Best No Contract Home Security Systems

1. SimpliSafe – Best Overall No Contract (Editors Choice)

SimpliSafe is an excellent choice for those looking for a no contract home security option. The company’s products are diverse and include a wide range of features. It works well for homeowners as well as renters. Because there is no contract required, you have a lot of flexibility in how to create a home security system that works for your needs specifically.

SimpliSafe is designed not to require a contract from the consumer. While there are no contracts required here, there are some upfront expenses associated with the equipment you need. However, the company’s products are designed to be highly user-friendly and are typically well worth the investment. The company is perhaps best known as a DIY home security system because all of its products are wireless, making installation rather easy.

The company has been around for over 10 years. They grew over time and are now one of the most recognizable companies available. Many people choose SimpliSafe because of the low costs initially, however it can be a highly competitive product for all needs, even those seeking some of the best home security equipment available.

One of the key differentiating factors about SimpliSafe is that it makes and sells its equipment. It does not offer the same types of integration with the other products out there. This allows for the lower cost, though. And, the equipment that is available, which ranges from motion detectors to glass break sensors – some of the most advanced products available, is quite versatile. You will also find indoor and outdoor cabinets, alarms, panic buttons, and, of course, the base stations and entry sensors most home security systems are built on.

When it comes to choosing the SimpliSafe product, there are several options to choose from including two main plans, the Standard and the Interactive. The standard plan starts at $229.96 for the upfront equipment costs. Then, there is an ongoing monthly cost of $14.99. This includes 24-hour monitoring service. You can also upgrade this so the interactive plan at the same upfront cost but with a monthly charge of $24.99. That comes with 24-hour monitoring as well as SMS, Email, and remote alerts and features.

What gets consumers the flexibility they want, though, is in the various packages you can choose from. You can choose from the basic level package, called the Foundation, for $229.96. From there, you can add on to it with other features as well as more sensors. The highest end package is $509.86. It’s important to choose what works for your home.

When it comes to the best no-contract home security system, SimpliSafe is an excellent choice because it offers a low monthly price and a wide range of customization features. You really remain in control over what package is right for your needs and your budget.

2. Abode – Easiest Installation

Abode is a newer company in terms of the home security systems it offers. For some people, this is the go-to option they need for their home and, it offers some nice features that make it well worth taking a closer look at if you are buying home security for your home. It is a no contract system. It is also a DIY option, which keeps installation costs out of the picture. The company also allows you to customize its features and your equipment choices.

Abode is a bit different than other home security systems in that it is still a new company. It is a DIY system and offers some nice features related to home automation integration. It works with all of your favorite home security equipment providers and features a pretty easy to use app to control just about anything. You can get professional monitoring, but you do not have to do so if it does not fit your goals.

The company’s products are available in three different tier levels. The Basic level is free and has an equipment cost of $229. It comes with a gateway, motion sensor, mini door contact, a remote key fob, and a sticker. There is no cell backup with this plan and no activation fee.

You can then upgrade to the Connect, which is $10 a month and has an equipment fee of $249. It adds a discount of up to 50 percent on an add-on keypad if you choose to install it. It also features a cell backup solution. The Connect + Secure system is $30 a month and $319 in upfront equipment purchases. This includes the professional monitoring service along with the same features as the Connect system.

The company’s app is one of its good features. It has an easy-to-use style that makes managing your home security system rather easy to do. It is a system built on home automation, so you are sure to find it to be a go top option for those who want to link their Alexia, Google Home, Nest, or other items to their home security system. In fact, it uses Z-Wave technology, which means you can have far more flexibility than you thought possible. It allows for the connectivity of up to 155 smart devices including home lights, thermostats, and smart lights.

The company’s costs are a bit higher than other products, but it is still one of the best options overall for those seeking a competitive product that does not have a long-term contract requirement. It does have good customer service and support to you as you setup your system. Keep in mind that Adobe home security systems are also continuously being updated and, with the ability to connect any other Z-Wave device, it is very customizable for just about any need.

3. Scout Alarm – Most Affordable Equipment

Scout Alarm has some key features that make it worth taking a closer look at for most homeowners. It is easy to set up and a reliable solution. This is a lower costing solution, and it has a 60-day return policy if you are not happy. And, as noted, it does not have a long-term contract requirement, which makes it the ideal choice for many property owners. It is a DIY option.

As a newer company, Scout Alarm is not as well-known as the other options out there. However, it is a no-contract company with a lot of features to offer to you. Founded in 2013, Scout Alarm is a modern home security system set up to be very easy to use and affordable. It also uses a household Wi-Fi with cell backup model.

The Scout Alarm system is a competitive product. Some consumers may find that this company’s product line up is also very flexible, which means you can better control the costs associated with it. Users will purchase the features they want and pay for their customized package. For example, a Hub costs $129. You can add a door panel for $69, a Key Fob for $5, an Access Sensor for $29, and a Motion Sensor for $49, for example. You pick and choose what works best for your needs.

There is no long-term contract here. Rather, when you purchase the necessary equipment, you can then by a monthly plan. As long as you make your payment, the system will continue to work for you. The company offers two options. If you want to use a self-monitoring plan, then your monthly cost is $9.99. On the other hand, you can get professional monitoring service as well. This costs $19.99 per month.

You are paying out of pocket for your Scout Alarm equipment, but this does offer a few key advantages. For example, the system is very much customizable to fit your needs – choose for and pay for what is right for your goals. Second, the equipment is good quality with many consumers reporting it is an excellent choice for its ease of use and reliability.

Scout Alarm does not offer all of the products out there and does not integrate with other systems. However, it offers controls and sensors for most needs. The company is still new, and some users are reporting that the service is good. Overall, the system is not hard to set up and is highly reliable for routine use. You can count on it to be one of your go-to options if you want to be in charge of your equipment purchases and you want quality support. Scout Alarm should be on your list of no contract home security companies.

Comparing No-Contract Security Systems

Why do some companies require long-term security contracts? How can others operate contract-free? The following information can help you understand different options.

About Security Pricing

Home security ads emphasize monthly monitoring fees. Do other expenses apply? Sometimes. Home security companies earn profits in different ways. Some charge for installation and/or activation, for example. Most important though is how equipment gets paid for. When companies have long-term contracts, they can build equipment expenses into monthly monitoring fees. (These companies advertise free or cheap equipment, but in truth, the equipment costs are subsidized with the revenue from long-term monitoring.) For comparison, when companies have month-to-month monitoring plans they might charge more up-front for the use of security equipment.

No-Contract Security Benefits

The most obvious benefit of security monitoring without long-term contracts is flexibility. If you aren’t pleased with your security plan, or if your needs change, you can terminate service without having financial obligations. This includes avoiding the “small print” risks of some long-term contracts, which can allow for periodic rate hikes and automatic renewals. Another big benefit is ownership of the security equipment. With long-term security companies, a customer might not own any of the equipment until their monitoring contract is up… but with certain month-to-month plans, customers keep the equipment. The alarm system can keep functioning too, albeit without professional monitoring.

Features of No-Contract Home Security Plans

No-contract home security plans share many features with long-term plans.

Here are some basics to help you choose the best setup.