Article updated on October 3, 2024 at 10:21 AM PDT
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David Priest Former editor
David Priest is an award-winning writer and editor who formerly covered home security for CNET.
Best cheap home security starter kit
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What is the best cheap home security system of 2024?
With all the technology available to make your home a smart home it may seem like getting a proper security system means spending a bunch of money. However, there are plenty of options that don't compromise safety and still be within a pretty tight budget. We've tested cheap home security systems and found the best. Our pick for top spot in affordable security is SimpliSafe's eight-piece DIY kit, because it's very user-friendly and has a low initial investment.
SimpliSafe's eight-piece home security kit includes the base station, a keypad control panel, four entry sensors, one motion sensor and a panic button. Don't let all the pieces intimidate you. DIY installation and setup is as easy as it gets, or you can opt for professional installation starting at $125.
SimpliSafe home security also comes with the option of DIY or professional monitoring. Self-monitoring using the SimpliSafe app is free unless you want cloud storage for any SimpliSafe security cameras. The top professional plan, Fast Protect, starts at around $30 per month and includes 24/7 professional monitoring, high-priority police, fire and medical dispatch, flood and extreme temperature monitoring, plus unlimited video recording for your SimpliSafe security cameras.
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Ring's Alarm Pro system is a little pricier, landing at $300 for the starting kit (although you can often find it on sale for less). It brings more value per dollar than any other DIY security system. For that price, you'll get the base device, four entry sensors, one motion detector, a keypad and a Z-Wave range extender.
That may not sound particularly exciting until you realize that the base station is also an Eero Wi-Fi 6 mesh router. That enables select Ring security cameras or video doorbells to process their data and store their footage locally. Add that to other perks, like an Alexa Emergency Assist subscription and cellular-powered backup Wi-Fi (if your internet or power goes down), and you've got an incredible product for the price. Ring's highest-level Protect Pro subscription costs $20 per month, which is lower than most of its DIY competitors' $25 to $30 range.
The CNET home security editors have tested out every major home security system over the years. We haven't listed every single one here, since some, such as AT&T Digital Life, are no longer available.
- Abode: While Abode's performance was solid, its prices were higher than those of other DIY options, such as Cove and SimpliSafe. The Iota is an all-in-one security camera that's an interesting option for renters or those living in smaller spaces, but it still doesn't match the affordability or simple value of the options above.
- Ring Alarm: Ring's first home security system is a solid contender for the best cheap home security system. In addition, its Pro version adds so much value that it's hard to recommend the original system over its upgraded successor.
- Frontpoint: Although Frontpoint's hardware is solidly priced, its $50 monthly subscription fee is simply too much to recommend to anyone trying to stick to a budget.
- Kangaroo: While Kangaroo is an incredibly wallet-friendly DIY security system, its value simply isn't as high as our top picks. Its hardware isn't just cheap on paper, it also feels cheap. Its doorbell camera is terrible.
- Cove Home Security: While Cove's hardware is reasonably priced, the inability to self-monitor the system — or even have app access — without significant monthly fees makes it a less-than-ideal option for the budget-conscious buyer.
- ADT: Professionally installed systems probably aren't the way to go for the best cheap home security system, and ADT is worse than others on the list simply for its astronomically high prices and forced contracts.
- Vivint: Like ADT, Vivint isn't for the faint of wallet. While it's a great system for those interested in smart home integration, opting for Vivint won't save you money in the short term or long run.
Read more: How to Turn Your Old iPhone or Android Into a Home Security Camera for Free
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Hands-on testing is core to our evaluations of any home security products. In short, when it comes to home security systems, we pay special attention to the user experience, the promised features, reliability and overall value, along with a few other elements. We do the testing in a real home environment over at least a full week. If you want to read more about our review process, check out our in-depth article on how we test home security systems and services.
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Ultimately, you'll have to answer this question for yourself. Home security systems do deter burglars. Depending on where you live, a few hundred dollars may be a cost worth incurring to avoid the risk of burglaries or damaged property.
Home security systems range in price anywhere from $100 to thousands of dollars. Generally, the larger the space you hope to cover — including the number of entryways you want to monitor — the more expensive the system. Many systems allow you to pick your devices a la carte, and most monitors shouldn't cost more than $30 apiece. If you're looking for reliable, budget-friendly picks, you shouldn't spend more than a few hundred dollars on home security. Likewise, you shouldn't be paying more than $25 or $30 at the most for monthly monitoring unless you're using a professionally installed system.