Best DIY Security Systems In 2021

When you think of increasing your house’s safety with a home security system, you shouldn’t need to worry about monthly fees or professional installation. Think for yourself- isn’t it just so much better to invest in a DIY home security system for which you wouldn’t have to pay for professional installation or sign any long-term contracts? Fortunately, we have come quite far from the earlier days. 

Though there are still some companies out there who make home security systems that professionals have to install, more companies each day are turning towards making DIY security systems. In the case of DIY systems, you would have to order your security system online. Then the company ships you all the equipment along with instructions on how to install it. You can monitor your system yourself, or you could opt for the flexible monitoring plans that some companies offer for which you won’t have to sign any contracts. In this article, you will get to know about the best DIY security systems in the market and the types of DIY security systems, and some general guidelines on installing one.

Types Of DIY Home Security Systems

1. There are LCD panels in some of the security systems. The LCD panel is like the brain of those systems. Generally, one has to install this panel on a central wall of their house that connects wirelessly to your router or home network. Most of the panels in the security systems contain capacitive touchscreens and use multiple radios to control Z-wave, the Wi-fi, Bluetooth sensors, Zigbee, and other such home automation elements. Some panels also have a cellular radio. This radio connects them to the monitoring center in case you have availed of a professional monitoring plan. In most cases, they would also have a microphone and a speaker, which you can use to communicate with the monitoring agent. 
2. Some companies use a hub to control the systems. Like controllers of the LCD panels, hubs also have wiring, and radios control many different components. Hubs are typically low-profile devices. These suit your home décor, and you can easily place them on any available flat surface.
3. The third type of home security controller is an all-in-one type. It is mainly a security camera that contains many wireless radios, sound and motion sensors. It also has a siren meant to scare off any intruders, thus warning you of any intrusions. Some of the controllers of this type also have environmental sensors that monitor the room’s air quality, humidity, and room temperature.
4. Lastly, almost every innovative home security system in the market can take voice commands as well. Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa are commonly in the systems. Such home security systems would provide support for IFTTT applets too. These enable them to turn any lights on if there is an alarm or change the thermostat settings.

Components That You Will Need

Before you buy a security system, you must know all the components you need and what quantity. Firstly, you will need enough door and window sensors to put them in every door and window of your home. There is no need to put motion sensors in every room but only in the main areas of the house, like in the hallway, foyer, etc., so that you get to know if an intruder comes in. You should invest in PIR or passive infrared sensors. They are cost-effective, environment friendly, and detect body heat quite well. Besides the usual security cameras and video doorbells, you would need thermostats, freeze or flood sensors, glass break sensors, CO and smoke detectors.

Professional Monitoring vs. Self-monitoring

Nowadays, many vendors of DIY security systems are starting to provide professional monitoring services. In some cases, you might need to sign a contract whereas, in others, you would have to pay when you avail the services like when you are away or such. If you use professional monitoring, you will get alerts as usual, but the monitoring center would contact you. If the people at the center cannot reach you or any others on your emergency contact list, they will inform the local authorities regarding the alarm.

Now, let’s talk about self-monitoring. You will be able to self-monitor almost every security system that you think of buying. You would be able to self-monitor via the mobile app, from where you will arm or disarm the system from anywhere. You will be able to monitor the statuses of the sensors and also view recorded or live videos. When a sensor gets triggered, you will receive push alerts or email notifications(in some cases). Then, it’s your wish whether you contact the authorities or not.

How To Install A DIY Security System – General Guidelines

1. Generally, you would not face any problem installing a DIY security system as they are pretty user-friendly. Even if you are inexperienced, you won’t have much trouble. But you would need to think about where you want to place the hub, security cameras, and sensors. Some corners require a wired connection to a router, while others may use Wi-fi to connect to the network in your home. In any case, the hub should be close to the router you have so that there is maximum connectivity. If you have bought a security system with a touchscreen panel, you need to ensure a power outlet close to it.
2. Secondly, after installing the mobile app and the hub, you have to install all the sensors. In most cases, the motion sensors and the door or window sensors are already paired to the hub. Thus, to activate the sensor, you only need to detach the battery tab. After that, you will need to click on the option “Add a Device” in the home security system app and name each of the sensors for the back door, front door, etc.
3. DIY security systems are elementary to install. You have to use double-sided tape to place the components into place. You will also install the doorbells and cameras easily though you would have to pair them by yourself. We expect you won’t run into problems as all the systems come with step-by-step instructions and even voice prompts so that you don’t get clueless while installing the system.

Best DIY Security Systems Of 2021

SimpliSafe

Simplisafe is arguably the most popular choice for the best DIY home security systems. Even if you are pretty inexperienced about setting up or installing things, this is one security system that even you would be able to install easily. SimpliSafe home security system is also more affordable than others in this category.

SimpliSafe is an excellent choice of a home security system as it is affordable, aforementioned. You can avail professional monitoring every month at just 15 dollars. You can set up the system in a matter of an hour. You would also be able to monitor yourself using the SimpliSafe mobile app, which is free. The SimpliSafe starter set consists of a base station, a keyring remote, one motion sensor, a wireless keypad, and two entry sensors. You could also get an HD video camera in the security system and an incorporated motion sensor and send alert signals. 

Pros

• You would not have to sign any long-term contracts
• SimpliSafe has arguably the most accessible systems to set up
• All monitoring plans are super cheap

Cons

• The front equipment could be a bit on the expensive side.
• There are limited capabilities for automation of the system.
• There are not any options for an outdoor security video camera.

Cove

If you are looking for a quick and easy-to-set-up home security setup, Cove is a choice that you need to consider. Cove security is incredibly affordable if you set up the system yourself. 

The system is always pre-programmed before it even gets sent to you. You then have to stick the sensors on the walls of your home. To do this, you should use 3M-backed adhesives. Though the following process is unnecessary, you should call someone up from Cove while setting up their system. Doing this may consume slightly more time, but at least you would confirm that everything is operating correctly. Since Cove is a newer company, all of its systems require professional monitoring 24/7. But you could sign up for this monitoring every month or three years, depending on whether or not you pay for the equipment upfront respectively.

Pros

• Both Alexa and Google Assistant are already installed in the system.
• There is a battery backup for the system.
• You can opt not to pay anything upfront.

Cons

• 24/7 professional monitoring is required
• The remote control is expensive
• The security cameras in the system are not by the company itself.

Deep Sentinel

While security cameras of any other home security system only determine pets, people, vehicles, or packages from moving objects, Deep Sentinel works quite differently. Deep Sentinel is the sole company in the security industry that uses AI in its cameras. Their cameras can detect all types of suspicious behaviors, including vandalism, robberies, burglaries, and car theft.

Deep Sentinel home security systems are super easy to set up. You can set the systems all by yourself in just under half an hour. The Deep Sentinel mobile app will have all instructions on how to set up the system step-by-step. The best thing about the Deep Sentinel systems is that their response time is super fast. In 30 seconds, you would get an alert if an intruder is trying to break in or showing such other suspicious behaviors. All of their systems come with professional monitoring all around the clock. Unlike other companies’ security systems, you would know which people are monitoring. You would have the assurance that real humans are guarding you.

Pros

• Deep Sentinel uses advanced AI in all of its security systems.
• DIY installation is super easy.
• You are not needed to sign any long-term contracts.

Cons

• The security systems are pretty expensive.
• There are no options for self-monitoring.
• The professional monitoring options are very pricey.

Frontpoint

If you are looking for DIY home security systems that have cutting-edge technology along with outstanding service, you must consider Frontpoint. All of their home security systems have features of total home automation. Frontpoint makes home security systems exclusively for DIY setup and has professional monitoring.

Frontpoint is partnered with Rapid Response monitoring service. Rapid Response is a top-quality service with excellent backup plans in emergencies such as power cuts or national crises. Quick Response plays a significant role in maintaining their A+ reputation among their customers. The best thing about Frontpoint was that they sell both basic and advanced home security systems. Even the cheapest of Frontpoint’s security systems have components like a motion sensor, a TouchPad control panel, three entry sensors, fire, smoke, water leaks detectors, etc. 

Pros 

• DIY installation of the system takes only minutes.
• Equipment is of top-notch quality.
• The innovative home features are awe-inspiring.

Cons

• You would need to sign long-term contracts. 
• It may give false alarms.
• Frontpoint is very new to the business.

Abode

Who wouldn’t want a home security system with the best innovative home automation features without all those contracts and those pesky monthly fees? If you are someone looking for something just like this, Abode is here to your rescue. Abode has one of the finest security systems for your home that would let you monitor the daily life and activities for free. You can access all the features of the security systems by Abode on their mobile app itself, which is free of any charges.

The best thing about Abode is that they give you options for signing either long-term or short-term contracts. You could independently order any number of days of professional monitoring if you are away from your home anytime. All of the equipment is available on the Abode website itself, and you won’t have to look anywhere else for them. With these, you would be able to make your high-quality Abode home security system with environmental monitoring, security alerts, and home automation.

Pros

• You are not needed to sign any long-term contracts.
• All of Abode’s monitoring options are pretty flexible.
• There is a wide range of equipment and device accessories.

Cons

• You would need to purchase equipment upfront.
• There is no option for outdoor security cameras.
• Upgrading your equipment may get pricey.

Conclusion

Now you must be familiar with the best security systems out there and how to install the systems. Having a security system at your home would always prevent your safety from being compromised. It would not only prevent your house from being broken into and robbed. Still, it would also avert emotional and material damages. The above guide would help you choose the best DIY home security system suiting your needs.