Keeping your home safe from burglars and robbers has always been crucial. Fortunately, we live in a day and age where technology has made it easier to ensure your home’s safety. With that said, it can be a bit arduous to set everything up properly. There’s also the fact that it’s a hefty investment. However, you can’t put a price on peace of mind and keeping your home safe will surely put your mind at ease.
In this article, we’ve researched and reviewed a lot of self-monitored security systems, so you don’t have to. The great thing about self-monitored security systems is that they tend to cost less than the alternative. We’ve made sure to include something for everyone, and you’ll hopefully find the right system for you so you can rest easy knowing your home is properly secured.
The Best Self Monitored Home Security Systems in 2020 – Our Picks
1. Abode Iota – Most Accessible
If you live in an apartment, a dorm, or you just want to monitor a specific area in your house, then the Abode Iota will meet all of your needs. It is an all-in-one device that comes with an HD security camera that will give you a wide-angle view of any room. It will record high-quality footage even at night.
One of the best things about the Abode Iota is how simple it is to set up. You’ll be surprised at how little effort is required in order to get it up and get it going.
It’s also important to note that this security system features a door and window sensor which you can use to further secure the place. There’s also a mini sensor that you can utilize to keep a closet or cabinet safe.
Our main issue with the Abode Iota is how small its area of coverage is. This limits its use quite a bit. So unless you live in an apartment or you want to monitor only one room, then this might not be your best option. With that said, if you meet either one of those criteria, then you’ll definitely get your money’s worth as it is one of the best self monitored home security systems for that purpose.
Pros
- Simple to use
- Features live video streaming
- You can add extra sensors
- Compatible with Smart homes
Cons
- Pricier than average
- There’s no phone support
2. Ring Alarm – Best Coverage
Among all of the self-monitored security systems on this list, Ring Alarm is probably the closest you’ll get to a traditional home security system. What sets it apart from the competition is the fact that it has a wide coverage area, which makes it ideal for spacious homes.
Ring Alarm features an entry sensor as well as a motion detector if you go with the five-piece starter kit. This means that you have a lot of options to cover your home. Another nifty feature is the range extender, which will allow you to set up your security system farther from your Wi-Fi router than you would with other systems.
You might already be familiar with Ring Alarm through their ads where they show their video doorbells. Unfortunately, a lot of people quickly jump to the conclusion that Ring Alarm also comes with a security camera. This is false as you’ll have to buy one separately. While we’re speaking about the price, Ring video doorbells range from $100 to $499 depending on how many features you want. As for Ring security cameras, the prices vary from $150 to $230.
Fortunately, you can easily integrate the Ring Alarm system with Ring camera and doorbells thanks to the Ring app. If you can spend a bit more, you can have an excellent self-monitored security system. The unique thing about Ring Alarm is the video doorbell, which will allow you to have vision both outside and inside your home.
Pros
- Affordable
- Works great for larger homes
- Can be used along with other Ring products
- Ring’s mobile app allows customization
Cons
- Does not come with a Camera
3. Canary View – Most Affordable
If you’re looking for the most affordable option, then Canary View is the best self monitored home security system for that matter. It’s a straightforward security system that is intended for those who only want to monitor a single room. If you’re a college student who lives in a dorm, or then this is a great option to go with.
When it comes to simplicity, there’s no simpler security system to set up than the Canary View. The process only involves two steps. All you need to do is to turn the system on and then connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network.
You might be thinking that the Canary View sounds very similar to the Abode Iota system, and it is to a certain extent. Both security systems target the same demographic. However, the Canary View is more limited and is intended for those who can’t afford to spend a lot of money on a self-monitored security system.
As we mentioned earlier, this is one of the most affordable and simple security systems out there. With that said, it is still equipped with a lot of useful features and make it a worthwhile investment. For instance, it features two-way communication as well as one-touch emergency access. It also comes with an app that will allow you to connect with your local emergency services with just one touch.
Pros
- Effortless setup process
- One-touch emergency access
- Two-way communication and facial recognition
- Can be used with Amazon Alexa
Cons
- No siren or additional sensors
Choosing the Best Self Monitored Home Security System – Buying Guide
Finding the best self monitored home security system is no small feat, but it’s feasible if you know what to look for, which we’ll be detailing below.
Why You Might Need a Self-Monitored Home Security System
There are a lot of benefits to having the best self monitored home security system over a monitored alarm one. Here are the key advantages.
Affordable
One of the main advantages and draws of having a self-monitored alarm system is the fact that it’s a lot more affordable than their monitored counterparts.
By getting a self-monitored system, you will have eliminated the monthly subscription fee along with the cost of the camera, as well as the cloud storage as well as the entire surveillance unit.
Automated
While you might be led to that a self-monitored security system will require your undivided attention; it is not the case. The majority of self-monitored security systems are compatible with your smart home and feature IFTTT integration. This means that you’re able to make your motion sensors, cameras, and other sensors interact with the other smart devices in order to trigger several actions that warn you in certain situations. All that is required of you is the initial set up process.
Accurate
One thing you should know about monitored security systems is that you’re not the only one who’s contacted in case of an alarm. The local emergency team is also contacted along with you. While this might seem convenient at first, the probability of setting up a false alarm is not unlikely, which might lead to awkward situations where you have to explain yourself to the emergency team in case of a false alarm.
With that said, when you’re using a self-monitored security system, you’ll be the only one who’s contacted, and it’s up to you to figure out the best course of action. Of course, you can also make it, so the local emergency team is notified, but at least you have the option not to do so.
Customizability
Another great thing about self-monitored security systems is that they’re highly customizable. You’ll be able to control almost everything about the security system. This amount of freedom is always appreciated and is also one of the main draws of self-monitored security systems.
What You Need to Look for in the Best Self Monitored Home Security System
When you’re looking for the best self monitored home security system, there are a couple of different factors you need to take into account.
Communication
The first thing to keep in mind when you’re using a self-monitored security system is that you’re the one who’s responsible for any and all emergencies. By extension, this means that you’re the one who should contact the authorities in case of an intrusion.
A good self-monitored security system should instantly notify you by sending a message to a push notification. It should also call you in case of a system breach. In the worst-case scenario where you don’t respond, it should notify emergency contacts.
Control
Since you’re solely responsible for the whole kit, you need to make sure that the whole security system is easy to use and control. You should be able to arm or disarm the alarm system easily. You also need to be able to quickly and freely customize the system to fit your needs. Finally, you need to be able to set up schedules and modes for different scenarios and occasions (Vacation, Away, Home, etc.).
Safety Features
The majority of self-monitored alarm systems come with motion and entry sensors that protect from burglaries and intrusions. With that said, there are other protections that are very useful to have. For example, temperature as well as humidity sensors, and, of course, carbon monoxide detectors are but a few examples of the possible safety features you can have in a self-monitored security system. After all, these alarm systems don’t only protect from burglars and other criminals; they should also protect you from environmental hazards.
Camera
Having a camera that shoots high-quality footage is crucial in any self-monitored alarm system. Aside from good quality, you should also be able to see a live stream of what’s going on in your home. Having a good camera will save you a lot of trouble and time in the case of false alarms being triggered.
Power Source
When it comes to the power source of the alarm system, you have two options. You can either go with a battery-powered alarm system or a hardwired one. Each one has its own pros and cons.
On the one hand, wireless alarm systems allow more flexibility in terms of where you can install them. The setup process is also simpler.
On the other hand, hardwired systems are much more reliable than their battery-powered counterparts. However, you might find yourself needing a professional to set things up.
Installation
Fortunately, most self-monitored security systems are not very complicated to set up. Our recommendations for the title of the best self monitored home security system should be simple to install without the need for a professional.
Special Alert Zones
You might come across some self-monitored home security systems that feature additional individual sensors that you can put anywhere around your house. You’ll find this feature in the best self monitored home security systems that are meant to cover large areas.
If you live in a large property and you need to monitor several rooms or cabinets, then you’ll probably need a security system that allows for special alert zones.
Smart Home Integration
If you own a smart home, then you might want a self-monitored home security system that is compatible with any smart devices you might own. Additionally, IFTTT integration is useful if you want your devices to work in tandem with the alarm system. This will help automate the monitoring process.
Picking the Best Self Monitored Home Security System – Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add extra members to the alarm system?
The majority of self-monitored home security systems allow for multiple members at the same time. With that said, the number of members you can have differs from one system to the next. The number can be anywhere between an additional 5 and 20 members.
Can’t I just install separate cameras instead of a home security system?
While it is definitely possible to mix and match different cameras and sensors together to make your own custom security system, it can be more difficult than it seems.
The bottom line is that it would be much cheaper to get a single security system that takes care of all that for you. You won’t have to worry about the sensors and cameras being compatible either.
Can I add the alarm system across multiple floors in a building?
Yes, you can do that. However, if you want to add it across multiple floors, then you might want to get a wireless security system since it’s easier to set up that way.
Can I use a makeshift alarm system to protect my house from flooding?
Yes, it’s possible to do so. There are multiple DIY systems that offer sensors for this purpose. With that said, if you want this type of monitoring, then you need to get the best self monitored home security system that features such sensors.
Final Thoughts
If you’re running on a tight budget but still want to monitor your home, then self-monitoring security systems are the way to go. Furthermore, if you want total control over the monitoring process, then you might want to choose self-monitoring security systems over their monitored counterparts. Either way, you can’t go wrong with any of the recommendations on our list.
Why are you still here? You have a whole security system to set up, so order your preferred product from our list and get going!