Secure your home while staying on a budget with CNET's top picks for affordable home security systems.
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David Priest
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David PriestFormer editor
David Priest is an award-winning writer and editor who formerly covered home security for CNET.
What is the best cheap home security system of 2024?
Having a reliable home security system is a must these days, whether you want to deter intruders or enjoy better peace of mind while traveling this holiday season. While home security systems have traditionally been expensive to buy and install, and many of the top options on the market are still pricey, there are several fantastic budget options on the market. We've found the best budget options to help you secure your home for less. If you want to save on professional installation, a DIY security system is the way to go. We've tested the best cheap home security systems from top security companies, ranging from indoor cameras to alarm systems. Our top pick for affordable security is SimpliSafe's eight-piece DIY kit, thanks to its user-friendly design and low upfront cost.
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DIY installation and setup is as easy as it gets</a>, or you can opt for professional installation starting at $125. SimpliSafe home security also comes with the option of self-monitoring or professional monitoring.</p><p>Self-monitoring using the SimpliSafe app is free unless you want cloud storage for any <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href=https://www.cnet.com/home/security/best-cheap-home-security-systems/"https://www.cnet.com/home/security/simplisafes-newest-indoor-camera-puts-emphasis-on-security/">SimpliSafe security cameras</a>. The top professional plan, Fast Protect, starts at around $30 per month and includes 24/7 professional monitoring, high-priority police, fire and medical dispatch, flood and extreme temperature monitoring, plus unlimited video recording for your SimpliSafe security cameras.</p>" page-position linktext="Read our SimpliSafe home security review" linkurl="https://www.cnet.com/home/security/simplisafe-home-security-review/" like dislike can-collapse="true" can-truncate="true" truncate-on-page-load="true" offer="{"id":"7cbd188e-60b6-482c-839f-5dcb23e5ae8d","label":"SimpliSafe Home Security System (2018)","slug":"simplisafe-home-security-system-2018","edition":["us"],"imageId":"f9e53606-d81c-4ed5-9753-1dc3defc2dc7","imgUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/ab41f60b718aac74a071fe5b47c0d3e8613f99b3/hub/2018/03/27/f9e53606-d81c-4ed5-9753-1dc3defc2dc7/simplisafe-8.jpg?auto=webp&width=300&height=300&fit=crop","imageHeight":0,"imageWidth":0,"typeLabel":"Product","objectType":"content_product","icon":""}" techobjectinfo="{"uuid":"7cbd188e-60b6-482c-839f-5dcb23e5ae8d","slug":"simplisafe-home-security-system-2018","name":"SimpliSafe Home Security System (2018)","productType":"PRODUCT","updateType":"PRISM","mod":1733400856412}" overridecredit="SimpliSafe" overridecaption="<p>SimpliSafe packages offer affordable starter options.</p>" imagegroup="{"uuid":"0105f19d-e79e-4eff-8868-7fa001ab1254","alt":"best-cheap-home-security-system","caption":"<p></p>","credits":"Simplisafe/CNET","imageData":{"id":"0105f19d-e79e-4eff-8868-7fa001ab1254","filename":"best-cheap-home-security-system.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/02bf5b8dac532ae14c88745207c73b03c585ba62/hub/2024/05/28/0105f19d-e79e-4eff-8868-7fa001ab1254/best-cheap-home-security-system.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","dateCreated":{"date":"2024-05-28 04:36:49.000000","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/02bf5b8dac532ae14c88745207c73b03c585ba62/hub/2024/05/28/0105f19d-e79e-4eff-8868-7fa001ab1254/best-cheap-home-security-system.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","imageCaption":"<p></p>","imageCredit":"Simplisafe/CNET","imageAltText":"best-cheap-home-security-system","imageFilename":"best-cheap-home-security-system.jpg","imageWidth":3840,"imageHeight":2160,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2024-05-28","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}" usepricing="false" ng-block="{"id":"ypqgwms0xsfdzb9","type":"listicle"}" edition="us" data-key="cnetlisticle__2e69d717-7c16-4cca-b68e-33cdb50d7a87" index="1" contenttype="Best List - Precap" pagelayout="FAQ Markup + BL Precap" tagslugs="gap-project,ring,home-security,alexa,freelance-update,wyze,amazon,comcast,hv14" isbestlistredesign="true" imagecredit="SimpliSafe" imagealttext="best-cheap-home-security-system" class="c-bestListListicle">
SimpliSafe is one of the most affordable monitored security services you can buy, and it's also one of the easiest to set up and use. The variety of sensors all performed well in our tests, and the redesigned hardware looks better than ever at no additional cost.
Cons
SimpliSafe isn't the best option if you want a security system that will sync up with a larger smart home platform, and the $99 SimpliCam is far from our favorite smart security camera. Also, we could only get the glass break sensor to work with the sensitivity dialed all the way up.
Installation DIY installation
Contract Required No
Voice Assistant Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
Additional Fees 24/7 professional monitoring fee, storage fee
SimpliSafe's eight-piece home security kit includes the base station, a keypad control panel, four entry sensors, one motion sensor and a panic button. Don't let all the pieces intimidate you. DIY installation and setup is as easy as it gets, or you can opt for professional installation starting at $125. SimpliSafe home security also comes with the option of self-monitoring or professional monitoring.
Self-monitoring using the SimpliSafe app is free unless you want cloud storage for any SimpliSafe security cameras. The top professional plan, Fast Protect, starts at around $30 per month and includes 24/7 professional monitoring, high-priority police, fire and medical dispatch, flood and extreme temperature monitoring, plus unlimited video recording for your SimpliSafe security cameras.
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Eero Wi-Fi 6</a> mesh router. That enables select Ring security cameras or video doorbells to process their data and store their footage locally. Add that to other perks, like an Alexa Emergency Assist subscription and cellular-powered backup Wi-Fi (if your internet or power goes down), and you've got an incredible product for the price. Ring's highest-level Protect Pro subscription costs $20 per month, which is lower than most of its DIY competitors' $25 to $30 range.</p>" page-position linktext="Read the Ring Alarm Pro review" linkurl="https://www.cnet.com/home/security/ring-alarm-pro-review-a-giant-leap-for-home-security/" like dislike can-collapse="true" can-truncate="true" truncate-on-page-load="true" offer techobjectinfo="{"uuid":"ca6f7563-027f-47f8-b1a4-839b6e143b66","slug":"ring-alarm-pro-home-security-kit-8-pieces-white","name":"Ring Alarm Pro Home Security Kit (8 Pieces, White)","productType":"PRODUCT","updateType":"EZMONEY","mod":1733400856744}" overridecredit="David Priest/CNET" overridecaption="<p>Ring Alarm is getting a sensor for breaking glass.</p>" imagegroup="{"uuid":"73a19ff8-2cb8-4331-b68b-56e83d852ad8","alt":"amazon-ring-q4-23-holiday-gg-images-0002-alarm","caption":"<p></p>","credits":"Ring","imageData":{"id":"73a19ff8-2cb8-4331-b68b-56e83d852ad8","filename":"amazon-ring-q4-23-holiday-gg-images-0002-alarm.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/b257e0c74f3fd5c45cba393c44ed07fd0162ec83/hub/2023/11/01/73a19ff8-2cb8-4331-b68b-56e83d852ad8/amazon-ring-q4-23-holiday-gg-images-0002-alarm.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","dateCreated":{"date":"2023-11-01 14:13:47.000000","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/b257e0c74f3fd5c45cba393c44ed07fd0162ec83/hub/2023/11/01/73a19ff8-2cb8-4331-b68b-56e83d852ad8/amazon-ring-q4-23-holiday-gg-images-0002-alarm.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","imageCaption":"<p></p>","imageCredit":"Ring","imageAltText":"amazon-ring-q4-23-holiday-gg-images-0002-alarm","imageFilename":"amazon-ring-q4-23-holiday-gg-images-0002-alarm.jpg","imageWidth":1920,"imageHeight":1080,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2023-11-01","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}" usepricing="true" ng-block="{"id":"3yfb3j3dtgdx582","type":"listicle"}" edition="us" data-key="cnetlisticle__cb91d293-c090-4241-be2d-cabe84c712d0" index="2" contenttype="Best List - Precap" pagelayout="FAQ Markup + BL Precap" tagslugs="gap-project,ring,home-security,alexa,freelance-update,wyze,amazon,comcast,hv14" isbestlistredesign="true" imagecredit="David Priest/CNET" imagealttext="amazon-ring-q4-23-holiday-gg-images-0002-alarm" class="c-bestListListicle">
Ring's Alarm Pro system is a little pricier, landing at $300 for the starting kit (although you can often find it on sale for less). It brings more value per dollar than any other DIY security system. For that price, you'll get the base device, four entry sensors, one motion detector, a keypad and a Z-Wave range extender.
That may not sound particularly exciting until you realize that the base station is also an Eero Wi-Fi 6 mesh router. That enables select Ring security cameras or video doorbells to process their data and store their footage locally. Add that to other perks, like an Alexa Emergency Assist subscription and cellular-powered backup Wi-Fi (if your internet or power goes down), and you've got an incredible product for the price. Ring's highest-level Protect Pro subscription costs $20 per month, which is lower than most of its DIY competitors' $25 to $30 range.
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Other home security systems we tested
The CNET home security editors have tested out every major home security system over the years. We haven't listed every single one here, since some, such as AT&T Digital Life, are no longer available.
Abode: While Abode's performance was solid, its prices were higher than those of other DIY options, such as Cove and SimpliSafe. The Iota is an all-in-one security camera that's an interesting option for renters or those living in smaller spaces, but it still doesn't match the affordability or simple value of the options above.
Ring Alarm: Ring's first home security system is a solid contender for the best cheap home security system. In addition, its Pro version adds so much value that it's hard to recommend the original system over its upgraded successor.
Frontpoint: Although Frontpoint's hardware is solidly priced, its $50 monthly subscription fee is simply too much to recommend to anyone trying to stick to a budget.
Kangaroo: While Kangaroo is an incredibly wallet-friendly DIY security system, its value simply isn't as high as our top picks. Its hardware isn't just cheap on paper, it also feels cheap. Its doorbell camera is terrible.
Cove Home Security: While Cove's hardware is reasonably priced, the inability to self-monitor the system — or even have app access — without significant monthly fees makes it a less-than-ideal option for the budget-conscious buyer.
ADT: Professionally installed systems probably aren't the way to go for the best cheap home security system, and ADT is worse than others on the list simply for its astronomically high prices and forced contracts.
Vivint: Like ADT, Vivint isn't for the faint of wallet. While it's a great system for those interested in smart home integration, opting for Vivint won't save you money in the short term or long run.
Hands-on testing is core to our evaluations of any home security products. In short, when it comes to home security systems, we pay special attention to the user experience, the promised features, reliability and overall value, along with a few other elements. We do the testing in a real home environment over at least a full week. If you want to read more about our review process, check out our in-depth article on how we test home security systems and services.
do deter burglars</a>. Depending on where you live, a few hundred dollars may be a cost worth incurring to avoid the risk of burglaries or damaged property.</p>" page-position linktext linkurl like dislike can-collapse="true" can-truncate="true" truncate-on-page-load="true" offer techobjectinfo overridecredit overridecaption="<p></p>" imagegroup="{"imageData":{},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}" usepricing="true" ng-block="{"id":"k0vvp7uay3c8egj","type":"listicle"}" edition="us" data-key="cnetlisticle__199f4e15-3c2b-40dd-95c5-cc4d7f405af8" index="3" contenttype="Best List - Precap" pagelayout="FAQ Markup + BL Precap" tagslugs="gap-project,ring,home-security,alexa,freelance-update,wyze,amazon,comcast,hv14" isbestlistredesign="true" imagecredit imagealttext class="c-bestListListicle">
Ultimately, you'll have to answer this question for yourself. Home security systems do deter burglars. Depending on where you live, a few hundred dollars may be a cost worth incurring to avoid the risk of burglaries or damaged property.
Home security systems range in price anywhere from $100 to thousands of dollars. Generally, the larger the space you hope to cover — including the number of entryways you want to monitor — the more expensive the system. Many systems allow you to pick your devices a la carte, and most monitors shouldn't cost more than $30 apiece. If you're looking for reliable, budget-friendly picks, you shouldn't spend more than a few hundred dollars on home security. Likewise, you shouldn't be paying more than $25 or $30 at the most for monthly monitoring unless you're using a professionally installed system.
