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The Best Security Systems Without Contracts
After extensive testing, SimpliSafe takes our top spot with its effortless DIY setup, flexible monitoring plans, and innovative home security features.
Rob Gabriele, Managing Editor & Home Security Expert
Updated August 18, 2025
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SimpliSafe
SecureScore™: 9.2/10
SimpliSafe is one of the most flexible companies out there. With no complicated contracts to sign, you’re never locked into anything. It’s even easy to switch between monitoring plans and scale your system as your security needs change.
Cove may be new to the home security game, but it has already proven itself as a flexible and reliable home security option. With easy DIY installation that rivals SimpliSafe and affordable prices, it’s a strong no-contract option for homeowners and renters on a budget.
ADT used to be known for its long-term contracts and professional installation. But now, they also offer high-quality, easy-to-install equipment to go with their best-in-industry professional monitoring service.
No-contract security systems are more common than you think. Even some of the best home security systems have gone from trying to lock you into a three-year commitment to offering friendlier monthly terms.
Some are DIY home security systems where you install the equipment yourself and monitor it on your terms. Take SimpliSafe for example, our number one pick. SimpliSafe offers affordable equipment, monitoring plans, and innovative burglar-deterrent features. It’s not the only no-contract security system around. Let’s take a closer look at our top picks.
Expert Examined
From Anthony Travaglia, Retired Police Officer, Home Security Expert
“While working as a patrol officer one hot Las Vegas summer night, I was dispatched to a residential burglar alarm via ADT monitoring company. Upon arrival we made entry into the home, but we found no one inside. Other officers were in the area looking for possible suspects. Two streets away one officer noticed a male walking down the street dressed in black pants and a black hooded sweatshirt with the hood over his head. The officer conducted a reasonable suspicion person stop (due to the fact we just had a burglary alarm in the area). Also, wearing long pants and a thick hooded sweatshirt is not your typical Vegas summer attire. Eventually we were able to identify the suspects after viewing the footage of the homeowners external and internal cameras.” Learn more about Anthony.
Our Methodology: How We Tested and Ranked The Best Security Systems Without Contracts
Our Approach
There’s only one way to make unbiased and trustworthy recommendations, and that’s by testing home security systems ourselves. That means spending our own money to buy the equipment, setting them up in our own homes, and testing each system extensively for weeks and sometimes months. We aim to get a feel for the usability, response time, app, and features of each security system so we can give you honest recommendations based on first-hand experience.
Our Testing Setup
We try our best to compare apples to apples. For example, we install every test unit in the same environment, a two-story, 2,200-square-foot home owned by one of our security experts. We find testing security systems in real houses gives us the most accurate results.
We also buy the same equipment for each test system and install the devices in identical locations. Below is our typical testing setup:
After setting up the test units, we draw upon our extensive expertise to choose the factors most important for the category we are testing for. These are the top-priority items for security systems without contracts:
Affordability (40%): Even if we’re paying month to month, we don’t want to be stung by hidden fees or expensive upfront costs.
Equipment quality (30%): We assess the equipment quality, the range of products, and whether they provide adequate coverage for our property.
Monitoring effectiveness (30%): How effective is the monitoring service we’re paying for? Not signing a contract shouldn’t mean we get a lower-quality service.
Using those criteria, here’s how we scored our top picks.
Rating the Best Security Systems Without Contracts
Why You Can Trust Us
Our team of experts only reviews safety and security equipment. We’re not like those other websites that review everything from robot vacuum cleaners to dishwashers. This approach means we analyze every aspect of a test system to give readers reliable recommendations. The experts who worked on this guide include:
Rob Gabriele, Editorial Director & Home Security Expert
Andrew Garcia, Lead Editor & Home Security Researcher
Derek Prall, Home Security Expert & Testing Coordinator
Paul Frew, Home Security System Expert & Security Camera Expert
Jaime Fraze, Security Camera & Video Doorbell Expert
Joshua Lee, Former patrol officer and detective for a police department in Arizona.
With over 75 years of combined industry experience, we are the most accomplished home security team online. Since SafeHome.org began in 2016, our team has been featured in multiple major outlets, including The Washington Post and The New York Times. Together, we have achieved:
10,000+ hours of research on security topics
60+ home security system reviews
40+ industry research/studies published
Hundreds of home security guides created
Every recommendation on SafeHome.org is based on first-hand product experience and a deep understanding of the home security industry. Now, let’s learn more about the best security systems without contracts.
SimpliSafe has gone from being primarily a security system for apartments to offering equipment suitable for homes of all sizes. Unlike professionally installed ADT packages that require a contract, you can switch between SimpliSafe plans and enjoy advanced features like Intruder Intervention and Active Guard to deter intruders.>> Compare:ADT Vs. SimpliSafe
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
Offers no-monthly-fee self-monitoring
Stylish wireless equipment
Professional installation service available
Equipment packages start at $250
Active monitoring features for SimpliSafe’s indoor and outdoor cameras
Cons:
Missing a few types of equipment, like garage door sensors
Offers only a battery-powered option for outdoor video security
Monitoring price increases regularly
No touch-screen keypad
Our Experience:
SimpliSafe’s Best Feature
Intruder Intervention was easily SimpliSafe’s best feature when we tested it. Typically, monitoring centers call your registered emergency contacts during emergencies. With Intruder Intervention, they can use the Wireless Indoor Camera’s two-way talk. Not only is that easier to reach you when you’re home, it can also deter intruders if the camera is within their earshot.
Of course, we had to get a monitoring plan to enjoy Intruder Intervention. It’s available in all professional monitoring plans starting with the $31.99-per-month Core plan. But because SimpliSafe is contract-free, you can freely switch between other available plans.
We created a SimpliSafe security system from the ground-up and could easily integrate more devices any time.
How SimpliSafe Contract-Free Monitoring Works
First of all, SimplISafe doesn’t require professional monitoring. You can self-monitor it for free. And because there are no contracts, you’re free to switch between paid professional monitoring and free self-monitoring. Even better, you’re free to upgrade and downgrade your plan one month at a time.
SimpliSafe offers a total of four professional monitoring plans. Pro and Pro Plus, two top-tier plans, include a feature called Active Guard Outdoor Protection. It’s similar to Intruder Intervention, but makes use of outdoor cameras to protect your perimeter. When a string of burglaries struck our neighborhood, for example, we upgraded to the Pro plan and got overnight protection (8 pm to 6 am). As soon as we heard the police caught the burglars, we went back to the mid-tier Core plan.
FYI: Subscription fees are non-refundable, which means if you cancel in the middle of your subscription month, it will remain active for the rest of the month. It just won’t renew.
How SimpliSafe Protects Homes
SimpliSafe protects homes with a sense of urgency. They have fast response times, partly thanks to Intruder Intervention. When doing break-in simulations, we usually have to wait 30 to 45 seconds (the industry standard response time) after “breaking in” to get a call from our security provider. With SimpliSafe, we only had to wait about 10 seconds before we got a response through the Wireless Indoor Camera.
We also like how Intruder Intervention more than just alerts us of intruders. It alerts intruders themselves that we have a working security system linked to a monitoring center. That, right there, is what we call proactive security. It deters intruders, not just records them. And the best part? SimpliSafe only requires a contract-free professional monitoring plan starting at $31.99 per month to enjoy the feature. That’s cheaper than the cost of a Frontpoint system – a DIY alternative that requires a long-term contract.
So while a free self-monitoring plan is tempting, we recommend the Core plan so you get Intruder Intervention and alarm texts for added protection. Sure, it’s $31.99 per month, but that’s cheaper than the cost of a Frontpoint system – a DIY alternative that requires a long-term contract.
Cove reminds us of the Frontpoint system we reviewed in that you get access to a range of reliable equipment at an affordable price. One way Cove keeps prices down is by using Eufy security cameras. The only downside is that you need to switch between the Cove and Eufy apps to manage devices, but that doesn’t hold it back from being one of our favorite no-contract DIY security systems.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
Monitoring starts at $19.99 per month
Simple but functional mobile app and touchscreen controller
85 dB siren built into each Cove Hub and touchscreen keypad
Affordable equipment options
Frequently offers deals and discounts
Cons:
Security camera support is only available on the most expensive monitoring plan
Limited home automation and integrations
Doesn’t offer equipment financing
More limited equipment options than other brands
Our Experience:
Cove’s Best Feature
Cove offers buy now, pay later via Affirm, but you might not need it since Cove’s pricing is cheaper than SimpliSafe and ADT Self Setup. Cove runs sales throughout the year, although even without discounts it’s one of the most affordable security systems.
Even Cove’s monitoring is more affordable than SimpliSafe’s. Plans start at $9.99 per month, with the most expensive option costing $29.99. That said, Cove offers fewer features than SimpliSafe. Cove doesn’t have anything similar to Intruder Intervention, but you’ll still get text message alerts, cellular backup, and voice control with Alexa and Google Home.
FYI: With the Cove+ monitoring plan, you’ll get $5 per month to go towards extra equipment. It’s a nice little bonus, especially as we intend to add more devices to our system in the future.
How Cove Contract-Free Monitoring Works
Cove’s $9.99 per month self-monitoring plan only comes with camera streaming and alert notifications. That means you have to personally call for help when needed, which is challenging if you’re on vacation or at work. We recommend choosing a professional monitoring plan instead. Cove makes the decision easy if you have security cameras. Cove+ is the only package that supports them.
Cove’s motion sensors shine bright red when they detect movement.
How Cove Protects Homes
While Cove isn’t as advanced as the Vivint system we tested, it’s still capable of protecting homes. Cove has a built-in 85 dB siren in the main hub and in each touch-screen keypad. You’ll also receive alerts in three ways: text and app notifications within 20 seconds of an alarm trigger, and a phone call within 30 to 45 seconds if you don’t respond.
Did You Know? 92-percent of 911 agents believe having more data about alarms would help them expedite the response process.1 Thankfully, Cove uses RapidSOS to send your details directly to first responders so you don’t have to repeat anything or relay it yourself.
Cove doesn’t offer home automation features like your next pick, ADT. The automation section in the app is only for Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands. If you’re looking for a security system with home automation, scroll down to the abode section below.
ADT only offers long-term contracts with professionally installed systems. The good news is ADT has a range of Self Setup packages featuring the same high-quality equipment and professional monitoring services it's known for. That includes products from the Google Nest range and its security features like Trusted Neighbor.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
150 years of experience in the security industry
Some of the same high-quality equipment as the traditional service
Best-in-industry monitoring service
Google Nest products available
One-touch emergency response
Cons:
Some of the equipment is more expensive than other DIY brands
Limited features when self-monitored
Lacks a touch screen control panel
Our Experience:
ADT Self Setup’s Best Feature
The last time we reviewed ADT, we chose the professionally installed option that came with a contract. If you’re not into long-term commitments, ADT also offers Self Setup bundles. You can build a system from scratch or choose from one of ADT’s equipment packages and add extra devices.
We went to the website and built our own security system from a smorgasbord of ADT and Google Nest products. While there is a self-monitoring option, we subscribed to a professional monitoring plan, starting at $24.99 per month. Like Cove, you’ll need the premium option for camera support, which is $39.99 per month and includes cloud storage, facial recognition, and video verification.
Did You Know? ADT ranks as the most trusted home security system in America. Other brands include SimpliSafe, Ring, and abode, which are all on our list of the best no-contract security systems.2
Our Google Nest Cam works indoors and outdoors, but it requires ADT’s most expensive monitoring plan.
How ADT Self Setup Contract-Free Monitoring Works
One of the highlights of ADT’s professional monitoring is its text-based alert system. ADT’s SMART monitoring plan sends text messages within ten seconds to you and designated contacts. If there’s no response, ADT follows up with a phone call.
SMART Monitoring connects to police eight times faster than a traditional voice call. While we were testing, the platform let us manage alerts and label them as a false alarm. Another button we spotted was labeled emergency request. We didn’t press it but learned that ADT handles 95 percent of these alarms within 60 seconds.
How ADT Self Setup Protects Homes
Beyond those monitoring features we’ve mentioned, ADT’s equipment offers a strong sense of security and safety. For starters, the cameras are made by Google Nest. As you can see in our Google Nest Cam review: these cameras have advanced facial recognition technology. We use this feature to receive a special notification whenever our indoor camera sees a person it doesn’t recognize.
While ADT doesn’t offer a touch screen panel, the hub offers multiple safety benefits, too. It has cellular and battery backup that keeps the system online during power or internet outages. Plus, the base itself has specialty buttons (police, medical, and fire) if you ever need to call for help. These buttons connect you to the monitoring center so they know exactly which emergency response service to send to your home.
Ring Alarm has some of the best security cameras on the market. Ring is also one of our favorite doorbell camera brands. You can even pair the cameras with other security equipment, such as motion detectors, entry sensors, and smoke alarms. While the product range is limited compared to SimpliSafe and ADT, Ring monitoring plans have some better features, like 180 days of video event history.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
Plenty of security and doorbell cameras to choose from
Affordable professional monitoring
30-minute DIY installation
Seven-day practice mode for new professional monitoring subscription
Loud, built-in siren
Cons:
Limited sensor options
Has had privacy and security breaches (which have been resolved)
Cameras need a subscription to record
Slower professional monitoring response times
Our Experience:
Ring Alarm’s Best Feature
We already mentioned that Ring is one of the best security systems with video doorbells, but we also like its security camera range. The Ring Indoor Cam we reviewed was one of the standouts. We could adjust the camera’s motion sensor sensitivity and control how many notifications it sent.
FYI: Ring doesn’t just sell battery-powered cameras. They also have a range of hardwired, solar, and power over Ethernet options.
The Ring Spotlight Cam includes many of the same features. One of the standouts is the 110-decibel siren, which you can use to scare off intruders from the Ring app. We also liked that you can exclude areas to reduce notifications for street traffic and pedestrians.
All Ring plans are self-monitoring packages. If you want professional monitoring, you’ll need the Standard or Premium plan and have to pay a $10 monthly add-on fee. We think it’s worth it, especially considering Basic only covers one doorbell or camera. The Standard and Premium plans cover all Ring devices in one location. Here’s how each package compares:
Features and cost
Basic
Standard
Premium
Monthly cost
$4.99
$9.99
$19.99
Up to 180 days of video event history
Yes
Yes
Yes
Cellular backup
No
Yes
Yes
Professional monitoring
No
Yes $10 per month
Yes $10 per month
Extended warranties
No
Yes
Yes
FYI: Ring also lets you pay annually, saving you $40 versus monthly payments. You’ll even get a prorated refund for unused months if you cancel during the year.
Our Ring Floodlight Cam also required hardwiring, for which we paid a local electrician to do.
How Ring Protects Homes
Ring relies heavily on its security camera range to keep you safe. While motion detectors and entry sensors are on the website, we don’t think they match the quality of SimpliSafe or ADT.
The professional monitoring also falls short compared to other brands on this list. During testing, we received text messages and phone calls when simulating a break-in. We also found an SOS button in the app that could immediately dispatch police, fire, or medical responses.
Ring also offers real-time intruder deterrence, similar to SimpliSafe. The only catch is it’s an extra $99 per month. The add-on comes with video verification, too. Since SimpliSafe’s Core plan includes these features for just $31.99 per month, we can’t recommend Ring’s upgrade.
Smart home integrations are only available on premium plans with SimpliSafe and ADT. Abode chooses to include it in all subscriptions, including the free one. We even think abode outperforms most other systems because you can set up routines, schedule automations, and integrate third-party devices.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
Home automation powered by abode’s CUE engine
Multiple hubs to choose from
Integrates well with third-party smart home products
Innovative iota All-in-One hub comes equipped with a camera and motion sensor
Cons:
Only one security camera offered
Setup could be more intuitive
No touch-screen panels; app reliant
Limited equipment in starter kits
Our Experience:
abode’s Best Feature
Abode is one of our favorite Vivint alternatives because it offers customization, advanced smart home features, and affordable pricing. Our favorite feature is the CUE automation engine. You don’t need to be a tech genius to use it. The app walks you through how to customize rules, schedule automations, and set up easy-to-activate routines. We created a rule for our Nest Thermostat to warm up the house before we get out of bed.
Pro Tip: We’re always in a mad rush in the morning and sometimes forget to lock the front door. Now we rely on our Abode automation to immediately lock the door every time it closes.
How abode’s Contract-Free Monitoring Works
You won’t need an Abode monitoring plan to set up automations. You’ll only need one if you want to access the CUE home automation platform. It’s one of the key differences we noticed when we compared SimpliSafe to Abode.
The premium self-monitoring option for $7.99 per month includes CUE, camera recordings, 10-day history logs, an in-app panic alarm, and premium customer support. Alternatively, there’s the Pro Plan ($25.99 per month), which comes with professional monitoring.
How abode Protects Homes
While abode’s home automation features are impressive, its equipment range falls short. Only one camera is available, and the sensor range is limited. Abode doesn’t even offer smoke alarms. It has a device that listens for sirens from smoke alarms. Thankfully, you can connect third-party devices to fill out the security system, but it’s not the same as native devices.
Despite these issues, we still think abode is reliable. While simulating break-ins, we received app alerts within ten seconds of tripping the alarm. We also like that the Pro Plan includes cellular backup, as our internet tends to drop out. Plus, you’ll get personalized notifications for people, packages, and pets, similar to Ring Alarm.
Abode doesn’t offer a lot of security equipment, but you can integrate third-party devices to round out your system.
Product Specs:
Monitoring Options
Professional and DIY
Installation
DIY
Smart Platform Integration
Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit
Equipment Cost
From $159.99
Monthly Monitoring Cost
From $16.58
Contract Length
Monthly
Is a No-Contract Security System Really the Best Choice?
We think we can all agree that installing a security system is a good idea. After all, our latest research found that 39 million U.S. households have one. But that’s not all we discovered. Some other stats that stood out to us are:
There were 119 million packages stolen in 2023.
Over $463.5 billion worth of goods were stolen in 2022.
Only 8 percent of these items were recovered.
60-percent of burglars look for a new target if they spot signs of an alarm.
It’s not that we don’t trust contract-free systems to provide reliable protection. As we all saw, there are pretty good no-contract security options out there. They provide home protection just as well as security systems that require a contract.
But before you hammer down the nail, let’s discuss the pros and cons of a monitoring contract — why it might be a better choice for some and why some might want to avoid it.
Monitoring contracts aren’t all bad. Committing to a company offers several advantages. Here are some of the benefits we enjoy:
Offsets equipment cost: Some contract-free options provide equipment financing up to 12 months, but security systems with contracts offer financing up to 60 months. That means lower upfront cost and monthly equipment repayment for you.
Equipment on lease: Even better, some companies will let you lease rather than buy the equipment. That’s an even more practical solution because it often costs less to lease equipment in the short run.
Warranty: Most of the time, your equipment will receive continuous warranty for repairs and replacement as long as you’re still under contract. Some contract-free options such as Cove provide lifetime equipment warranty for as long as you’re subscribed to a monitoring plan, but not all of them do.
Guarantees: Speaking of warranty, contracted security brands will often throw in a guarantee or two if you sign a contract. ADT has a six-month money-back guarantee and theft protection guarantee, for example. You don’t usually get the same from no-contract brands.
Installing the latest version of the SimpliSafe Motion Sensor
Cons of Monitoring Contracts
Before you sign on the dotted line, there are some disadvantages to contracts. Here’s what you should consider:
Can make moving difficult: A monitoring agreement can make it difficult for you to change addresses. In most cases, you will have to renew your contract for another two or three years (or worse, five years) to take your system with you in the move.
Early-termination fee: One of the biggest catches of signing a contract is that once you sign the dotted line, you’d be on the hook for the rest of the contract term. If you try to cancel before the contract expires, you will be charged a hefty penalty. Some companies are more lenient, allowing military families and seniors to cancel for free due to extenuating circumstances, but such companies are rare. (Hint: See Vivint’s contract terms.)
Expert Examined
From Anthony Travaglia, Retired Police Officer, Home Security Expert
“Contract or no contract, signing up with 24/7 monitoring is a great way to protect your home. Monitoring companies are watching over your home 24/7 and immediately contact law enforcement when an alarm is tripped. Response times by patrol officers can vary, but the faster officers can arrive on scene, the better chance they have of catching the criminal red-handed and prosecuting the criminal.”
Ring equipment bundles are a great launching off point to building a robust home security system.
Comparing No-Contract Security Systems
Not all security systems have the same terms and conditions. As buying a security system is a significant investment, make sure you read through the fine print on these conditions before committing to a no-contract system.
Equipment and installation cost: Contract-free security systems are also DIY, but some offer optional professional installation. The price usually ranges from $100 to $150. On top of that, you’re likely going to have to pay for the equipment upfront, which can range anywhere from $200 to $500 for a basic system.
Availability of financing: As we discussed earlier, very few no-contract options offer financing. Those that do have very short repayment terms, usually up to a year. You should look for a brand that offers payment options that suit your budget.
Refund policy: Your biggest expense when buying a no-contract system is the equipment fee, but it doesn’t always work out. If you’re planning to buy your equipment right out the gate, make sure there’s a refund policy so you can return your order and get your money back in case you change your mind.
Warranty: You should also check the warranty terms. Will you get free replacement or repairs in case something goes wrong with the equipment? For how long is the system under warranty? Does the company handle the repairs, or must you go to an accredited service center?
Self-monitoring option: This is very important. If you go with a contract-free solution, it’s likely because you want some flexibility. You want to be able to cancel anytime. But what happens when you cancel your monitoring? Will you be able to use the system as a self-monitored alarm, or will it turn into a very expensive paperweight?
Expert Tip: We recommend signing up for professional monitoring, especially as security providers are offering more advanced features. Trends include using AI to distinguish between humans and animals as well as hazard monitoring to detect fires and floods.3
Recap
Situations change and needs evolve. When they do, your security system should adapt with you. This might mean changing a monitoring plan or adding more equipment. This can be challenging when you’re locked into a contract.
However, this isn’t an issue with SimpliSafe, Cove, ADT, Ring, and abode. While some are more flexible than others, these security systems allow you to make changes, or even cancel, at any time without hefty fees.
No-contract security systems typically allow month-to-month payments with no cancellation fees. However, your equipment may not function without a subscription to a monitoring plan.
With companies like SimpliSafe, you can revert to a free self-monitoring plan. You’ll still receive push notifications for alarms, but you’re responsible for contacting emergency services. As for other companies, your equipment might not work without an active subscription.
As a home security expert and Managing Editor for SafeHome.org, Rob Gabriele has written and edited over 1,000 articles related to home security. His expertise is in smart home protection with thousands of hours of testing and research under his belt. Formerly a reporter and producer for the USAToday network, Rob has been a writer and editor for over 10 years. He holds a Master’s of Science with an emphasis on writing from the University of Montana, and he currently lives in Indianapolis, IN.
Updated August 18, 2025
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