You know that home security is important, but you don’t have the budget for a high-tech system. Is there any way to protect your home without exceeding your minimal home security budget?
Yes!
As the home security industry has evolved, several low-cost options have joined the market. These companies offer exceptional protection without a major price tag.
Most affordable security systems minimize costs in a few key areas, including:
- Cheap starter kits
- No or low-cost monthly monitoring requirements
- A lack of additional required services such as professional installation
Use these features, as well as the options below, to find the best affordable home security system for your home in 2023.
Best affordable home security systems in 2023
1. Wyze
From the minute you sign up with Wyze, you’re already saving. Its starter kit is one of the cheapest on the market. You’ll pay less than $100 to get started with an equipment package that includes:
- Motion detector
- Hub
- Keypad
- 3 door/window sensors
You can further strengthen your system with affordable add-on products such as security cameras and smart devices.
Even better, you can add 24/7 professional monitoring for only $10 per month. You’ll enjoy the extra security offered by this service without straining your budget. This coverage includes smart features, though you’ll have to pay $2 per camera.
For your starter kit and a year of monitoring, you’ll pay just over $200. You won’t find this pricing with any other home security option.
As you might expect, however, great prices do mean some drawbacks. With a Wyze system, you:
- Won’t be able to integrate any 3rd party devices
- Will have to pay extra for cloud storage
- Will install it yourself
- Won’t have a backup cellular connection if you lose power or internet
2. Ring
Ring is the next cheapest home security system, though it does cost quite a bit more than Wyze. The starter kit for Ring’s Alarm Pro system costs $300. It includes:
- Base station
- Keypad
- 4 door/window sensors
- Motion detector
- Indoor camera
- Range extender
Ring’s add-on equipment is a bit more expensive as well, but it offers a few more features. This company also provides multiple options for its devices, including security cameras. You can save money and buy the cheapest option or spend a bit more for additional features.
Unlike Wyze, Ring integrates with any third-party devices that operate on Z Wave protocol. The range extender included in the start kit ensures that you can connect all of your devices, no matter where they are in the home.
Ring Protect Pro, this provider’s 24/7 professional monitoring service, is available for only $20 per month. This plan includes additional video storage, a backup cellular service, and eero Secure online protection.
It also includes the exclusive Alexa Guard service. This feature allows your Amazon Echo devices to listen for suspicious sounds, such as your smoke or CO detectors going off or glass breaking. It will send smart alerts to your phone if it hears anything. Alexa can also control your smart lights to make your home look occupied, as well as arm your alarm system automatically.
If you’d prefer to monitor your system yourself, you can skip the monthly monitoring cost.
3. Frontpoint
Frontpoint is one of the best and most affordable home security systems on the market. Its prices make it a great budget option, but you will have to sign a contract for its services. Paying upfront for your equipment allows you to sign a month-to-month contract, but financing your system means you’ll have to sign a multi-year service agreement.
For a starter kit, you’ll pay $129. Though this price includes discounts, you will find regular deals on its equipment. Your kit will come with the following:
- Hub
- Keypad
- 1 door/window sensor
- Motion sensor
- Set of yard signs, window decals, and door stickers
Frontpoint offers a wide range of add-on equipment so you can customize your system to your home and needs. You can purchase security cameras and smart devices with your equipment or add third-party devices that use Z Wave protocol later on.
As a DIY home security system, Frontpoint is easy to set up yourself. You won’t have to pay for professional installation, but you will have to sign up for a monthly monitoring plan to use your system. This 24/7 monitoring service costs $49 per month. It is higher than other options, but you can add multiple cameras and smart devices without paying more.
If you’re looking for a high-end system that won’t exceed your budget, Frontpoint may be the ideal option. It is comparable to options such as ADT without demanding the same high prices.
4. SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe is a great option for homeowners who want an affordable solution with multiple options.
This security provider is most known for its low equipment pricing. These prices are one of the highest for DIY security systems, but they are an affordable option for the level of features they provide.
SimpliSafe offers two main starter kits, one made for homes (The Essentials) and the other for apartments and other small dwellings (The Foundation).
The Essentials kit has a:
- Base station
- Keypad
- Motion sensor
- 3 door/window sensors
The Foundation kit includes:
- Base station
- Keypad
- Motion sensor
- 1 door/window sensor
You can also choose from five additional packages with different combinations of security devices. Customize any of these packages with add-on devices such as security cameras and smart devices. You can integrate smart devices that operate on Z Wave protocol as well.
Sign up for a monthly professional monitoring plan for less than $30 per month or choose to self-monitor your system. The self-monitoring option includes unlimited camera recording for up to five cameras, plus live video. No matter which plan you choose, you won’t have to sign a contract and can cancel at any time.
You will install all of your equipment yourself so you won’t have to worry about any additional fees.
