Best Security Systems Without Monitoring in 2025

We almost always recommend professional monitoring. Emergencies don’t follow schedules, and no one can be on call 24/7. That said, we also know professional monitoring isn’t always practical or affordable. The upside is that self-monitoring has come a long way. Many modern systems now include AI-powered detection, smart alerts, and instant notifications, making it much easier to stay informed and respond quickly on your own.

After hands-on testing with more than 30 security systems, SimpliSafe stands out as our top pick. It works well even without a monitoring plan, sending real-time alerts and video clips straight to your phone. We also had strong results with abode, ADT, Ring, and Arlo, each offering flexible self-monitoring options depending on your home, priorities, and budget. In this guide, let’s break down what sets each of them apart.

Expert Examined

From Wes Hartkemeyer, Police Officer and Home Security Expert

“A self-monitored system is only as effective as the person operating it. I’ve seen tech-savvy homeowners with immediate access to every angle of their home, and I’ve seen people who couldn’t navigate a remote control, much less a security system. The bottom line is you need to think carefully about how much energy you’re willing to spend on securing your home. If you want to get it set up and stop worrying, a professional system is the way to go.” Read more about Wes Hartkemeyer →

Runner-Ups

Ring

Ring has improved significantly since our initial testing, but still falls short in some key areas. When we reviewed the system, we found it was a little light in the sensor department, which isn't ideal for a self-monitoring security system.

The Ring Alarm system we reviewed came with only a motion sensor and entryway sensors.

The other limitation is Ring's video storage. You'll need a Ring Home plan (starting at $4.99 a month) for any recordings. On the plus side, Ring’s security system is easy to install – it only took us 25 minutes. The app is also user-friendly and makes handling notifications a breeze.

Arlo

Arlo's 4K cameras with color night vision offer excellent video quality, and we like the radar motion detection that reduces false alarms. They use AI to recognize regular visitors and can connect to other smart home devices. These premium features require a subscription starting at $7.99 a month, making true self-monitoring expensive.

Considering the Arlo Pro 4.

But the cameras are exceptional. In our Arlo review, we learned they have an integrated spotlight and two-way audio. We could also create up to three activity zones per camera to reduce notifications from street traffic and neighbors.

Researching the Best No-Monitoring Systems

We try to make your life as easy as possible by doing all the home security research and hands-on testing for you. Below is a quick rundown of what we look for in a no-monitoring system.

The three main things to consider when choosing a home security system are:

• Equipment: Self-monitoring requires smart detection to minimize false alarms. We recommend AI-powered cameras that distinguish between people, packages, animals, and vehicles. At  the very least, you’ll need a hub, entryway sensors, and a motion sensor. But we also recommend outdoor security cameras and a video doorbell. Finally, be sure the company offers a mobile app so that you can access and control your system from your smartphone.
• Monitoring: You’re looking for a self-monitored system. Beyond basic alerts, check if the system offers thumbnail previews in notifications, two-way audio, and local storage options for when the internet is down. And does the company offer professional monitoring too? It’s always nice to have options, as you may decide to upgrade at some point.
• Price: The real trick here is to weigh what you’re getting against the cost. If you need only basic security, there are some truly affordable systems out there, even some in the $100 to $200 range. If you’re self-monitoring, you won’t have to worry about any monthly fees. If you need top-of-the-line equipment or professional installation, you should expect to pay anywhere from $400 to $1,000 or more.

Pros and Cons of Self-monitoring

Self-monitoring has evolved thanks to smartphone technology. Let's take a look at the advantages and limitations to ensure it's right for your situation.

Benefits

We preach the gospel of professional monitoring most of the time – and we’ll get to that in just a bit. We recognize, though, that there are plenty of instances when paying for professional monitoring just isn’t practical. In fact, despite our insistence that professional monitoring is best, we don’t actually need it ourselves. We live in a pretty secure apartment building. Not so secure that we’re willing to do without a video doorbell and an entry sensor. And we like having an indoor camera in the living room so we can check on our cat during the work day. But it’s definitely safe enough to forego a professional monitoring plan.

Installing a SimpliSafe motion sensor.

Without question, self-monitoring is also cheaper than professional monitoring. Sometimes it’s not just cheap – it’s completely free. If you don’t mind checking alerts yourself, there is always something to be said for avoiding contracts and monthly payments.

Here’s a more complete rundown of all the advantages to skipping the monitoring plan.

• Cost: Obviously, if you’re truly self-monitoring, you never have to pay monthly fees. Even if you choose to add video storage, you can usually save quite a bit over a fully monitored system. Also, self-monitored systems tend to be cheaper overall than professionally monitored systems, with more affordable equipment. Plus, unmonitored systems usually require DIY installation, so you’ll also save money on setup.
• Home automation: As a general rule, professionally monitored systems tend to be old-school in their approach. Self-monitored systems tend to be newer and more progressive. That difference extends to home automation. Self-monitored systems are designed to give you control, so you can expect the best user-friendly apps, integration with Alexa and Google Home, and lots of smart device compatibility. Most of these systems are IFTTT compatible, and some even offer their own proprietary line of smart products.
• Fewer false alarms: If you’re in charge of your home security, you don’t have to worry so much about false alarms. These systems don’t connect to emergency personnel directly, so you can verify an alarm before you act on it. Of course, you can always summon the fire department, the police, or medical assistance if you need it, but you can be sure it’s genuinely needed before you make the call.
• Control: With self-monitored systems, you get to do your security your way. You don’t have to worry about who might be watching camera footage. You get to decide exactly what constitutes a genuine emergency; you can be as paranoid or as cavalier as you choose. Plus, many self-monitored systems, including SimpliSafe, abode, and Canary, let you add features like person detection and video storage on demand or buy a single month of professional monitoring whenever you need it. You’re in charge.

Drawbacks

If an alarm sounds but nobody responds, is that alarm truly useful? The biggest drawback of unmonitored security systems is that they won’t notify dispatchers when there’s a problem. A second drawback is that unmonitored systems often rely on broadband internet to send text alerts. Most professionally monitored systems offer some form of cellular connection, which is far more reliable. Ultimately, professionally monitored systems offer the peace of mind you just can’t get from doing it yourself.

• Convenience: It may seem obvious, but it’s worth pointing out: You don’t have to monitor a professionally monitored system — ever. The system works and you’re protected, whether or not you’re paying attention. Too busy mowing the lawn to respond to an alert? No problem. At the dentist with a mouth full of novocaine? No problem. Self-monitoring, on the other hand, can be a little taxing.
• Level of security: Self-monitoring doesn’t come with quite the same level of security as professional monitoring. Again, you must recognize that your home security works only if you are available. When you’re too busy or distracted or asleep to check an alert, your home goes unprotected. Also, most truly unmonitored systems don’t include video storage. That means you can’t go back and check an alert you missed, and you can’t provide police with footage if there’s a break-in.
• No home insurance discount: Most professionally monitored home security systems offer some level of discount on homeowners insurance. Most self-monitored systems don’t. Insurance companies recognize that professional systems just offer a higher level of security overall.
• Peace of mind: Here’s the bottom line: A professionally monitored system is going to give you greater peace of mind over the long haul. Can you protect your home through self-monitoring? Of course. But you have to realize that you don’t have any backup.

Keep in mind that crime rates are not the same everywhere. According to our research, there are residents of some states that might need professional monitoring more than others. Here’s the rate of break ins per 1,000 homes.

• New Mexico 12.84
• Mississippi 12.55
• Louisiana 11.17
• Oklahoma 11.09
• Nevada 10.78

When you plot out the data, it seems nearly half of all residential burglaries occurred in Southern states, though rates are also high in the West.

Tips for Self-monitoring

As we’ve pointed out, there are some real advantages to self-monitoring your home security. It’s important to know what you’re in for. Here are a few handy tips that can help make it a little easier.

• Sign up for cameras if you can afford them. Entry sensors can be useful, but if you’re self-monitoring, you’re going to want to know what’s happening when a sensor goes off. Without cameras, you’re essentially blind.
• Position your cameras carefully. If you’re totally in charge of your monitoring, you don’t want to leave any blind spots in your home. Place cameras where they can do the most good and where you can maximize your field of view.
• If you’re self-monitoring, you need to review every alert you get. Any one of them could be an emergency. If you’re getting tons of false alarms from the neighbor’s cat, traffic, or leaves blowing by, you can get frustrated pretty quickly. Look for equipment that includes AI technology, such as facial recognition (Google Nest Cams have it!) so every alert is real.
• Add recording to your cameras if at all possible. Some cameras come with local storage options: DVRs, NVRs, or micro SD cards. Other companies let you store video for a nominal fee, far less than you’d pay for professional monitoring. Stored video lets you see what happened, and it provides you with evidence should you ever need any to turn over to the police.

Final Thoughts

While self-monitoring can save money, we always recommend professional monitoring. There’s no telling when you’ll need to respond to an urgent alert. It could be when you’re sleeping, at a doctor’s appointment, or having drinks at a friend’s. Professional monitoring ensures every alert gets an appropriate response. That said, it’s not in everyone’s budget. If that’s the case for you, make sure to choose a system that gives you the tools needed to keep your home secure.

Installing an ADT Control Panel.

Every system on this list provides you with the tools you need to monitor your own security, including real-time alerts, access to live video feeds, and the option to store footage. Don’t worry, they save you money too, by leaving the monitoring up to you. Our number one priority, though, is keeping you safe, and we think this list gives you what you need to do that.

FAQ

You’ll find even more information about the best unmonitored security systems in this FAQ section.