Home Security System

DIY easy install. No 36-month contracts.

DIY vs pro

DIY (SimpliSafe, Ring, Abode) — $300-700 once. Self-install in 30 min. No contracts. Cancel monitoring anytime.
Professional (ADT, Vivint) — high-pressure sales, 36-60 month contracts. Hard to cancel. Don\'t recommend unless very specific need.

SimpliSafe

$300-700 + $20-30/mo

Easiest DIY install. No contract. Works with cellular if power/internet out. Most senior-friendly.

Best overall.

Ring Alarm

$200-500 + $20/mo

Pairs with Ring doorbell + cameras. Cheapest professional monitoring.

Best if you have Ring already.

Abode

$280-450 + $20-30/mo

Works with Apple HomeKit + Alexa + Google. Optional pro monitoring.

Best for smart-home integration.

ADT

$400-1,500 + $40-60/mo + 36 month contract

Old-school, professional install. Most reputation.

Worst price-to-features. Avoid contracts.

Vivint

$1,000-2,500 + $40-60/mo

High-end professional install with smart home.

Premium, locked into contract.

Wyze Home Monitoring

$60 + $5/mo

Cheapest "real" monitoring. Limited features.

Best ultra-budget option.

What to include

Base station with cellular backup.
Door/window sensors on EVERY accessible door + bottom-floor windows.
Motion sensor in the main living area.
Smart smoke + CO detector connected to alarm — calls fire dept automatically.
Outdoor + indoor camera — see what triggered alarm.
Yard sign + window stickers — biggest deterrent of all.

Monitoring — yes or no?

WITH professional monitoring ($20-30/mo): Police dispatched on confirmed break-in. Required for insurance discount.
WITHOUT: Alarm sounds + you get a phone alert. You decide whether to call 911. Saves $250-360/year.
Insurance discount: 5-20% off homeowners with monitored system. Often pays for monitoring.

For frugal seniors

Ring Alarm 8-piece kit ($199) + Ring Doorbell ($100) + 1 outdoor cam ($100) + $10/mo monitoring = full coverage, no contract, less than $30/month forever. Hard to beat.