Best No-Contract Home Security Systems of 2025
We recommend SimpliSafe, as it provides DIY monitoring, free real-time alerts, and smart home integration on month-to-month plans.
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Last Updated on Feb 27, 2025
- DIY monitoring lets you avoid contracts altogether
- Real-time smartphone alerts for free
- Get single months of professional monitoring when you need them
- Easy DIY installation
- Affordable monitoring starting at $17.99 per month
- Cellular backup for all plans
- Award-winning monitoring with centers in 12 locations across the U.S. and Canada
- Google Nest integration including cameras and smart devices
- Manage everything from the ADT+ app
Just because you don’t want to sign a contract for a home security system doesn’t mean you’re afraid of commitment. It just means you want the flexibility to switch providers as your needs change – like when you move homes. It’s tough to do that with companies like Vivint, but easier with the six security systems we recommend on this page, especially our number one pick, SimpliSafe.
You can add more equipment whenever you want and because it’s a security system that doesn’t require a monthly fee, you can change your monitoring plan to suit your situation. But SimpliSafe isn’t the only option. Cove, ADT Self Setup, abode, Ring, and Arlo also don’t need your signature on a dotted line. We’ve tested each system, and recommended the best one for every scenario. But first, let’s find out how we arrived at these six options.
What to Look for in a No-Contract Home Security System
Not all no-contract home security systems are created equal. It’s why our team came up with specific criteria after reviewing over 60 of them. Here are the factors that each company had to meet to be on this list.
- No contracts: This is a no-brainer. If they bring ink and paper into it, they’re not on the list.
- Ease of installation: Most of these systems are DIY, so we made sure setup isn’t too difficult.
- Diversity of equipment: All of the providers on this list offer a wide range of equipment options.
- High-quality equipment: None of the providers on this list have cheap components that will fall apart on you.
- Reputation: All of these providers have a great reputation online for customer service and protection when it’s most needed.
Got it? Great. Let’s move on to the list itself so you can determine which no-contract security system is right for you.
The Best No-Contract Home Security Systems
- SimpliSafe - Best DIY Installation
- Cove - Most Affordable
- ADT - Best Professional Monitoring
- abode - Best for Home Automation
- Ring Alarm - Best Equipment Options
- Arlo - Best Security Cameras
Comparison of the Best No-Contract Home Security Systems
| System |
SimpliSafe
|
Cove
|
ADT
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abode
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Ring Alarm
|
Arlo
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th |
| Ratings | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.8/10 |
| Installation | DIY or professional | DIY or professional | DIY | DIY or professional | DIY or professional | DIY |
| Best subscription price | $9.99 per month | $19.99 per month | $24.99 per month | $69.99 per year | $4.99 per month (single camera) | $7.99 per month (single camera) |
| Professional monitoring cost | $29.99 per month | Included | $22.99 per month | $20 per month | $17.99 per month | |
| Equipment package prices | Starting at $249.96 | Starting at $99 | Starting at $349.00 | Starting at $159.99 | Starting at $199.98 | Starting at $229.98 |
| Read Review | SimpliSafe Review | Cove Review | ADT Review | abode Review | Ring Alarm Review | Arlo Review |
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1. SimpliSafe - Best DIY Installation
View Packages Links to SimpliSafeProduct Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $249.96 Monitoring Options Professional and DIY Monthly Monitoring Costs Starts at $21.99 per month Contract Lengths Month-to-month Installation Options DIY or professional Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home SimpliSafe Overview
All of the equipment we bought from SimpliSafe to test. SimpliSafe regularly features at the top of the list of best home security providers, and it’s not just because of its stance on contracts. SimpliSafe is one of the easiest systems to install. Mostly because you don’t need to do any hardwiring – unless you get the video doorbell, but that is easy to set up. That’s why we recommend SimpliSafe for apartments.
Pro Tip: We recommend using the provided anchor points to screw SimpliSafe equipment into your walls. The provided command strips are great, especially if you live in an apartment, and you want your security deposit back. But they may fail eventually, causing a very stressful false alarm. Ours fell down once during our test period — at 2 a.m. Not fun.
SimpliSafe is just as easy to use. You can control everything from the smartphone app performing tasks like arming and disarming, reviewing footage, and setting up automated schedules. But it’s the flexibility with its monitoring plans that we like the most. Not only do you not have to sign up as a customer for a minimum length, but you can switch monitoring plans any time to suit your lifestyle.
We worked from home for three months and went with the free self monitoring plan. But when we took a vacation, we upgraded to a professional monitoring package. Switching was easy and we could relax knowing our home was protected.
SimpliSafe’s wireless keypad looks hardwired, but all we had to do was stick it to the wall. What We Like
- Easy install
- Affordable equipment
- Great for renters
- Month-to-month monitoring
What We Don’t Like
- Limited equipment selection
- All security systems require analog keypad
- Smart home integrations require subscription
What SimpliSafe’s No-Contract Monitoring Entails
No SimpliSafe plan requires any type of commitment. As we mentioned earlier, we switched from a free plan to a professional monitoring plan in seconds. The free plan only provides livestreaming, notifications, and access to the app. For $9.99 you can add recordings for up to 10 security cameras.
But we recommend professional monitoring, which is what we counted on when we weren’t at home due to work or vacations. Plus, the professional monitoring plans come with better security features like Intruder Intervention. This is where SimpliSafe agents access the Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Security Camera to deter intruders from continuing with any crimes.
FYI: SimpliSafe has a similar feature, Active Guard, that works with outdoor cameras. It also uses spotlights and sirens to scare off criminals. However, Active Guard requires a pricier monitoring plan – either Pro or Pro Plus.
>> Read More: How to Protect Your Home From Invasion
Here’s an overview of the professional monitoring plans.
Features Standard Monitoring Core Pro Pro Plus 24/7 professional monitoring Yes Yes Yes Yes Intruder Intervention No Yes Yes Yes Active Guard No No 8pm-6am 24/7 Monthly price $21.99 $31.99 $49.99 $79.99 SimpliSafe Equipment Costs
Another benefit of going with a SimpliSafe system is that they’re extremely affordable. The mid-tier packages cost around $300 to $400, and you can always add in more components if you need to. Alternatively, you can build your system from scratch. You’ll need a base station and keypad as a minimum, but entry sensors are only $14.99 each and the cheapest security camera is $99.99. You can’t integrate third-party security equipment like you can with abode, which we’ll discuss shortly, but you’ll find all the essential devices you need on SimpliSafe’s website.
>> Read More: SimpliSafe Vs. Frontpoint
FYI: SimpliSafe is almost always running some sort of sale with deals up to 60-percent off. They even like to throw in free equipment to sweeten the deal. We can’t guarantee a particular sale will still be going on when you read this, but you should definitely bookmark our guide to SimpliSafe’s deals to stay up to date on the savings SimpliSafe is offering.
SimpliSafe System Motion Sensor Also keep in mind that SimpliSafe is almost always running some sort of sale. At the time of this writing, any new security package was 20 percent off, and it was throwing in a free Smart Alarm Indoor Camera — not a bad deal. I can’t guarantee that particular sale will still be going on when you read this, but you should definitely bookmark my guide to SimpliSafe’s deals to keep up to date on the savings it’s offering.
My SimpliSafe Hot Take
If possible, I’d recommend using the provided anchor points to screw your equipment into your walls. The provided command strips are great, especially if you live in an apartment and you’re trying to get that security deposit back. But you risk having them fail eventually, causing a very stressful false alarm — especially if you’re going to have that motion detector stuck in the corner for years and years. Mine fell down once during my test period — at 2 a.m. Not fun.
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2. Cove - Most Affordable
View Packages Links to CoveProduct Specs
Equipment Costs Systems start at $99 Monitoring Options Professional only Monthly Monitoring Costs Starting at $19.99 per month Contract Lengths Month-to-month Installation Options Professional or DIY Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home
Cove Overview
Cove Security System If you’re looking to protect your home with high-tech, high-quality equipment without breaking the bank, Cove is a great option. Although it’s been around only since 2018, it’s already made a name for itself — specifically in regard to its no-contract approach and affordable monitoring.
Cove is also fairly easy to install (though not as easy as SimpliSafe). Cove even does some of the work for you before your equipment even gets boxed up. By giving them your address beforehand, the company preprograms your touch screen panel for you, and all you’ll have to do is connect it to your Wi-Fi and sync everything up. In all, it took us about 35 minutes to set up our Cove system for testing.
What Cove’s No-Contract Monitoring Entails
Cove doesn’t have self monitoring options like SimpliSafe, Ring, or abode. But what it does have is affordable monitoring plans – two of them to be precise. Both include 24/7 professional monitoring, cellular backup, and smash and grab protection. The main difference between the two is support for security cameras and voice control for Google Home and Alexa.
FYI: Cove+ also adds a $5 per month equipment reward. When the time comes to add new equipment to your Cove security system, you can use this credit towards your purchase.
Cove Basic is $19.99 per month and Cove Plus is $29.99 per month, making them two of the most affordable professional monitoring plans on the market. SimpliSafe starts from $21.99 and our next pick, ADT Self Setup starts from $24.99. Even ADT Self Setup’s equivalent to Cove+ is $12 more expensive per month, which is one of the reasons we ranked Cove higher on this list.
Cove Equipment Costs
We bought a lot of Cove equipment to test as they’ve recently been given an upgrade. Another reason Cove is higher on this list is the equipment is just as affordable as its subscription plans. You won’t have to sign up to a financing contract to pay them off. Every device is budget-friendly. Especially when Cove is running a sale, which seems to be all the time. We’ve seen deals running outside of Black Friday and Cyber Monday for savings of up to 70-percent. Cove also likes to throw in free equipment like SimpliSafe.
Another SimpliSafe similarity is that there are some mandatory equipment you need as part of your security system – a hub and a touchscreen panel. You can then add entry sensors for $15, motion detectors for $50, and an indoor camera for $59.99. This is the non-discounted price. If Cove is slashing prices by 70-percent, you’ll only pay $4.50 for an entry sensor. It’s why it’s on our list of the best affordable security systems.
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3. ADT
View Packages Links to ADTProduct Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $349 Monitoring Options Professional and DIY Monthly Monitoring Costs Starting at $24.99 per month Contract Lengths Month-to-month or 36 months and up Installation Options Professional and DIY Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home ADT Self Setup Overview
The ADT system we tested included all of their available components. We grabbed as much as we could from the new ADT Plus security system range.
ADT and contracts used to go together like coffee and donuts. While the company hasn’t abolished them completely, ADT has begun offering the option to buy your equipment direct from the website and set them up yourself. You’ll find the same high-quality devices you’d expect from the brand, like motion sensors and indoor sirens. But you’ll also get access to products from the Google Nest range.
You’ll even be rewarded for setting up your security system yourself with cheaper monitoring plans. These plans don’t require any commitments either and start from $24.99. For professionally installed equipment, the same offering is $10 more expensive. You can always cancel your subscription after one month and self monitor. But considering ADT’s professional monitoring is award-winning, we think it’s holding on to.
>> Check Out: The Most Frequently Asked Questions About ADT Security
What ADT Self Setup’s No-Contract Monitoring Entails
There are three professional monitoring plans to choose from. But like Cove, if you intend to include security cameras in your system, then there is only one package available. All three options including 24/7 professional monitoring, access to the ADT+ app, and SMART monitoring, which reduces false alarms.
FYI: ADT has 12 monitoring centers located across the country. That’s double the number of SimpliSafe. Having multiple centers means that if one loses power or experiences an outage, another one can assist with your emergency.
So we’ve told you about the cheapest plan which is $24.99 per month and the most expensive option which is $39.99 per month, but there is a third option which is $29.99 per month. The Smart plan is designed for home automation. You see we learned we could integrate more than just Google Nest devices. ADT Self Setup also works with Z-Wave devices. We had a Yale smart lock from a previous review that we integrated with our ADT Self Setup system. It worked perfectly when combined with automation features like Trusted Neighbor.
FYI: Trusted Neighbor utilizes Google Cams facial recognition technology to disarm your system for regular visitors. We used it to let our dog walker into the house while we were at work. The Nest Cam recognized them walking towards the door, sent a notification to their phone, and unlocked the Yale smart lock while disarming the system, all while we sat in a meeting about upcoming security guides.
Cove Equipment Costs
The Nest Cam is a must-have for your home security system. ADT has some excellent equipment, but we prefer our Google Nest Cam over ADT’s security cameras.
One of the reasons ADT signed you up to a contract for three years was so you could finance the cost of the equipment. It meant you weren’t up for a huge lump sum of cash and could spread the payments evenly over a few years. But you don’t need to do that with ADT Self Setup’s affordable equipment range. Even though it’s cheaper, it doesn’t mean you’re getting lower-quality equipment.
In fact, we would say it’s the opposite. While there is still ADT equipment in the mix, like the $20 entry sensors, and $99 keypad, you’ll also find Google Nest equipment. The Google Nest Cam (wired) is $99.99 and the battery alternative is $179.99. Some of the prices are in the same ballpark as SimpliSafe, but you’ll find a better range of equipment with ADT Self Setup as it includes items like thermostats and heat detectors.
>> Compare: ADT Vs. SimpliSafe
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4. abode - Best for Home Automation
View Packages Links to abodeProduct Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $159.99 Monitoring Options Professional and DIY Monitoring Costs Starting at $199 per year for the first year ($16.58 per month) Contract Lengths Month-to-month or Yearly Installation Options DIY or professional Smart Platform Integration Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit
What We Like
- Easy install
- Smart home integrations
- Innovative equipment
- CUE home automation platform
What We Don’t Like
- Limited bundling options
- Pricey equipment
- Limited camera options
abode Overview
Our unpacked abode system ready to be tested and integrated with smart home devices. Abode was founded in 2014 and wanted to be a disruptive force in the home security industry, just like SimpliSafe before it. We can see some similarities, which is why it’s on this list. For starters, it’s easy to install, has a self monitoring plan, and there are no contracts to sign. But where it bests SimpliSafe is in its third-party integrations. We were able to connect almost every smart device and security equipment to the abode ecosystem. You can literally make up your own security system using parts from multiple brands, including Google.
>> Read About: Best Security Systems for Google Home
And when it comes to voice assistants, abode runs the gamut. Your system will integrate nicely with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit. That’s a pretty big outlier in this space — security providers often forget about Apple users. It took only a couple of minutes to connect our system to Alexa, and we were able to watch the feed from our camera, arm and disarm the system, and check the status of individual pieces of equipment — all using simple voice commands. If that sounds interesting to you, check out our review of the Amazon Echo Show 8; it’s a great partner for a lot of security systems.
>> Compare: SimpliSafe vs. abode Comparison
What abode’s No-Contract Monitoring Entails
Similar to SimpliSafe, abode offers a few different monitoring options, and none of them require a long-term contract. They’re all pretty affordable too, which is a major plus in our book. We go into a lot more detail in my breakdown of abode’s subscriptions and prices, but here’s the cheat sheet:
Basic Standard Pro Days of cloud storage 0 7 30 Home automation options No Yes Yes Cellular backup No No Yes 24/7 professional monitoring No No Yes Monthly price $0 $6 $20 As you can see, abode’s basic plan is really basic. If you want professional monitoring, you’ll need to jump straight to the Pro plan, which is $20 a month. That’s on par with Cove Basic, which doesn’t include camera support or voice control. You can even choose to pay the subscription annually. There are no savings, but at least you don’t have to worry about having the money in your account every month.
We like how tiny our abode’s entryway sensors are so they don’t stand out for the wrong reasons abode Equipment Costs
Similar to SimpliSafe, you can purchase an equipment bundle and be done with it, or build a system yourself. There are three different types of hubs to choose from. Our favorite is the Iota Hub because it pairs with all the major smart home platforms and has a built-in camera. You can then add security cameras which start from $59.99, entry sensors from $29.99, and motion detectors from $39.99. You’ll also find environmental sensors and smart devices for sale on the website. But we recommend trying out any products you already own so you don’t double up on equipment.
FYI: abode should really get on the home security camera bandwagon. Right now, it offers only one, and it’s not the greatest. It has to be plugged in, there’s no local storage option, and the resolution is grainy at best. Will it get the job done in a pinch? Sure. But there are much better options out there — namely, Arlo, a later entry on this list.
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5. Ring Alarm - Best Equipment Options
View on Amazon Links to Amazon.comProduct Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $199.98 Monitoring Options Professional and DIY Monthly Monitoring Costs $10 with the purchase of a Ring Home plan Contract Lengths 1-12 months Installation Options DIY or professional Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home 
What We Like
- Huge product lineup
- Affordable equipment
- Simple DIY setup
- Multiple subscription and monitoring options
What We Don’t Like
- Past privacy issues
- Bulky design in some equipment
- Occasional connectivity issues
Ring Alarm Overview
A glimpse at the Ring Alarm Pro Security System we tested While “video doorbell” might pop into your head when you hear “Ring,” it’s actually so much more. It offers a huge lineup of indoor and outdoor security equipment, security cameras, and lighting solutions — and hey, sometimes you get a twofer. Check out our review of Ring’s Floodlight Camera (and others) for more on that.
>> Learn More: A Comparison of Ring’s Video Doorbells
It also offers a range of pre-built home security systems. Ring also has multiple monitoring options to fit almost everyone’s needs and budget. And since it’s on this list, it’s not going to require you to sign your life away to enjoy the security benefits. Let’s have a look.
What Ring Alarm’s Monitoring Entails
Ring Alarm offers three paid plans plus a free self-monitoring option. If you want professional monitoring, you’ll need to pay for it as an add-on. But it’s only available on the Standard and Premium plans. We like that Ring has flexible options, especially when no contracts are involved, as we can freely switch packages as our needs change.
Ring’s top plan costs $19.99 per month. The professional monitoring add-on is $9.99 per month on top. If you don’t include it, you’ll need to monitor the system yourself, which means contacting emergency services when an alarm is triggered. Just like you would with SimpliSafe’s self monitoring plans.
>> Compare: Ring Alarm vs. SimpliSafe
Ring Alarm Equipment Costs
Ring offers a huge list of equipment, so rather than making you scroll through pages and pages of that, you can just read our guide to Ring’s equipment costs. As with abode and SimpliSafe, Ring’s systems are easily expandable to suit your security needs. We started off with the Ring Alarm Pro 8-Piece Kit and added the Stick Up Cam and Spotlight Cam into the mix. Since it was Ring, we couldn’t help ourselves and added the Battery Doorbell Plus as well.
Our Ring Stick Up Cam Pro unpacked and ready to work. Ring’s another one of those providers that has pretty steep regular prices but almost always has security equipment marked down to some extent. We’ve seen discounts up to 50-percent on all Ring devices. Amazon Prime Day is the best time to score a good deal. It might be a good idea to bookmark our guide to Ring’s Deals so you don’t miss out on the sale.
FYI: The Battery Doorbell Plus we mentioned earlier is the successor to the Ring Video Doorbell 3. It has most of the same features but is a little cheaper at $149.99 per month.
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6. Arlo - Best Security Cameras
View Packages Links to ArloProduct Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $229.98 Monitoring Options Self-monitoring and professional Monthly Monitoring Costs $24.99 per month Contract Lengths Month-to-month Installation Options DIY Smart Platform Integrations Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home Kit 
Arlo Overview
Our Arlo Home Security System is bare-bones, but it is better when you add security cameras. There’s a lot to like about Arlo. The equipment is high-tech, sleek, durable, and easy to install. Plus, you don’t need to commit to a lengthy contract or sign up for minimum time periods. We know Arlo’s security system doesn’t look like much in the photo above. But the sensors are some of the best we’ve tested. They can do everything from detect motion to monitor temperatures. The sensors even detect when a light is turned on. We didn’t get this type of functionality with Ring’s motion sensors.
>> Compare: Ring vs. Arlo
You might think that’s all you need, but we recommend adding some Arlo cameras to the system. The resolutions go up to 4K and are capable of facial recognition and person detection. Like the rest of the system, Arlo cameras are wireless, easy to install, and don’t require a contract.
What Arlo’s No-Contract Monitoring Entails
Arlo has two month-to-month subscription plans, plus an option for self-monitoring. However, they only have one professional monitoring package, which is $24.99 per month. That’s not bad considering it’s the same starting price as ADT Self Setup and includes 60-day video history, smart detection, and activity zones.
What’s even more impressive is it includes theft replacement, in case a thief takes your devices. Arlo even has home insurance discounts and a 15% discount on popular Arlo products. While we’d prefer a few more monitoring options to tailor to our needs, we won’t say no to savings.
Arlo Equipment Costs
Our Arlo Sensor could detect everything from water leaks to lights being turned on. Arlo has a few starter kits to help you get up and running. Like SimpliSafe and Ring, adding more devices is as easy as opening the app and integrating them. There’s also a page that’s dedicated to building your own system. It’s also the best place to see how much everything will cost you. For example, you can choose between the Essential 2nd Gen Wireless Camera for $99.99 or the Ultra 2 for $599.99. Maybe you throw in a video doorbell as well for $129.99.
>> Read About: Arlo Video Doorbell Review
One last thing to note: Arlo is another one of those manufacturers that keeps its regular prices high but pretty much always offers some sort of sale. For more information on that, keep an eye on our guide to Arlo’s deals. That way, you’ll make sure you’re getting the best savings possible.
Methodology
We use a variety of factors to compile our “Best” lists. In the case of comparing security systems with no monthly fees, these factors include monitoring options, ease of installation, video quality, and how well each system works with its respective mobile app. Below, we go through the complete set of criteria we used to create this list.
No Contracts Required
None of the security providers on this list requires customers to sign a long-term contract. While they all offer month-to-month subscriptions that will help you get the most out of your equipment, none of these is binding, and you can cancel at any time without a penalty.
Connectivity
Most modern security systems don’t use landlines. The vast majority use Wi-Fi to communicate. Some companies, however, offer cellular security systems or landline security systems as backups. We prefer this safety measure since we never know when our Wi-Fi might go down.
>> Also Read: Best Cellular Home Security Systems
Equipment
We consider each brand’s equipment from several angles, such as camera features, customization, and durability. In particular, we examine these factors:
- Cameras: We always appreciate security systems that come with indoor and outdoor cameras, but we want to make sure they’re getting the job done. We look for cameras that have at least 1080p resolution — if not higher — as well as features like color night vision and person detection.
- Durability: If we’re installing outdoor cameras, we want them to function in extreme temperatures, such as above 100 degrees or below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. The best outdoor security cameras have Ingress Protection (IP) ratings of 65 or higher, which means that they are dust-tight and can withstand low-pressure water jets. A 65 rating lets us hide our outdoor security cameras anywhere without worrying they might get damaged. Check out our list of the best outdoor security systems to find out more.
- Features: A lot of security providers want to stand out in the industry and offer unique features like video verification or AI-driven detections. Sometimes these features feel a little gimmicky, but when they work well, they really add something to your security posture.
- Diversity of equipment: We appreciate brands that offer a variety of equipment packages and bundles. We especially like companies that manufacture systems for different home sizes. No two homes are alike, so we feature security systems that work in both apartments and the largest homes.
Installation
Most security systems that don’t require contracts are going to require a DIY installation. Don’t worry; all of the providers on this list make that installation process as easy as possible. For the most part, none of them takes more than an hour or two from getting everything out of the box to getting everything installed.
If DIY isn’t for you, a lot of providers offer professional installation. This will usually start at around $100.
Pricing
How much is a home security system? There are lots of factors to consider, from the cost of home security system permits to potential home security system tax deductions. When you take everything into account, security systems can range in price from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. We tend to prefer systems in the $300 to $500 price range, but it depends on the size of your house and your security needs.
What Are the Benefits of No-Contract Home Security Systems?
The primary benefit of going with a provider that doesn’t require a contract is that it’s more affordable and more flexible. That makes these providers a lot more attractive to renters, young families, and first-time homeowners.
Most of these systems are DIY, and a lot of them come with options for professional monitoring — but nothing is ever required. That customizability is a major draw, and it’s propelled companies like SimpliSafe, Ring, and Cove to nearly household name status.
What Are the Drawbacks of No-Contract Home Security Systems?
Honestly, there aren’t many. The flexibility provided by not having a long-term contract is pretty hard to counterpoint, but there might be one thing we can think of.
Essentially, if you refuse to sign a contract, you’re going to be disqualifying some of the biggest names in the home security industry — names like Vivint and Brinks. Now if you’re fine with that, we can’t argue with you. But you should at least read our review of Vivint before you make your final decision. There’s a reason these providers are so popular, and it has almost everything to do with the white-glove service they provide.
We’ll also add that these long-term contracts aren’t really as scary as people make them out to be. There’s some flexibility provided in them.
Can I Get Out of a Home Security System Contract?
A lot of providers offer a “buyer’s remorse” period — with Vivint, it’s three days — where new users can back out of the contract and incur no fee. That’s a pretty quick turnaround, but hey, you can learn a lot about a security system over the course of three days. That’s usually about the length of time it takes us to decide whether or not we’d use one in our home long term.
Beyond that, save for some sort of contract breach on the provider’s part — like its equipment constantly malfunctions — you’re likely out of luck if you want to get out of the contract. You’re likely going to have to pay a percentage of the remaining balance to cancel the service.
That’s why it’s really important to do your homework before you sign on the dotted line.
Recap
So there you have it. Six home security systems that don’t require any contractual commitment. Each one has its strengths like ADT’s professional monitoring and Arlo’s security cameras. But for the total package, we can’t go pass SimpliSafe. It’s one of the easiest security systems to install and has multiple self-monitoring and professional monitoring plans.
The fear of being locked into a contract should not hold you back from protecting yourself, your family, and your home. Now you have six security systems to choose from, the only thing left to do now is pick one and start choosing your equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions about No-Contract Home Security Systems
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Do home security systems always need a contract?
No. Not all home security systems require a long-term contract to function. A lot of modern, DIY systems have actually forgone contracts altogether and instead offer customers different subscription tiers.
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Do home security systems need subscriptions?
A lot of DIY home security systems function a lot better when coupled with a subscription package. High-level functionality like AI-driven person detection, for instance, might not be available without a subscription.
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Are there any drawbacks to self-monitoring a security system?
While self-monitoring is always the cheapest option, it’s not necessarily the safest. You’re going to be solely responsible for keeping an eye on things and won’t have any backup in case of an emergency.
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Are home security subscriptions expensive?
A lot of DIY home security systems offer really affordable monthly subscriptions to access things like cloud storage for your security camera footage and downloadable video. Generally speaking, this will likely cost around $10 per month. If you want professional monitoring with your system, you’ll likely pay around $20 to $30 per month.
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What happens if I move with a home security system contract?
Most of the time, security providers have clauses in their contracts that deal with moving. Since your security needs might change, you’ll likely still have to pay for any additional equipment that’s required. They’ll usually waive the installation fee, though.