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DIY Home Security Systems have made home surveillance easy and accessible to all homeowners. Most of them are simple to install and can be set up in under thirty minutes. Users don’t have to hire professionals, pay installation fees, or modify their homes for a simple home security system.
What are DIY Home Security Systems?
A DIY home security system is a complete package designed to assist in securing your home. It uses different types of sensors and warns you of intruders. There is a base unit or hub that acts as the control unit for self-install home security systems. You have to connect it to your home’s Wi-Fi network. Smart home security systems may feature motion sensors, door/window sensors, a siren, keypads, and video cameras. All of them connect to the hub wirelessly as well. The sensors and cameras use batteries as a power source. There is no wiring required to set up a simple home security system.
To access the base unit and monitor the sensors, you will have to download the respective app for the smart hub. A few DIY home security systems may allow you to interact with the hub through a browser. You will receive notifications on your smartphone whenever an intrusion is detected. Some of them may offer notifications via phone calls or SMS for additional charges. Subscription-based monitored security services may also be provided by the manufacturers of smart home security systems.
Factors to Consider When Buying a DIY Home Security System.
There is a wide range of smart home security systems available in the market, and selecting the right one can be quite confusing. Here are a few factors to consider when buying a DIY home security system.
Number of Sensors Required – The primary thing to consider in DIY home security systems is the number of sensors included with them. You will need sensors to detect any intrusions. There are different types of sensors that include door/window sensors and motion sensors. The number of sensors you will need to create a customized security system will depend on your home. You may require one sensor per window or door you want to secure. Motion sensors can be useful for corridors or yards as they cover a large area. Opt for self-install home security systems that have adequate sensors for your home. Also, check if the sensors can be purchased separately.
Cameras Included – If you want to monitor your home remotely, then you can consider self-install home security systems that come with cameras. You may install the cameras inside or outside the house and check the live feed from a smartphone app. Some cameras used in smart home security systems have built-in motion detection and two-way audio capabilities. They can start recording when they detect motion and also enable you to talk with the person in front of the camera. If the package does not include a camera, then you may opt for a simple home security system that is compatible with third-party or aftermarket cameras.
Device Compatibility – Buyers must consider the devices compatible with a smart home security system before they purchase it. Most of them support third-party smart devices in addition to their own sensors. They can be integrated with smart locks, thermostats, door cams, and bells. A simple home security system may only work with sensors from the brand itself. If you want to use third-party smart devices, then check if the self-install home security systems support them. Manufacturers provide a list of all compatible devices on their websites. Homeowners who use Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant may benefit by opting for DIY home security systems that support their preferred virtual assistant.
Monitored Security Services – An important thing to consider when buying a DIY home security system is if the manufacturer offers monitored security services. Whenever a sensor is triggered at your home, a notification is sent on your smartphone. You will have to determine the cause of disturbance yourself through a video feed from a camera at your home. A monitored security service does this task on your behalf. Whenever an alarm has not been turned off within a specific time, the company requests the police to dispatch a unit to your home. They will also do the same whenever you press the panic button or enter a distress code. Monitored security services can be useful when you are on vacation or are too busy to check on your home yourself. You will need to spend anywhere from $10 to $20 per month for availing monitored security services.
Additional Features – There are a few additional features that you may consider when buying DIY home security systems. While most of their hubs connect to a Wi-Fi network, some of them may support a cellular network. It can be beneficial if you don’t have Wi-Fi at your home or want a backup connectivity option. Another thing to consider in self-install home security systems is if they have a built-in siren or whether you will have to purchase one separately. You can also check out the user interface of the apps provided for smart home security systems. The number of keyfobs included with the package should be considered as well.
Best DIY Home Security Systems – Protect Your Home Without Professional Installation or Monthly Fees
Here are some of the best DIY home security systems. A couple of them are entry-level home security systems while others cost slightly more.
#1. Abode Essentials Starter Kit
Abode Essentials Starter Kit is one of the recommended DIY home security systems for beginners. It is a wireless system that can be set up quickly. The package includes a gateway, one mini sensor for a door or window, one motion sensor, and a keyfob to control the simple home security system remotely. You can connect more devices (up to 160) like smart locks, thermostats, sensors, or door openers as required to create a customized security system. There is a built-in 93-decibel siren to scare away intruders. Its high-pitch will wake up the whole street, let alone the neighbors. You can access and control the Abode smart home security system through a web browser or by downloading the app on your smartphone. There is no subscription required if you want to self-monitor your home. Abode does provide monitored security services if you need a professional to keep an eye on your home. Abode Essentials Starter Kit works with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Home as well as Zigbee and Z-Wave devices.
#2. Ooma Smart Home Security System
Ooma Smart Home Security is an entry-level home security system. The bundle is quite cheap and includes a hub and a few basic sensors. You get one motion sensor, four door/window sensors, and the Telo base station. They are adequate for setting up a simple home security system. You can additionally pair the system with Ooma water sensors, VTech garage door sensors, and Butterfleye cameras. The number of third-party devices supported is limited, but they will be adequate for securing your home comprehensively. You can monitor, control, and manage the smart home security system using the Ooma Smart Security app. It is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Users can pay $5.99 per month for phone call, text message, and email notifications, and auto arm and disarm services. Ooma monitored security services cost an extra $14.99 per month. While its feature set is relatively limited, Ooma Smart Home Security is still ideal for users who want to self-install home security systems and minimize expenditure.
#3. Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit (2nd Gen) Home Security System
Ring Alarm is one of the highly-rated DIY home security systems. Its 8-piece kit comes with one base station, four contact sensors for door or windows, one motion detector, one keypad, and one range extender. The components are adequate to create a customized security system for a 2-bedroom home. You can control and monitor the system by installing the Ring app on your smartphone. Ring Alarm smart home security system works with Amazon Alexa. Users can avail of monitored security services for $10 per month. Ring Alarm is available in 5-piece, and 14-piece kits as well. You can use a Ring Camera or Doorbell with the DIY home security system for additional protection.
#4. Blink XT2 Outdoor/Indoor Smart Security 2-Camera Kit
Blink XT2 is an excellent yet simple home security system that can be used indoors and outdoors. The kit comes with a sync module and two security cameras. Each camera has a built-in motion sensor, infrared night vision, temperature monitor, and two-way audio functionality. It eliminates the need to purchase separate sensors for your DIY home security system. Whenever a motion sensor is triggered, the cameras start recording while sending you a notification. You can watch the feed from the cameras in realtime using the Blink app. With their two-way audio features, you can talk to anyone who is in front of the camera. It can be quite handy if you install the Blink XT2 camera at your front door. The fewer components also mean that it is among the easiest self-install home security systems. Its cameras are IP65 certified and can be used indoors and outdoors. They employ two AA batteries, each with a runtime of up to two years. Blink XT2 is also available in 1-camera, 3-camera, and 5-camera kits. You can purchase add-on cameras separately to create a customized security system. Blink XT2 1-camera kit costs $100 and is the cheapest entry-level home security system while the 2-camera kit costs $179.
#5. SimpliSafe 5-Piece Wireless Home Security System
SimpliSafe 5-Piece Wireless Home Security System is a great option for homeowners. It comes with five items for securing your premises. You get a base station, an entry sensor, a motion sensor, a keypad, and a keyfob in the smart home security system package. The keyfob acts as a remote control for quick access. Its base station has a range of up to 1,000 feet. Users can add a maximum of 100 sensors to create a customized security system. They can opt for a SimpliCam to obtain live video feed. SimpliSafe can be connected to a Wi-Fi network but also supports cellular connections. It is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home Assistant. Homeowners who want to opt for monitored security services can do so by paying 50cents/day. SimpliSafe smart home security system is available in 8-piece, 9-piece, and 12-piece variants for larger residences.
#6. Honeywell Smart Home Security Starter Kit
Honeywell Smart Home Security Starter Kit is a superb alternative for buyers wanting an entry-level home security system. You get a base station with a built-in HD camera and a powerful speaker, a pair of access sensors for doors or windows, and a keyfob in the package. Additional sensors can be separately purchased if you want to create a customized security system. The system is accessible through the Honeywell Home app. It sends notifications to your smartphone when a sensor is triggered or whenever you have left a door or window open. Honeywell Smart Home Security system comes with Amazon Alexa built-in for voice controls. There is no need to purchase a smart speaker separately. It is compatible with a wide range of smart devices, including Z-Wave products. If you want an entry-level home security system, then the Honeywell Smart Home Security Starter Kit is a suitable option for you.
#7. Scout Alarm Smart DIY Wireless Home Security System 5-Piece Kit
Scout Alarm Smart DIY Home Security System is another top pick for homeowners. The 5-piece kit has all the basic sensors for securing an apartment. It comes with a hub, a door panel with two keyfobs, two window sensors, and a motion sensor. The simple home security system can be expanded by purchasing additional sensors. You can monitor the system and receive alerts on your smartphone through the Scout app. Scout Alarm Smart DIY Home Security System is compatible with a wide range of devices that include Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Nest Cameras, Philips Hue smart lighting, IFTTT, and LIFX. Scout offers monitored security services from $9.99 per month. A 9-piece kit is also available for larger homes.
