The 5 Best DIY Home Security Systems

What Is a DIY Home Security System?

Having a safe home does not only require good materials in building a house and getting the best furniture but also ensuring you protect your house from any threats. Sure you can do this by having a home security system.

Gone are the days when you need to hire a professional to install security equipment at home. The DIY home security systems allow homeowners to custom-build their monitoring systems. They provide easy installation and removal without any damage. For tech-savvy individuals, DIY systems will give them the flexibility to experiment on installation on these security systems. Most accessories included in the DIY home security systems kit are wireless which gives you easier ways to install them. Some even have smart home control so you can install accessories like smart locks, smart smoke detectors, and smart lights.

Choose the Best DIY Home Security Systems

You might be weighing your options right now as to the best DIY home security system, this article will be your guide on getting the best deals in home DIY home security systems. You are in for a treat! As you read along, also learn how to install these home security accessories.

1. Simplisafe Home Security System

Simplisafe comes in various packages that you can choose from, thus giving users the flexibility to customize their security system. Sure you can easily install the accessories that come with the package, but the good thing about Simplisafe, it has 24/7 professional monitoring and offers a risk-free trial for sixty days without a contract. This gives users the freedom to try out the services first, before purchasing one.

Features:

SimpliSafe’s features vary depending on the packages they offer. Take a look at their packages and specifications below.

The Foundation

This package is designed for small apartments and homes. This package comes with a wireless keypad, an entry sensor for your main door, and a motion sensor to add an extra layer of protection. It also has a Base Station which will alert the monitoring center if someone tries to break into your house.

The Essentials

It’s one of the most popular DIY home security systems of Simplisafe, simply because it simply answers those users who want basic motion sensors. “The Essentials Package” has three entry sensors that will cover all your main entry points. Just like the “Foundation Package” users also get to have a wireless keypad, base station, and motion sensor.

The Hearth

You can expect all the features you can get from the Essentials package and more with the Heart package. This package comes with a smoke detector, key fob, and 105dB siren.

The Knox

If you own a house with four bedrooms or more, you can opt for the Knox package. It got twice the entry and motion sensors of the Hearth package, making sure that all critical areas of your large house are covered. It includes six entry sensors, two motion sensors, a key fob, siren, smoke detector, base station, and a wireless keypad.

The Haven

With four entry sensors, two motion sensors, siren, key fob, smoke detector, temperature and water sensors, panic button, wireless keypad, and a base station, you are in for comprehensive DIY home security systems.

Why Does It Stand Out?

Simplisafe has a very easy DIY setup that even first-timers can assemble security accessories at home. The reason why it is easy to assemble is that it does not require you the workload of drilling to mount the equipment. Also, it offers a three-year warranty, much longer than the one-year coverages offered by other providers. You can also remotely control your security system through a mobile application and give alerts of any detected activities at home.

2. Ring Alarm Security Kit

Cheap DIY home security systems do not always mean a limited quality of service. Ring Alarm Security Kits are good alternatives if you opt for cheaper home security systems. It is one of the cheaper DIY home security systems on the market.

Features:

Ring Alarm also has several security kits to choose from. It will depend on your preferences and the size of the area in your house you want to cover. Check out the list below:

5 - Piece Kit Ring Security

• Perfect for apartments and condominiums.
• The kit comes with a base station, wireless keypad, contact and motion detectors, and a range extender.

8 - Piece Kit Ring Security

• This kit is usually used by homeowners with 1 - 2 bedrooms.
• The same as the five-piece kit, it comes with a base station, keypad, one motion detector, and a range extender.
• The only difference between the two is that the eight-piece includes four contact sensors.

14 - Piece Kit Ring Security

• For larger houses, you can opt to purchase the 14-piece kit from Ring Alarm.
• It has one base station, eight contact sensors, two keypads, two motion sensors, and a range extender.

Why Does It Stand Out?

Ring Alarm provides add-on devices compatible with other equipment such as security cameras, video doorbells, and smart lights. Apart from it’s easy to install, you can also control your system by voice command using Alexa. Even without upgrading to an expensive plan, Ring Alarm lets you store videos from your security cameras and video doorbells on the cloud. It's easy, affordable, and has a reasonable add-ons kind of home security system.

3. X-sense DIY Home Security System

X-sense has high-quality smart home security equipment that ensures to protect your home from the inside out. With its various bundles and features, you can properly monitor all activities in and out of your house through a mobile phone. You can also manage users to control your home security system. This way, the additional user in the household can arm or disarm the system.

Features:

Different packages by X-sense provide a comprehensive set of applications and technologies to ensure home safety, covering a wide array of home safety situations.

• Every X-sense home security kit has a base station, one motion sensor, two entry sensors, and remote control.
• It also provides add-on devices like smoke detectors with various kinds, carbon monoxide detectors, and an outdoor security camera.
• If you are looking for more smoke detectors, X-sense also offers bundles of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, starting from three-six pack packages.

Why Does It Stand Out?

The reason why X-sense is on the list of the best DIY home security system is that it also maintains a good brand image of having one of the best smoke alarms among providers. This is why it gives several options for your home security system. While you still want to try out its services, X-sense allots a 30-day refund policy and ensures lifetime technical support for any issues you might encounter with your home security system.

4. Abode iota All-In-One Security Kit

Abode is another provider considered to be one of the top DIY home security systems in the market. It also allows its users to remotely monitor and control smart devices in their houses with no monthly fees. JLikeome providers, Abode also has a no-contract system that gives users the freedom to cancel subscriptions anytime.

Features:

Abode gives its users the freedom to customize their security system. You can check out the list below for their packages.

Smart Security Kit Premium Bundle

• Gen 2 Gateway.
• Three Mini Window/Door Sensors.
• One Keypad.
• One key fob.
• One Abode Cam 2.
• 1 Sticker.

Smart Security Kit Elite

• Gen 2 Gateway.
• Four Mini Window/Door Sensors.
• One Keypad.
• One key fob.
• Two Motion Sensors.
• One Sticker.

Smart Security Kit Plus

• Gen 2 Gateway.
• Three Mini Window/Door Sensors.
• One Keypad.
• One key fob.
• One Motion Sensor.
• One Sticker.

Iota Premium Bundle

• Iota All-in-one Gateway.
• Three Mini Window/Door Sensors.
• One Keypad.
• One key fob.
• One Abode Cam 2.

Iota Kit Elite

• Iota All-in-one Gateway.
• Four Mini Window/Door Sensors.
• One Keypad.
• One key fob.
• One Motion Sensor.

Iota Kit Plus

• Iota All-in-one Gateway.
• Three Mini Window/Door Sensors.
• One Keypad.
• One key fob.

Why Does It Stand Out?

For voice arming and disarming, Abode allows its users to integrate existing Amazon Alexa, Nest, and IFTTT. Users can also integrate the Abode home security system with other smart-home devices such as Z-Wave, HomeKit, Wave, Hue, Zigbee, Google Assistant. Its equipment is wireless, providing users with easy installation.

5. Frontpoint Home Security

The Frontpoint offers an upgraded version of the DIY home security system than other home security providers. It also offers short payment plans for those who want to try out the service first. These payment plans include 6, 12, or 36 months. It can be pricey for starters as this is a high-end DIY security system, but it guarantees easy set-up, helpful customer service, and effective equipment.

Features:

Safehouse package

Its “Safehouse Package” includes a Frontpoint hub and keypad, two door and window sensors, one motion sensor, one home defense kit, and you get a free doorbell camera.

The Bunker

This package provides enhanced security for the household. It has the capability to learn your schedule and alerts your when something is strange happening at home. You will also have this following equipment:

• One Frontpoint hub and keypad.
• Three door and window sensors.
• One motion sensor.
• One indoor camera.
• One smoke and heat sensor.
• One home defense kit.
• Free doorbell camera.

The Fortress

As the name suggests, this package guarantees strongest home security. It is Frontpoint’s most comprehensive package that guards and monitors small and lager homes. Its equipment will prove its claims:

• One Frontpoint hub and keypad.
• Six door and window sensors.
• Two motion sensors.
• One indoor camera.
• One smoke and heat detector.
• One home defense kit.
• Free doorbell camera.
• Professional monitoring.

Why Does It Stand Out?

Frontpoint guarantees 24/7 professional monitoring, system checks automation, outdoor and indoor security cameras, and distinct user codes for all equipment plans.

How to Install DIY Home Security Systems?

Since most DIY home security systems are wireless, a user, even those first-timers can easily set up the system in their household. You do not need to drill or call for technical experts to install the security equipment at home. Just follow these basic simple steps below.

1. Set up the home security panel.

First, you need to select a place, preferably near your main door and close to the power source to install the security panel. You can put a small nail into the wall or use a double-sided adhesive to mount the home security panel.

2. Position the detectors and sensors at home.

Depending on the package you purchase from your provider, your security system usually comes with door and window sensors, a base station, motion detectors, and a wireless keypad. Most sensors have batteries so before mounting the equipment, make sure they have batteries already. The package also comes with a manual on designated areas you must place the sensors, but you can customize if you want.

3. Test Your Security System.

After setting up everything, test your system and ensure that the home security is working properly.

FAQs on DIY Home Security Systems

1. Are DIY home security systems good?

A DIY home security system is a good option for those who do not want the hassle of assembling wired equipment for a home security system. Since most of the equipment is wireless, users can easily remove them without any damage to your house walls and the equipment. Since it is do-it-yourself, you can have the freedom to customize your system.

2. Which DIY home security system is the safest when it comes to hacking it?

Smart home security systems are prone to hacking since they are connected to the internet. However, there are ways to prevent this from happening. The home security from X-sense lets its users be on top of any changes in the system. You will receive notifications for any change in the home security system. Ensure that you allow push notifications from the application on your mobile phone. Remember that the provider only allows other users to arm and disarm the system, but cannot change any sensor settings further.

3. Are DIY home security systems effective when you have a break-in?

When you have motion and entry sensors mounted at home, your home will likely be safe from break-ins. Burglars do not want to enter homes with alarms. When suddenly someone breaks into your house, you have your sensors to warn you of illegal entry.

4. What is the difference between DIY home security vs. monitored security systems?

DIY home security allows you to monitor your security feed by yourself. This comes with a mobile application so you can track the activities at home and receive real-time alerts, even when you are away. A monitored security system on the other hand has a 24/7 professional monitoring of your home by a company. This takes away the worry of your security status, but it also comes with an additional monthly cost.

Conclusion

DIY home security systems are ideal solutions for anyone who opts to customize their system. It also gives you the freedom to not be liable for any contract. It can be a handful from installation the equipment to monitoring your security status, but several providers are upgrading their services already to provide instant, affordable, and effective DIY home security systems.