Best Self-Monitored Home Security System With No Monthly Fee in 2023
There are many different self-monitored home security systems available in the market. Some of these systems charge monthly fees, while others don’t.
In this article, we’ll compare the best self-monitored home security systems. Then, we’ll look at the benefits of the different options and help you choose the right one for your needs.
Abode is the Best Self-Monitored Home Security System
The Abode system is compatible with more than 160 smart home devices, from Yale locks and security cameras to Lifx bright lights and Philips Hue thermostats. The system can be set up to the arm and disarm when you are away; it even works with voice control. This makes it the best self-monitored home security solution available today.
The Abode Smart Security Starter Kit has customizable equipment, including a built-in camera and motion sensor. With guided instructions, it can be installed in less than 15 minutes. It has the main gateway with an alarm and also supports Z-Wave, Apple HomeKit, and Amazon Alexa. The system has two plans for monitoring: self-monitoring and professional monitoring. Depending on your needs, you can also choose to add up to 160 components.
The Abode and SimpliSafe systems have different pricing policies. The former offers free self-monitoring, while the latter offers professional monitoring without a long-term contract. In addition, abode offers a 30-day return policy and free shipping.
The Abode Slim Strip Sensor can be placed up to 1,000 feet away from a gateway and syncs with the Abode app for push notifications. Its slim design makes it unobtrusive and barely noticeable. If the glass break sensor is triggered, you can receive an alert through your smartphone, while the Multi-Sensor will detect motion, light, temperature, and humidity.
Ring Alarm
The Ring Alarm, a home security system, is a cloud-based, wireless alarm system that connects to your smartphone through a Wi-Fi network or an Ethernet cord to your router. The system also features cellular backup to ensure it remains up and running during a power outage. The system has a standard array of sensors, including entry, motion detectors, flood, and environmental sensors. You can also add additional devices through the Ring’s platform.
If you’re looking for a complete security system, Ring offers the 14-piece Kit. This Kit provides stellar protection for homes up to two thousand square feet. It comes with two keypads, eight contact sensors for windows and doors, and a motion sensor. It is also compatible with an optional extender to cover a larger area.
Ring offers a free trial that lets you test the product for thirty days without paying a monthly fee. After a month, you can decide whether to purchase a monitoring plan. The cost ranges from six to forty dollars a year, and you’re not locked into a contract.
The Ring Alarm Pro has a Wi-Fi router built into its base device. As a result, the Pro has a more robust security system with a high-speed Wi-Fi connection than the basic version. Its base station also supports multiple Ring devices and even works with Alexa.
In addition to the basic package, Ring Alarm also offers a Pro plan for $20 a month. The Pro plan includes professional monitoring that will assess alerts as they happen and call the police if necessary. The system also provides three gigabytes of backup cellular data per month.
Scout
With a Scout self-monitored home security system, you can set up your alarms as often as you like and arm and disarm your system with just a few taps on your smartphone or tablet. The system includes a 1080p HD indoor camera, motion detection, night vision, and video cloud storage. It also syncs with the Scout app for push notifications.
Connect the Scout Hub to your router with an Ethernet cable to install your Scout self-monitored home security system. Once connected, the Scout will automatically pair the sensors closest to the Hub. You can then install the sensors in order of proximity to the Hub. Once the hardware is set up, it only takes 30 to 45 minutes to install and pair.
Two types of self-monitored home security systems are Scout and Deep Sentinel. Both offer the option of installation or professional monitoring. The latter has a range of 25 feet, while the former does not. The former offers a starter kit, but it is no longer available.
With Scout, you can choose from three plans. The Standard Plan has unlimited cameras, notifications, video storage, and ten days of history. A Pro Plan also includes 24/7 professional monitoring and cellular backup. This plan also includes free ground shipping to the continental United States and exclusive deals for homeowners.
If you don’t want to sign up for 24/7 monitoring, you can also opt for the self-monitoring option. It costs $9.99 a month, but you’ll get a 4G cellular backup if your internet goes down. That’s a big plus for the self-monitoring system.
Samsung SmartThings Home Hub
If you’re looking for a self-monitored home security system with no monthly fee, consider Samsung SmartThings. The system allows you to create routines, automate tasks, and get notifications about events happening in your home. It even partners with ADT for 24-hour monitoring. The best part is that it comes with a ton of compatible products. While many of these devices require additional purchases, many Samsung SmartThings devices are compatible.
The SmartThings Home Hub is the Hub that connects all of your devices. It has sensors that detect motion, open windows and doors, and can control smart outlets. It can also send out an alert when a family member comes home or if there’s a leaky pipe.
The Home Security System has three modes: Arm/Away, Armed/Stay, and Home. When you’re away, you should arm all your sensors except the motion sensor. You can also get notifications through push notifications, audio alerts, and lights.
The SmartThings Hub is the brain of the system. The Hub creates a wireless network and can be added to a Wi-Fi network or hard-wired with an Ethernet cable. You can also use the app to control devices and add gadgets to the system. The SmartThings hub also works with third-party products, which saves you from the hassle of managing each of them separately.
SmartThings also offers professional monitoring through the Scout service. This service includes a bundle with a Home Monitoring Kit and seven months of monitoring. The cost is $279 for the bundle and $10 for each month. SmartThings is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to build an intelligent home security system.
Wyze
While Wyze’s self-monitored home security system has some benefits, it also has a few disadvantages. Its compatibility with Google Assistant and Alexa is limited, and it does not integrate easily with other smart home devices. Additionally, its cameras have limited capabilities. They can only record video for up to 12 seconds at a time and require a five-minute cooldown between each recording. Also, its camera does not support personal or package, or vehicle detection.
While some companies charge a monthly fee to monitor the system for you, Wyze’s fee is only $5. Most of its competitors, including ADT and Simplisafe, charge upwards of $30 per month. Some companies charge extra for additional features, such as cloud storage.
One downside to Wyze’s self-monitoring service is its lack of cell backup. Although the system can detect breaches, it will only contact a monitoring service in an emergency. However, most DIY and professional alternatives provide backup services that include cell coverage. Additionally, Wyze’s battery backup makes it a good option in power outages.
For those concerned about the security of their homes, Wyze’s self-monitored system is a great option. The system’s built-in sensors and Hub will alert you to motion and sound. You can even set a specific state for the sensors. This way, you can customize your home’s security to suit the circumstances.
Another benefit of Wyze self-monitoring is that the prices are much more affordable than those of other home security companies. For example, the monthly fees for ADT and Vivint alone can cost upwards of $60. Additionally, you have to pay for professional installation, which can cost up to $500.