and self\u2011monitoring tiers around $6.99\u2013$9.99 (<a href=\"https:\/\/simplisafe.com\/monitoring\">SimpliSafe<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/ring.com\/protect-plans\">Ring<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/goabode.com\/plans\">Abode<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.covesmart.com\">Cove<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\">Vivint<\/a>).&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Illustrative 3\u2011year total cost examples (equipment + monitoring): budget DIY (Ring): ~$249 + 36\u00d7$20 \u2248 $969; value DIY with richer features (Abode Pro): ~$280 + 36\u00d7$22.99 \u2248 $1,108; feature\u2011rich DIY (SimpliSafe Fast Protect): ~$400 + 36\u00d7$29.99 \u2248 $1,480; a pro\u2011installed baseline (Vivint): ~$1,000 + 36\u00d7$39.99 \u2248 $2,440. Actual quotes vary by configuration, promos, taxes\/fees, and permits (<a href=\"https:\/\/ring.com\/protect-plans\">Ring<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/goabode.com\/plans\">Abode<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/simplisafe.com\/monitoring\">SimpliSafe<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\">Vivint<\/a>). Even within one system you can customize with cameras and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/home\/security-systems\/door-windows-sensors-versatility\/\">door and window sensors<\/a>. Optional pro installation (where offered) and local permit fees will increase your total cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">DIY Home Security Factors and Features to Consider<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To find the best fit, compare pricing, monitoring features, smart\u2011home compatibility, and the platform\u2019s security\/privacy posture. Newer advancements can materially change day\u2011to\u2011day experience and reliability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Price:<\/strong> Typical DIY starter kits cost about $200\u2013$700 before discounts, while professional monitoring commonly falls between ~$18\u2013$30\/month (budget options near $10\/month; self\u2011monitoring tiers around $6.99\u2013$9.99). Confirm plan features like cellular backup and camera limits before you buy (<a href=\"https:\/\/simplisafe.com\/monitoring\">SimpliSafe<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/ring.com\/protect-plans\">Ring<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/goabode.com\/plans\">Abode<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/wyze.com\">Wyze<\/a>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Contract:<\/strong> Most DIY providers are month\u2011to\u2011month and \u201cno long\u2011term contract,\u201d while traditional pro\u2011installed systems often use multi\u2011year agreements (e.g., ADT\u2019s residential services contract specifies an initial 36\u2011month term) (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.adt.com\">ADT contract<\/a>). Avoid financing arrangements that effectively lock you in if flexibility is a priority.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Installation:<\/strong> DIY alarm kits are designed for easy self\u2011install. Post\u2011pandemic, consumers increasingly hire pros for complex, code\u2011dependent projects, but security kits remain accessible for DIY setup (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzz.com\/magazine\/2024-us-houzz-home-study-renovation-activity-remains-strong-stsetivw\">Houzz 2024<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2024\/08\/13\/home-depot-hd-q2-2024-earnings.html\">Home Depot<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2024\/08\/20\/lowes-low-q2-2024-earnings.html\">Lowe\u2019s<\/a>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Equipment and AI features:<\/strong> Look for cameras with on\u2011device computer vision to identify people\/vehicles\/animals and configurable Activity Zones to cut false alerts (e.g., Nest cameras) (<a href=\"https:\/\/support.google.com\">Google Nest<\/a>). Apple\u2019s HomeKit Secure Video analyzes footage on device and provides end\u2011to\u2011end encrypted recordings (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.apple.com\">Apple<\/a>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Monitoring:<\/strong> Plans differ meaningfully. Some include video verification or live\u2011agent engagement for faster emergency dispatch (e.g., SimpliSafe Fast Protect) (<a href=\"https:\/\/simplisafe.com\/monitoring\">SimpliSafe<\/a>). Abode uniquely offers short\u2011term, on\u2011demand pro monitoring (e.g., 3\u2011 or 7\u2011day windows) that\u2019s useful for travel or rentals (<a href=\"https:\/\/help.goabode.com\">Abode on\u2011demand<\/a>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Smart home compatibility:<\/strong> Most systems support Alexa\/Google. If you use Apple Home, Abode and ecobee stand out for native support. The <a href=\"https:\/\/csa-iot.org\/all-solutions\/matter\/\">Matter<\/a> standard and <a href=\"https:\/\/csa-iot.org\">Matter 1.4<\/a> updates improve cross\u2011platform control for sensors\/locks, especially over Thread, but full security system arming\/disarming via Matter remains limited; expect to use each provider\u2019s app for alarm\u2011specific controls.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Connectivity and reliability:<\/strong> Cameras benefit from strong Wi\u2011Fi (Wi\u2011Fi 6\/6E baseline; Wi\u2011Fi 7 is emerging for multi\u2011camera homes) (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wi-fi.org\">Wi\u2011Fi Alliance<\/a>). Battery sensors work well on low\u2011power meshes like Thread. Prioritize cellular backup for alarm signaling on monitored tiers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Security and privacy:<\/strong> Favor devices aligned with secure\u2011by\u2011design best practices (unique credentials, MFA, automatic updates) (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cisa.gov\">CISA<\/a>) and watch for the emerging U.S. Cyber Trust Mark labeling for IoT security baselines (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fcc.gov\">FCC 2024<\/a>).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Did We Choose the Best DIY Home Security Systems?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We compared DIY systems on total cost of ownership (equipment + monitoring), contract flexibility, and installation experience, and we weighted modern capabilities that reduce false alerts and improve response: cellular backup, video verification\/live\u2011agent features where available, and reliable camera performance. We also evaluated smart\u2011home reach (Alexa\/Google; Apple Home via platforms like Abode and ecobee), standards support such as <a href=\"https:\/\/csa-iot.org\/all-solutions\/matter\/\">Matter<\/a>\/<a href=\"https:\/\/www.apple.com\">Apple Home<\/a>\/<a href=\"https:\/\/developer.smartthings.com\/docs\/devices\/matter\/overview\">SmartThings<\/a>\/<a href=\"https:\/\/www.home-assistant.io\/integrations\/matter\/\">Home Assistant<\/a>, connectivity resiliency (Wi\u2011Fi 6\/6E\/7; Thread), and security posture (MFA, auto\u2011updates, emerging <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fcc.gov\">U.S. Cyber Trust Mark<\/a>) (see provider plan pages: <a href=\"https:\/\/simplisafe.com\/monitoring\">SimpliSafe<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/ring.com\/protect-plans\">Ring<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.adt.com\">ADT Self Setup<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/goabode.com\/plans\">Abode<\/a>; and editorial context from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-home-security-system\/\">Wirecutter<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n  <style>\n    .myFinance-widget {\n    min-height: 670px;\n    }\n  <\/style>\n  <div class=\"myFinance-widget\" data-widget-id=\"7c9fe833-dde7-4eb5-b71f-d741b8cccd66\" data-campaign=\"reviews-non-monitored-security\"><\/div>\n\n<script async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\" id=\"myFinance-widget-script\">\n  !function () {function e() {var s = \"myFinance-widget-ad-script\";if (!document.getElementById(s)) {var e = document.createElement(\"script\"), n = document.getElementById(\"myFinance-widget-script\"), a = t + \"widget\/myFinance.js\";e.id = s, e.type = \"text\/javascript\", e.async = !0, e.src = a, n.parentNode.insertBefore(e, n);}var c = \"myFinance-widget-css\";if (!document.getElementById(c)) {var d = document.getElementsByTagName(\"head\")[0], i = document.createElement(\"link\");i.id = c, i.rel = \"stylesheet\", i.type = \"text\/css\", i.href = t + \"widget\/myFinance.css\", i.media = \"all\", d.appendChild(i)}}var t = \"https:\/\/static.myfinance.com\/\";document.attachEvent ? document.attachEvent(\"onreadystatechange\", function () {\"complete\" === document.readyState && e()}) : document.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", e, !1)}();\n<\/script>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs about DIY Home Security Systems<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"block_5eb2f89adf4cf\" class=\"block b-accordion\" data-js=\"b-accordion\">\n    <div class=\"b-accordion__container\">\n        <div class=\"b-accordion__header\">\n            <a href=\"#\" class=\"b-accordion__title\" data-tag='cta' data-tag-element-type='LINK' data-tag-location='ACCORDION' data-tag-outcome='INTERNALLINK' ><h3 class=\"b-accordion__title--h3\">What is the easiest home security system to install?<\/h3><\/a>\n            <span class=\"b-accordion__toggle chevron-arrow-down\"><\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"b-accordion__content\" style=\"display: none;\">\n            <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most DIY kits from our top picks are designed to go up in under an hour with peel-and-stick sensors and guided apps. Independent editors frequently recommend SimpliSafe and Ring for ease of install and reliability (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-home-security-system\/\">Wirecutter<\/a>). If you prefer pro help, some DIY brands offer optional installation for a fee.<\/span><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"block_5eb2f8bcdf4d0\" class=\"block b-accordion\" data-js=\"b-accordion\">\n    <div class=\"b-accordion__container\">\n        <div class=\"b-accordion__header\">\n            <a href=\"#\" class=\"b-accordion__title\" data-tag='cta' data-tag-element-type='LINK' data-tag-location='ACCORDION' data-tag-outcome='INTERNALLINK' ><h3 class=\"b-accordion__title--h3\">Can I take my DIY system with me if I move?<\/h3><\/a>\n            <span class=\"b-accordion__toggle chevron-arrow-down\"><\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"b-accordion__content\" style=\"display: none;\">\n            <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes. DIY systems are easy to uninstall and relocate, and monitoring is typically month-to-month with no long-term contract, so you can pause or transfer service as needed (<a href=\"https:\/\/simplisafe.com\/monitoring\">SimpliSafe<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/ring.com\/protect-plans\">Ring<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/goabode.com\/plans\">Abode<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.adt.com\">ADT Self Setup<\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"block_5eb2f8d8df4d1\" class=\"block b-accordion\" data-js=\"b-accordion\">\n    <div class=\"b-accordion__container\">\n        <div class=\"b-accordion__header\">\n            <a href=\"#\" class=\"b-accordion__title\" data-tag='cta' data-tag-element-type='LINK' data-tag-location='ACCORDION' data-tag-outcome='INTERNALLINK' ><h3 class=\"b-accordion__title--h3\">How do I know if a DIY system is right for me?<\/h3><\/a>\n            <span class=\"b-accordion__toggle chevron-arrow-down\"><\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"b-accordion__content\" style=\"display: none;\">\n            <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Match features to your priorities: no-contract monitoring and cellular backup for reliability; video verification or live-agent options for faster response; and smart-home compatibility (e.g., Apple Home via Abode\/ecobee). Read recent customer reviews \u2014 98% of consumers consult online reviews and value prompt responses and recency (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightlocal.com\/research\/local-consumer-review-survey\/\">BrightLocal 2024<\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"block_5fdccd3d910d9\" class=\"block b-accordion\" data-js=\"b-accordion\">\n    <div class=\"b-accordion__container\">\n        <div class=\"b-accordion__header\">\n            <a href=\"#\" class=\"b-accordion__title\" data-tag='cta' data-tag-element-type='LINK' data-tag-location='ACCORDION' data-tag-outcome='INTERNALLINK' ><h3 class=\"b-accordion__title--h3\">Can I mix products from different DIY providers?<\/h3><\/a>\n            <span class=\"b-accordion__toggle chevron-arrow-down\"><\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"b-accordion__content\" style=\"display: none;\">\n            <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Core alarm components are usually locked to one ecosystem, but cross-platform control is improving for many device types via the <a href=\"https:\/\/csa-iot.org\/all-solutions\/matter\/\">Matter<\/a> standard (especially sensors\/locks over Thread). Cameras and full arming\/disarming aren\u2019t standardized in Matter yet, so expect to use each provider\u2019s app for alarm features.<\/span><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our Other Home Security Reviews<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We have compared the plans and installed the gadgets, and have amassed favorite products and services to care for all aspects of your home. Check out our top picks in the reviews below. <\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"list-items\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul class=\"list-items\">\n<li><a href=\"\/home\/security-systems\/best\/\">Best Home Security Systems<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/home\/security-systems\/best-cheap\/\">Cheap Home Security Systems<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>DIY home security systems offer an affordable and flexible solution to home safety, with most leading platforms selling self-install kits and month-to-month professional monitoring you can start or cancel anytime. In 2025, mature DIY options include SimpliSafe, Ring, Abode, ADT Self Setup (formerly Blue by ADT), plus newer\/budget choices like Arlo, Wyze, and ecobee. Typical [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":345,"featured_media":346598,"parent":2228,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/template-reviews.php","meta":[],"categories":[1286],"tags":[],"post_author":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Best DIY Home Security Systems of 2025 | Reviews.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"DIY home security lets you protect what matters with live feeds, mobile alerts, and smart home integration. 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