Best DIY Home Security System in 2025
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You no longer have to rely on expert assistance to secure your home. DIY home security systems are becoming widespread and beginner-friendly so that users can set them up without help. However, choosing the best DIY home security system is challenging, subject to specific household needs.
I have researched a variety of do-it-yourself home security systems to select 5 worth investment. With the help of Cybernews research team, I have verified available features, setup processes, pricing, and customer support options. I have also inspected user reviews and first-hand opinions to identify potential issues and strong points.
In this article, you will find affordable DIY security system pioneers like SimpliSafe alongside services like ADT, which introduced a DIY solution more recently. To help you choose, I will outline the chosen service's advantages and setbacks, monitoring and equipment options, and provide tips on choosing the right one. Let's start!
Top 5 DIY Home Security Systems – shortlist
- Xfinity – the best DIY home security system overall
- Simplisafe – DIY home security with the easiest setup
- Cove – best customizable DIY home security system
- Abode – DIY security for smart home automation
- ADT – experienced home security brand
How to choose the best DIY home security system?
Affordability is a crucial DIY security system selling point, but it comes secondary to safety. You will make the most out of it if you get the required equipment without overpaying. Here are the key factors you should consider.
Essential features. The best DIY security system should provide door and window sensors, indoor and outdoor cameras, an intuitive control panel, and a user-friendly mobile app for remote control. With the help of Cybernews research crew, I picked and prioritized systems with customizable alert settings.
Monitoring options. While self-monitoring is excellent for saving expenses, it also requires continuous vigilance. All 5 DIY security systems with cameras offer both professional and self-monitoring so that you can choose whichever you need at convenience.
Expandability and smart home integration. One of the best DIY home security aspects is that you can always add more gadgets to it, like top-notch Xfinity doorbell cameras. If you live in a smart home, consider Abode as your primary choice, which has one of the best smart home integrations in the market.
Ease of installation. When it comes to DIY, the best security system must be easy to install. That means that most components must be wireless, require as little drilling as possible, and come with an easy-to-follow installation manual.
The best DIY home security system – our detailed list
Following are my top 5 DIY home security systems picks. All selected providers are easy to install without expert assistance, offer 24/7 customer support, and self and professional monitoring.
1. Xfinity – best smart home DIY security
| Type of monitoring: | Self and professional |
| Installation difficulty: | Easy |
| Equipment options: | Touchscreen controller, window, door, and motion sensors, yard sign |
| Starting price and monthly fees: | Starts from $10 per month + initial equipment fee |
| Smart home compatibility: | August door locks, Philips Hue lighting, ecobee thermostats, and more |
Xfinity is the best DIY home security system, especially if you use other Comcast services, like cable or internet.
General overview. Xfinity has been securing households since 2012, but the company goes way back. It is a part of American telecommunications giant Comcast Corporation that also offers mobile, cable, and internet services.
Equipment. Xfinity core components include a touchscreen controller, 3 window and door sensors, 1 motion sensor, and a yard sign. However, I recommend using the Build Your Plan option on its website to see what's available at your address.
Monitoring. This DIY home security system offers both professional and self-monitoring, but unlike others on this list, self-monitoring is a paid service.
Cost. Xfinity core DIY equipment prices may vary based on location, so it's best to contact them directly for a breakdown. DIY self-monitoring costs $10 per month, going up to $55 per month for professional monitoring.
User experience. Xfinity stands out regarding smart device compatibility. It supports August door locks, Philips Hue lighting, ecobee thermostats, and more but does not work with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. You can control everything from a user-friendly Xfinity app.
2. SimpliSafe – simplistic and affordable DIY security
| Type of monitoring: | Self and professional |
| Installation difficulty: | Very easy |
| Equipement options: | Entry, motion, glassbreak, and hazard sensors, wired and wireless cameras, doorbells, sirens, and more |
| Starting price and monthly fees: | Starts from $279.94 + $0.73/day professional monitoring |
| Smart home compatibility: | Alexa, Google Assistant, August smart locks |
SimpliSafe excels at easy-as-a-breeze DIY setup and affordable prices but falls behind smart home compatibility compared to Xfinity.
General overview. This is one of the do-it-yourself home security systems pioneers with nearly 2 decades of experience. A polished DIY setup results in one of the easiest installations you can get in the current home security market.
Equipment. Initial indoor equipment includes 1 base station, 1 keypad, 3 entry sensors, and 1 motion sensor. Outdoor plan adds 1 exterior camera, and the Elite plan (called The Beacon) adds 2 more sensors and 1 more outdoor camera.
Monitoring. SimpliSafe offers free self-monitoring and a set of professional monitoring plans that range from $0.73 per day for standard to $2.66 per day for 24/7 active outdoor monitoring.
Cost. The most affordable Starter plan costs $279.94, going up to $479.93 to include outdoor security, and the most expensive plan costs $729.90. Professional installation costs $124.99, so the DIY solution significantly reduces expenses.
User experience. This highly rated DIY security system is praised for effortless installation and great customer service, but some users had issues with false alarms and app performance.
3. Cove – easy setup with professional customer support
| Type of monitoring: | Professional |
| Installation difficulty: | Easy |
| Equipement options: | Variety of sensors and detectors, Eufy cameras, sirens, and more |
| Starting price and monthly fees: | Negotiable initial equipment fee + $0.67/day professional monitoring |
| Smart home compatibility: | Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant |
Cove is an easy-to-install DIY home security system with inexpensive professional monitoring, but it lacks a free self-monitoring option.
General overview. Cove is a relatively new player in the home security industry that launched in 2018. It specializes in no-contract and highly customizable plans tailored to individual needs.
Equipment. Cove offers a variety of security gadgets, from standard sensors to loud sirens to smoke detectors. I recommend using the Choose My Equipment tool on Cove's website, which generates a suitable DIY home security system with cameras according to your household details.
Monitoring. This provider has two no-contract monitoring plans: Cove + and Cove Basic. The latter costs $0.67 per day and offers 24/7 professional monitoring with a 30-second response time; meanwhile, Cove + adds a lifetime equipment warranty, Google and Alexa voice controls, and a $5 monthly bonus to spend on new equipment (accumulates each month.) Cove + costs $1 per day.
Cost. Cove doesn't offer pre-packaged plans, so you will have to use its Choose My Equipment tool, which will generate the price according to your household specifics.
User experience. Cove receives primarily positive user reviews regarding easy setup and professional support, but simultaneously, some report long support cues and non-informative responses.
4. Abode – highly customizable DIY security setup
| Type of monitoring: | Self and professional |
| Installation difficulty: | Easy |
| Equipement options: | Cameras, sensors, detectors, smart locks and power switches, sirens, and more |
| Starting price and monthly fees: | Negotiable initial equipment fee, $69.99 Standard plan, $169 Pro plan |
| Smart home compatibility: | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, ZigBee, Z-Wave |
Abode is one of the best smart home DIY systems with numerous integrations, but it has experienced camera security issues, which have been fixed by now.
General overview. A former ADT executive founded Abode in 2014, so this home security newcomer was built with a lot of experiences from the get-go. This business focuses on DIY security solutions and home automation.
Equipment. Similar to Cove, Abode lets you choose the initial equipment but also all-in-one security kits. For example, its Iota kit includes 1 hub, a door and window sensor, and a keyfob. Meanwhile, the Smart Security kit adds 1 motion sensor, so you'll have to add additional equipment for comprehensive home safety.
Monitoring. Abode offers free self-monitoring. Its professional monitoring costs $24.99 per month or $229.99 if paid for the whole year.
Cost. The initial setup cost depends on the chosen equipment. Additionally, Abode has 2 plans: Standard ($69.99) and Pro ($169). Both include insurance policy discounts and AI-powered detection, but the Pro plan adds free ground shipping and cellular backup.
User experience. Abode receives mixed-to-positive reviews. Some users value straightforward setup and smart home integration, while others outline average equipment quality.
5. ADT – DIY security with Google Nest integration
| Type of monitoring: | Professional |
| Installation difficulty: | Average |
| Equipement options: | Google Nest products, environmental hazard detectors, glassbreak sensors, remote keychains, and more |
| Starting price and monthly fees: | Starts from $269 + $29.99 per month professional monitoring fee |
| Smart home compatibility: | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Z-Wave, Zigbee |
ADT is a professional home security service that utilizes Google Nest Cameras. It provides outstanding video quality but also significantly increases the price.
General overview. It's hard to compete with the ADT experience that dates back to its roots in 1874. Over two centuries, it grew into one of the biggest home security companies with over 14,000 employees. ADT launched DIY services in 2023.
Equipment. ADT DIY Build Your Own pack comes with 1 base, 1 door and window sensors, a yard sign, and a window sticker. Additionally, ADT sells Google Nest cameras, thermostats, Nest hubs, and also accessories like heat, carbon monoxide, and smoke detectors.
Monitoring. Like Cove, ADT does not offer free self-monitoring. However, it has 3 professional monitoring plans: Secure Monitoring ($29.99 per month), Smart Monitoring ($34.99 per month), and Complete Monitoring ($44.99 per month).
Cost. The Build Your Own plan starts from $269. Alternatively, you can get a Front Door Protection plan for $287.59 and a pricey, yet elaborate, Total Safety for $823.95.
User experience. ADT is praised for its professional monitoring, fast response times, and experienced professionals but receives some backlash for steep prices.
DIY home security systems compared
The best DIY home security systems are highly customizable, so it can be challenging to know their exact benefits and setbacks. With the help of the Cybernews research team, I have compared their core and additional features, price, equipment variety and quality, and setup process. Below is a table with side-by-side comparison results.
| DIY security system | Monitoring | Smart home integration | Ease of setup | Additional features | Price breakdown | Rating |
| Xfinity | Self and professional | August door locks, Philips Hue lighting, ecobee thermostats, and more | Easy | Integration with Comcast services, wide US coverage, automation routines | Self-monitoring costs $10 per month, professional monitoring goes for $55 per month | |
| SimpliSafe | Self and professional | Alexa, Google Assistant, August smart locks | Very easy | Wireless sensors, cellular backup, silent alerts | Starts from $279.94 + $0.73 per day for professional monitoring | |
| Cove | Professional | Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant | Easy | Highly customizable initial setup, wireless sensors, cellular backup | Negotiable initial equipment fee + $0.67 per day professional monitoring | |
| Abode | Self and professional | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, ZigBee, Z-Wave | Easy | Optimized for smart homes, customizable initial setup, cellular backup | Negotiable initial equipment fee + $69.99 for standard professional monitoring | |
| ADT | Professional | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Z-Wave, Zigbee | Average | Integration with Google Nest products, incredible home security experience, automation routines | Starts from $269 + $29.99 for professional monitoring |
What are DIY home security systems?
A DIY home security system is one that homeowners or renters can install themselves without expert assistance. Compared to professionally installed ones, they are more affordable, expandable, and can be freely tailored to individual needs. For example, Cove charges $129 for professional installation, which is even more expensive than the $112 Xfinity Starter pack on sale.
Another widely valued benefit is flexibility. DIY home security systems typically have no-contract policies, while professionally installed ones often require a long-term commitment. Similarly, the latter can only offer professional monitoring service that comes at an extra charge, while the DIY solution leaves an open opportunity for self-monitoring.
What are the advantages of a DIY home security system?
The essential self-installed home security systems advantage is affordability. Saved money can be used to buy additional safety equipment or upgrade existing ones, like switching to AI-powered cameras to lower false alarm rates. You can save even more funds by opting for a self-monitoring option, but keep in mind that it requires continuous attention.
You also have more freedom to install equipment. Firstly, you don't have to wait for a specialist who often gives an approximate time window when you have to stay at home. You can also place cameras, sensors, and motion detectors where you feel like, as long as you research and follow best home security practices.
Feel like moving to a different home? Unlike most professionally installed home systems, you can pack a DIY home alarm system and reinstall it in a new location. Proceed with configuring it in a new environment, like setting your own alarming and disarming schedules and personalized alerts.
What are the disadvantages of a DIY home security system?
While DIY solutions are becoming more popular, they also have important challenges you should be aware of. Home security is nothing to be toyed about, so if you decide to take this route, you must install DIY alarm systems properly. In other words, you must have some technical skills to do it right.
For example, outdoor cameras ideally should be placed 8 to 9 feet high (244cm to 274cm) beyond human reach but close enough for a clear view. Indoor cameras should not face direct sunlight, and this type of knowledge is mandatory for an efficient DIY security system setup.
Just as important is picking the proper monitoring type. Opting for self-monitoring may be tempting to avoid a monthly subscription, but do you always have the time to react to every alarm? Generally, DIY systems tend to produce more false alarms, so you may develop a habit of ignoring some.
Luckily, most DIY home security systems allow upgrading to professional monitoring. This way, a trained professional must respond to each alarm and notify the appropriate department in case of burglary, fire, or medical emergency. I strongly recommend opting for a professional monitoring option, especially when it is as low as Cove's $17.99 per month.
How to set a budget for your DIY home security system?
Going the do-it-yourself way allows you to create the best DIY home security system tailored to your individual needs. The initial price depends on the household size, the depth of desired protection, equipment quality, and monitoring type. Let's see how much that amounts to.
Abode has one of the more affordable indoor-outdoor WiFi cameras that go for $59.99, going up to $99.99 for a wireless video doorbell. In comparison, ADT utilizes Google Nest cameras, which cost $99.99 for a standard indoor wired camera, and asks $179.99 for Google Nest Doorbell. Regarding quality, ADT cameras often have 1080p or higher image quality but also require a professional monitoring plan, while Abode falls behind AI-powered person detection in dim environments.
You should also consider what kind of equipment you actually need. Large households require more motion sensors. If you require environmental hazard protection, consider SimpliSafe water sensors ($19.99), smoke $ carbon monoxide detection ($69.99), or temperature sensor ($29.99).
To put things into perspective, consider SimpliSafe's The Starter pack. It goes for $279.94 and includes 1 base station, 1 keypad, 4 entry sensors, and 1 motion sensor. It does not include outdoor cameras and doorbells, so you will have to add each desired component for an additional price.
Our Methodology
While discussing with the Cybernews research team what makes DIY security systems worth your attention, we agreed that price and straightforward setup are essential. But that must not come at the expense of security, so I made sure that all selected providers offer professional monitoring services.
Even the easiest installation manual may have some vexing questions that demand professional assistance. I also verified that all listed DIY systems have 24/7 live chat support and that it is available to DIY customers. I also overview online self-help content, like the elaborate SimpliSafe help center that stores helpful guides, a Q&A section, and community commentaries.
After I narrowed the service list down to 5 that meet the discussed criteria, I continued researching their user reviews, ranking site scores, and additional equipment availability. This allowed me to compile a list of DIY home security systems that are valued by professionals and genuine users simultaneously.
Other security systems you might be interested in:
Final Word on DIY Home security systems
During our research, Xfinity secured the best DIY home security spot. Its vast US coverage, excellent smart home integration, easy setup, and intuitive app offer exceptional value. On the other hand, DIY systems are highly customizable to respond to individual needs, so the finest is the one that provides the features that you require.
The Cybernews research crew helped me to overview widely used DIY home security systems. After narrowing the list down to 5, I scrutinized each pricing, smart home integration, monitoring options, and installation difficulty. The result is a list of 5 top-notch DIY alarm systems with a plethora of benefits.
Before committing, I suggest noting your budget and tech skills. ADT is a pricey but reliable home security that is a bit harder to install; meanwhile, SimpliSafe may lack a few advanced features, but you will have no trouble setting it up.
FAQ
Are DIY home security systems reliable?
Yes, DIY home security systems are reliable. Although you can take control of your home security without any help, all DIY security providers on this list offer professional monitoring. This way, you can always upgrade to expert assistance and take your home safety to the next level.
Can I install a DIY home security system myself?
Yes, installing a DIY home security system yourself is the whole point. That's why providers like Xfinity offer easy-to-follow installation manuals alongside 24/7 customer support in case you run into some troubles. Even ADT, a long-time professional security-only service, launched a DIY option in 2023.
Can I add more devices to my DIY home security system later?
Yes, DIY systems are flexible, and you can expand them according to growing needs. For example, Cove lets you choose the highly customizable initial setup package and offers a variety of additional equipment, like flood and fire sensors, that you can add later on.
Do DIY home security systems offer professional monitoring?
Yes, some DIY home security systems offer professional monitoring, but not all of them. However, in my list I added only those services that let you upgrade to professional monitoring at convenience. This way, you can self-monitor to save expenses or upgrade to a professional whenever you feel at risk.
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