Best No Monthly Fee Home Security Systems

1. SimpliSafe - Best Equipment

Editors Rating:

9.2 /10

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How We Review

If you’re not paying a monthly fee, you need high-quality security equipment with reliable hardware and a robust set of features. Those are exactly what we got from SimpliSafe, the best DIY home security systems.

The setup process is simple and straightforward. It took us only 30 minutes to set up the entire system. The sensors are wireless and mostly battery-powered, and even the base station, the system’s brain, has a 24-hour battery backup. That means it can protect your home with or without power. Most importantly, it has a built-in siren to ward off intruders.

SimpliSafe’s hardware is also impressively sturdy. We still have the first SimpliSafe system we tested years ago, and it still works. So overall, we trust that SimpliSafe equipment is reliable.

Equipment and Monitoring Choices

SimpliSafe equipment works around the clock to protect your home. The base station is the main component. All the other sensors connect to the device wirelessly, and then the device connects to Wi-Fi to communicate alerts and send notifications to your smartphone. It even has a 24-hour battery backup so it can stay on and protect your house even when the power is out.

In our experience, SimpliSafe is a well-rounded security system with most of the components you’ll likely need to protect your home. That includes security sensors, sensors that detect safety hazards like fire and gas leaks, and security cameras both for indoor and outdoor use.

SimpliSafe lacks some of the more niched types of sensors, like garage door tilt sensors, but as far as the core essentials go, it has everything. Moreover, they are affordable, as you’ll see in the table below.

While you don’t need a monthly subscription to use SimpliSafe equipment, you certainly have the option to opt in should you choose. And the best part is there are no contracts. If you’re going on a trip, for example, you can buy a monitoring subscription for exactly one month and then cancel it when you get back home. There are no cancellation fees or penalties.

It’s worth noting that SimpliSafe’s monitoring prices are among the lowest in the industry. Professional monitoring starts at $19.99, but advanced features like cloud recording, video verification, and smart home integration comes at a steeper price of $29.99. That’s still pretty good compared to companies that charge upwards of $40 per month.

Self-Monitoring and Notifications

So how effective was SimpliSafe? Here’s how it reacts to possible break-ins: First, the sensors detect intrusion. When a door is opened when it shouldn’t or movement is detected where there shouldn’t be any, the sensors notify the tower-like base station. The base station, in turn, sounds its siren. That should be enough to ward off intruders, in theory.

To go a step further, SimpliSafe will notify you on your smartphone. Take note: SimpliSafe uses your Wi-Fi and internet connection to communicate, so if the Wi-Fi is out, it won’t be able to generate alerts. That’s why the built-in siren is important. In any case, if you receive a notification, you can use the SimpliCam (one is often included for free) or the new Smart Alarm indoor camera ($139) to check on your home remotely. The cameras stream live video and you can even use two-way talk to scare off intruders.

Easy Installation

One of the highlights of our SimpliSafe experience actually happened right after we got the system: the installation process. For a long time, SimpliSafe has been known to have some of the easiest to install home security systems. All in all, it took us less than 30 minutes to install the affordable SimpliSafe security system ourselves.

In addition, that easy installation meant we could move the equipment with no trouble if we relocated. It was all completely portable, making it a great security system for renters or a security system for apartments. Here’s how we put it all together:

1. We plugged the SimpliSafe hub into a wall outlet.
2. We used the included adhesive tape to attach sensors to the walls.
3. The SimpliCam was freestanding, so we didn’t even need a screwdriver. We just placed it on a flat surface and called it a day.

Plus, there are no moving fees if you move to a new home or apartment. Simply update your address via the app, put all the components in a box, and reinstall it in your new place. And if you need additional equipment, you can buy it from SimpliSafe and install it on your own.

Of course, those who want professional installation can opt for the service via a third-party partner trained specially to install SimpliSafe systems. The service typically costs $125 for new customers, and you can add it at checkout.

2. abode - Best for Home Automation

Editors Rating:

8.0 /10

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How We Review

Abode is a top choice for no-contract, no-monthly-fee home security because of the system’s capabilities right out of the box.

We started with a simple abode security package, the Smart Security Kit, which cost us about $180. Then, we built on that basic setup with environmental monitoring, home automation, and voice commands.

We had flexibility in smart home components as well. Abode works with a number of smart device companies, including Philips Hue and ecobee. It also works with Nest, a company you can learn more about in our Nest cameras review.

Finally, we had the option to add three or seven days of cloud storage for just 60 cents or $1.40 — or we could have added three or seven days of on-demand monitoring for $1.98 or $4.62.

Quick Setup

Setting up our abode security equipment was super easy. We chose a simple system with an all-in-one unit, which combined a siren, a motion detector, and a security camera. “All-in-one” meant our installation was just four steps:

1. We plugged in the hub (essentially a base station).
2. We connected the hub to our internet router.
3. We downloaded the abode mobile app.
4. We placed door sensors and window sensors around our home.

All told, the installation took us about 30 minutes, but most of that time went into placing the sensors, cameras, and smart devices that we bought. In terms of setting up the system, we mostly just had to pair the components with the hub, which we did through the abode smartphone app.

On-Demand Monitoring

We know this page is about no-monthly-fee security systems, but abode has a unique offer that may come in handy even if you don’t want to pay a monthly fee. It’s called on-demand professional monitoring, and it lets you buy professional monitoring for three or seven days.

For instance, let’s say you’re going on a trip over the weekend. Since you’ll be away, you’ll likely need extra help monitoring your abode system. You can purchase a three-day on-demand monitoring so that abode will have your back while you’re away. After the three days, you’ll be back on your regular self-monitoring plan.

Of course, abode also offers a monthly professional monitoring subscription, called the Pro plan. It costs $20 per month and it renews automatically, but you can cancel anytime. That’s great for folks who are avoiding security systems with long-term contracts. There’s also a Standard plan, which is a self-monitoring plan with upgraded features like cellular backup for $6 per month.

High-Quality Equipment

Overall, we were pleased with abode’s equipment. For just $180, the Smart Security Kit came with the Gateway hub, a motion sensor, a door/window sensor, and a key fob.

We added an outdoor camera for another $160 and loved the crystal-clear image we got. Abode cameras feature 1080p HD video resolution and 127-degree fields of zoom. We could even spot the stain on our Amazon package delivery person’s shirt. In addition, abode cameras have infrared LED night vision and two-way audio.

Our favorite thing about abode is that you get what’s promised without having to pay a monthly fee. You can automate your home, control it with a smartphone app, and even pair Zigbee or Z-Wave devices with the hub. Other companies charge a premium for these features.

Of course, home security is the most important aspect, and with abode, you get remote notifications, quick access to live video feeds, sensor arming and disarming through an app, and many more; overall a great security system if you want to avoid monthly fees.

3. Ring Alarm Security Kit - Best Security Camera and Alexa Compatibility

Editors Rating:

7.7 /10

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How We Review

Ring revolutionized the home security market with its Ring doorbell cameras, and it continues to innovate home security. If you’re looking for a home security system that works well with Ring’s top-notch video doorbells and Ring security cameras, the low-cost Ring Alarm security system is a solid option.

We bought a curated, five-piece kit for about $200, but you can buy much larger security systems for only a bit more than that price. You can also opt for the newer Ring Alarm Pro system, which also offers Wi-Fi router capabilities within its base station.

Alexa Integration

Given that Ring is a part of the Amazon family, it’s not surprising to see how well the Ring Alarm and Ring security cameras work with Alexa, Amazon’s voice AI. This means you can control your Ring Alarm and Ring cameras using Alexa smart speakers. If you own Alexa smart displays as well, such as the Echo Show, you can even stream live camera footage with nothing but your voice.

With Ring’s Alexa integration, we were able to:

• Guard against intruders
• Monitor for home hazards like fire and gas leaks
• Automate our home

We performed all these actions using voice commands alone. When we went out for a night on the town, all we had to say was, “Alexa, arm Ring.” Livestreaming was easy as well. We named our video doorbell Marty, and all we had to do to watch the live feed was say, “Alexa, show Marty.”

We were pleased to discover that Ring Alarm also works flawlessly with Google Assistant and a whole host of smart home devices, including those from Schlage, Kwikset, GE, Yale, Dome, and Leviton.

Doorbell Cameras

Ring is an especially good choice for those who, like us, prefer living in apartments. The thing is, most apartment dwellers don’t need outdoor cameras. We live on the fourth floor, so unless Spider-Man tries to break in, good doorbell cameras provide all the video footage we could ever need. And who knows more about video doorbells than Ring, the company that invented them?

Ring has a large selection of doorbell cameras, and here are some of the options.

• Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus: The Video Doorbell 3 Plus comes with Pre-Roll, which adds a four-second preview video to every motion event it captures. Learn more in our Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus review.
• Ring Video Doorbell Pro: The Video Doorbell Pro connects to your preexisting doorbell wiring. Take a deeper dive in our review of the Ring Video Doorbell Pro.
• Ring Video Doorbell Elite: The Video Doorbell Elite gets its power through an Ethernet cable.

The catch with these Ring doorbells and even their security cameras is that without paying a monthly fee, they don’t record footage. You’ll be able to livestream and use two-way talk, and you’ll get alerts when someone rings your doorbell or when motion is detected, but recording is not possible at all. You’ll have to act fast on alerts if you decide to opt out of the monthly subscription.

If you do want your cameras to record, Ring’s cloud plans are among the most affordable we’ve seen.

Ring Alarm Pro

We briefly mentioned Ring Alarm Pro earlier, Ring’s newer security system. In many ways, it’s similar to the classic Ring Alarm, but it offers a unique feature that can elevate your home security further.

In addition to being the main hub, the base station of the Ring Alarm Pro also functions as a Wi-Fi router where you can connect security cameras, smart home components, mobile devices, and computers. But what’s the big deal if you already have a router?

Well, with the $20 per month Ring Protect Pro monitoring plan, the Ring hub gains 3 GB of monthly backup data. If your internet is down, it switches over to cellular data to keep your devices connected to the internet. In home security applications, this means your devices will continue to be connected to the internet, so you can still control your security system, stream live camera feeds, and receive doorbell or motion alerts.

4. Arlo - Best Security Camera System with Free Cloud Storage

Editors Rating:

8.8 /10

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How We Review

Arlo offers a diverse lineup of high-quality video baby monitors, indoor cameras, and weatherproof cameras. In fact, it is regularly one of our top choices for home security cameras. Recently, it also released a home security system, dubbed the Arlo All-In-One system.

Still, one of Arlo’s greatest advantages is the fact that it has an army of security cameras, with which you can record motion events without spending a dime on cloud storage subscriptions.

Arlo All-In-One

The Arlo All-In-One takes a page from the now-defunct Nest Secure security system. Instead of numerous sensors, it offers one versatile multi-purpose sensor.

The All-In-One sensor offers eight smart detection functions, namely, motion, tilt, open/close, water leak, smoke alarm listening, CO alarm listening, light, and water. With this, you can repurpose the sensors as needed. During winter, for example, you can move a sensor from your window to under the sink to monitor for freezing pipes.

The Arlo All-In-One system is free to monitor, but its best features are reserved to those who will subscribe to the Arlo paid plan ($19.99 per month). The plan includes professional monitoring, one-tap access to emergency services via the app and hub, and cellular backup, among other things.

Camera Options

Arlo offers a broad range of camera styles and features. In fact, it comes out with so many different cameras each year that it can be hard to keep up. These are three of our favorites:

• Arlo Pro 2: In our Arlo Pro 2 review, we found this camera to be robust, with 1080p HD resolution, a 130-degree field of view, infrared night vision, and two-way audio. It is also wire-free, so we didn’t have cords cluttering up our apartment, and it includes rechargeable battery backup that can last up to six months on one charge. Sound and/or motion triggers recordings.
• Arlo Pro 3: This camera features amazing 2560p HD 2K resolution. As if that wasn’t enough, it also comes with a 130-degree field of view and 12 times digital zoom. Best of all, with the attached spotlight and color night vision, we knew exactly whose cat was sitting outside our front door and meowing at 2 in the morning. For more information, check out our Arlo Pro 3 review.
• Arlo Ultra: The Arlo Ultra is Arlo’s best outdoor security camera. As we note in our Arlo Ultra review, it worked great for us at night because its enhanced night vision picks up colors via motion-activated spotlight. Other Arlo Ultra perks we enjoyed were a 180-degree view with no fisheye effect, and noise cancellation for ultra-clear audio.

Free Recording

We liked that Arlo didn’t require contracts so we could self-monitor for no money at all. We accessed Arlo’s video using a desktop computer, smart TV, and mobile device.

Even better, Arlo offers free cloud storage for select cameras. These cameras are the Arlo Wire-Free, Arlo Pro and Pro 2, Arlo Q and Q Plus, Arlo Go, and Arlo Baby. Here’s how it works: When these cameras detect movement, they wake up and start recording. The recording is then sent to the cloud for storage. Each clip lasts in the cloud for seven days before they get deleted permanently, so if you plan to use Arlo without monthly fees, be sure to check the cloud storage every seven days or less.

Another limitation with the free plan is the number of cameras. You can only have up to five cameras on the free plan. Any camera in excess of five can no longer store videos for free.