Being safe and secure in your home is a priority. But that doesn't mean you must break the bank to ensure it. We tested various devices to help you set up an affordable home security system -- here are our favorites.
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David Priest
Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission.
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David PriestFormer editor
David Priest is an award-winning writer and editor who formerly covered home security for CNET.
Home security and other measures are essential for keeping you, your family and your friends safe -- and tin cans hanging outside of your front door aren't going to cut it. Of course, high-tech security equipment is out of most people's price range, and you shouldn't feel bad about it. That's where DIY security systems come in. They're not only less expensive, but they won't have you rushing to Google to ask how you assemble it, making it useful and providing that all important protection.
"The era of the $200 security camera is over." Our (now former) CNET colleague Megan Wollerton put it. Instead of your wallet feeling all the hurt, you can get several budget home security devices to achieve professional monitoring. This includes door cameras, entry sensors, security cameras and other home security equipment. If it has smart home integration, it'll work like a dream. Besides that, many home security devices are often on sale for under $20, so you can create DIY home security systems to protect your house.
We've tested these affordable home security systems to find you the best this year. Our team has checked for equipment costs, free self-monitoring, cloud storage and monthly fees while testing these smart home features to see if they can hold their own against more advanced security solutions or professionally installed systems.
We update this list often, so check back later if you're still looking for ways to update the security of your home without breaking the bank.
Wyze is well known for its home security cameras, but it also launched a great new video doorbell for under a hundred bucks. The Wyze Video Doorbell Pro has a wide field of view with head-to-toe vision. It also supports two-way talk and high-resolution livestreaming -- and it even comes with an included plug-in chime, if you don't want to wire it.
These are great devices to keep an eye on packages, greet guests and deter porch pirates. If you are buying it from Amazon, don't forget to use the $10 coupon for a sweet additional discount.
While we're talking affordable deterrence, it might be worth considering dummy cameras as part of your home security kit. Especially for larger properties, where you want your home security system to cover a lot of ground without breaking the bank, fake security cameras can make your house look like a locked-down compound at an affordable price.
Deterrence will only get you so far with a fake security cam. If a burglar breaks into your house, you'll still want an alarm system -- either some sort of alarm monitoring device or motion detector -- to alert you to the breach.
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Alexa Guard</a> can help keep an ear (or some far-field microphones) on your house when you're away. An Echo Dot is the cheapest way to get Alexa Guard monitoring in your house. The latest, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href=https://www.cnet.com/home/security/best-cheap-home-security-devices/"https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-release-vibrant-helpful-routines/dp/B09B94RL1R/ref=sr_1_1?crid=FTQL3FJUDMFK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ezc_oS1l-fCSc1tdwgLGjUCOL2jyvws4DUnZP9UpMLOZNGDrpGQSQO2kwrUaN7yMWQinM6eHkmyLPdFRY1qateTsx_2Cwg9pbMPgeu5mrTFXYPJf8ITzQolWw9WYFoAbd4ffshM7GnDG7vdwyYnq338z8bw1CCteE5FKrHyNHxJwaJOdQH6ZxwrBkNMb3k7F-9l1nnvimjGunoMWpNe7uSex3F5Sv4exp3rHdzyjDdZwouj-Vt7Zgu1yJrNhUEnmYJzK-HpyxQNpWR5phlmFDcuVkwWxahF36iordzI430I.fyX4DrbYwaD5SjbyzhmqvB3x1rY31Oil7gbGRvjlpNA&dib_tag=se&keywords=amazon+echo+dot+5th+gen&qid=1724347415&s=amazon-devices&sprefix=Amazon+Echo+%285th+Gen%29%2Camazon-devices%2C142&sr=1-1%22>fifth-gen Echo Dot</a> typically lists for around $50, but the older, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href=https://www.cnet.com/home/security/best-cheap-home-security-devices/"https://www.ebay.com/itm/387301980855">third-gen Dot</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href=https://www.cnet.com/home/security/best-cheap-home-security-devices/"https://www.ebay.com/itm/276587712139">fourth-gen Dot</a> work just as well and can be found for closer to $40, if you want to save some cash. If you already have an Echo, this monitoring service is totally free and can be set up through the Alexa mobile app.</p><p>Just say, "Alexa, I'm leaving" to switch on the home monitoring feature. Then your Echo will listen for glass breaking, alarms, or the sound of humans moving around your house (it can distinguish between pets and people) -- and you'll receive a mobile alert if it hears anything.</p><p>You can also subscribe to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href=https://www.cnet.com/home/security/best-cheap-home-security-devices/"https://www.amazon.com/Alexa-Emergency-Assist-Monthly-auto-renewal/dp/B0BZSZBK3T">Alexa Emergency Assist</a>, for $6 per month.</p>" page-position linktext="Read our Echo Dot review" linkurl="https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/amazon-echo-dot-2020-review-wait-for-a-sale/" like dislike can-collapse="true" can-truncate="true" truncate-on-page-load="true" offer techobjectinfo="{"uuid":"614fad19-fbc6-4880-a778-968c74d4cd3d","slug":"echo-dot-5th-gen-2022-release-p","name":"Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022 release) - P","productType":"SERIES","updateType":"AUTOPID","mod":1727521451709}" overridecredit="Tyler Lizenby/CNET" overridecaption="<p></p>" imagegroup="{"uuid":"57ac3ddc-ea51-42e8-89ee-e3734f3b5c2b","alt":"A gray Echo Dot 4th gen is displayed against a gradient black, gray and white background.","caption":"<p></p>","credits":"Amazon","imageData":{"id":"57ac3ddc-ea51-42e8-89ee-e3734f3b5c2b","filename":"echo-dot-4th-gen.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/9575a2097df19997351e626542f7688340f223e2/hub/2021/01/04/57ac3ddc-ea51-42e8-89ee-e3734f3b5c2b/echo-dot-4th-gen.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","dateCreated":{"date":"2021-01-04 23:43:23.000000","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/9575a2097df19997351e626542f7688340f223e2/hub/2021/01/04/57ac3ddc-ea51-42e8-89ee-e3734f3b5c2b/echo-dot-4th-gen.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","imageCaption":"<p></p>","imageCredit":"Amazon","imageAltText":"A gray Echo Dot 4th gen is displayed against a gradient black, gray and white background.","imageFilename":"echo-dot-4th-gen.jpg","imageWidth":1364,"imageHeight":767,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2021-01-04","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}" usepricing="false" ng-block="{"id":"xjzy7uy6iagwgfl","type":"listicle"}" edition="us" data-key="cnetlisticle__d8d65436-e28c-4329-a2b5-c14cd70638e2" index="3" contenttype="Best List - Precap" pagelayout="Default - Article Page" tagslugs="gap-project,home-security,hv28,alexa,wyze,amazon" isbestlistredesign="true" imagecredit="Tyler Lizenby/CNET" imagealttext="A gray Echo Dot 4th gen is displayed against a gradient black, gray and white background." class="c-bestListListicle">
Alexa Guard can help keep an ear (or some far-field microphones) on your house when you're away. An Echo Dot is the cheapest way to get Alexa Guard monitoring in your house. The latest, fifth-gen Echo Dot typically lists for around $50, but the older, third-gen Dot or fourth-gen Dot work just as well and can be found for closer to $40, if you want to save some cash. If you already have an Echo, this monitoring service is totally free and can be set up through the Alexa mobile app.
Just say, "Alexa, I'm leaving" to switch on the home monitoring feature. Then your Echo will listen for glass breaking, alarms, or the sound of humans moving around your house (it can distinguish between pets and people) -- and you'll receive a mobile alert if it hears anything.
like this one</a>.</p><p>Devices like these, while not Wi-Fi connected, still offer clever ways to add one more home security barrier for burglars to bypass, which equals a little peace of mind for the anxious homeowner. And even though it lacks any of the bells and whistles of a smart lock (like a control panel or burglar alarm), it's portable so you can bring this cheap home security lock with you when you're staying at a hotel or an Airbnb.</p>" page-position linktext="Read more about smart locks" linkurl="https://www.cnet.com/news/best-smart-locks-in-2019-alexa-siri-google-assistant-amazon-lock-august-deadbolt/" like dislike can-collapse="true" can-truncate="true" truncate-on-page-load="true" offer techobjectinfo="{"uuid":"e3ec8103-9208-4492-9016-e080be410060","slug":"addalock-the-original-portable-door-lock-by-rishon-enterprises-inc-1-piece-for-home-security-apartment-security-lock","name":"Addalock the Original Portable Door Lock by Rishon Enterprises Inc. (1 Piece), for Home Security, Apartment Security Lock, Travel Door Lock, AirBNB Lock and Dorm Room Essentials","productType":"PRODUCT","updateType":"EZMONEY","mod":1727521450337}" overridecredit="Screenshot by David Priest/CNET" overridecaption="<p></p>" imagegroup="{"uuid":"f8ca4fec-2c96-4f69-a3bd-7e3b3b352e7a","alt":"screen-shot-2019-10-10-at-12-24-47-pm.png","caption":"<p></p>","credits":"Screenshot by David Priest/CNET","imageData":{"id":"f8ca4fec-2c96-4f69-a3bd-7e3b3b352e7a","filename":"screen-shot-2019-10-10-at-12-24-47-pm.png","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/599734d818725c697f6ed9a49f71618d0c6a9f47/hub/2019/10/17/f8ca4fec-2c96-4f69-a3bd-7e3b3b352e7a/screen-shot-2019-10-10-at-12-24-47-pm.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&height=500","dateCreated":{"date":"2019-10-17 20:16:24.000000","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/599734d818725c697f6ed9a49f71618d0c6a9f47/hub/2019/10/17/f8ca4fec-2c96-4f69-a3bd-7e3b3b352e7a/screen-shot-2019-10-10-at-12-24-47-pm.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&height=500","imageCaption":"<p></p>","imageCredit":"Screenshot by David Priest/CNET","imageAltText":"screen-shot-2019-10-10-at-12-24-47-pm.png","imageFilename":"screen-shot-2019-10-10-at-12-24-47-pm.png","imageWidth":746,"imageHeight":954,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2019-10-17","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}" usepricing="false" ng-block="{"id":"7tq7fjj948okbf2","type":"listicle"}" edition="us" data-key="cnetlisticle__dd617df7-ccf9-4dbd-a500-2454540fb74d" index="4" contenttype="Best List - Precap" pagelayout="Default - Article Page" tagslugs="gap-project,home-security,hv28,alexa,wyze,amazon" isbestlistredesign="true" imagecredit="Screenshot by David Priest/CNET" imagealttext="screen-shot-2019-10-10-at-12-24-47-pm.png" class="c-bestListListicle">
It can be tough for renters to boost their home security in part because home security system installation can be pretty involved -- especially when you're talking smart deadbolts. So if you want to add a little security to your door locks without much hassle or cash down, consider a DIY system retrofit lock like this one.
Devices like these, while not Wi-Fi connected, still offer clever ways to add one more home security barrier for burglars to bypass, which equals a little peace of mind for the anxious homeowner. And even though it lacks any of the bells and whistles of a smart lock (like a control panel or burglar alarm), it's portable so you can bring this cheap home security lock with you when you're staying at a hotel or an Airbnb.
Wyze Cam is the wallet-friendliest smart Wi-Fi camera. This home security camera offers free person-alerts to your Wyze app, 14 days of cloud storage and an SD card slot if you want continuous recording. Wyze's signature outdoor camera security device also got an upgrade in 2020 and now includes weatherproof housing, sharper night vision, a wider field of view, a functional siren and more -- all for under $40.
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Wyze bulb</a>. You can get two for $17 or four for $40 -- not too much more than a regular <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href=https://www.cnet.com/home/security/best-cheap-home-security-devices/"https://www.cnet.com/topics/light-bulbs/">LED bulb. These cheap home security gadgets connect directly to your Wi-Fi network and can be controlled with the Wyze mobile app through your mobile device. These lights are perfect to schedule through your app and forget about.</p>" page-position linktext linkurl like dislike can-collapse="true" can-truncate="true" truncate-on-page-load="true" offer techobjectinfo="{"uuid":"c7d153a3-b3d9-4357-81e3-be72cbeabcff","slug":"wyze-bulb-white-800-lumen-90-pluscri-wifi-tunable-white-a19-smart-light-bulb-compatible-with-alexa-and-google-assistant-wlpa19v22pk","name":"Wyze Bulb White, 800 Lumen, 90+CRI WiFi Tunable-White A19 Smart Light Bulb, Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, Two-Pack","productType":"PRODUCT","updateType":"EZMONEY","mod":1727521450933}" overridecredit="Chris Monroe/CNET" overridecaption="<p></p>" imagegroup="{"uuid":"6e2a7516-91b8-4818-8a8d-5db444bc2f54","alt":"A Wyze smart bulb, lit up","caption":"<p></p>","credits":"Chris Monroe/CNET","imageData":{"id":"6e2a7516-91b8-4818-8a8d-5db444bc2f54","filename":"wyze-bulb-2-720.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/b788a211a2181ad1db250ad4e508eb84c7830fa8/hub/2019/07/26/6e2a7516-91b8-4818-8a8d-5db444bc2f54/wyze-bulb-2-720.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","dateCreated":{"date":"2019-07-26 15:42:47.000000","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/b788a211a2181ad1db250ad4e508eb84c7830fa8/hub/2019/07/26/6e2a7516-91b8-4818-8a8d-5db444bc2f54/wyze-bulb-2-720.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","imageCaption":"<p></p>","imageCredit":"Chris Monroe/CNET","imageAltText":"A Wyze smart bulb, lit up","imageFilename":"wyze-bulb-2-720.jpg","imageWidth":720,"imageHeight":405,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2019-07-26","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}" usepricing="false" ng-block="{"id":"i6frwvf4rny9qp5","type":"listicle"}" edition="us" data-key="cnetlisticle__7961b924-e231-4186-961d-d3297f577a02" index="6" contenttype="Best List - Precap" pagelayout="Default - Article Page" tagslugs="gap-project,home-security,hv28,alexa,wyze,amazon" isbestlistredesign="true" imagecredit="Chris Monroe/CNET" imagealttext="A Wyze smart bulb, lit up" class="c-bestListListicle">
One of the most obvious deterrents to would-be intruders is an occupied house. Throw some smart lights into your kitchen, living room or front porch fixtures, schedule them to flip on at certain times during the night and you instantly make your house much less appealing to the more skittish thief.
One of the most wallet-friendly DIY home security system options: The Wyze bulb. You can get two for $17 or four for $40 -- not too much more than a regular LED bulb. These cheap home security gadgets connect directly to your Wi-Fi network and can be controlled with the Wyze mobile app through your mobile device. These lights are perfect to schedule through your app and forget about.
If you're less concerned about recording specific rooms and more interested in monitoring entryways to your house, the security sensor kit could be a better affordable equipment fit for you. Wyze is the security company that takes the cake again here, allowing you to build your own security kit with a selection of devices including a $30 entry sensor, $20 keypad, $15 motion sensor and more.
Again, for the price, these home monitoring security devices are a solid value. For a small apartment, or if you're just monitoring your front and back doors, these smart home security devices could keep you solidly covered with motion detection for super cheap -- eliminating the need for professional monitoring with shoddy customer service or a false alarm.
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