Best Unmonitored Home Security Systems of 2021

Introduction

Security systems used to be easy and simple. Fix up a couple of security cameras around the house and feed the video to your DVR. Most of these cameras were hardwired and did not need a monthly subscription fee. I mean, why would you want to purchase an entire security system and then still have to pay a monthly fee?! We have rounded up the best unmonitored home security systems which require a one-time purchase and provide a no monthly fee security system for your home.

Monitored vs Unmonitored Home Security Systems

Monitored security systems have some excellent benefits if you want a comprehensive and immediate security response. As the name suggests, it means a team of professionals will monitor your security system 24/7. If there is an intrusion or signs of disturbance, local emergency services will be dispatched to your location. This is useful if you live in a neighborhood where enhanced security is essential. Or if you have a large property and monitoring it by yourself is not only impractical, it would also be very time consuming.

However, for most common purposes, a monitored security system might be overkill. To ensure the safety and security of your family and home, you certainly do not require a monitored security system. There are several advantages to a DIY security system that does not require paying monthly subscription fee. Most home security systems are now wireless and can be installed in less than an hour. They have audible notifications when an intrusion is detected on your property.

There are several other ways in which a security system deters thieves. For instance, a motion sensor flood light with camera will only record when it detects someone on your property. They have excellent night vision settings to record clear video even when it’s dark. Studies have shown that simple steps such as placing alarm company signs around the house will deter most intruders from trying anything on your property. Remember, the aim of security systems is deterrence. You want them to leave your property in favor of less risky options in the neighborhood.

How to choose the best unmonitored home security system

When you are looking for unmonitored or self-monitored security systems you want to keep the following things in mind:

1. Ease of installation: In most cases, installation will cost you more that the system itself. Most wireless security systems come with excellent instructions, require little to no tools, and can be set-up within an hour or two depending on how large your property is.
2.  Costs: A decent unmonitored security system will set you back about $200. You can always add security cameras, 24/7 monitoring, cloud storage and other features if you need them in future. There are some excellent cheaper options available as well for about $100 that provide the necessary security features for the safety of your family.
3. Wired vs Wireless: To reiterate our point on ease of installation, a wireless system is very easy to install. However, it depends on batteries as a power source and you need to remember to change them when they are depleted.  A wired security system draws power from your home and does not need batteries.

We’ve list the best unmonitored home security systems below:

Best Overall:

Ring Alarm 8-piece Home Security System

Since Ring was bought by Amazon they have launched a plethora of products under this brand. This means you have a comprehensive portfolio of equipment to customize your home security. The 8-piece system is good for up to 2-bedroom homes and you can always add more sensors for a bigger house. And the best part – you can DIY this all the way. The Ring Security System comes with the following.

What’s in the box:

1. Ring Alarm Base station: The base station communicates with the entry and motion sensors and sounds the alarm.
2. Keypad: An intuitive keypad with emergency buttons.
3. Four contact sensors: Precise contact sensors to detect intrusion and sound the alarm when armed.
4. One motion detector: Motion sensor with excellent range.
5. One range extender: Range extender if needed for a bigger driveway.

The Ring Security System is paired with the intuitive and very user-friendly Ring App. You can opt to receive notifications when an intruder triggers one of the sensors, arm or disarm the system remotely, and monitor your entire security system on one simple dashboard. There are three modes:

• Disarmed: All sensors will be disarmed so you can move in and out of your home freely.
• Home: All interior sensors will be disarmed, and exterior sensors will remain armed to detect intrusion.
• Away: All interior and exterior sensors are armed to protect your home when you’re away.

The reason we chose this as the best system is because you can add accessories for added protection. For instance, ring has smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire and flood detectors, ring doorbells, ring security cameras, and a ton of other options. All of these products can be controlled via Alexa. Going forward if you think you need monitoring, Ring provides one for $10 a month. But again, an unmonitored home security system works perfectly too.

Runner up:

SimpliSafe Wireless Unmonitored Home Security System

One of the best home security systems on the market today and does not carry a hefty price tag. The current price for this 8-piece system is $229 but this could change. SimpliSafe is one of the best companies in the security industry as they stand behind the equipment that they develop. In all our time reviewing security products, we’ve found consistently good-quality products from SimpliSafe.

The beauty of this system is that it can be installed within 10 minutes without the use of any tools!

Step 1: Pluck the base station out of the box and fire it up.

Step 2: The base station will guide you on exactly where to place the sensors in your home.

If you house is large you can buy additional sensors to attach to your base station. This flexibility is what makes the SimpliSafe security system the best right now. They do provide a monitoring service with this system but it’s entirely optional and the system works great without it!

What’s in the box:

1. Base station: This is the brains of the security system.
2. Keypad: Smash safe keypad that is soft to the touch and easy use day or night.
3. 2 Motion Sensors: Tailored to detect human intrusion and is not set off by pets – unlike other cheaper motion sensors. Excellent long-range coverage.
4. 4 Entry Sensors: Place these at all entry points. You can add more sensors if needed. Batteries last for over a decade under normal usage.

Best Budget Option:

YoLink Home Security Starter System: 4 Door/Window Sensors & Hub Kit

If you want safety for your family but don’t want to break the bank while doing it, the YoLink Unmonitored Home Security System is just what you need. Priced at well under $100, it provides the most important features of a good security system. First let’s see what you get and then we will break down the pros and cons.

What’s in the box:

1. Hub Kit: You can plug in the Hub into your router or an outlet. This is the only device from this system that connects to the internet.
2. 4 Contact Sensors: The system comes with 4 door/window sensors to get you started. You can buy additional as needed and connect them to your Hub Kit.

You also get access to the YoLink app which provides a single platform to manage your YoLink security system. Set-up notifications to your preference – whether that’s SMS or email, or push notifications on your app. The app will alert you to intrusions according to your settings.

Don’t let the tiny price tag deter you from buying this excellent security system. YoLink have outdone themselves on this one. The motion sensors have one of the longest ranges in the industry and the AAA batteries will last you for years. The YoLink app displays the battery life of each sensor so you can monitor the status and change it before its completely depleted.

The system also works with Alexa so you can control it with voice commands. However, one caveat here is that there is no way to get Alexa to identify the sensors independent of the Hub. You can use the Hub to create automations and all sensors will respond together. If one of the sensors is tripped, then all light routines creates in Alexa trigger simultaneously.

YoLink is an excellent security company and provides a suite of products to complete your home security system. The company does not provide any monitoring services, so you don’t have to worry about limited features or pushy upsell tactics. Simply DIY your installation and enjoy the freedom of a comprehensive security system for a price that’s super affordable. No compromise needed!

FAQs:

1. What is an unmonitored home security system?
   1. An unmonitored or self-monitored security system is one which does not require professional monitoring. It provides loud audible alerts in case of an intrusion on your property.
2. Can I use my home security system without monitoring?
   • Most home security systems can be used without monitoring. You will need monitored security systems if you live in a bad neighborhood or if you have a large property where self-monitoring would be impractical and time consuming. For most household applications, a decent unmonitored security system is sufficient.
3. What security systems don’t have monthly fees?
   • Unmonitored DIY security systems do not have a monthly subscription fee. They alert the owner in case of an intrusion. If the security system is connected to cameras, it will record video when it detects someone around the house.