Best Self-Monitored Home Security Systems With No Monthly Fees

Home security systems have long been associated with costly monthly fees. Many require consumers to subscribe to professional monitoring, usually a paid service where trained dispatchers keep an eye on your system and alert the authorities in the event of a break-in.

But there are now a variety of DIY home security systems that allow you to monitor them yourself from your smartphone—and avoid the extra fees altogether. Keep in mind that you’ll often get only basic features, such as the ability to arm/disarm the system and receive notifications, for free. Professional monitoring and additional features, such as voice control and cloud video storage for security cameras, may require a subscription.

Consumer Reports has put a number of these systems through our home security system tests, which assess things like how well the sensors work, how quickly alerts are sent, and how easy it is to install each system. We also recently began testing these systems for digital privacy and security, and we’ve found that some systems are vulnerable to hacking. These results are now folded into our ratings, so you can find a home security system that also protects your data and withstands hacks.

We’ve found that the very best self-monitored systems come from Abode, Kangaroo, and SimpliSafe. Below, CR members with digital access can see ratings and reviews of these security systems.