The Best DIY Home Security Systems in 2026
DIY home security has come a long way. Today’s systems are easy to install, affordable, and packed with smart features that rival — or surpass — traditional professionally installed systems. No drilling, no technician appointments, no long-term contracts. Here are the best DIY security systems you can set up yourself in 2026.
Our Top 5 DIY Security Systems
1. Abode — Best Overall DIY Security
Abode is our top pick for DIY security because it offers the most versatile smart home integration of any security system. It works with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Z-Wave, and Zigbee — no other system covers all these platforms.
- Starting price: ~$200 for Smart Security Kit
- Monitoring: Free self-monitoring, or $20/month for professional monitoring
- Contract: None
- Smart home: HomeKit, Alexa, Google, IFTTT, Z-Wave, Zigbee
- Standout feature: Only DIY system with full Apple HomeKit support
Best for: Smart home enthusiasts, Apple users, anyone who wants maximum flexibility with no contracts.
2. Ring Alarm — Best Budget DIY System
Ring Alarm delivers the best value in DIY security — affordable hardware plus the cheapest professional monitoring in the industry at just $10/month.
- Starting price: ~$200 for 5-piece kit
- Monitoring: $10/month (Ring Protect Plus) for professional monitoring
- Contract: None
- Smart home: Amazon Alexa only
- Standout feature: $10/month professional monitoring covers ALL Ring devices
Best for: Budget buyers, Amazon Alexa households, renters.
3. SimpliSafe — Best Sensor Variety
SimpliSafe offers the widest range of proprietary sensors — from standard door/window sensors to environmental monitors for smoke, CO, water leaks, and temperature.
- Starting price: ~$250 for a starter system
- Monitoring: $19.99-$29.99/month for professional monitoring
- Contract: None
- Smart home: Basic Alexa and Google support
- Standout feature: Live Guard Protection — agents view your camera during an alarm
Best for: Comprehensive environmental monitoring, innovative alarm verification.
4. ADT Self Setup — Best Traditional Brand, DIY Install
ADT now offers a DIY self-setup option that brings their monitoring expertise to a no-contract package.
- Starting price: ~$200 for starter kit
- Monitoring: $6/month (self) or $28.99/month (professional)
- Contract: None (Self Setup plans)
- Smart home: Alexa and Google
- Standout feature: ADT’s 9 monitoring centers — most in the industry
Best for: People who want ADT’s monitoring reputation without the traditional contract.
5. Cove — Best for Simplicity
Cove focuses on making security as simple as possible — straightforward equipment, easy setup, and no bloated app.
- Starting price: ~$150 for basic equipment
- Monitoring: $17.99-$27.99/month
- Contract: None
- Smart home: Alexa and Google
- Standout feature: InstaConnect cellular — works out of the box, no WiFi setup needed
Best for: Non-tech-savvy users who want simple, reliable security.
DIY vs Professional Installation: Which Is Right for You?
- Choose DIY if: You’re comfortable with basic setup, want to save money, want flexibility to move or cancel, and prefer controlling your own system.
- Choose professional if: You want someone else to handle everything, have a complex home layout, need hardwired sensors, or want the assurance of expert installation. See our ADT or Brinks reviews.
What to Look for in a DIY Security System
- No contracts: All our top picks are month-to-month
- Cellular backup: Ensures your system works even if WiFi or power goes out
- Smart home compatibility: Match to your existing voice assistant ecosystem
- Monitoring options: Self-monitor for free, or add professional monitoring
- Expandability: Can you add cameras, sensors, and smart devices over time?
- App quality: A good app makes daily use enjoyable instead of frustrating
Related Resources
- Top Home Security Systems 2026 — Our overall rankings
- Best Security Cameras 2026 — Top camera picks
- Best Motion Sensor Lights — Complement your system with outdoor lighting
Brad Lunt says
I will DIY til the day that I die! Okay, a cheesy little slogan I came up with. But seriously, anyone paying for a technician to install their security system needs to chill and just try one of these! It’s the same equipment people!
Granted, I do realize that if you can afford a house for a security system, you can probably pay another $99 for installation. If your installation is anything more than $99 you might as well do it yourself and use the spare funds to pay for the first few months of monitoring.
I think the companies that offer this are smart so they can roll out nationwide and not have to worry about installation vans, techs breaking things at users homes etc. The tricky parts are when you get into camera systems and automation, then it’s tech-it-up time!
Dana Washnock says
Honestly I was scared at first about doing my own alarm system. But the flexibility of it was great. I also liked not having a technician in my home learning about where everything is. I’m sure I’m just extra paranoid but by doing it myself I kept out any creepo that might be working for a security company to identify goods in users homes.
5/5 for me. Thanks for the tips
Garret says
If it was still early 2000’s I would be hesitant about trying a DIY security system. Thankfully, technology has come a long way and I think technology will continue to get more user friendly. Several companies rely on consumers to be able to put their product together in order to use it. Luckily, these companies mention all make it easier than any kind of furniture project you may have tried in the past. Thanks for the great review on each one, they all seem like reliable options.
Carleene says
I like the DIY alarm systems because you can easily add to them throughout the years. With others, you have to call the company and pay for a tech to come out and install just a simple sensor (like a window or door). Getting a DIY security system allows you to expand it later on or even move with it easier. Thank goodness the companies have made the products more affordable so it is a viable option these days.
M. Jones says
As appealing as this sounds, I wouldn’t want to mess anything up.
I’m a bit of a joke in my household because of my near zero DIY skills, and I wouldn’t want to bet my family’s security on it.
denna says
DIY is not my thing so I would prefer spending an additional 100 bucks for its installation. No matter how easy it sounds like, I’m still afraid of installing it by myself because I might damage the system and it would require me to spend for additional expenses.