But most of the popular home security systems on the market require professional monitoring and high monthly subscription fees. Here are the five best self-monitored alarm systems that let you DIY for less (or sometimes even free). Abode is like the friendly kid on the playground at recess. It gets along well with just about everyone. Abode makes it easy to integrate smart home devices into your system, and it has a bunch of different third-party integrations, including standard Z-Wave and Zigbee protocols. Scout Alarm is a bit of a unique security system. It lets you control things with little RFID tags or stickers. If you haven’t heard of RFID before, it stands for Radio Frequency Identification. And with Scout, it means you can put an RFID sticker on just about anything and use it as a key to arm and disarm your alarm system. Plan on spending about 10 bucks per month just to control your security system from your phone and get alerts. Scout also has limited camera options, so it’s not our first choice for equipment either. Although, its doorbell camera is super affordable at only $99. If you want an easy, self-monitored security system you don’t have to dump a lot of cash on, then Ring Alarm is an excellent choice. The Ring Alarm starter kit costs only $199.99, and it offers a base station and all your standard sensors, including door and window sensors, motion detectors, and flood sensors. Since the accusations first came out, Ring has added some new security features like two-factor authentication. But you should decide for yourself if you think Ring’s features justify the flaws. Samsung SmartThings is more than a security system; it’s a home automation powerhouse. SmartThings works with dozens of different third-party smart devices and home security sensors to create one unified system you can control through the SmartThings app. All you really need to get started is the Samsung SmartThings hub. SmartThings also offers its own indoor camera. It has some pretty good features, including 1080p video and advanced object detection. SmartThings also doesn’t require a monthly subscription cost. You have full access to the mobile app for free. Just keep in mind that the ADT kit doesn’t support self-monitoring. Be sure you’re going for the regular SmartThings equipment if you want to take charge of things yourself. But SmartThings can’t totally get rid of all those other apps. If you use security cameras, you’ll still need to keep those individual apps around so you can view your camera’s livestream.
Abode doesn’t have the best camera, but it offers free basic self-monitoring, and it gives you some popular smart home protocols. Scout Alarm connects with both Z-Wave and Zigbee, plus it gives you RFID control over your system. But you have to pay a monthly fee to self-monitor your system. Ring Alarm has super affordable and functional security equipment, but its cameras suffer from security flaws. Samsung SmartThings lets you connect all your smart home stuff and make it worth together. Plus, you can self-monitor your equipment for free.
Do you have a self-monitored home alarm system? Do you prefer professional monitoring? Tell us about your experience in the comments! For self-monitored security systems, we also closely examine how expensive and how good the self-monitoring is. Here are some things to look for as you compare different systems:
Does it charge extra for self-monitoring, or is it included with the purchase of the system?Does it integrate with the other smart devices you use or want to use? For example, Philips Hue lightbulbs or a Schlage Encode smart lock.Does it have cellular back-up? If your power or your Wi-Fi goes out, you want to know that your security system will still work.
If you want a system with top-notch cameras, then it’s worth looking at brands like Nest and Ring. These companies are known for their security camera offerings, and you know you’ll get features like two-way audio, night vision, and HD recording. If you want a system that supports smart home devices, then check out something like Abode, Scout Alarm, or Samsung SmartThings. These systems support smart home protocols, like Z-Wave and Zigbee, and they integrate with major brands like Philips Hue smart lights and Schlage smart locks. (Check the company’s website for specific information on integrations.) Cameras are helpful with self-monitored systems because you can view the camera’s livestream and see what’s actually happening on your property even if you’re not physically there. It’s nice to have professionals who can keep an eye on your security system 24/7. Everyone has to set down their smartphone at some point, and you can’t respond to alerts about your security system (including false alarms) if you’re not monitoring your phone. Professional monitoring is always on high alert. But professional monitoring is also expensive. And if it comes down to not having a security system or having a security system that you monitor yourself, we think it’s better to secure your home and keep an eye on things on your own. Aside from the initial up-front cost of the equipment itself, most self-monitored systems don’t charge you much, if anything, for self-monitoring.
