Best DIY Security Systems of 2025
Set up your own home in minutes

**Nest Doorbell Professionally Installed Free: Requires 36-month monitoring contract starting at $56.99/mo. with QSP (24-month monitoring contract in California, total fees from $1,367.76), and enrollment in ADT EasyPay. Offer includes installation of one (1) Nest Doorbell with minimum purchase price of $599 after promotion is applied depending on geographic location. Maximum discount $229. Nest Doorbell includes wired or battery options. Offer available for new ADT customers only. Limit one per customer, not combinable with other offers. Upon early termination by Customer, ADT may charge 75% of the monthly service charges due for the balance of the initial contract term. Quality Service Plan (QSP) is ADT’s Extended Limited Warranty. Service and installation charges vary depending on system configuration, equipment and services selected. Google and Nest Doorbell are trademarks of Google LLC. Some features, including mobile notifications, remote control, video streaming, and video recording, require working internet and Wi-Fi. Minimum OS requirements are available at g.co/home/req. iOS is a trademark of Cisco and is used under license. Expires 02/28/2024.

***$100 ADT Visa Reward Card: Requires 36-month monitoring contract starting at $28.99/mo. (24-month monitoring contract in California, total fees from 695.76), and enrollment in ADT EasyPay. Requires minimum purchase price of $449. One (1) Visa Reward Card valued at $100 is redeemable seven (7) days after system is installed, wherein an email is sent to the customer's email address associated with their account with a promo code. The customer must validate the promo code on the website provided in the email and a physical card will be sent in the mail. Installation must occur within 60 days of offer expiration date to receive card. Applicable to new and resale sale types only. Card is issued by Pathward, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. No cash access or recurring payments. Can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Card valid for up to 6 months; unused funds will forfeit after the valid thru date. Card terms and conditions apply. Expires 01/31/2024.

&THEFT PROTECTION GUARANTEE: Customer may receive reimbursement of up to five hundred dollars ($500) of Customer’s homeowner’s insurance deductible (if any) if, and only if, ALL requirements for Theft Protection Guarantee are met to ADT’s reasonable satisfaction. Customer must request reimbursement within 60 days of property loss. Request must be mailed to ADT and include: Theft Protection Guarantee certificate signed by Customer, a letter from Customer requesting reimbursement, a copy of the police report, and a copy of the accepted insurance claim. ADT reserves the right to reject any application for reimbursement that does not comply with all of the requirements.

ADT MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE: Money-back guarantee only applies after ADT has made attempts to resolve a system-related issue and has not been able to resolve that issue within the first six (6) months of your contract. Equipment must be fully removed before a refund will be processed. Conditions preventing normal system operation cannot be caused by the customer.

*Traditional Security: Requires 36-month monitoring contract starting at $28.99/mo. (24-month monitoring contract in California, total fees from $695.76) and minimum purchase amount of $449. Service and installation charges vary depending on system configuration, equipment, and services selected. Applies to Traditional Service level only. Landline phone required. Offer available for new ADT customers only. Limit one per customer, not combinable with other offers. Upon early termination by Customer, ADT may charge 75% of the monthly service charges due for the balance of the initial contract term. Excludes ADT’s Quality Service Plan (QSP).

GENERAL: Additional charges may apply in areas that require guard response service for municipal alarm verification. System remains property of ADT. Local permit fees may be required. Prices and offers subject to change and may vary by market. Additional taxes and fees may apply. Satisfactory credit required. A security deposit may be required. Simulated screen images and photos are for illustrative purposes only.

©2024 ADT LLC. All rights reserved. ADT, the ADT logo, 800.ADT.ASAP and the product/service names listed in this document are marks and/or registered marks. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. Third-party marks are the property of their respective owners. License information available at www.ADT.com/legal or by calling 800.ADT.ASAP. CA ACO7155, 974443, PPO120288; MA 172C; NC Licensed by the Alarm Systems Licensing Board of the State of North Carolina, 2736-CSA, 2397-CSA, 2381-CSA; NY 12000305615; PA 090797; MS 15019511.

Professionally Installed Vs. DIY Home Security Systems

Many leading home security companies are moving towards DIY installation with contracts that require less commitment. These systems are easy enough for you to set up on your own and can be seamlessly integrated with Alexa or similar digital home systems and linked up with your mobile devices. This also means that if you move, you can take the system with you easily! But expert installation can also be important for people who want a hassle-free system. Here are our top picks for expert installation and DIY set-up.

Our Top Home Security System Picks:

1. Vivint

• Smart home technology
• Free activation
• Highly customizable

Vivint is ideal for DIY, tech-savvy consumers who want full control of their system but also want all of the perks that come with a 24/7 monitoring service.

Vivint

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2. ADT

• 24-hour monitoring
• 6-month money-back guarantee*‡
• Video Doorbell and smart plugs

With ADT, a professional security expert will work with you to tailor a security package to protect your home, on your terms. ADT also offers the top professional installation.

ADT

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What Are the Different Types of Home Security Systems?

Wireless Alarm Systems - A wireless system uses radio frequency transmitters to signal the control panel if someone trips your alarm. It will then set off the alarm.

Local Alarm System - Local alarm systems include sensors on the doors and windows of a house or business which will set off an alarm in the event that somebody trips the sensors. These systems are not monitored by a central control station or any company operators and cannot be controlled remotely.

Wired Home Alarm - These are systems that use a number of sensors connected to a central control panel which can be used to shut off the system or alert the authorities. These systems are typically linked to a central call center, which will be notified if the alarm is set off.

All of the 3 main types of systems can be linked to a monitoring service which will contact you and/or the authorities in the event of a security breach.

The Features You Should Expect in a Security System

Here’s a look at a few of them:

• Remote Access

This feature allows you to keep control of the reins of your security system even if you’re far away from your home. With remote access you can link your security system to your mobile device and receive instant notifications in the event of a security issue.

• 24/7 Professional Monitoring

With 24/7 professional monitoring, you’ll always have somebody watching your back, including during the daytime hours, when most break-ins happen.

• Wireless Connection

With wireless systems you will always be online without any cumbersome wires, and if the WiFi goes down for any reason, many of these systems have safeguards in place that will keep them online.

• Cameras

Cameras both inside and outside your house are a big part of securing your house and making sure that you can keep an eye on things even when you’re far from home.

• Fire and Flood Monitoring

Many home security systems come with sensors that can spot heat and humidity - letting you know of fire or water damage in your house. You can also find home security systems that detect carbon monoxide leaks.

• Smart Doors and Locks

The classic deadbolt just got an upgrade. These smart locks can be set up so that whenever someone approaches your door you’re given a notification—including live video footage of the visitor.

• “Crash and Smash” Protection

With most security systems, the homeowner is given a few seconds to shut off the alarm before police are notified. Many burglars will try to quickly smash the security system panel after breaking in. Many security systems are set up to detect this sort of sabotage and trigger the alarm anyway.

• Security and Peace of Mind

A home security system is an affordable way to provide a level of protection and peace of mind for the biggest investment in your life, and the place you and your family plan to build your dreams.

*ADT Money-Back Guarantee: Money back guarantee only applies after ADT has made attempts to resolve a system related issue and has not been able to resolve that issue within the first 6 months of your contract. Equipment must be fully removed before a refund will be processed. Conditions preventing normal system operation cannot be caused by the customer.

‡ Available in most regions.