Best Self-Monitored Home Security Systems With No Monthly Fees
CR's security system picks include models from Abode, Blue by ADT, Kangaroo, Ring, and SimpliSafe
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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.
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, Blue by ADT, Kangaroo, Ring, and SimpliSafe. Below, CR members with digital access can see ratings and reviews of these six security systems.
6 Best Self-Monitored Home Security Systems
Security System Jamming
Consumer Reports’ Digital Lab has tested DIY home security systems for digital privacy and security and found that a number of systems are vulnerable to jamming attacks. The video below explains how jamming attacks work and what you can do to prevent them.
Security Systems 101
Self-installed security systems are becoming more popular, but there are a few things to consider. On the “Consumer 101” TV show, Consumer Reports expert Dan Wroclawski explains to host Jack Rico what to look for when buying one.
