The Best DIY Home Security Systems of 2018

Reputation for Superior Customer Service

Frontpoint sets the standard for customer service in wireless home security, earning stellar ratings from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and kudos from industry experts. Its approach puts customers front and center, with service agents who take the time to consult rather than push product.

Frontpoint also gets top marks for transparent pricing that avoids hidden fees and ensures customers get exactly what they’re paying for.

Easy, Wireless DIY Installation

Stick it and forget it with Frontpoint sensor and security components that are wireless and a breeze to install. Plug in your control panel, place the sensors within 100 feet of the panel using stick-and-peel tape, and activate the system. Customers report the entire process takes less than an hour and involves zero wiring or drilling, a bonus for renters.

Extended 3-Year Equipment Warranty

As with most things, you get what you pay for. While Frontpoint does require the additional cost of monitoring, you’ll reap the benefits from worry-free professional service accompanied by an extended three-year equipment warranty. It’s one of the key advantages of choosing a home security brand name with a great reputation for standing behind its products.

Affordable Starter Kits

Frontpoint absorbs a bit of the cost of professional monitoring by offering extremely affordable equipment. A starter kit comes in under $100, one of the least expensive options available on our list. While Frontpoint does require the commitment of a twelve-month contract, customers won’t have to invest heavily in up-front equipment costs to get a basic system in place.

Options for Home Automation Integration

Link Interactive’s security system plays nice with a variety of Z-Wave home automation devices, so you can expand into smart lighting and thermostats without worrying about compatibility. Partnerships with 2GIG, SkyBell, and more allow customers to choose from a variety of home automation bells and whistles without sacrificing on security.

Superior Mobile App Experience

The mobile app Link Interactive utilizes is from Alarm.com, which is the same mobile interface Frontpoint has. It earns top marks for user-friendly features and seamless home automation integration that allows you to remotely disarm and arm the system, control lights, open doors, and more.

Affordable Video Monitoring

Link Interactive has one of the most affordable professional video monitoring plans. Access the live feed via the mobile app or let a professional handle it for just five dollars more a month. Cameras come equipped with options for night vision and HD to ensure you’ll get a clear picture of what’s happening in your home.

Positive Customer Service Reviews

Both security and home automation devices from 2GIG, Link Interactive’s equipment partner, earn some pretty solid reviews on Amazon and from industry experts. Because Link Interactive devices focus on compatibility, customers get more flexibility for their buck and, despite up-front costs, greater long-term satisfaction with their system.

Modern, Highly Customizable Design

Scout’s modern, sleek equipment is the backbone of a versatile security system that you can build out on your own. Pick a hub and add on however many panels and sensors your home requires. While the individual pieces of equipment might be more expensive than some of the budget options on our list, you’ll get the benefit of buying what you’ll actually use and the ability to add on components later.

Home Automation Integration

If you’re looking for a security system that’ll integrate seamlessly with your home automation gadgets, Scout should top your list. While its equipment line isn’t currently compatible with Z-Wave, you can use Scout to control your Samsung SmartThings, including lights, smart outlets, voice assistants, and more. Scout doesn’t have security cameras, thermostats, or smoke detectors just yet, but it is compatible with ecobee and NETGEAR products.

Inexpensive Monitoring Options

While a monitoring package is required when you purchase equipment from Scout, you can go with a basic monthly package that’ll give you access to the mobile app and allow you to personally respond to notifications from the system. We do recommend eventually getting 24/7 professional monitoring, but you can start with the basics to ensure you like the system before you invest in more.

No Contracts or Commitments

You can go month to month with Scout and not worry about long-term contract or commitments. While you do need to pay a monthly ten-dollar fee for continued mobile app access and notification management, you won’t be locked in to a long-term contract. Renters will find this particularly attractive alongside the ease of Scout’s wireless installation.

Optional, Affordable Monitoring Packages

While self-monitoring may seem like a great way to get away cheap, you might end up regretting it when you go on vacation or get busy at work. Iris by Lowe’s allows you to add on one of the cheapest professional monitoring packages in the industry when you (and your wallet) are ready for more convenience.

Great Customer Satisfaction Ratings

Lowe’s has a stellar rating with the Better Business Bureau and earns top marks for customer service and responsiveness. Its A+ rating indicates customers have had an overwhelmingly positive response when lodging a complaint with the company.

90-Day Money-Back Guarantee

The extended guarantee on Iris equipment is significantly longer than other DIY wireless home security systems, so while the limited home automation and clunky app give pause, there’s plenty of indication Lowe’s will ensure you’re a satisfied customer who doesn’t get stuck with a subpar system.

Very Positive Customer Reviews on Amazon

SimpliSafe’s starter kits earn glowing reviews on Amazon, where customers report being highly satisfied with the quality of the equipment, ease of installation, and willingness of the company to step up and make it right when things go wrong. In fact, the company earns the highest Amazon customer ratings of any DIY security system on our list.

Inexpensive Professional Monitoring Available

While it’s not required, you’ll want to opt for the professional monitoring package that not only allows access to cellular backup and 24/7 professional response but also controls home automation remotely for a small additional monthly fee.

3-Year Equipment Warranty

This is the longest equipment warranty of any of the DIY systems without a contract, and it signals that SimpliSafe is more than willing to place trust in the quality of its equipment if you’ll do the same. Just be aware that the dated style of the white, plastic components may not blend seamlessly with your modern industrial décor.

Month-to-Month Options

Unlike other do-it-yourself security systems with extended equipment warranties, SimpliSafe does not require contracts. So if you decide to opt for a professional monitoring package, you can reconsider that commitment each month.

Adept Home Automation Integration

While iSmartAlarm doesn’t have a fully fleshed out home automation equipment line of its own, it’s compatible with ecobee, Nest, and many Amazon products like Alexa that you can integrate and manage through the mobile app.

Most Affordable DIY Equipment

The low cost of starter packages like the one we recommended make iSmartAlarm one of the true bargains on our list, but beware that add-ons can get pricey, so it’s best to opt for a larger system now if you think you’ll eventually need more components.

Good Mobile App Reviews

While it doesn’t earn dazzling reviews, the iSmartAlarm app turned in a solid performance on mobile for both iOS and Android devices. This is a problematic area for many home security companies, but it’s especially important for DIY users who might exclusively self-monitor using the mobile app.

Affordable, Easy-to-Install Equipment

Piper is the ultimate in easy installation because it’s essentially an indoor security camera with some extra sensors. Simply plug it in, download the mobile app, and sync.

Super Home Automation Integration

This advanced camera interface works with all Z-Wave home automation devices, so it’s easy to tack on additional components and utilize Piper as a hub to manage a more complex security system. It’s one of the few systems on our list to work with both Alexa and Google Home.

Free Video Monitoring

Because Piper focuses on indoor video monitoring as a method of security and surveillance, it makes sense that it offers additional storage. Most brand-name home security systems that have video monitoring usually charge a little extra for Cloud storage, but Piper gives it for free.

Sleek, Modern Design

While some other systems may have a plethora of sensors and a sprawling interface that utilizes a clunky, old-school keypad, Piper keeps it simple with a streamlined camera with a modern design that will blend in with your living room décor.

Modern Design

Out of all the wireless home security systems on our list, abode is probably the only one with a design that will make you giddy with appreciation. Streamlined and minimalistic, it’s going to fit right in to your modern home even if your wallet has a few objections.

Professional Monitoring Available

The abode starter kit is one of the few do-it-yourself home security systems that offers professional monitoring for short periods of time without contracts. While you can go month to month, customers can also choose three- or seven-day packages for smaller fees so you can step away from your home and your mobile device worry-free.

Best Mobile App

The seamless integration and focus on compatibility are highly visible in abode’s mobile and desktop app, which earn the highest ratings from both Apple and Android users of all the DIY security systems on our list.

Highly Customizable Home Automation Integration

While abode does have a special relationship with Nest devices, it’s versatile enough to work with both Z-Wave and ZigBee protocols as well as IP-connected home automation. Partnered with a user-friendly, superior mobile app, abode wins rave reviews from customers who have a complex web of IoT devices to manage.

Highly Customizable, Open-Ended System

While the equipment costs might be a little more initially, you’re paying for unparalleled flexibility. The list of manufacturers that provide devices for the Samsung hub is long and distinguished. This is also one of just two systems on our recommended list that works with Amazon Echo, Alexa, and Google Home products.

Adept at Home Automation Integration

Samsung SmartThings is a line that encompasses every manner of home automation, including smart appliances like fridges, washing machines, and more. Control lighting, thermostats, sprinklers, and door locks alongside your security system with plenty of flexibility for future innovation.

Reviewed Well by Customers

A bevy of positive reviews on Amazon indicate Samsung’s system scores for compatibility and additional software available that easily expands the system to control other devices. The only complaints we could find appear to involve range and connectivity concerns.