Best Security Systems Without Monitoring in 2024

Most of the best security systems require professional monitoring, and we generally recommend professional monitoring to home security customers. It is an undeniable fact, though, that professional monitoring requires a monthly fee – sometimes a steep monthly fee – and we’re not all made of money. The bottom line is that you need a home security system, and if you must cut some corners to get one, professional monitoring might have to go. It’s better to self-monitor than to not have a security system at all.

That said, you have to pick your self-monitored system wisely. If it’s too difficult to monitor your home security system, you won’t do it, and that’s no better than having no system. The same is true if your system doesn’t truly protect you. At a minimum, a good system has to have enough equipment options, a reliable app for self-monitoring, and real-time alerts.

We compared security systems that allow users to self-monitor based on these factors, and SimpliSafe came out on top. Read on to find out what we liked about SimpliSafe, and the two other options we recommend.

Runner-Ups

Ring

We think Ring has some great, affordable cameras and video doorbells. But 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 flaw is that if you need somewhere to store your video footage, you’ll have to pay for it or upgrade to a professional monitoring plan. 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 security cameras are some of the best around and are reasonably priced. They use AI to recognize regular visitors and can connect to other smart home devices. The only issue is that these features are not included in the self-monitoring plan.

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 set up activity zones so we weren’t getting constant alerts whenever our dog was rolling around on the fresh-cut grass.

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: Does a company offer all the components you need to protect your house, and are the devices you purchase going to be reliable long term? 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. In addition to asking whether a particular system offers DIY monitoring, you should find out what sort of features you get when you DIY it. Will your system send you alerts, and will you be able to check video feeds to see what’s going on? 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

OK, so you came here looking for a great self-monitoring system. It never hurts to consider all the options, right? Let’s talk about some of the pros and cons of unmonitored systems just to make sure you’ve thought it all through.

Benefits

There are certainly instances when paying for professional monitoring just isn’t practical. We live in a pretty secure apartment building. We want to be able to talk to anyone who knocks on our door, and we like being able to check on our cat while we’re at work, but we don’t need a full team of professionals monitoring our home 24/7.

Installing a SimpliSafe motion sensor.

Another great reason to go the self-monitoring route is to save money. Professional monitoring requires a monthly fee. And, if you don’t mind keeping tabs on alerts and alarms yourself, you can avoid the extra money and the hassle of long-term contracts.

• 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

You’re giving something up when you choose to self-monitor your system. Professional monitors keep an eye on your home 24/7. You don’t have to worry about security when you’re sleeping, get a root canal at the dentist, or having drinks at a friend’s. That’s not to say you shouldn’t go that route. There are advantages to be had from self-monitoring, too. If you’re giving up the protection of having trained personnel take care of your security, though, you want to make sure you’re fully equipped to take over the job yourself.

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.