• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Alarm Reviews HomepageAlarm Reviews

Home Security made EASY!

About Us

We have worked with, alongside and against home security companies for over a decade.  We publish the raw data and let you decide whom is best for your home alarm system.

  • Best Home Security Systems
    • #1 Abode
    • #2 Frontpoint
    • #3 ADT
    • #4 Vivint
    • #5 Protect America
    • #6 Link Interactive
  • Company Reviews
    • A – C
      • Abode
      • Ackerman Security
      • ADS Security
      • AMP
      • ASG
      • AT&T Digital Life
      • Atronic Alarms
      • Bay Alarm
      • Brinks
      • Central Security
      • Cox Homelife
      • CPI Security
    • D – R
      • DSC
      • Guardian
      • LifeShield
      • LiveWatch
      • Moni
      • Night Owl
      • Monitronics
      • Protection One
      • Ring Protect Review
    • S – X
      • SAFE
      • SafeGuard
      • Safeguard B2B
      • Security Networks
      • Sentry Safe
      • SpotCrime
      • Swann
      • Time Warner
      • Vector
      • XFINITY Home
  • Product Reviews
    • Top 10 Lists
      • 10 Best Deadbolt Models For Your Home
      • 10 Best Smart Locks for Your Home
      • 10 Best Wi-Fi Security Camera Models
      • 10 Best Wired Security Camera Systems
      • 11 Best Fireproof Safes
    • 2 Way Over Voice Reviews
    • 5 Best Driveway Alarm Systems
    • 5 Best Water Leak Detector
    • 7 Best Motion Detector Lights
    • 7 Best Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights for Homes
    • 8 Best Glass Break Sensor
    • 8 Best Self Monitored Home Security Systems
    • 9 Best Baby Monitor Models
    • 9 Best Nanny Cam Models
  • Compare
  • Other
    • Doorbell Cameras
    • DIY Systems
      • Best DIY Security Systems
      • Abode Home Security
      • 2gig
      • Alarm.com
      • Canary
      • Cocoon
      • First Alert
      • GE
      • Honeywell
      • Insteon
      • Kidde
      • iSmartAlarm
      • Piper
      • Nest
      • NextAlarm
      • Scout Alarm
      • SimpliSafe
      • SkyLink
      • SmartThings
    • Versus
      • ADT vs Lifeshield
      • ADT vs Protect America
      • ADT vs FrontPoint
      • LiveWatch vs Frontpoint
      • LiveWatch vs SimpliSafe
      • Monitronics VS ADT
      • Protect America vs FrontPoint
      • Simplisafe VS ADT
      • SimpliSafe vs Frontpoint
      • Vivint vs ADT
    • Home Security Tips
      • Cancelling Your Contract
      • Cheap Alternatives
      • Fake Security Signs
      • Home Invasions
      • Security Mistakes
      • Holiday Tips
      • Intelligent Homes
      • Amber Alerts
      • Dangerous Cities
      • Neighborhood Watch
      • Outdated Alarms
      • Security Apps
      • Saw Crime?
      • Upgrading Systems
      • Window Sensors
      • Why NOT to buy an Alarm
You are here: Home / Home Security Systems / 8 Best Self Monitored Home Security Systems

10/31/2022 by William Eames Leave a Comment

8 Best Self Monitored Home Security Systems

Irrespective of whether you’re living in an apartment complex or an individual house, investing in the best self monitored home security system is of utmost importance. If you’re still not convinced, read up on the statistics with respect to burglaries. Around two million home burglaries a year  are reported in the U.S. alone on average.

This puts home break-ins toward the top of the list when it comes to the most common threats to your home. With the best self monitored home security system in place, you can deter such unscrupulous activities and keep your home and your family safe and out of harm’s way. In this article, you will learn more about home security systems, their advantages, their pricing, and some of the best self monitored home security systems that your money can buy

PreviewProduct
Abode 4 Piece Wireless Smart Security System - Works with Apple... Abode 4 Piece Wireless Smart Security System - Works with Apple... View on Amazon
Ring Alarm 5 Piece Kit (1st Gen) – Home Security System with... Ring Alarm 5 Piece Kit (1st Gen) – Home Security System with... View on Amazon
Canary View Indoor Home Security Camera 1080p HD WiFi IP | 24/7 Watch... Canary View Indoor Home Security Camera 1080p HD WiFi IP | 24/7 Watch... View on Amazon

Best Self Monitored Home Security System FAQ

Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about self monitored home security system options.

1. What Is A Self Monitored Home Security System?

Self monitored security systems are cameras and other connected devices placed throughout your home, which can be accessed remotely via an app and an internet connection. They enable you to view whatever is happening in your home in real time. This allows you to take immediate and necessary action to protect your home in the event of an emergency, such as calling the cops or emergency services.  

2. What Are The Advantages Of The Best Self Monitored Home Security Systems?

Some advantages that the best self monitored home security systems offer are absolutely zero monthly fees, no middlemen, zero fees or penalties for false alarms, and the freedom to configure the system according to your needs and requirements. Purchasing the best self monitored home security system is basically a one-time investment, as there are absolutely no other recurring costs involved.

3. What Are The Factors To Consider Before Getting The Best Self Monitored Home Security System?

Before you set off to purchase the best self monitored home security system, some factors you should consider are whether you require a wired or wireless system, the inclusion or the option for viewing live feeds, quality and resolution of the cameras, whether it has night vision modes, the complexity of installation, and finally, the price point.  

4. Where Can You Buy The Best Self Monitored Home Security System?

You can get some of the best self monitored home security systems from online marketplaces such as Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot, and Target. Another alternative is to visit the manufacturer’s own website to check out their range of security systems before making an informed purchase.

How We Reviewed

security guy facing the monitors

We took the input of several security experts to compile a list of some of the best self monitored home security systems available on the market. We then went through several critic opinions and user reviews to better understand these systems and their functions. Once that was done, our team of reviewers took over and critically analyzed each system on the basis of their features, their pros and cons, their pricing, and their warranty information. The review team then compared these systems with one another to arrive at an unbiased verdict.  

Overall Price Range Of The Best Self Monitored Home Security System

The usual price range of some of the best self monitored home security systems starts as low as around $$ and can go all the way up to around $$$. The pricing is primarily dependent on the technology that the security system uses, its interface, and the number of cameras that come with the system.

Generally, home security systems that are priced lower down the range often skip on several important aspects such as camera quality, night mode feature, and silent alarms, among others. Therefore, we recommend that you don’t prioritize the price as a factor when choosing the best self monitored home security system, as nothing is more important than the safety and security of your home and your family.

What We Reviewed

security personnels watching the cctv cameras' footage
  • abode Essentials Starter Kit
  • Samsung SmartThings Smart Home Hub
  • Arlo Pro 2 – Wireless Home Security System
  • iSmartAlarm Preferred Home Security Package
  • Ring Alarm – Home Security System
  • Blink Indoor Home Security Camera System
  • Canary and Flex – Total Home Pack
  • Skylink WT-433 Window/Door Sensor

abode Essentials Starter Kit

Abode 4 Piece Wireless Smart Security System - Works with Apple...
Abode 4 Piece Wireless Smart Security System - Works with Apple...
  • INDUSTRY LEADING WHOLE HOME SECURITY - Abode’s Smart Security System is expandable to meet your exact needs, and works...
  • WORKS WITH APPLE HOMEKIT - the Smart Security System remains the only home security system (DIY or pro) that has been...
  • CUSTOMIZE YOUR SECURITY SYSTEM -- add additional Abode sensors or cameras to monitor all accessible doors/windows, water...
Amazon Prime
View on Amazon

Features 

The abode Essentials Starter Kit offers you a solution to make your house more connected and stay protected all the time. As the kit is completely wireless, it can be self-installed and does not require any technical experience. The Essentials kit comes with a gateway, a window/door sensor, a remote key fob, and a motion sensor to get you started. You get all of this without having to sign a contract or subscribe to any mandatory plans.

PROS

  • Extremely easy to install
  • Sleek and minimalistic design
  • Compatible with third party accessories
  • Works well with both Android and iOS devices

CONS

  • Adding third party accessories can be a hassle
  • Average build-quality 

Warranty

The manufacturer offers a one-year limited warranty on the abode Essentials Starter Kit.

No products found.

No products found.

Features 

With the SmartThings Smart Home Hub set up in your house, you can connect a wide range of home security accessories including compatible third party accessories to secure your home from intruders. With the help of four replaceable AA batteries, the hub will continue to stay active even during a power outage. Additionally, with a range of around 50 to 130 feet, the hub can easily cover multiple rooms.   

PROS

  • Supports Amazon Alexa
  • Provides around 10 hours of battery backup
  • Can be used as a complete home automation tool
  • Very compact and lightweight

CONS

  • Lacks Nest integration
  • No support for cellular networks 

Warranty

Samsung offers a one-year limited warranty on the Samsung SmartThings Smart Home Hub.

No products found.

No products found.

Features 

The Arlo Pro 2 is a complete wireless security system that eliminates the need to rewire your home to accommodate the system. Arlo Pro 2 comes with high-quality 1080p cameras that automatically switch to night vision mode under low-light and dark environments so you don’t miss a thing.    
 

PROS

  • Works with multiple voice assistants
  • Cameras are weather resistant and can be used outdoors
  • System can be powered entirely using batteries
  • Great camera resolution
  • Supports local backup storage via USB

CONS

  • A tad bit more expensive
  • The app is clunky and lacks refinement 

Warranty

The Arlo Pro 2 comes with a one-year limited warranty with three months of tech support.

No products found.

No products found.

Features 

Bid adieu to monthly fees and contracts with the iSmartAlarm Preferred Home Security Package. This security system is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, and offers alerts through push notifications, calls, text messages, and email. The package includes a hub, two window/door sensors, a motion sensor, two remote tags, and two sensor stickers. The system can also be expanded even further by connecting additional accessories such as cameras.
    

PROS

  • Installation is easy
  • Very affordable
  • Supports Amazon Alexa and IFTTT accessories
  • Fully wireless
  • Good customer support

CONS

  • App can be buggy and unreliable at times
  • Doesn’t come with any battery backup 

Warranty

The iSmartAlarm Preferred Home Security Package comes with a one-year limited warranty.

Ring Alarm – Home Security System

Ring Alarm 5 Piece Kit (1st Gen) – Home Security System with...
Ring Alarm 5 Piece Kit (1st Gen) – Home Security System with...
  • Ring Alarm puts whole-home security at your fingertips. Get alerts on your smart phone when doors or windows open or...
  • Optional 24/7 professional monitoring. No long-term contracts or cancellation fees.
  • Manage Ring Alarm and other Ring products—including Ring Doorbell—with the Ring app.
Amazon Prime
View on Amazon

Features 

Arguably one of the best self monitored home security systems out in the market, the Ring Alarm system is versatile and comes with all the necessary accessories to get you started. You can add as many compatible accessories as you wish at any point in time. Also, with up to 24 hours of battery backup, this Ring Alarm system ensures that your house continues to stay protected even in the midst of a power outage.
 

PROS

  • Robust yet inexpensive
  • Can be installed in minutes
  • System is relatively easy to use
  • Offers optional professional monitoring service

CONS

  • No support for voice assistants
  • Third-party accessories have limited compatibility 

Warranty

Ring offers a one-year limited warranty on the Ring Alarm home security system.

No products found.

No products found.

Features 

The Blink Indoor Home Security Camera System is a compact two-in-one system that innovatively combines both the motion detector and the camera into a single module. The camera automatically records a short clip when it detects any motion and uploads it directly to the cloud. The system is completely wireless, relying on just a couple AA lithium batteries for power. The home security system is also compatible with Amazon Alexa, Android, and iOS devices via the Blink app.  

<h34style=”color: #fff;=”” padding:=”” 0;=”” margin:=”” 0;”=””>PROS</h34style=”color:>
  • Supports live view streaming
  • Comes with free cloud storage
  • Uses AA batteries
  • Low cost of ownership

CONS

  • App functionality seems limited
  • Lacks weather protection and cannot be used outdoors 

Warranty

Blink offers a one-year limited warranty on the Blink Indoor home security camera system.

Canary and Flex - Total Home Pack

Sale
Canary View Indoor Home Security Camera 1080p HD WiFi IP | 24/7 Watch...
Canary View Indoor Home Security Camera 1080p HD WiFi IP | 24/7 Watch...
  • AWARD-WINNING TECHNOLOGY & DESIGN: Trusted by over a million users & over 10,000 first responders – a camera...
  • INDOOR WIFI CAMERA: 24/7 watch live HD surveillance, motion notification, two-way audio, speaker & microphone, 147°...
  • ADDITIONAL FEATURES: 30-day video cloud history, smarter motion alerts with video clips & person detection, activity...
Amazon Prime
View on Amazon

Features 

The Canary and Flex – Total Home Pack features a base security station and two cameras that are weatherproofed, enabling them to be used outdoors. The base station has a 90-decibel siren that is set off upon detecting intruders. Similar to the Blink home security system, the cameras come with motion sensors that begin recording upon detecting any movement. In addition to that, the Canary and Flex system sends out video alerts instantly to your configured Android or iOS device.  

PROS

  • Base station features a siren
  • Compact design
  • Works with voice assistants
  • Features a two-way radio

CONS

  • Lacks local storage
  • Battery is not user-replaceable 

Warranty

Canary offers a one-year limited warranty on the Canary and Flex – Total Home Pack.

No products found.

No products found.

Features 

The Skylink WT-433 sensor can be used to protect your home from intruders and to warn you in case there’s an emergency or a crisis. When paired with the control panel, the sensor sends a signal as soon as it detects an entry or an exit. The WT-433 covers a wide range of up to 100 feet and runs completely wire-free with the help of a 12-volt alkaline battery.
 

PROS

  • No fees or contracts
  • Compatible with Skylink emergency dialer or control panel
  • Battery lasts for a long time

CONS

  • Double-sided tape doesn’t stick well
  • Looks big and bulky 

Warranty

Skylink offers a one-year limited warranty on the Skylink WT-433 Window/Door Sensor.

The Verdict

Based on our review of the best self monitored home security systems, the Arlo Pro 2 comes out as the best security system that you can use to protect your home. The cameras are weather-resistant and can operate normally in a wide variety of conditions. Their ability to record high-quality videos even in low-light conditions is a great additional feature for people looking to adequately secure their homes.

You can even chuck wires and go completely wireless as long as you remember to charge the devices occasionally. Furthermore, with full support for various voice assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant, you can simply use voice commands to operate the system.

On the other hand, if the asking price of the Arlo Pro 2 is beyond your budget, then the abode Essentials Starter Kit and the iSmartAlarm Preferred Home Security Package are perfectly viable alternatives that you can consider. While both of these options lack the functionality of the Arlo Pro 2, they’re considerably cheaper and yet offer the same wireless and hassle-free experience.

 Latest Posts

  • 3 Ways to know your Alarm System is Outdated
  • Vivint vs ADT
  • 7 Best Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights for Homes
  • Top Home Security Systems in Atlanta, GA
  • How to Cancel Your Alarm Contract
William Eames Alarm-reviews.net
William Eames

William is a tech buff and former corporate security officer turned cybercrime analyst. Computers have few secrets left for him, but home security and alarm systems… Well, those have plenty of secrets for their users, which William is now uncovering and explaining. His articles on home security helped many people take the matter seriously, invest in highly performing systems, and avoid becoming victims of burglaries.

Last update on 2025-11-24 at 21:57 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Filed Under: Home Security Systems, Self Monitored Security Systems

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Home Security Review Winners 2025

#1: Abode

Review - Visit Site
(650) 446-7078

#2: FrontPoint

Review - Visit Site
(833) 606-4477

#3: ADT Monitoring

Review - Visit Site
(855) 497-8573

#4: Vivint

Review - Visit Site
(877) 805-6733

Ideal Security Products

Abode Iota All-in-One Security Kit with Integrated Camera, Alarm, Key...
Abode Iota All-in-One Security Kit with Integrated Camera, Alarm, Key...
Amazon Prime
View on Amazon
Sale Kasa Indoor Pan/Tilt Smart Security Camera, 1080p HD Dog-Camera,2.4GHz...
Kasa Indoor Pan/Tilt Smart Security Camera, 1080p HD Dog-Camera,2.4GHz...
Amazon Prime
View on Amazon
Blink Whole Home Bundle | Video Doorbell System, Outdoor camera, and...
Blink Whole Home Bundle | Video Doorbell System, Outdoor camera, and...
Amazon Prime
View on Amazon
Sale Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera - 3 Pack - Wireless Security, 1080p...
Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera - 3 Pack - Wireless Security, 1080p...
View on Amazon
Top

The unbiased rankings and reviews are opinion of Alarm-Reviews.net and are subject to change. In order to keep this valuable data for consumers free, we generate advertising revenue from a few of the companies featured on this site. Learn more from our affiliate disclosure or Compare Top 5

Vivint vs ADT

Vivint vs ADT

What happens when the two largest home security companies collide?   We stacked up these two security giants dozens of ways for you to decide who the right company is for you and your home.  Ultimately what you are deciding between is a: good vs rocky history, good vs luxury price and basic vs advanced. […]

best outdoor motion sensor lights

7 Best Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights for Homes

Blind the Bad Guys with these Bright LED Security Motion Lights We may never know all that creeps in the dark around our homes while we sleep. One way to be sure that anything wandering around is aware of you, though, is with best outdoor motion sensor lights. Nothing scares off a prowler quicker than […]

Top Home Security Systems in Atlanta, GA

Real southern comfort and peace. Atlanta Georgia & surrounding counties – Home to over  half a million people with diverse historical background. The need to be security conscious stems from the latest Forbes ranking of Atlanta as the sixth most dangerous city in the US. This stems from the over  1,427 violent crime rate per […]

Categories

  • Alarm Systems
  • Baby Monitor
  • Deadbolts
  • Doorbell Cameras
  • Fireproof Safes
  • GPS Trackers
  • Guard Dogs
  • Home Security Company Comparison
  • Home Security News
  • Home Security Reviews
  • Home Security Systems
  • Home Security Tips
  • LED Lights
  • Local Home Security Directory
  • Mobile Applications
  • Motion Detector Lights
  • Motion Sensors
  • Phone Security Applications
  • Security Cameras
  • Self Monitored Security Systems
  • Smart Home Devices
  • Smart Locks
  • Smoke Detectors
  • Thermostat
  • Water Leak Detector
  • Wireless Dog Fence

Footer

ABOUT US

We have worked with, alongside and against home security companies for over a decade. We publish the raw data and let you decide whom is best for your home alarm system.

  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap

Copyright © 2025