Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Home Maintenance

4 DIY home security systems you can put together today

Veronica Sparks
By

When it comes to security, you want only the best for your family’s safety and your home’s protection. A quality home security system can go a long way in deterring would-be intruders, keeping your family and your valuables safe, and giving you some peace of mind while you’re away from home. While you certainly don’t want to waste money on a sub-par security system that doesn’t work well, it would be nice if securing your home properly didn’t break the bank, right? That’s why DIY home security systems can be a great choice. We’re going to review the benefits of a DIY system for your home and go over some of our favorite brands so you can make an informed decision that will keep your family safe.

Photographicss/Shutterstock

Why choose a DIY home security system over a service?

While a professional security system includes professional installation and monthly monitoring services, some drawbacks are alleviated with a DIY security system. Let’s take a look at the benefits of a DIY system over a professional security service.

Related Videos

Customization

While professional services offer package deals with little room for customization, you can do a bit more to make your security system your own with a DIY system. A DIY system typically includes the essentials, like door and window sensors, motion detectors, and a hub equipped with an alarm. However, you can often add components to a DIY system like keyless entry, security cameras, and environmental detectors at a low cost with self-installation.

Related

No contracts

One of the biggest draws of a DIY home security system is that they don’t lock you into a multi-year monitoring contract like home security services. While you can typically purchase optional, short-term monitoring, you have the freedom to forego or cancel these services.

Save money

You can save hundreds of dollars on professional installation alone, but the biggest savings are found in the fact that you can opt-out of the optional professional monitoring and the monthly fees associated with it. Also, with the simple DIY installation of a DIY home security system’s components, you don’t have to tear apart your home with a hardwired security system that is difficult to remove when the time comes.

What makes a good DIY home security system?

While we’ve discussed the benefits of a DIY home security system over a professional service, not all DIY systems are created equal. Out of all of the options on the market, the best-rated DIY systems have a few things in common. If you’re looking for the best possible DIY solution to your home’s security, look for these attributes.

  • Wide selection of components and features
  • Integration with smart home systems
  • Optional and/or affordable monitoring services
man installing home security system

Our top picks for DIY home security systems

SimpliSafe

The great thing about SimpliSafe is that you can opt completely out of the monthly monitoring service. Without the monitoring, you’ll have the built-in siren alarm that will notify you of an issue or unauthorized entry. You can also completely customize what components you’d like in your security package and how many. The components come equipped with adhesive tabs, and they’re super easy to install.

Why we love it:

  • Easy to install
  • Extensive customizability
  • Optional monitoring

Adobe

Adobe takes the cake for the most comprehensive starter kit. Unlike most DIY security systems, Adobe’s Starter Kit actually includes a security camera as well as a key fob for arming your system. It’s also compatible with both Alexa and Apple Home Kit so that you can integrate it into your existing smart home security systems.

Why we love it:

  • Starter Kit includes security camera
  • Works with Alexa and Apple Home Kit
  • Key fob arming capabilities

Frontpoint

For the most customizable DIY home security packages, Frontpoint is a front runner. Not only can you customize what equipment will be included, but you can also customize your monitoring package. Frontpoint is also known for their stellar customer service, and all equipment is compatible with Z-Wave and Alexa for smart home integration.

Why we love it:

  • Works with Alexa and Z-Wave
  • Customize equipment and monitoring package
  • Great customer service

Cove

Cove boasts that you can install its starter kit in under 30 minutes. That means you can get your DIY home security system up and running right when you get it. Cove also has precautions in place that combat false alarms. Their unique response system integrates InstaText so that you can immediately reply if you’ve resolved your emergency or if it was a false alarm. With their super affordable monitoring services, you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck.

Why we love it:

  • Installation is quick and easy
  • Affordable monitoring services
  • Fast response times with InstaText

When you’re facing an emergency situation in your home, you want a security system you can trust. With the hefty cost of professional security services, though, it can be daunting to step up your security game. With a DIY home security system, though, you can cut the high cost of professional installation and even get affordable monitoring services without a lengthy contract. It turns out you can keep your home secure without paying a fortune.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Need a reason to get that smart device? It could help you save on insurance
Using smart home device

With remote work becoming increasingly popular, smart home technology is steadily on the rise. People are spending more time at home and thus realizing the added comfort and convenience of having smart devices in their home. Voice technology, home automation, and mobile apps that control your home's devices even when you're away are just some of the smart technology that consumers are raving about. Did you know, though, that there are some smart devices for your home that can reduce your homeowner's insurance? We've got the scoop.

What are the most popular smart devices in homes?
People generally purchase home smart devices for comfort and security. If you can get something done from your smartphone or have it done automatically instead of manually, why wouldn't you splurge? That's why these three smart devices are the most popular in smart homes today, according to a Nationwide survey.
Video doorbells
With online shopping becoming so incredibly popular, delivery people dropping packages at the front door seems to be an everyday occurrence. That's why homeowners have started installing video doorbells. Not only do these smart devices let you know when your package has arrived, but you can also see and record who is at your door and what they're doing.
Security cameras
While they perform a similar function as video doorbells, security cameras are running and recording at all times, while a video doorbell typically records video feed only when the doorbell is rung. Security cameras can also be installed in a variety of places other than at the front door, so you can keep an eye on your garage, your back door, or even areas inside your home.
Smart thermostats
The biggest draws of smart thermostats are comfort and energy savings. These gadgets can reduce your home's heating and cooling output when you're away or when you're sleeping. They can be set on a schedule or even detect when you come home and adjust the thermostat's settings automatically for your comfort.

Read more
Your buying guide to home air filters — because, no, they’re not all the same
air filters for the home conditioning vent on blue wall 3d illustration

Your home's air quality is crucial not only to your health but to your peace of mind. Indoor air pollutants have been known to cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, and they can be dangerous for those with severe allergies or asthma. There are also thought to be long-term health risks associated with chronic exposure to poor air quality. That's why investing in good home air filters is so important, but how do you know which filter is right for your home and family? We'll discuss what to look for in your home air filters — because all filters are not created equal.

What do home air filters do?
Home air filters are located on your home's HVAC system, typically where the return air duct connects with the air handler. They capture impurities that are floating around in the air, like dust and dander (and bacteria in some more advanced products), before pushing the air back into the home's living spaces. Home air filters not only create healthier, cleaner air, but also prevent damage to your HVAC system that happens due to a buildup of dust and other particles.
What is the MERV rating in home air filters?
When you're choosing a home air filter, it's important to note the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of the filter. This measurement is on a scale from 1 to 20 and tells you how good the filter is at removing the smallest particles of pollutants from the air in your home. The average MERV rating of home air filters is between 8 and 13; the higher the MERV rating, the better the filter is at removing smaller particles. A MERV rating that's higher than 16 is typically used in hospitals and other medical facilities.
Pros and cons of home air filters with high MERV ratings
As the MERV ratings of home air filters get higher, the filters are certainly better at filtering out small particles and result in cleaner air. However, home air filters with higher MERV ratings also pose issues with airflow. As the filter openings get smaller, your HVAC system has to work harder to push air through the filter, resulting in the possibility of higher energy bills.

Read more
9 great smart home apps that will make you want an Apple Watch this Christmas
smart home apps for apple watch shutterstock 315991190

There's nothing that makes life easier than home automation, and that's why smart homes are on the rise. To make things more accessible, many smart home apps can now be accessed on an Apple Watch. Maybe you only need an app for a single smart appliance, like your smart home security system, smart lighting, or smart thermostat, or perhaps you have a whole smart home you'd like to control from one app. Either way, we have you covered with the best smart home apps you can access with a touch of the wrist.

Best security smart home apps
Some of the most common smart home devices are those that secure the home. Whether you want to access your home security app for your video doorbell, smart lock, or nanny cam, these apps can give you that freedom.
August Home
August Home gives you control of your front door, anywhere you are. With the app on your watch, you can lock and unlock the door, give keyless entry to loved ones, view activity reports of who is accessing your home, and more. It's compatible with August Smart Lock, August Smart Keypad, August Doorbell, and many other smart lock products. You can also integrate it into your smart home systems like Apple HomeKit.
Home+ Security
With Home+ Security, you can manage your entire home security system from your Apple Watch. In addition to seeing who's at your front door through the video doorbell, the app notifies you of activity through your door and window sensors. It can even alert you of fire and carbon monoxide warnings in your home, all right on your wrist.
Best lighting smart home apps
Smart lighting is incredibly convenient in the world of smart homes. Who wouldn't want to come home to a well-lit house or turn off the bedroom light without getting out of bed? With these smart lighting apps, you can now access your smart lighting from your wrist without getting up or searching for your phone.
LIFX
With the LIFX lighting app, you can control a whole house of smart lights or even just one from your Apple Watch. The app also allows you to manage groups of lights, set schedules, and even play with different colored lighting for whatever mood you're in.
Best smart thermostat apps
Since energy costs are among the largest bills for homeowners, smart thermostats are popular since they help conserve energy while you're away or sleeping. These smart thermostat apps allow you to access your home's HVAC system from your Apple Watch.
ecobee
Ecobee's Apple Watch app controls compatible lighting and security devices in addition to your smart thermostat. If you only have the thermostat, though, you can manually adjust the room's temperature and set comfort schedules to automatically adjust when you're headed home for the day.
Honeywell
The great thing about Honeywell is that you can schedule thermostat adjustments based on your routine, and it has geofencing technology. This means that if you come home or leave unexpectedly, it will still adjust the temperature so you can save on energy costs.

Read more