In the early days of home security, there were only a couple of companies to choose from, and neither of those companies (ADT and Vivint) offered a reliable DIY option. Today that has changed for the better, and we now have dozens of companies to choose from for our home security needs. It can be challenging to navigate and do all the research associated with such an incredibly important decision. As a veteran-owned and operated business, we always want to take care of our brothers and sisters across the globe. This is our buyer’s guide to the best DIY home security companies on the market this year.
What if I want a professional to install my home security system? Our blog: 7 Best Home Security companies for veterans and Service Members will help you find other options that will help you in your search.
Winner: SimpliSafe Home Security
SimpliSafe Home Security is the most respected and trusted in the industry because of the high standard of customer service, and they have literally anything and everything you could ever want. This Security system could be used to secure as big or small a house as you have.
Pros
- No installation fee
- No contracts
- They guarantee a police response
- They verify the alarm, resulting in a 350% faster response from police
- Quick set-up (30 min)
- Zero blind spots, guaranteed!
- Each sensor covers 1,000 square feet
- Arm & disarm system anywhere with your phone
- Protects from fire, smoke, water damage and even informs you if your pipes are frozen
- The vast network provides peace of mind that someone is paying attention to your home
Cons
- The price can be deceiving after all accessories
- You are giving complete control of your home to a technology device
Features
- Control system with Alexa
- Disaster-Proof System
- High-Definition cameras capture anyone within range of the sensor
- Alarms are not tripped for pets, only intruders
- Precision detection knows the difference between a window breaking and a glass shattering
- Microantennas reach distances unparalleled to systems this small
- Phone App gives 24/7 to your system no matter where you’re located
How Long Do SimpliSafe Batteries Last?
Batteries can get very expensive, especially for electronics that are being used 24 hours a day. One of the many advantages of SimpliSafe is the battery life can last up to 10 years! SimpliSafe also provides a warning when you’re batteries are low enough to think about changing them.
What Does the SimpliSafe Base Station Do?
The confusion between the different moving parts of the SimpliSafe System is why I said the price can be deceiving in many ways. The Base Station alone is $115, and you’ll need sensors, keypads, sensors for temperature, water, and smoke, and the cameras to go with it. The Base Station is the machine that connects all of these features and connects to the WIFI and satellites; Think of it as the brain of the entire system.
Where to Buy SimpliSafe?
SimpliSafe can be bought at nearly all of the online retail companies, such as eBay, Amazon, Lowes, and Home Depot. I would recommend buying from Amazon if you are a Prime member o it can at least save you shipping costs and you’ll get your system in 2 days.
How Do I Cancel SimpliSafe?
SimpliSafe Security Systems does not lock you into a contract, but you do pay a monthly subscription of $15 for each base system. The only way to cancel your account with them is to give them a call and tell them you want to cancel. I just called them and asked how long it would take to cancel an account, and I was told 5 minutes.
Why You Should Buy SimpliSafe Home Security
This is the most complete and widely used DIY home security system in our country and provides excellent customer service. My brother has this system and says it’s better than his previous ADT security system, which is saying a lot with how respected ADT is. You could have a state of the art, comprehensive security system for less than $400, depending on the size of your house. The piece of mind of knowing your family and your property is always safe is something that every family deserves.
Runner-Up: Samsung SmartThings ADT Home Security System
The ADT SmartThings Security System is an excellent system that makes it simpler to control and monitor than most other security systems on the market today. You’ll need a lot of pieces to outfit your home as a Smart Home, but once you have the parts, this system is incredibly easy to use and very reliable.
What Does ADT Stand For?
American District Telegraph (ADT) is a company that started out as a telephone company 150 years ago before moving into the security business. ADT saw a dire need for home security and realized nobody was providing that in our country yet. Today, they are known as the most respected home security company in the world.
Pros
- Easy to install and operate
- Backed by ADT
- Works with almost any Smart device
- Integrates your smart features with security features
- ADT monitors your home for smoke, fire, carbon dioxide, and water damage
Cons
- Price is steep vs. competitors
Features
- Door and window motion detector
- Highly reliable motion detector
- ADT keychain remote allows to arm and disarm house alarm and send help to quickly
- The system comes with App for your phone
Where To Buy SmartThings ADT?
SmartThings from ADT can be bought from (Amazon, Lowes, Best Buy, Samsung, Sears, etc... ) most online shopping stores and some smaller businesses carry it as well. I recommend buying this from Amazon because of its connection with SmartThings technology. For example, if you buy this security system from Amazon, you could also buy all of your Smart House accessories. It may get a little pricey, but imagine being able to control your entire house with your phone and voice. SmartThings is the best one to get if you want to make your house a Smart Home or if you’re partial to the ADT brand.
Water Leak Detection
Most companies have some form of a water sensor, but I really like the look and the capability of the Ring water sensor. This hockey puck-shaped sensor provides 24/7 flood and freeze warnings by sending live updates to your mobile app and directly to your home alarm. Place these sensors under a sink, washer & dryer, or in the basement to monitor if any water is leaking or if your pipes are freezing. For $35, this sensor could potentially save you thousands in repair costs. If you’re interested, click the link below to buy.
Gas Leak Detector
Carbon Monoxide (CO2) can be one of the most devastating accidents to happen to an ill-prepared or ignorant family, and there are many options to get a detector. The Ring smoke and Co2 Listener is a great back-up tool to use in your home’s CO2 and smoke detector. It works best if you install the Listener with 3 inches of the smoke detector to provide the best connection to protect your family. If your CO2 or smoke detector sounds for any reason, no matter where you’re at, your phone will get the notification, and first responders will be dispatched if needed.
Why You Should Buy The Ring Security System
This system is one of the most versatile security systems that I’ve researched, and they offer a great deal of accessorization. I recommend this system for ppl living in apartments or smaller condos because you’ll require less equipment to secure your home with the smallest package they offer. I recommend buying just the video doorbell if you live in an apartment and are only concerned about protecting you one entry. This option could significantly increase your security while being very friendly to your wallet.
Where Should You Buy Ring Security System
You can easily buy Ring from their website, ring.com, but they sell them at Amazon, Target, Lowes, Home Depot, and Sears, as well. The easiest, cheapest, and fastest way to get your system is to order from Amazon if you have a Prime membership.
Most Economical: Scout Alarm
Scout Alarm is the cheapest security system out of the ones listed for basic home security that’s good enough to protect your whole home. The system comes with a base station, a motion sensor, a door panel, 2 keyfobs, a yard sign, and 2 access sensors for around $230. A $10/month fee added to that for 24/7 monitoring, smoke, and CO2 detection still comes out about $30-50 cheaper than SimpliSafe, Ring, and SmartThings ADT.
Pros
- Very affordable
- 3-year warranty
- 60-day full return policy
- No annual contract
- 4G LGT cellular backup if your internet goes out
- Interactive cellular app
- Monitored by a UL certified monitoring system
Cons
- A relatively new company without a lot of time to prove their products
- The price will be much higher once you order everything you’ll need to order for a moderately sized home
Features
- Access Sensor alerts your phone and system anytime a door or window is opened
- In-door camera works 24/7 and can record sound and activates upon movement
- Scout video doorbell provides real-time monitoring from your phone anywhere you have a connection
- A water sensor that provides protection against flooding in parts of your home that could have that happen (kitchen, laundry room)
- Door Panel sensor for added security at the entry points of your home
Why Should You Buy Scout Alarm
You should buy Scout Alarm if you want a different experience from the bigger companies and want to pay a little less. Scout Alarm offers most of the same features as the other companies but does not seem to have the support system that the bigger companies like ADT and SimpliSafe have. I think Scout Alarm is a great way to save a little money and still not sacrifice your level of security for your home and family.
Where Should You Buy Scout Alarm
Scout Alarm can be bought directly from www.scoutalarm.com, or you can stick with the Amazon theme and save money and get your package quickly. Buying from Amazon ensures you don’t have to pay for shipping if you’re a prime member and that you’ll have your device in 2-days.
Conclusion
DIY home security systems have come a long way in the past couple of decades and will only get better, more adaptive, and cheaper as time goes on. The ones we recommended today are the ones we have done enough research on, or we own for ourselves (SimpliSafe is what I own) to know these systems are awesome and will go a long way to protecting your family. As with any family, you’re probably thinking of other ways to improve your home security, and if this sounds like you, read our blog, 7 inexpensive ways to make your house more secure. All of these companies allow you to integrate technology into your home to make the lives of families easier and safer from both internal and external issues. One last thing to look at if you’re still not satisfied is safe rooms. Many of us Vets have notable paranoia, and with the way the world’s going, I don’t blame anyone for wanting to learn more about safe rooms.
Leave a Reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *