DIY home security systems are kinds of surveillance systems whereby the user installs and monitors on their own without any professional intervention. The term DIY simply means ‘Do It Yourself’. Such systems are generally simple to use. Although you might involve a professional to monitor the systems, it follows that it is not a must since the systems are not that complicated. Furthermore, it is possible to find DIY home security systems with no monthly fee. If you are doing the monitoring yourself, automatically there will be no monthly fees.
DIY home security systems include things like alarm systems, security camera systems, smart door lock systems, and maybe floodlights. The systems are mainly to keep you and your property secure from theft, or calamities. There are unique alarm systems that can alert about fire outbreaks in a house by sensing smoke. If you are asleep, you can quickly wake up and switch off the fire before it is too late. Others can sense excess temperature and signal you with a loud siren. Moreover, security cameras can capture images of anything moving around your home and send an alert.
It is important to note that DIY systems can be wireless or wired. The best wireless outdoor security cameras can connect to WiFi networks and can send you alerts in your smartphone irrespective of your location. They have special applications where they can automatically upload data and send it to you. You must also stay connected to a network to receive the alerts. Wired security systems are usually localized, and you need to be around to take the necessary action. A good example is the wired security camera that requires you to keep watching the screens.
What are the factors to consider when buying a DIY home security system?
There are various factors you should put in mind when buying a DIY security system for your home. These include the following.
i) Power source
A system with a battery for power backup is better so that it continues working even when electrical power is not available. Most battery-powered wireless outdoor security camera reviews have seen battery-powered DIY systems more preferred as compared to electricity dependent.
ii) Budget
You should look at your bank account and conclude which system you can afford. There are cheap systems, as well as expensive systems. Very efficient security systems are costly, but you should consider buying them if you have enough money.
iii) Wireless or wired
Wireless DIY systems for home security can be accessed remotely either via Bluetooth or WiFi. The best outdoor wireless security camera system can even accept SIM card internet other than WiFi. Wired systems can mainly be accessed locally, although some may also have a wireless access option. You should opt for a wireless system if you are always away from home. A wired system will be okay if you are always within the premises.
iv) Environmental factors
Ensure that the DIY system can withstand high temperatures as well as rainfall. That means that it should be waterproof and heatproof as well.
v) Mobile app control
Modern DIY has mobile apps where you can get alerts and synchronize data so that you can monitor your home when far away. A system with a mobile app control will be better. A good example is a smart door lock with a camera whereby you can use your phone to create codes for visitors and monitor their access at particular times of the day.
Which are the eight best DIY home security systems with no monthly fee?
According to my research, the following are the best DIY systems with no monthly fees that you can use to monitor your home security.
1) ADT DIY 18-Piece Easy, Smart Home Security System
Monitor your home 24/7 using this camera system. It can work with Alexa, and you can just use voice commands to make it work. Furthermore, it is WiFi-enabled so that you can receive alerts about what is happening at home. The system has no contract, and you can monitor it by yourself.
It comes with a base, indoor camera, entry keypad, six doors/window sensors, two pet-friendly motion sensors, fire safety sensor, glass break sensor, two temperature/flood sensors, keychain remote, 2-yard signs, and four window stickers. It has a backup battery.
PROS
- Has a backup battery
- Works with Alexa
- WiFi-enabled
- Has no contract
- Remote access
CONS
- It is expensive
2) Google Nest Cam – Indoor Home Security Camera with Night Vision
The camera system will suit your home since it will be able to monitor the surroundings both at night and during the day time. It has a night vision capability. Furthermore, it works with Alexa and Google Assistant so that you can use voice commands to have things done.
It connects to WIFi for wireless access. It has a free trial of 30 days after which you will be paying a monthly fee of $6. The system has a two-way communication system. It is easy to set up.
PROS
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Night vision
- WiFi-enabled
- Two-way communication
- Easy to set up
CONS
- Charges $6 per month after a 30-day trial
3) Arlo Pro 2 – Wireless Home Security Camera System with Siren
The home surveillance system has a night vision capability whereby you can still get clear images at night. It can work well for both indoors and outdoors. Furthermore, it has a two-way communication system so that you can communicate with someone else near the camera.
Also, it allows wireless access so that you can still monitor your home while far away. It is rechargeable and also easy to mount on a wall. It has a cloud storage service.
PROS
- Two-way audio
- Wireless access
- Cloud storage
- Easy to install
- Night vision
CONS
- A bit costly
4) Hiseeu 5MP PoE Security Camera System, 8CH Home Wired Security System
The system will not charge you any monthly fees since you will be able to control it by yourself. It is mainly for outdoor surveillance and has a night vision so that you can still get clear images at night. It comes with a 1 TB storage space for video storage.
The system comes with four pieces of cameras so that you can mount it at different corners of your homestead. It has a motion alert so that you can always know about a suspicious individual is moving around. It is Onvif Compatible.
PROS
- Has night vision
- Onvif Compatible
- No monthly fees
- Comes with a storage disk
- Has audio
CONS
- Not suitable for indoor surveillance
5) SimpliSafe 9 Piece Wireless Home Security System
The system works with Alexa and Google Assistant. It has no contract, and you can be sure you will manage it successfully by yourself. You can also opt for a 24/7 cloud monitoring with police or any other professionals. It has a backup battery and connects to WiFi.
It comes with the base station with built-in 95dB siren, four entry sensors, two motion sensors, SimpliCam, Yard sign, window security stickers, and a free month of monitoring. It has a three-year warranty.
PROS
- Works with Google Assistant and Alexa
- Has no contract
- WiFi-enabled
- Battery backup
- Three-year warranty
CONS
- It is expensive
6) ADT DIY LifeShield 13-Piece Easy, DIY Smart Home Security System
It is Alexa compatible so that you can use voice commands to operate the system. Furthermore, it connects to WiFi so that you can receive alerts remotely. The system has no contract, and you can manage it by yourself. You may engage a professional monitor if the need arises.
The system includes one base, four window stickers, one entry keypad, one indoor camera, four-door/window sensors, two pet-friendly motion sensors, one keychain remote, a 1-yard sign, and one fire safety sensor. It is easy to install, and thus you can do it yourself.
PROS
- Works with Alexa
- Has no contract
- Gives you an option to engage a professional
- Easy to install
- Remote Access
CONS
- It may not work well if you do not have a smartphone
7) Ring Alarm 5 Piece Kit (1st Gen) – Home Security System
Manage the system by yourself since there are no contracts associated with it. You may opt for 24/7 professional monitoring by police, private security, or firefighters. The system works with Alexa. You can use voice commands to operate it.
However, you have to buy an Alexa device so as to use voice commands. The system is easy to install. It has a base station, contact sensor, motion detector, keypad, and range extender. Also, you will get a free Echo Dot.
PROS
- Works with Alexa
- Option for professional monitoring
- No long term contracts
- Easy to install
- Comes with free echo dot
CONS
- A bit costly
8) Abode Essentials Starter Kit – DIY Wireless Home Security System
The system will work with Alexa so that you just use voice commands to make it operate. You will only need the Alexa device. It also works with Google Home and Apple HomeKit. The system has no monthly contracts.
However, you can sign up with a professional monitor and pay monthly fees for the services. It includes a built-in 93db siren, 1 gateway, one mini door/window Sensor, 1 Remote KeyFob, and 1 Motion Sensor. It has a battery for backup in case of a power outage.
PROS
- Works with Google Alexa
- Option for professional monitoring
- No monthly contracts
- Battery backup
- Works with Google Home and Apple Homekit
CONS
- Alexa device sold separately
Bottom line
Having a surveillance system for your home is an excellent decision. Security cameras, alarm systems, smart door lock systems, and security lights are things every home should have. Professional monitoring of security systems is awesome, but you can cut costs by using a DIY home security system. Moreover, check different factors to ensure that you get the best system ever.
