Home security is a must to keep you and your home safe, but professionally installed security equipment is too expensive for many people. That’s where DIY security systems come in. Not only are they less expensive, they’re also easy to install and use — without sacrificing the essential features you need for effective protection.
As my (now former) CNET colleague Megan Wollerton put it: “The era of the $200 security camera is over.” You can now get different types budget home security devices to realize professional surveillance, including door cameras, access sensors, security cameras and home security devices with smart home integration. Plus, many can often be purchased for under $20, so you can build your own home security systems to protect your home without breaking the bank.
We tested these affordable home security systems to find the best of the best for you this year. Our team looked at equipment costs, free self-monitoring, cloud storage, and monthly fees, while testing smart home features to see if they hold up against more advanced security solutions or professionally installed systems.
We update this list regularly, so check back later if you’re still looking for a good home security solution.
Wyze is 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 a head-to-toe view. It also supports two-way talk and high-resolution live streaming — and it even comes with an included plug-in chime, if you don’t want to wire it up.
These are great devices for tracking packages, greeting guests, and deterring porch pirates. If you buy through Amazon, don’t forget to use the $10 coupon for a nice extra discount.
While we’re on the subject of affordable deterrence, it might be worth considering dummy cameras as part of your home security package. Particularly for larger properties where you want your security system to cover a lot of ground without breaking the bank, fake security cameras can make your home look like a gated community at an affordable price.
Deterrence only goes so far with a fake security camera. If a burglar breaks into your home, you’ll still want an alarm system — some sort of alarm monitoring device or motion detector — to alert you to the intrusion.
Alexa Guard can help keep an ear (or some far-field mics) on your home when you’re away. An Echo Dot is the least expensive way to get Alexa Guard monitoring in your home. The latest, fifth generation Echo Dot usually priced around $50, but the older, third generation Dot or fourth generation Dot work just as well and can be found for around $40, if you want to save some money. If you already have an Echo, this monitoring service is completely free and can be set up through the Alexa mobile app.
Just say, “Alexa, I’m leaving” to enable the home monitoring feature. Your Echo will then listen for breaking glass, alarms, or the sounds of people moving around your home (it can distinguish between pets and people) — and you’ll get a mobile alert if it hears anything.
You can also subscribe to Alexa Emergency Helpfor $6 a month.
It can be tricky for renters to upgrade their home security, partly because installing a home security system can be quite involved — especially when it comes to smart locks. So if you want to add a little security to your door locks without too much hassle or money, consider a DIY lock retrofit like this.
Devices like these, while not Wi-Fi connected, still offer clever ways to bypass an extra security barrier for intruders, providing some peace of mind for the anxious homeowner. And while it doesn’t have any of the bells and whistles of a smart lock (like a control panel or burglar alarm), it’s portable, so you can take this cheap home security lock with you if you’re staying at a hotel or Airbnb.
Wyze Cam is the most wallet-friendly smart WiFi 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 security camera also got an upgrade in 2020, now including a weatherproof housing, sharper night vision, a wider field of view, a functional siren, and more — all for under $40.
One of the most obvious deterrents for potential intruders is an occupied home. Put some smart lights in your kitchen, living room, or porch, schedule them to come on at certain times of the night, and you’ll instantly make your home much less attractive to the more timid thief.
One of the most wallet-friendly DIY home security options: the Wyze Light Bulb. You can get two for $17 or four for $40 — not much more than a regular LED bulb. These inexpensive home security gadgets connect directly to your Wi-Fi network and can be controlled via the Wyze mobile app on your mobile device. These bulbs are perfect for setting and forgetting via your app.
If you’re less concerned with recording specific rooms and more interested in monitoring the entrances to your home, then a security sensor kit might be a better affordable option for you. Wyze is the security company that takes the cake here again, 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 security devices are a solid value. For a small apartment, or if you’re just watching your front and back doors, these smart home security devices can give you solid protection with motion detection for a super cheap price — eliminating the need for professional monitoring with poor customer service or false alarms.
Check this out: How to Buy the Right Security Camera for You
