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After extensive testing, we chose SimpliSafe as we love its high-quality and user-friendly equipment that’s effortless to install.
Updated March 25, 2025
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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.
While signing a home security contract can keep monthly fees low and reduce upfront costs, it can be a hassle to get out of. That’s why some homeowners and even renters prefer no-contract security systems. Having tested popular contract-free options, we can say that SimpliSafe is the best to deal with. It let us easily switch from professional monitoring to self-monitoring, and switching back to professional monitoring was just as simple. As a bonus, it’s also one of the best home security systems of 2025.
SimpliSafe isn’t the only good no-contract option we tested. We also liked what we saw from Cove, ADT Self Setup, Ring Alarm, and abode. These systems even outperform SimpliSafe in areas like monitoring plans and smart home integrations. Let’s take a look at each one to see which one is best for your home.
From Anthony Travaglia, Retired Police Officer, Home Security Expert
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.
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:
Using those criteria, here’s how we scored our top picks.
Rating the Best Security Systems Without Contracts
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:
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:
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 | Cove | ADT Self Setup | Ring Alarm | abode | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SecureScore™ | 9.2 | 8.8 | 8.6 | 8.2 | 8.0 |
| Best feature | Professional monitoring service | Equipment and monitoring price | Equipment and Monitoring | Security cameras | Home automation |
| Equipment package cost | Starts at $250 | Starts at $150 | Starts at $194.98 | Starts at $244.95 | Starts at $159.99 |
| Equipment financing | Yes, via Affirm | No | No | Yes, via Affirm | Yes, via Bread |
| Monthly monitoring fee | Starts at $21.99 | Starts at $19.99 | Starts at $24.99 | $10 add-on | $25.99 |
| Self-monitoring option | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Security cameras | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (limited options) |
| Home automation | Integrations, but limited automation | Yes, but limited integrations | Yes | Yes, but limited integrations | Yes |
| Read our review | SimpliSafe review | Cove review | ADT Self Setup Review | Ring Alarm Review | abode Review |
SimpliSafe began as a security system for renters, but it has since gone on to have something for everyone. Don’t want to pay for professional installation? You can set up everything yourself. If you don’t want to pay for professional monitoring, you can self-monitor. Unlike ADT packages, you’re not tied to specific monitoring plans based on your equipment. You can also add equipment or change plans anytime.>> Compare: ADT Vs. SimpliSafe
One of the many reasons SimpliSafe has a spot on our list of best home security systems is because it’s so easy to install. We bought motion detectors, entry sensors, and security cameras. The whole system was up and running in less than an hour. SimpliSafe offers professional installation, but we don’t think it’s necessary. Most equipment sticks to the walls with adhesives, so you won’t even need tools.
>> Learn More: The Best DIY Home Security Systems of 2025
We created a SimpliSafe security system from the ground-up and could easily integrate more devices any time.
Monitoring is optional with SimpliSafe. You can self-monitor for free or pay $9.99 per month to store camera recordings for up to 30 days. However, you’ll need to contact help yourself if you need it. That’s why we recommend you sign up for a professional monitoring plan. One of the standout features is Intruder Intervention. The feature requires the Wireless Indoor Camera. When the system is triggered, SimpliSafe agents can use the camera’s live feed and two-way speaker to deter intruders.
FYI: All SimpliSafe cameras have two-way audio that you can access with the SimpliSafe app. We use the two-way audio feature on the video doorbell to let in guests. We even unlock the door with SimpliSafe’s smart lock.
For outdoor protection, SimpliSafe offers a similar feature called Active Guard Outdoor Protection. SimpliSafe agents use the Outdoor Camera’s siren and spotlight on intruders. However, the monitoring plan with this feature is $49.99 per month. Here’s a breakdown of the other SimpliSafe subscriptions for comparison.
| Standard | Core | Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24/7 emergency dispatch | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Video verification | No | Yes | Yes |
| Cellular backup | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Intruder Intervention | No | Yes | Yes |
| Active Guard Outdoor Protection | No | No | Yes (8pm to 6am) |
| Cost | $21.99 per month | $31.99 per month | $49.99 per month |
We simulated break-ins to test SimpliSafe’s equipment and response times. With a self-monitoring plan, we received push notifications when motion sensors and cameras detected activity. However, with a professional monitoring plan, text messages arrived within 10 seconds of an alarm trigger. We could even respond to confirm or cancel the alarm.
>> Keep Reading: Best Security Companies With Fast Response Times
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.
>> Compare: Frontpoint vs. SimpliSafe
| Monitoring Options | Professional and DIY |
|---|---|
| Installation | Professional and DIY |
| Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
| Equipment Cost | Packages starting at $249.96 |
| Monthly Monitoring Cost | From $21.99 |
| Contract Length | Monthly |
Another DIY system similar to the Frontpoint system we reviewed is Cove. It’s a good alternative to SimpliSafe if you’re looking for something more affordable. Cove keeps prices low by using eufy security cameras instead of developing its own. The only downside is that you need to use two apps to manage your security system. With cheap professional monitoring plans and no commitments, it’s one of the best no-contract DIY security systems we’ve tested.
While Cove doesn’t offer equipment financing options like SimpliSafe, Cove’s pricing is generally lower. Cove is constantly running deals and discounts, making it 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 plan costing $29.99. That said, Cove offers fewer features than SimpliSafe. While you won’t get anything similar to Intruder Intervention, you’ll still have 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.
Cove has a self-monitoring plan with camera streaming for $9.99 per month. However, like other self-monitoring plans, you’re responsible for actioning alerts, which can be challenging if you’re on vacation or in a meeting at work. We recommend choosing one of Cove’s professional monitoring plans.
| Features and cost | Cove Basic | Cove+ |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $19.99 | $29.99 |
| 24/7 professional monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Text notifications | Yes | Yes |
| Equipment warranty | 1 year | Lifetime for the life of the plan |
| Video verification | No | Yes |
While there’s no long-term commitment, you need to subscribe to a Cove plan for the equipment to function. You’ll also have to sign up to Cove+ if you use security cameras. But at $29.99 per month, it’s still slightly cheaper than SimpliSafe’s Core plan.
>> Read More: How Much Does a Home Security System Cost?
Cove’s motion sensors shine bright red when they detect movement.
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.
The one thing missing from Cove is home automation. The app includes an automation section, but since Cove only works with Alexa and Google Assistant, we didn’t find it useful. If you want a security system with home automation, skip on over to abode below.
| Monitoring Options | Professional or DIY |
|---|---|
| Installation | Professional or DIY |
| Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
| Equipment Cost | From $300 for hub and keypad |
| Monthly Monitoring Cost | From $19.99 |
| Contract Length | Monthly |
For over 150 years, ADT has been recognized as one of the best home security systems in the industry. Thankfully, they’re not living in the past. Just like us, they’re seeing the DIY movement flood social media and have adapted accordingly.The Self Setup packages include some of the same high-quality equipment the company is famous for, a selection of Google Nest products, and access to the best monitoring service available. Just like we did with SimpliSafe and Cove, we built a security system from scratch and got to work setting it up.
If you’ve read our ADT review, you’ll know that it is one of the best home security systems around. But there are some obstacles, namely the three-year contract and mandatory professional installation.
Thankfully, their ADT Self Setup offering has eradicated these steps. We went to the website and built our own security system from a smorgasbord of ADT and Google Nest products. There were also a few of equipment packages available, but we knew what we needed for our home.
FYI: ADT has replaced its mostly-wired security cameras with Google Nest Cams, which come in a battery-powered indoor/outdoor option, a plug-in indoor camera, and a hardwired camera with floodlight. They all connect to Wi-Fi.
ADT’s professional monitoring costs for Self Setup start from $24.99, which includes their best-in-industry 24/7 monitoring service, access to the ADT+ app, and home automation features. But because we bought some cameras, we needed the premium option, which is $39.99. It adds cloud storage and video verification.
Our Google Nest Cam works indoors and outdoors, but it requires ADT’s most expensive monitoring plan.
After signing up for the monitoring service, we found out we were getting access to the SMART Monitoring platform. It’s a text-based alerting system that can outpace phone call alerts by as much as 30 seconds. It’s included regardless of which monitoring plan you choose.
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.
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 video analytics that recognize faces. We use this feature to set alerts when our kids get home from school. The hub is essential to your safety. It has cellular and battery backup that keeps the system online, even if the power is lost during storms.
| Monitoring Options | Professional or DIY |
|---|---|
| Installation | DIY |
| Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
| Equipment Cost | Packages starting at $499 |
| Monthly Monitoring Cost | From $29.99 |
| Contract Length | Monthly |
Ring Alarm has some of the best security cameras on the market. Ring is also one of our favorite doorbell camera brands. You can also 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.
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 activate from the Ring app. If you spot an intruder on the live feed, blare the siren to scare them off. It’s also easy to exclude areas from the camera’s field of view, so you don’t get alerts for passing cars or people walking dogs.
>> Learn More: Ring Security Camera Costs
All of Ring’s plans are self-monitoring only. If you want professional monitoring, you’ll need to sign up for the Standard or Premium plan and pay a $10 add-on fee. We recommend upgrading, as the Basic plan only covers one doorbell or camera. The Standard and Premium plans cover all your Ring devices in one location. Here’s a quick breakdown of each plan:
| 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: For extra protection, you can pay an extra $99 per month for a virtual security guard. A highly trained professional is available 24/7 to monitor your home and will personally contact emergency services if needed.
Now, this is completely optional, but you can sign up for a one-year subscription and save $40. Annual billing costs only $200. What’s great about this — besides the discount — is if you cancel midway through the subscription, you’ll get a refund for unused months. That’s one of the better refund policies I’ve seen for annual subscriptions. Most brands, like Arlo, don’t give prorated refunds. But Arlo does have a few advantages over Ring that I cover in my Arlo vs. Ring comparison.
Our Ring Floodlight Cam also required hardwiring, for which we paid a local electrician to do.
Ring is comparable to Arlo in that there are plenty of camera options available. This makes it easy to customize a security system for your home. But 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.
>> Read More: Door Alarm Sensors: What They Are and How They’re Used
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. But real-time intruder deterrence or video verification required an extra $99 per month for the virtual security guard. It’s not ideal, especially when SimpliSafe offers Intruder Intervention for just $31.99 per month.
| Monitoring Options | 24/7 professional and DIY |
|---|---|
| Installation | DIY |
| Smart Platform Integration | Alexa |
| Equipment Cost | From $244.95 |
| Monthly Monitoring Cost | $19.99 |
| Contract Length | 1-12 months |
With SimpliSafe or ADT, smart home integrations require mid-to-premium subscriptions. But not with abode. Smart home integrations are included in the free subscription. However, we recommend upgrading to the Standard or Pro plans for features like professional monitoring, security notifications, and AI smart detection.>> Check Out: Best Security Systems with Smart Home Automations
Home automation is abode’s strongest suit. It rivals Vivint and is a good Vivint alternative if you’re looking for a customizable system you can use to automate your home.
Our abode experience has been great thanks to CUE, the automation engine built into the abode smartphone and web app. It allows us to customize automation rules, set schedules, and create easy-to-activate scenes. And since abode works with so many third-party products — even our existing Nest Thermostat — we can really customize our home.
Pro Tip: We’re notorious for forgetting to lock the front door when we go for a walk in the morning. But not anymore. we set an automation in the abode app so the door immediately locks every time it closes.
Abode’s monitoring is similar to SimpliSafe’s. Keep in mind that integrations work even if you don’t have a monitoring plan. However, abode’s home automation platform, CUE, requires a monitoring plan. This is one of the key differences we highlight in our SimpliSafe vs. abode comparison.
The premium self-monitoring option for $7.99 per month includes CUE, camera recordings, a 10-day timeline of history logs, an in-app panic alarm, and premium customer support. We use this plan when working from home. Otherwise, we use the Pro Plan ($25.99 per month) for professional monitoring.
Home automation aside, abode has pretty big holes to fill when it comes to protecting homes. For starters, it only offers one security camera. It’s an indoor/outdoor camera, but still, it would have been better if it had a camera built specifically for indoor use and a different one built for outdoor use. All the other options on this list provide at least three choices for security cameras. Second, abode doesn’t offer that many sensors. It makes up for that by being able to connect with third-party devices, but direct sensor pairing is still the best, in our humble opinion.
Abode doesn’t offer a lot of security equipment, but you can integrate third-party devices to round out your system.
However, abode is still a reliable system. App alerts arrive quickly, typically within five to 10 seconds of a sensor being triggered. Cellular backup is also available, but only with the Pro Plan. The security cameras use AI to send personalized alerts for people, packages, and pets, similar to Ring’s notifications.
>> Compare: Ring Vs. abode
| Monitoring Options | Professional and DIY |
|---|---|
| Installation | DIY |
| Smart Platform Integration | Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit |
| Equipment Cost | From $139.99 |
| Monthly Monitoring Cost | From $6.99 |
| Contract Length | Month-to-month |
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:
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.
>> Learn More: The Ins and Outs of Home Security Contracts
Installing the latest version of the SimpliSafe Motion Sensor
From Anthony Travaglia, Retired Police Officer, Home Security Expert
Ring equipment bundles are a great launching off point to building a robust home security system.
If you’re leaning more toward a no-contract option, it’s imperative that you know what factors to compare, especially the cost-related factors. Buying a security system is a sizable expense, so you have to make sure you’re not biting off more than you can chew.
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.
Yes, you can. SimpliSafe, ADT, Cove, Ring, and abode offer professional monitoring plans without long-term commitments.
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.
Yes, they are. The equipment, push notifications, and alerts work identically to those in contract systems.
SimpliSafe, ADT, Cove, Ring, and abode allow you to add more security equipment at any time without extra charges.
