Best DIY Home Security Systems of 2023

You want your home to be safe and secure — that’s obvious. But most of us don’t have the time to spend ripping out drywall and rewiring electrical systems. And we’d be willing to bet you don’t have unlimited resources to hire professionals to do that for you.

The good news is there are tons of DIY-friendly security companies out there making easy-to-install security equipment that won’t require a hard-hat or an electrical engineering degree to get up and running. Most of our favorite systems will have you fully secured in 30 minutes or less.

That said, there are tons of security companies on the market today all promising the best functionality, the lowest prices, and the easiest installations. Don’t worry, though. We’ve spent countless hours testing them to compile this list of the best DIY home security systems of 2023.

Do-It-Yourself Home Security Systems

When deciding which home security system is best, you’ve got more choices these days than ever. Gone are the days of complex hardwiring, cumbersome equipment, and restrictive contracts. Now, some of our best security systems are contract-free, for all the commitment phobes out there (us included). Some of the best modern wireless systems are designed for easy self-installation and give customers more flexibility. Here are points to consider about DIY security for renters and homeowners.

Renters

Completely wireless and cellular DIY home security systems have advantages over those with hard wiring and landline connections. Most importantly, wireless systems are less vulnerable to being disabled by criminals. Apartment and condo dwellers, in particular, prefer wireless systems because they don’t generally require you to drill holes into your walls or climb ladders to unsettling heights. If you’re looking for such a system, visit our rundown of the best security systems for apartments. When you move to another home, you can take your wireless security system with you. Whether you rent or own your next home, you can use the wireless set with month-to-month monitoring or lock in a rate for a year or longer.

Homeowners

Homeowners, unlike renters, can choose any type of home security system. Why are so many opting for wireless? The DIY aspect has big appeal — many homeowners love their privacy — plus the cost of wireless security equipment has dropped. Most of the best security systems for homeowners have one thing in common: They let you remotely monitor system activity through an app and control the alarm, locks, lights and other connected home devices. But the benefits don’t end there. Adding home security might qualify you for a homeowners insurance discount, too.

Benefits of DIY Home Security

More and more, homeowners are turning to home security as a must-have item. Living in the U.S., where property crime is a worrisome trend, it’s comforting to have all of these features at our fingertips. However, do it yourself installation of home security systems offers its own benefits. For many people, the investment in a home security system is only possible when they do not have to pay extensively for installation, as the best DIY home security options have shown. But, why is it so beneficial? Here are a few key reasons most homeowners benefit immediately from these solutions:

Costs

Installing a security system yourself keeps costs low, for the simple reason that you’re saving on professional installation fees. Those fees, after all, can reach $100 or more. So if you’re the DIY type, you’re in luck: these systems install easily, and most include clear and understandable instructions so you can learn as you go. Check out more installation tips in our full guide to home security systems.

Contracts

Many of the DIY home security systems are straightforward investments. Unlike the top professionally installed systems in the market, DIY security systems typically don’t require long-term contracts. This can help to significantly reduce the overall cost. If the company does have a contract, it will typically be a month to month plan. This makes it easier for the homeowner to terminate the contract without expensive fees. It also allows you to switch systems or make changes as you would like to, keeping you in control of your home’s security.

Installation

These specific do it yourself home security systems are easy to install. Some manufacturers have designed these systems to work with existing electricity and connectivity solutions. They are not much different than installing a new computer onto your home’s network, for example. They do not require experience with home security systems – even if you have never had one previously, you likely can install one into your home on your own. There are no expensive tools to buy or large scale remodeling projects to worry about. These companies broke down the process to make sure the instructions were clear and easy to follow. Additionally, they make it easy for you to get help. Most offer a no-cost helpline and customer service representatives to help answer all of your questions. If you find it necessary to get help, you can call and speak to a representative.

Flexibility

These DIY home security systems are particularly beneficial for those homeowners who want flexibility. You may decide to change the location of a camera or update to a newer model down the road. If you’re the type who moves frequently, DIY security systems tend to be more convenient, since equipment doesn’t need complex hardwiring. But for what it’s worth, there are still some top-notch hardwired security systems worth a look, too. Most often, you can adjust easily as well. If a camera is off a bit, it takes just a moment to make the adjustment. You do not have to call out a professional to do so. Overall, companies build them to ensure they are very easy to use and flexible enough for any type of space. More so, if there is a problem with a broken lens or another component, it is typically easy and affordable to replace just that component. Again, this is faster and less expensive than other systems.

Features

Most do it yourself systems offer ample features. They are designed to be fully integrated, helpful systems. Though features differ from one company’s product to the next, they are quite versatile overall. Below, you will see some of the features and security solutions available to you from the top-rated systems. As you can see, they are typically modern, updated, and innovative features designed to meet your needs.

How to Choose a DIY Home Security System

Having a home security system is the single most important thing you can do to protect your family and your property. But as you know, choosing the right system can be time-consuming due to the number of options and the vast amount of data out there. That's why it's much easier to use a review website such as this one where all the information has been compiled and broken down into easy to read bits of information.

Here are five suggestions for choosing the right home security system for your particular situation.

The Pros and Cons of a DIY Home Security System

Weighing the pros and cons of a DIY home security system before you buy one is the best way to make sure you are getting exactly what you need and avoid buying something you don't.

The Most Frequently Asked Questions About a DIY Home Security System

Do I Need an Alarm Permit When Installing a DIY Security System in My Home?

If you are installing a DIY or another type of security system in your home, you don't need a permit for the installation. However, you will need a permit to activate and use your system, even if you plan on self-monitoring because the police might still have to come out if someone reports a loud alarm going off in your home. Every locality is different; therefore, it's best to check with your county to learn exactly what is and isn't required.

Can I Still Get a DIY Alarm System If I'm a Renter?

Well, that depends. If you are a renter, you will need to get your landlords permission (in writing) before purchasing and installing an alarm system. Your landlord might have restrictions due to privacy issues, etc. So be sure to ask first.

If your landlord approves your request for an alarm system, make sure you ask him/her to provide you with the exact specifications in writing before you buy your new system. You will need to know if he/she will require that the system be a wireless installation, if it needs to be professionally installed, where you can and can't place it, if there are any policy forms to sign, and if you will have to leave it with the rental when you move. This will help make sure you aren't charged for damages or have any other surprises going forward.

Will Installing an Alarm System Decrease My Homeowners Insurance?

Yes, in most cases. Most insurance companies will offer up to a 20% discount on their homeowner's insurance policies if you install a security system regardless of whether it's a DIY system or not. However, the discount will probably be less if you skip the monitoring.

Is a DIY Home Security System Tax Deductible?

No, a home security system, regardless of whether it's a DIY system or not, is not tax deductible. However, if you have a home business, you can deduct part of that cost as a business expense. We are not tax professionals; therefore, you should contact your accountant for more information if you run a home business and want to deduct a part of your home security expenses.

Are DIY Home Security Systems Better Than Professionally Installed Systems?

There isn't a right or wrong answer to this question. It really depends on your particular situation. So it's best to look over the pros and cons of each, as well as reviewing the side-by-side brand comparisons, your available tools, skill set, and budget to determine which route is best for you.

What Are the Different Types of DIY Home Security Systems?

There are several variations of DIY home security systems. For example, you have some that are proprietary and will only work with their brand's equipment. Then you have those that can be integrated with third-party security equipment such as Adobe which is compatible with Z-Wave, Zigbee, and other Wi-Fi technologies. So if you want a DIY security system that is compatible with a wide variety of equipment, you will need to look for those brands whose equipment is not proprietary.

Are DIY Home Security Systems Pet Friendly?

Some DIY security systems are more sensitive than others. Therefore, if you have a pet, you should look for systems that offer pet immune motion sensors. Pet-friendly motion sensors use body mass, speed,  movement, and body temperature using infrared technology to determine whether something is a threat. Therefore, if you have a pet, and especially if you have a pet over 40 pounds or so, you should look for an alarm system that has pet-friendly sensors. Doing so will help prevent false alarms.

Will a DIY Home Security System Help Me Keep An Eye on My Pets When I'm Away?

Well, yes and no. All DIY home security systems that come with a camera and live-streaming will enable you to keep an eye on your pets. However, there are also pet specific systems such as the Petcube, etc. that are not actually security systems, but are interactive video cameras that will let you monitor, talk to, and remotely play with and dispense treats to your pet. These pet specific cameras are great for pets with separation anxiety or those who are bored and/or displaying destructive behaviors, etc.

Do Any Home Security Systems Come with Medical Alert Features?

Yes, more and more home security systems are starting to offer medical alert features with their alarm systems. Therefore, if you have the need for a medical alert button, you should look for a brand that offers that feature. Then you should carefully go over the included medical alert features, their specifics, and their fees to make sure you're getting the one that's right for you.

If the Power Goes Out, Will My DIY Home Security System Still Work?

Many wireless DIY home security cameras communicate via a cellular connection; therefore, you won't lose your security system if the power goes out. However, if you happen to have a DIY home security system that's hardwired, most of those have a battery backup option that will give you a set amount of time that your alarm will function after the power goes out.

If My Internet Goes Out, Will My DIY Home Security System Still Work?

It depends on what kind of wireless system you have. If your system uses the internet or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) then no, your security system won't work if the internet goes down. However, many DIY wireless security systems with a Wi-Fi connection use a cellular signal as a backup. So in that case, yes, your wireless security system will work if your internet goes down.

Can DIY Home Security Systems Be Remotely Controlled?

Yes, in fact, most DIY home security systems are mainly controlled remotely using a mobile device and the brand's associated app. The app will allow you to remotely access, monitor, and control most, if not all, your home security devices so you can react accordingly to any situation or perceived threat.

How Does a DIY Wireless Home Security Camera Work?

A wireless home security camera works by transmitting the camera's video using a radio transmitter (RF). The video is then sent to a receiver that is connected to either a local or cloud storage.

How Are DIY Security Camera Videos Stored?

There are two types of security camera video recording storage options which are local and cloud. The local storage option, which is free, stores your video recordings internally in the device itself or externally to a hard drive. With the local storage option, your storage capacity is limited and the video camera will record over your pre-recorded videos once it has reached capacity. The cloud storage option, which is usually not free, is more flexible, because you can store as much video as you are willing to pay for.

Do DIY Home Security Systems Have Home Automation Features?

Some DIY home security systems are compatible with home automation systems. The question is what particular system is it compatible with? Some brands have proprietary equipment that only works with their brand of products. Other brands design their equipment so that it's compatible with a variety of third-party products. Therefore, if you already have some home security or home automation equipment, you should look for those that are compatible with what you have or plan to buy.

Are DIY Wireless Home Security Systems Reliable?

The nice thing about DIY home security systems is that they don't have any wires that can be cut which is a good thing. However, a wireless system is more vulnerable to being hacked and their connections aren't as stable as a hardwired system. But, with that being said, most of today's DIY wireless home security systems are more advanced than they used to be so this is becoming less and less of a problem.

Pro Tips on Installing DIY Security Cameras

Where to Install Security Cameras

When determining where you want to install security cameras, as with all wireless technology, remember to keep equipment within range of a dependable Wi-Fi network. Otherwise, you might encounter interference or loading failures – a good indicator that you’ve placed the camera too far out of range. And by “work properly,” what we really mean is that the cameras have to be able to “wake up” and capture the action at a moment’s notice. Otherwise, they won’t help much in your overall security setup. Wireless technology does this for the most part, but it’s also prone to occasional slowdowns and signal interruptions.

A great many security cameras out there are easily identifiable by what purpose they serve. This really helps us, as testers and reviewers, understand where we should install them in our home. At the risk of stating the obvious, we know the camera should be installed outside if it has “outdoor” in the name. We’re not talking brain surgery here, after all.

But even without the added lighting, setting up cameras around your home’s exterior not only makes practical sense, it also makes a huge difference in terms of our peace of mind. So we always suggest including a few solid, weatherproof outdoor cameras with any home setup.

The same goes for indoors, too. If you’re an installation rookie, an entry-level Blink security camera would do the job, as it’s wire-free and lightweight. It’s also quite easy on the budget, with prices as low as $35. The technology, in our tests, was consistently reliable, and the installation is a breeze thanks to flexible wire-free cameras that you can set up basically anywhere.

Deep Sentinel Camera, mounted on Fence

How to Install Security Cameras Outside

Installing DIY outdoor security cameras, nowadays, is usually pretty simple. We’ve come across dozens of outdoor cameras that are easy to install anywhere, like when we reviewed the Canary Flex camera and were charmed by its magnetic hardware and extra-long battery life. As for the rest of our review repertoire, Reolink’s Argus 2 camera and the above-mentioned SimpliCam both offer weather-protective outdoor covers so you can “dress them up” for the elements.

While the industry’s leading wireless security cameras are ideal for folks on the go, that’s certainly not the only configuration out there.

Even the more complex cameras we’ve reviewed still didn’t give us too much grief when it came time to install them. That’s mostly thanks to the detailed instructions most systems include to ensure you get your cameras properly connected, no matter your skill level.

That said, if it’s a wired system you’re looking to install, you might find this a more complex process if you’re not particularly handy. We always encourage folks to contact the camera company as soon as they encounter trouble with an installation. Of course, it’s usually easy to return a camera to the manufacturer for a refund if it doesn’t work out; this is, fortunately, one of the more forgiving industries when it comes to return policies.

Features of DIY Home Security Systems

Wireless DIY security systems offer the same benefits of hardwired systems, and more!

Here are the essential features and extras to consider.