Best Self Monitored Home Security System

Home security is more accessible to people because the installation is so simple that anyone can have access to it. Homeowners are setting up these systems to provide their home with some extra security. But what is the best self monitored home security system?

best self monitored home security system

Best Security System

Ring Alarm Kit

Ring comes with a number of devices, and it can even link with some of your existing Ring devices.

Ring Alarm Kit
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Last Amazon price update was: January 10, 2023 12:07 pm

Best Budget Option

SimpliSafe

For the Price of the system I was pleasantly surprised with how well it worked.

SimpliSafe

Best Integration

abode Essentials

The whole system looks and  works amazingly. And to make it better it has a large list of integrations. 

abode Essentrials
amazon.com Amazon.com $199.99
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Last Amazon price update was: January 10, 2023 12:07 pm

The Buyers Guide To Self Monitored Home Security Systems

When it comes to picking the best home security system, there are a few things that are worth considering beforehand. By following the buyer’s guide below, it will stop you from making any poor choices

Have a look and see what you think:

Price

Prices can vary massively when it comes to self-monitored home security systems; this could be due to the brand or the number of devices that come with the system. Either way, having an idea of what you're willing to spend can help you in your decision making.

Voice Activation

Since the introduction of voice-activated devices, they have become all the rage, and it's not hard to see why. With voice activation, it saves you have to fiddle around with devices or to use your smartphone. Simply arm your system using your voice assistant.

Camera Quality

If your home gets broken into (I pray to God it doesn't), then having a high-quality security camera to capture the incident is a must. It help you catch the criminal, but it will give you an understanding of what got taken; a low-quality home security camera is unlikely to help.

Siren

What's the point of having a home security system without an alarm? It's your number one defense when someone attacks your home. Nothing stops burglars in their tracks like a loud alarm, and not only that, it lets your neighbors know that you're house is in trouble.

Number Of Devices

Like said earlier, each system offers a different number of devices that included with the system. Larger houses are then likely going to need more sensors to help protect your home. Having an idea of how many sensors your home will need is a step in the right direction.

Pro Monitoring

Although this is a post about self-monitored home security systems, having the option to have a team of professionals monitor your house can be a benefit. Different companies offer different protection plans at various prices, so it's something worth checking out.

What's In The Box

Different brands will offer you a diverse selection of sensors to help secure your home. But are these sensors necessary for your system? Think about how you want your system to work; it will give you a great insight into which brand will work best for you.

Backup

Some home security systems need to power to run, but what happens if there is a power cut? Well, most systems will stop working, leaving your house very vulnerable. Which is why checking out what back-up protection the home security system has.

The Best Self Monitored Home Security Systems

So, now you have an idea of what to look for, it’s time for the fun part; choosing the security system. To help you along the way, I’ve made a list of the best security system for homes that you can find on the market. 

This way, you don’t have too.

 Ring Alarm SystemSimpliSafeabode EssentialsHoneywellKangaroo
Number Of Devices5, 8, or 145, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 12445 or 14
Camera Quality N/AHDN/A1080p HDN/A
What’s In The BoxContact Sensors, Motion Sensors,
Keypads, Range Extender
Entry Sensors,
Basestaion With Siren, Motion Sensors, Camera, Yard Sign
Gateway, Door/Window sensor,
Key fob, Motion Sensor
Camera Base Station,
Key Fob, Access Sensors
Siren + Keypad,
Motion Sensors,
Roo Tags,
Climate/Water sensors,
Yard Signs
Professional Monitoring$10/ Month$14.99/ Month$30/ MonthNo$10/ Month
BackupCellular & BatteyCellular & BatteyCellular & BatteyBatteryNo
Siren (dB)110 dB95 dB93 dBYes100 dB
Voice ActivationYesYesYesYesYes
BuyFind Best PriceFind Best PriceFind Best PriceFind Best PriceFind Best Price

#1 – Ring Alarm Security System

BEST SECURITY SYSTEM

Ring Alarm Kit
bestbuy.com Bestbuy.com $199.99 Buy Now
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out of stock
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Last Amazon price update was: January 10, 2023 12:07 pm

Ring offers you a massive selection of kit sizes to choose from, five in fact. 

These include a five, eight, and fourteen piece kit, as well as an enhanced kit, and a smoke & CO kit. 

The Ring home security system allows you to put your home’s security at the tips of your fingers.

You’ll receive alerts straight to your smartphone when the doors or windows are opened. 

It can be combined with multiple Ring devices, including Ring doorbell by using the App. The Ring alarm can be customized to suit all your home security needs.

You have the option to add 24/7 professional monitoring, which is priced as a $10 monthly fee with no long term commitments. 

You also get a free 30-day trial to see what you think and if the service will work for you. You also have the option of adding a free 3rd Gen Echo Dot device.

The whole system is easy to set up and requires no tools or DIY experience. The five-piece set includes a base station, contact sensors, motion detector, keypad, and a range extender. 

The motion and contact sensors have a three-year battery life, while the range extender has a 24-hour battery back-up.

Key Features

  • Customizable home security
  • 24-hour battery back-up
  • 24/7 Professional monitoring
  • Cellular backup
  • Z-Wave protocol
  • 110 dB siren

What Other People Say

They had decided to order the alarm after someone had tried to break into their home. The alarm took less than 20 minutes to set up and has simple to follow instructions. A few minutes after setting the home security system up, they had professional monitoring.

Another person loved it; it all felt so seamless and only took a few minutes to familiarize themselves with the unit. Placing the sensors is the key to success, and it was made easier with the adhesive strips. They also loved the addition of the range extender; it meant they never lost connection. 

Final Verdict

Ring devices have been at the forefront of so many smart homes, so it was unsurprising that the home security system would be so good. If you’re looking for something straightforward and easy to set up, then you can’t go wrong with the Ring home security system.

The whole thing worked well and was overall very responsive to any alerts. I also loved that it came with a battery back-up, which meant your house was still safe even during a blackout. It even came with a 3G cellular backup connection.

What We Liked

  • No professional installation required
  • Works with Ring Doorbell
  • Control all Ring devices with one App
  • Affordable professional monitoring

What We Didn’t Like

  • No Google Assistant
  • No Geofencing

#2 – SimpliSafe Wireless Home Security System

You have a large selection of bundle packs available for you to choose from, it starts with a box of 5 devices and ends at 12. 

All the devices come with a pristine white color that can blend into any room without drawing attention to its whereabouts.

The whole home security system is ready to go straight out of the box; it’s a case of plugging in the base station and placing the sensors in a suitable position. 

You have the option of choosing the 24/7 professional monitoring, which will dispatch police, fire, medical services quickly.

The whole system is powerful enough to cover homes up to 1,000 ft, which is more than enough for the average home. 

A nice feature with this smart security device is the panic button, which will instantly trigger the alarm and dispatch the police (It also comes with a silent panic option to be more discreet.

The base station hub has a 95 dB siren built-in to ward off any intruders. 

SimpliSafe claims to have back-ups for your back-ups. This includes 24-hour battery back-up and dual WiFi and cellular connection. You can also customize your system by adding up to 100 additional sensors.

Key Features

  • 95 dB siren
  • Plug and play
  • Panic button
  • Battery and cellular backup
  • 3-year warranty
  • Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant

What Other People Say

One customer always felt that setting up your own home security system would be a daunting task. SimpliSafe got rid of that fear. It was one of the least expensive options and only took twenty minutes to set up. The security cameras worked excellently and provided a clear picture.

Another customer had got theirs a few months ago. They felt it took longer to set up than people claimed, but put that down to their eight-year-old that wanted to help set it up. Luckily the directions were straightforward and very easy to follow.

Final Verdict

The whole home security system was so easy to use, and to make it better, the price wasn’t too bad either. I’d strongly recommend this to anyone looking to add self-monitored security to their home, or if they don’t want to break the bank.

The whole system worked perfectly and didn’t require any monthly fees to use the device. You can add security cameras to the system, but obviously, this comes as an extra cost. Overall this is my favorite budget option.

What We Liked

  • Affordable monthly monitoring services
  • No contracts
  • Easy installation
  • Backup cellular connection

What We Didn’t Like

  • No access to the App unless you pay $26.49

#3 – abode Essentials Starter Kit

BEST INTEGRATION

abode Essentrials
amazon.com Amazon.com $199.99
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Last Amazon price update was: January 10, 2023 12:07 pm

Abode promises to provide your home with a professional-grade home security system. The whole thing takes a few minutes to install. 

Inside the box, you get four devices one gateway, one door/window sensor, one motion sensor, and one key fob.

The whole system works as a self-monitored and self-controlled home security system. 

You can take control of the system using the abode webpage or the App. 

You have the option to add professional monitoring for a monthly fee or continue to monitor yourself.

The whole system comes cellular and battery back-up to keep yourself protected when you’re at you most vulnerable. 

The Gateway device comes with a built-in 93 dB alarm to which is activated when any of the motion sensors are triggered.

The key fob allows you to arm and disarm your system at the touch of the button. The abode system works with several third-party devices. It’s also compatible with Zigbee and Zwave technology.

Key Features

  • 93 dB siren
  • Works with Alexa
  • Battery and Cellular backup
  • Monitor using the App
  • Z-Wave and Zigbee protocols
  • Easy to install

What Other People Say

It was their second home security system, and so far, they were delighted with the starter kit. It was easy to install and functioned very well. So far, they are 100% confident about there purchase. The application worked perfectly with iOS. They also felt the whole thing just made sense, from the set up to using the home security system.

Another said it was so easy to set up, they had the whole thing up and running within 30-45 minutes. It was also effortless to connect additional devices, so far they have added three more sensors, key fobs, Schlage locks, and much more; all of the devices paired perfectly.

Final Verdict

Abode may be new to the home security sector, but they’ve hit the road running with this smart home security system. The whole thing was ridiculously easy to set up. They offer a push-button monitoring service to make the entire experience easy.

Even smart veterans will be able to get behind this home security system; it offers one of the most extensive third-party integration lists so far. It might not come with many sensors, but to add additional ones is relatively inexpensive—overall a great devices with plenty of flexibility.

What We Liked

  • Easy to install
  • Plenty of third-party integrations
  • Plenty of third-party integrations

What We Didn’t Like

  • Some setups not available through the App

#4 – Honeywell Smart Home Security Starter Kit

Honeywell’s starter kit functions as a DIY home security system. 

It only takes a couple of minutes to set up and can be watched from anywhere. 

Their home Security system is smart enough to change modes as you come and go from the house, leaving very little for you to do.

The Honeywell home security system stays alert day and night to provide you with 24/7 security. 

The smart motion detection and night vision work together to keep your home safe. 

When any motion is detected, it will send an alert to your smartphone and start recording in a crisp 1080p image.

Their home security system can be combined with other smart devices around your home to provide you with a more advanced system. 

You can combine the Honeywell security system with smart devices and services such as Google or add Z-wave lights to the home security device. 

If you want to add voice commands, then you link the system with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The base station can be used as an Amazon Echo device.

The kit includes a base station, key fob, and two access sensors. For added home security, you can add Outdoor MotionViewers.

Key Features

  • Supports Z-Wave
  • Easy to setup
  • Compatible with IFTTT and Google Assistant
  • Captures 1080p footage
  • Night vision mode with 147° field of view
  • The base station has an HD camera, siren, and Amazon Alexa

What Other People Say

One customer brought the system along with the external weatherproof motion detector and outdoor cameras. They found that both devices were easy to set up in their apartment. And not only that, but they worked very well together, which left them feeling very satisfied overall.

Another person also stated how easy it was to set up; it was a simple case of downloading the mobile App and pointing the camera at the QR code. They also loved that you could use the built-in speaker like an Amazon Echo, with a camera built-in. Overall they loved the product and the quality of the night vision; they couldn’t have been happier.

Final Verdict

The Honeywell home security starter kit is definitely on the expensive side of things, but you do get quite a lot for the price. To start with, the 1080p camera provides an amazingly clear image and features facial recognition, which may not be as advanced as some other brands, but it still works.

Another thing I liked was being able to use the speaker in a similar fashion to Echo devices. You could control it with your voice or get the system to play your favorite music. Overall it worked well and responded quickly to any triggered sensors. It was also very easy to install, and the well-designed App made it easy to use.

What We Liked

  • No professional installation required
  • Built-in Amazon Alexa
  • Supports IFTTT
  • Free cloud storage

What We Didn’t Like

  • Can't be professionally monitored
  • Poor facial recognition

#5 – Kangaroo Home Security System

Kangaroo security system
ebay.com Ebay.com $68.99
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out of stock
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Last Amazon price update was: January 10, 2023 12:07 pm

You get the choice of a 5-14 piece set, which is perfect for jumping into the home security world. 

The Kangaroo system will send you notifications to your phone when doors and windows are opened or when motion, leaks, and climate change is sensed.

All alerts will trigger the built-in siren, which has a 100 dB rating and can be disarmed using the keypad. 

You have the optional feature of adding 24/7 professional monitoring service, which you get to try out for free using the three-month subscription.

Inside the 14-piece kit, you get a siren keypad, four Roo tags, seven motion sensors, two water & climate sensors, and a bunch of stickers to warn people about the system. 

The whole system can be managed using the Kangaroo mobile App, which is available on iOS and Android. 

The included Roo tags allow you to arm and disarm your system. The motion detectors can be used to track motion up to 20 ft away. 

And on top of that, you can add a pet-friendly detection by using the “Pet Parent” feature within the App. And finally, the whole system is easy to set up, taking on average 45 minutes to one hour.

Key Features

  • 14 piece set
  • Free three-month Kangaroo Complete
  • 6-12 month battery life
  • Alexa compatible
  • Nine sensors in the kit
  • 24/7 Professional monitoring plan

What Other People Say

One customer ended up purchasing this home security system because it was cheaper than any of the more prominent home security brands out there. Overall they were delighted with the product, but it did come with a few problems. They found the motion sensor gave a lot of false alarms and was struggling to disarm the alarm using the keypad.

Another said it was the absolute best; they had the security system for nearly a month. In that time, the customers have had two problems, both of which were rectified by the company; they couldn’t have been any happier. Overall, people were satisfied but felt it lacked a few features.

Final Verdict

The Kangaroo security system is a great budget option; the set up is straightforward and takes very little time. You also get a surprise with how many devices it comes with. You get the option of adding a professional monitoring service for $10/month.

There are a few downsides with the system, which I guess is what you get when the price is so low. For one, you receive no warnings if your door or windows have been left open. The other downside is, you get no protection when you’re inside the house.

What We Liked

  • Cheap
  • Professional monitoring plan
  • Long battery life

What We Didn’t Like

  • No geofencing
  • No open door warnings
  • Can't protect your home while you're inside

But This Is The Best Self Monitored Home Security System

For me, it has to be the Ring Alarm Kit; it comes with plenty of kit sizes to choose from, which makes it easier to find the right one for you. 

I really enjoyed the professional monitoring service; it was very affordable and worked fantastically.

The range extender was a nice touch, but for the size house I have, it was unnecessary for me to use it. 

Ring Alarm Kit

Amazon is also offering a free 3rd Gen Echo Dot, (how long for no body knows) so if you haven’t got one, it might be the right option for you. Overall a charming self-monitored security system with plenty of integration options.

If you liked this article, then you’re sure to love my round up of the best smart locks for Airbnb, spoiler alert they don’t need to be used for Airbnb!  

Frequently Asked Questions

Really, it depends on the person’s wants and needs; it’s like the old saying goes, “what’s good for one person, might not be good for another.” But if you’re asking me what the best self-monitoring alarm system is, then I could give you a choice of three:

  1. Ring Security Kit
  2. SimpliSafe
  3. abode Essentials

If you’re interested in learning more, you can check out my full review here!

Yes, of course, you can self-monitor your alarm system; in fact, if you’re trying to save money, then self-monitoring your security system is a great option. Depending on what alarm system you have, you can actually receive notification directly to your smartphone. By using the App, it helps you monitor what’s going on around the house.

Installing your own security system couldn’t be any easier. Many of the newer security systems take minimal effort to install by design. Some of the security systems don’t even require any tools to set up. You can check out this video to see how easy it is to install your own security system.

The Top Home Security Systems in 2023 Leading Home Security Systems by Category:

  1. ADT – The Most Reputable Home Security Brand.
  2. SimpliSafe – Optimal for Contract-Free Security.
  3. Vivint – Exceptional Professional Installation.
  4. Alder Security – Top Choice for Rapid Response.
  5. Cove – Ideal for Easy Installation and Convenience.
  6. Frontpoint – Excellent for Home Automation.
  7. Brinks Home Security – Premier DIY Home Security System.

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