Top Five Must-Have DIY Smart Home Security Systems to Keep an Eye on Your Home

Sieeka Khan, Tech Times 04 March 2021, 03:03 pm

In the past, signing up for a home security system means that you will need to sign up with a security company that would send a professional to install the devices in your home.

There are cases wherein the equipment was free, but you had to sign up for years of monitoring contract. There are still a lot of security companies that will send a consultant your way to configure a system tailored to your home and then send a team of professionals to install what you need.

However, there are now do-it-yourself or DIY home security solutions that do not require you to sign a contract or have strangers into your home.

With DIY home security systems, you can order everything online, and the company will ship you your equipment together with step-by-step installation instructions. The systems can be monitored through a mobile app, but a lot of DIY companies offer a professional monitoring plan that is flexible.

So what do you need to look for in a DIY home security system?

DIY home security systems come in different shapes and sizes, but you need to know how many monitor sensors you will need before ordering one. You will need a sensor on every window and door that you have.

Go for DIY home security systems that offer indoor and outdoor cameras for double the security. Video doorbells are also needed to record who is at your door. It is also best to go with ones with thermostats, sirens, flood and freeze sensors, smoke detectors, CO detectors, key fobs, and glass break sensors.

With that being said, here are some of the best DIY Smart home security systems

SimpliSafe Home Security System

The SimpliSafe Home Security System is a DIY smart security system that is easy to use. It can help keep your home safe from intruders and other threats like floods and fire, according to US News.

This is a seamless system that succeeds in securing your home simply and flexibly, and it lets you monitor everything remotely with or without a monthly plan. If you don't want to lock yourself into a multi-year service contract, then this home security system is for you.

The system is affordable with very reasonable monthly monitoring fees, it will not require you to sign any contract, and it is easy to install. It also has Wi-Fi connectivity, cellular connectivity, and more. However, it has a very underwhelming camera.

FrontPoint Safe Home

The FrontPoint Safe Home security system was released back in 2017. It is very easy to install, and it has very responsive sensors and an amazing selection of components. FrontPoint has recently updated its hub and offers new package options, and has a wealth of security and home automation components, according to Reviews.Org.

There are a lot of reasons to love this system. Aside from the fact that it is easy to install and has numerous component choices, it also works with Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands, and you do not need to sign a contract.

However, the home security system does not support If This Then That or IFTTT is a service that allows a user to program a response to events. Also, the monthly plan is a bit pricey.

Abode Home Security Starter Kit

The Abode Home Security Starter Kit is an all-in-one package. It has everything that you need to start monitoring your home, and the company also offers professional monitoring when you need it.

The home security starter kit has a 1080p camera. The kit is equipped with radios. It also allows it to control Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, and Zigbee smart home devices like garage door openers, door locks, thermostats, and water sensors. The kit also supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands, as well as IFTTT.

However, some components are a bit expensive, and certain settings are required for the web app, not user-friendly, according to SafeWise.

Honeywell Smart Home Security Starter Kit

Honeywell Smart Home Security Starter Kit comes with everything that you need to keep track of what is happening inside your home.

This DIY security system is very easy to install. It also uses an intuitive mobile app to send you alerts whenever there is movement detected or if your door or window has been opened.

The home security system's base station has a 1080p camera that records motion and stores it in the cloud. It also offers a handful of neat features, including Amazon Alexa capabilities built-in, face recognition, and an Enhanced Deterrence option that plays sounds to make it look like your home is not empty. It also supports IFTTT, and it works with Z-Wave devices.

However, the company does not offer professional monitoring available, and the face recognition ability is limited.

Wyze Sense Starter Kit

The Wyze Sense Starter Kit has the ability to deliver reliable, feature-rich smart home devices at an affordable price. Wyze takes aim at budget-conscious consumers looking to add smart home security systems in their place without spending a lot.

The Wyze Sense Starter Kit comes with numerous tiny contact sensors and a small motion sensor and bridge. All of them are very easy to install, it works flawlessly, and integrate with other smart devices. Users will need a Wyze Cam or Wyze Cam Pan camera to make the kit work. Both of the cameras are affordable and are a critical favorite.

However, to use the kit, you will need a Wyze Camera. It lacks motion-sensitivity settings, and it could use a better and stronger adhesive.

Before you purchase a DIY home security system, it is important to know the difference between self-monitoring vs. professional monitoring.

Almost all DIY home security systems can be self-monitored using a mobile app. It allows you to arm and disarms the system anywhere, monitor the sensor status, and view videos recorded and live.

With professional monitoring, it will require a contract, and some companies will allow you to pay as you go, so you are only being monitored when you need it. With professional monitoring, you will receive alerts, but the monitoring center will contact you too.

With this type of technology, you can feel at peace, leaving your home empty.