The cheapest home security systems of 2023
Compare equipment costs and monitoring fees
Home security systems range in price from $50 to $500 or more, depending on what you want out of one and how big your house is. If you want a good price without skimping on quality equipment, we suggest looking for the best value rather than the lowest price. Check out our picks for the top affordable systems based on recent reviews and current price comparisons.
Our picks
- Our pick for most affordable overall: Ring
- Our pick for no contract: ADT Self Setup
- Our pick for self-monitoring: SimpliSafe
- Our pick for customer support: Frontpoint
- Our pick for professional monitoring: Brinks Home
Cost comparison
You deserve the peace of mind of a security system without breaking your budget. To find the right one for you, determine your desired features and budget.
Below, compare our top picks for cheap home security companies side by side.
| Starting base equipment* | Installation* | Starting monthly monitoring fee* | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | $155.98 | $0 | $3.99 |
 | $194.98 | $0 | $24.99 |
 | $244.96 | $0 | $0 |
 | $99 | $0 | $50 |
 | Contact company (0% financing available) | $0 | $29.99 |
Our picks for most affordable home security systems
We started with the 28 companies on our home security guide. To select our favorite inexpensive security systems, we primarily considered pricing and recent customer review data.
First, we excluded those with an overall satisfaction rating below 3 stars on our site, leaving 14 companies. To find the cheapest options, we then compared base equipment costs and starting monitoring fees, among other factors, such as installation and cancellation fees.
The companies below offer equipment options starting under $400 and monthly monitoring fees under $45. All information is accurate as of the publishing date.
- Base equipment cost: $199.99 to $379.99
- Monthly fee: $3.99 or $10
- DIY installation: $0
Ring is a do-it-yourself alarm company that specializes in affordable and straightforward solutions. The Ring Doorbell, which is its most common surveillance system, starts at $64.99, with the option to add basic monitoring for as little as $39.99 per year (or $3.99 per month).
Full system packages start at $199.99. Each system is designed to be installed by a homeowner, and a contract is only required if you opt into monitoring service. Do note that there have been some reports of people stealing Ring systems off the walls of homes.
What we like
What to consider
What reviewers say
- Base equipment cost: $194.98 to $579.98
- Monthly fee: $24.99 or $34.99
- DIY installation: $0
ADT Self Setup is the company’s DIY security system solution. By combining ADT’s over 145 years of experience with the flexibility of a personalized security system, ADT Self Setup offers reliable protection at a more affordable price than ADT's other products offer.
The Build Your Own security systems start at $194.98, but this price only includes the security hub, door/window sensor and mobile app. Customers can choose to add monitoring starting at $24.99 per month with no contract.
What we like
What to consider
What reviewers say
- Base equipment cost: $244.96 to $699.90
- Monthly fee: $0 to $29.99
- DIY installation: $0
SimpliSafe sells security systems that offer a wide range of protection, including from water damage and fire. Its Foundation System, which contains an entry sensor, keypad, camera, motion sensor and base station, is $244.96. Customers can also build their own systems, with devices starting at $14.99 each. Professional monitoring starts at $9.99 per month and does not include a monthly contract.
What we like
What to consider
What reviewers say
Barbara of Pennsylvania said, “I built my system to include a base station, several door sensors, motion sensors and outdoor cameras. When the components arrived, they were extremely easy to set up and test. I did run into a couple minor equipment glitches which Simplisafe was quick to replace, no questions asked.”
- Base equipment cost: $99 to $790.91
- Monthly fee: $50 to $60
- DIY installation: $0
Frontpoint is a 100% wireless DIY home security solution. Home security packages start at $99, with monitoring under $2 per day for a three-year plan. Everything out of the box is preprogrammed and ready to install to help you with a stress-free setup. Frontpoint also sells additional devices, such as environmental sensors, wireless light control systems and panic pendants.
What we like
What to consider
What people say
- Base equipment cost: Contact company (0% financing available)
- Monthly fee: $29.99 to $39.99
- DIY installation: $0
Brinks Home offers a selection of home security and automation equipment. You can find affordable equipment packages to secure and monitor the interior and exterior of your house.
Existing customers who are happy with Brinks Home say it provides good service at a fair price. We also like that you can choose to pay each month or get a better rate by paying annually. The customer service representatives are very helpful and professional, according to reviewers.
What we like
What to consider
What reviewers say
FAQ
Do all home security systems have a monthly fee?
No, but if you want professional monitoring (where a company contacts emergency services for help in an emergency), you typically must pay a monthly fee between $15 and $40. This cost is in addition to the cost of the equipment, which you usually pay for upfront.
Do cheap home security systems require a contract?
It depends on the company. Some companies don’t require a contract for monthly monitoring, while others do.
What equipment should a home security system have?
A basic home security system has a control panel, a door alarm and window sensors. From there, you can pick and choose add-ons, including security cameras, glass break detection and environmental sensors.
How much does professional monitoring cost?
The cost for professional monitoring varies but usually falls between $15 and $40 per month. Some companies, like Ring, give discounts when you pay on a yearly basis.
Do all home security systems have upfront equipment costs?
Most do, yes. However, some companies lease their products in exchange for a monthly charge instead. For more, read about home security cost considerations.
Do I have to give equipment back after my contract is up?
Most of the time, yes. If you’re working with a company that leases you the equipment on a contract basis, you’ll likely need to return all the products if you decide not to renew a contract.
Is it cheaper if I install the system myself?
Usually, yes. Companies that require professional installation either include the service in the purchase price or charge an additional fee — typically around $100. In general, DIY systems are cheaper to purchase and don’t require the extra step of professional installation.
How can you save money on home security monitoring?
First, compare your options by researching monitoring fees at a number of different companies. Look for special promotions and discounts. Don’t forget to let your homeowners insurance or renters insurance company know that you are adding a monitored security system; many offer a discount on premiums for having one.
Bottom line
We think a good cheap security system should offer affordable and reliable protection. As of publishing, our pick for most affordable overall is Ring. For more information, read about our picks for top security systems for renters or learn about additional cost-efficient ways to deter burglars.
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