Best Cheap Home Security Systems for 2024
What is the best cheap home security system of 2024?
A home security system is a must-have these days, whether you want to deter intruders while you sleep or travel with peace of mind during the holidays. Traditionally, home security has been expensive to purchase and install, and many of the best options on the market are still pricey. However, there are several great budget options on the market, and we’ve found them for you. If you want to save on professional installation, a DIY security system is the way to go. We tested the best cheap home security systems from the top security companies, ranging from indoor cameras to alarm systems. Our top pick for affordable security is SimpliSafe’s eight-piece construction kitthanks to its user-friendly design and low initial costs.
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Best Cheap Home Security Systems of 2024
The eight-piece home security kit from SimpliSafe includes the base station, a control panel with keypad, four access sensors, one motion sensor and a panic button. Don’t be intimidated by all the pieces. 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 DIY or professional monitoring. Self-monitoring with the SimpliSafe app is free unless you want cloud storage for any SimpliSafe security cameras. The best professional plan, Fast Protect, starts at about $30 per month and includes 24/7 professional monitoring, high-priority police, fire and medical assistance, flood and extreme temperature monitoring, plus unlimited video recording for your SimpliSafe security cameras .
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Ring’s Alarm Pro system is a little more expensive, coming in at $300 for the starter package (although you can often find it on sale for less). It delivers more value per dollar than any other DIY security system. For that price you get the basic device, four access sensors, one motion detector, a keyboard 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. This allows certain Ring security cameras or video doorbells to process their data and store their footage locally. Add that to other benefits like an Alexa Emergency Assist subscription and mobile backup Wi-Fi (if your internet or power goes out), and you have an incredible product for the price. Ring’s top-tier Protect Pro plan costs $20 per month, which is lower than most DIY competitors’ $25 to $30 range.
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The CNET home security editors have tested every major home security system over the years. We haven’t listed them all here because some, like AT&T Digital Life, are no longer available.
- Abode: While Abode’s performance was solid, its prices were higher than 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 candidate for the best cheap home security system. Plus, the Pro version adds so much value that it’s hard to recommend the original system over its upgraded successor.
- Frontpoint: While Frontpoint’s hardware is solidly priced, the $50 monthly subscription fee is simply too much to recommend to anyone who wants 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. The hardware isn’t just cheap on paper, it feels cheap too. The doorbell camera is terrible.
- Cove Home Security: While Cove’s hardware is reasonably priced, the inability to monitor the system yourself (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 are probably not the best choice for the best cheap home security system, and ADT is worse than others on the list simply because of its astronomically high prices and forced contracts.
- Vivint: Like ADT, Vivint is not for the faint of heart. While it’s a great system for those interested in smart home integration, choosing Vivint won’t save you money in the short or long term.
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Field testing is at the heart of our evaluations of all home security products. Basically, 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 tests in a real home environment for at least a full week. If you’d like to read more about our review process, check out our in-depth article on how we test home security systems and services.
Ultimately, you will have to answer this question for yourself. Home security systems deter burglars. Depending on where you live, a few hundred dollars can be an expense to prevent the risk of burglaries or damaged property.
Home security systems range in price from $100 to thousands of dollars. In general, the larger the area you want to cover (including the number of entrances you want to monitor), the more expensive the system. Many systems let you choose your devices a la carte, and most monitors shouldn’t cost more than $30 each. If you’re looking for reliable, budget-friendly choices, you shouldn’t spend more than a few hundred dollars on home security. Likewise, you shouldn’t pay more than $25 or up to $30 for monthly monitoring unless you use a professionally installed system.
