Last updated: February 2026
Self-monitored security systems let you protect your home without paying monthly monitoring fees. You get alerts on your phone when sensors trigger — and you decide whether to call the police, check your cameras, or dismiss the alert. Here are the best self-monitored systems for 2026.
Best Self-Monitored Security Systems at a Glance
| # | System | Best For | Equipment | Pro Monitoring |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abode | Best overall self-monitoring | From $199 | Optional ($6-20/mo) |
| 2 | Ring Alarm | Best for Amazon/Alexa homes | From $200 | Optional ($10-20/mo) |
| 3 | SimpliSafe | Easiest self-monitoring setup | From $250 | Optional ($16-28/mo) |
| 4 | Wyze Home Monitoring | Ultra-budget option | From $50 | Optional ($4/mo) |
| 5 | eufy Security | Best for local storage (no cloud) | From $200 | No |
Self-Monitoring vs Professional Monitoring
Before choosing, understand the tradeoff:
| Self-Monitored | Professionally Monitored | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $0 | $6-45/mo |
| Who responds | You (via phone alerts) | Monitoring center → police/fire |
| Response when you’re unavailable | Nobody | Center dispatches anyway |
| False alarm fees | None | Possible (city-dependent) |
| Insurance discount | Usually none | 5-20% on homeowner’s insurance |
| Best for | Budget-conscious, tech-savvy | Peace of mind, families, travelers |
The honest truth: Self-monitoring works great if you’re always near your phone. But if you sleep heavily, travel, or want guaranteed emergency response, professional monitoring is worth the cost. Many systems on this list offer both — start with self-monitoring and upgrade anytime.
1. Abode — Best Overall Self-Monitored System
Abode is our #1 pick for self-monitoring because it offers the most complete free tier in the industry. The free plan includes:
- Real-time push notifications
- Arm/disarm from anywhere
- Automation rules (CUE engine)
- Timeline history (7 days)
- Geofencing (auto-arm when you leave)
Why it wins: Abode’s self-monitoring actually feels complete — you get geofencing, automation, and enough history to be useful. Other systems cripple the free tier to push you toward paid plans.
Smart home integration is unmatched: Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, Z-Wave, and Zigbee. No other self-monitored system supports HomeKit.
If you want pro monitoring later: Abode Connect ($6/mo) adds cellular backup, and Connect+ ($20/mo) adds full professional monitoring. No contracts ever.
Abode Starter Kit: $199
- Smart Security Hub
- Door/window sensor
- Motion sensor
- Key fob
2. Ring Alarm — Best for Amazon Homes
Ring Alarm offers solid self-monitoring with excellent Amazon ecosystem integration. The free tier includes:
- Push notifications
- Arm/disarm remotely
- Alexa voice control
- 30-day event history
The catch: Without Ring Protect Plus ($20/mo), you don’t get cellular backup — so if your WiFi goes down or an intruder cuts power, you won’t get alerts. Self-monitoring depends entirely on your internet connection.
Best feature: Ring Neighbors app gives you local crime alerts and lets you share camera footage with your community — free with any Ring device.
Ring Alarm Kit: $200
- Base station
- Keypad
- Contact sensor
- Motion detector
- Range extender
3. SimpliSafe — Easiest Self-Monitoring
SimpliSafe is the simplest setup for self-monitoring — unbox, peel, stick, done. The free self-monitoring plan includes push notifications and basic arm/disarm control.
The catch: SimpliSafe’s free tier is limited. No camera access, no smart home integration, and no cellular backup without a paid plan. The Standard plan ($16/mo) adds a lot.
Best feature: SimpliSafe’s hardware quality punches above its price. The sensors are reliable, the base station has a built-in siren, and the system just works without tinkering.
SimpliSafe Starter Kit: ~$250
- Base station
- Keypad
- 3 entry sensors
- Motion sensor
4. Wyze Home Monitoring — Ultra-Budget
Wyze entered home security with aggressively low pricing: a starter kit for ~$50 and optional monitoring for just $4/month. The self-monitoring tier is completely free.
The reality check: Wyze’s security hardware is basic. Sensors work but lack the range and reliability of Abode or Ring. The Wyze Hub is a simple device without the smart home integrations of competitors. You’re getting what you pay for.
Best for: Absolute minimum budget. If $200 for an Abode or Ring kit is too much, Wyze gets you in the door.
5. eufy Security — Best for Privacy (No Cloud)
eufy by Anker stores everything locally — no cloud subscriptions, no monthly fees, ever. Their HomeBase acts as a local storage hub for cameras and sensors.
The appeal: True local storage means your video never touches the cloud. No subscription needed for camera recordings. Great for privacy-conscious users.
The limitation: No professional monitoring option. This is self-monitoring only, permanently. The ecosystem is also smaller than Ring or Abode — fewer sensor types and limited third-party integrations.
Self-Monitoring Tips
- Keep your phone charged and volume on — You ARE the monitoring center
- Set up multiple contacts — Most systems let you send alerts to family members too
- Use geofencing — Auto-arm when you leave so you never forget (how geofencing works)
- Add cameras — Push notifications are useless without being able to see what triggered them
- Consider a siren — A loud alarm deters intruders even without police dispatch
- Get cellular backup — Even on self-monitoring, cellular backup ensures alerts work if WiFi is cut
3-Year Cost: Self-Monitoring vs Pro Monitoring
| System | Equipment | Self-Monitor (3yr) | Pro Monitor (3yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abode | $199 | $199 total | $919 (Connect+) |
| Ring | $200 | $200 total | $920 (Protect Pro) |
| SimpliSafe | $250 | $250 total | $1,258 (Interactive) |
| Wyze | $50 | $50 total | $194 ($4/mo) |
| eufy | $200 | $200 total | N/A |
Self-monitoring saves $700-1,000 over 3 years compared to professional monitoring. That’s real money — but only if you’re confident you’ll actually respond to alerts.
FAQ
Will police respond to a self-monitored alarm?
You need to call 911 yourself. Police don’t respond to unverified alarms — a monitoring center acts as the verified caller. With self-monitoring, you see the alert and make the call.
Can I get an insurance discount with self-monitoring?
Most insurance companies require professionally monitored systems with a certificate for discounts. Self-monitored systems typically don’t qualify. The discount (5-20%) often covers the monitoring cost anyway.
What’s the best self-monitored system for apartments?
Abode — wireless sensors, no drilling, no contracts, and the best free self-monitoring tier. See our renters security guide.
Can I switch from self-monitoring to professional later?
Yes — Abode, Ring, and SimpliSafe all let you add professional monitoring anytime without new equipment. It’s just a plan upgrade in the app.
Is self-monitoring safe enough?
For most people, self-monitoring plus cameras and a loud siren provides solid security. The siren alone deters most burglars (average break-in lasts under 10 minutes). Add cameras for evidence and deterrence. If you want guaranteed response when you’re unreachable, add professional monitoring — Abode starts at just $6/month.
Our Top Pick: Abode — the best free self-monitoring tier, widest smart home support, and seamless upgrade path to professional monitoring when you’re ready. No other system gives you this much for $0/month.
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.
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