Best Cheap Home Security Systems Guide & Reviews of 2021

Protect American is one of the top choices for those who are looking for traditional, or landline, set-ups. For those who don’t want to use a landline, the brand offers cellular and broadband connections, too. The landline option helps the company cut fees. Best of all, there’s a pricing guarantee that promises your rate will never increase.

As for the downsides, there isn’t much mobile compatibility with this company. Also, clients need to agree to a long-term contract. That said, the brand gets great feedback from previous customers, proving that going the conventional route has its advantages.

Protect America is quiet about its pricing, but the most basic package is available for $0 down. Monthly monitors cost $19.99 per month, which isn’t the cheapest, but still highly affordable. With a three-year contract, customers are looking at about $240 per year, which isn’t a bad deal.

The products are compatible with the likes of Amazon Alexa and Z-Wave. There are wireless, pet-friendly motion sensors as well as HD-quality indoor cams that offer an emergency response in seconds. Through the mobile app, clients can arm/disarm the locks, check their video history, and more. Customers can take advantage of a lifetime warranty as well as a trial period of 30 days to try out the service.

Frontpoint offers easy do-it-yourself installation, and its products are compatible with Google Voice and Amazon Alexa. The essentials package comes with a control hub, three window sensors, and two motion detectors. Plus, it only costs $99 with a three-year agreement. The bad news is that you’re locked into that contract. There are one-year contracts as well, but they offer different terms.

While it’s the most expensive option here, it does offer loads of features and benefits. This includes intrusion and environmental protection, third-party compatibility, expert monitors, and several camera options.

Frontpoint may be a higher-end choice, but for those who can afford it, it is well worth the cost. The equipment is state-of-the-art and 100% wireless for added convenience. The keypad hub serves as a powerful nucleus for the rest of the ecosystem, allowing users to lock up and grant access to the property remotely. Plus, several impressive integrations help clients build their unique intelligent household solutions.

The brand’s products come with cellular backup, and the $44.99/month plan has geo-location assistance and crash-and-smash protection. There is also the option to add recording capabilities for easy playback and streaming. With the built-in siren, automation software, and custom builds, individuals around the country can take advantage of Frontpoint’s offerings.

Abode offers inclusive packages for smaller spaces, as well as discounts for bundling plans together. For instance, the essential equipment costs $229 and comes with do-it-yourself monitoring for free. The basic kit comes with a base station, motion detector, contact sensors. The higher-tiered pack comes with a surveillance cam and recording capabilities. Opting for do-it-yourself monitoring keeps the monthly cost at just eight dollars. Other perks include free shipping, indoor and outdoor cams, and automation software. Abode products work with Z-Wave, IFTTT, HUE, Ecobee, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and more.

Part of the company’s success can be attributed to its founder, who was a former employee at ADT. For being cheap home security, Abode has lots to offer. Customers can select a three, seven, or 30-day trial period to get a feel for the products. This brand works well with people who have smaller spaces, such as a rental condo or a moderately-sized house. Even though there are add-ons available, the costs can add up quickly.

People who prefer to go the do-it-yourself route will find Abode to be a good fit, too. They always have the option to tack on pro surveillance for just a few extra dollars each month.

SimpliSafe is a company to check out if one wants all the bells and whistles without going over your budget. This is affordable home security that rivals the most expensive packages out there. Families can get started for $229 and choose from a monthly monitored plan for $14.99. They can upgrade for just $10 more and play-back recording footage anytime, anywhere.

Other SimpliSafe perks include a 105-decibel siren, convenient wireless equipment, and custom alarms. The products also have an extended range up to 1,000 feet, making it great for larger houses, too.

Some unique benefits include Simplicam and Smashsafe protection. This keeps families safe from intruders while keeping an eye out for outdoor threats. The company also offers a doorbell cam, an item that is much sought-after but not common among DIY kits.

SimpliSafe doesn’t ask clients to sign a lengthy contract, and they’ll get a three-year warranty on their items. The brand has a great reputation on BBB.org, and it seems that the majority of customers are satisfied. The hardware is sleek and sophisticated, not to mention easy to install. There’s a 60-day money-back guarantee, so feel free to try it out and see what to decide.

Even though Ring is known for offering cheap home security, it doesn’t skimp on the goods. Clients can choose from a protection plan, or they can create their unique custom kit with the devices of their choice. The basic package comes in at under $200, making it affordable for lots of families. Add-ons can drive the price up quickly, so be aware of that.

Some of the brand’s greatest offerings include environmental sensors for leaks, freezing temperatures, smoke, and carbon monoxide. There’s also a panic button, the doorbell cam, and a variety of interior and exterior monitoring devices. This provider is great for those who want comprehensive coverage without splurging.

Clients can hop on a professionally-monitored plan for less than $10 a month, making it an attractive deal. The Neighborhood App is another prime feature that allows customers to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in their home as well as in their town. While Ring’s integrations are limited, it does work with Amazon Alexa and Echo as well as several smart locks.

The products themselves don’t look super modern, but they will get the job done. As long as people aren’t concerned with aesthetics, there shouldn’t be an issue. Also, a strong Internet connection is required since some reviews complain about glitches in connectivity.

Brinks is one of those cheap home security systems that continues to be a top performer in customer satisfaction. It offers three surveillance plans: Essential, Complete, and Ultimate. The first one is the least expensive and includes a touchscreen hub, wireless motion detection, and a pair of door sensors. The higher-tiered plans include things like live recordings, professional installation, and outdoor/doorbell cams.

These components welcome customers to “protect what matters most.” Clients can count on the support team for emergency response, false alarm reduction, and quick answers. Plus, consumers can try the plans out free-risk for 30 days with zero cancellation fees.

Thanks to Brinks’ partnership with Google Nest, clients can snag the basic package for $399. This is also a no-contract option, although some of the other plans do require a term agreement. Fortunately, financing options are available. There are also lots of add-ons and a variety of cameras for greater customization. Other features include two-way talk, cellular backup, mobile control, and tamper-proof products.

Besides, Brinks has a solid reputation and decades of experience. Its partnership with Nest shows that it’s open to modernizing residential surveillance for all. Several bundles make it easy to choose a solution, plus the risk-free guarantee and warranty add more peace of mind.

Scout began as a Kickstarter campaign back in 2013. The premise was simple: to offer intelligent safety equipment from a do-it-yourself perspective and without hefty fees. Today, it’s a cheap home security solution that provides sleek aesthetics and various integrations for a safe and up-to-date property.

One of its distinct products is the RFID door panels, which make it easy to swipe and lock up. The company also has a 60-day return policy to make things easier for clients. All that being said, Scout lacks expert services and installation, and its range of automated equipment is very small.

Scout offers several multipack deals that will suit smaller properties as well as larger residences. The most popular pack is the lower-tiered $229 one, which comes with the hub, a door panel, two access sensors, a motion detector, and two keyfobs. While the range of products isn’t as extensive as some, Scout’s items are compatible with IFTTT, HUE, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and LIFX. In this way, users can have total control over their bundle and automate things to work seamlessly throughout the household.

Everything is do-it-yourself, which keeps costs low. Also, all of the equipment is wireless and accessible via the mobile app. There aren’t any contracts to agree to either. A self-monitored and professional plan is available with the option to add media file storage for $2.99.

This brand has decent pricing, although it’s definitely not the cheapest. Financing plans are available for those who need it. Also, users can opt for a no-contract plan or hop on an agreement to take advantage of expert monitors. The former is $29.99 per month, while the latter is $19.99. Some people may be wary since Nest comes from Google, but this is a do-it-yourself solution that regularly gets high marks from customers. Plus, Nest partnered with Brinks to provide top-notch surveillance. As a cheap home security solution, this is an all-in-one deal that is incredibly easy to use.

Trying to choose which Nest equipment to buy can be quite a process. There are lots of options, but not any bundles to make things simpler. That said, there are plenty of connected accessories, so families should be able to find what they’re looking for.

An essentials kit costs $399 but may require some add-ons. For instance, an indoor cam ($199) or the Nest Hello doorbell ($229). The good news is that these upfront costs are the primary concern, as clients don’t have to opt-in to a term agreement. Naturally, the products work with Google Home, but also with various lighting modules, August locks, and more.