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While protecting your property is important, it doesn't have to be too costly. If you are looking for an upgrade but the cost of professional installation, monthly monitoring fees and pricey security equipment feel overwhelming, don’t worry -- we’ve rounded up the best affordable home security systems to keep you protected without straining your budget.
Choosing a DIY security system can cut costs while still meeting your household’s needs. To help you save money without sacrificing security, we’ve selected the best kits -- focusing on options that are easy to install and can move with you.
What is the best cheap home security system of 2025?
After testing more than a dozen security brands and all the sensors they offer, our top pick for affordable security is SimpliSafe's DIY kit, thanks to its user-friendly design and low upfront cost, plus SimpliSafe's useful add-ons if you ever want to expand the system.
We also chose other cheap systems well worth your time, from Arlo's all-in-one sensors for those who want to keep things simple to the high-tech features Ring provides. Take a look, learn more about security systems and find the best one for you.
Best cheap home security systems of 2025
Best overall cheap home security
Pros
- Easy to install and operate
- Great add-ons
- Professional monitoring options
Cons
- Limited smart home integrations
SimpliSafe is one of our favorite security kits for DIY installation, with easy-to-understand setup that’s ideal for people who’ve never had a home security system before. But its benefits don’t stop there: The smaller home security kits are very affordable, with the 8-piece version available for only $240 and easily enough for the average house. The Foundation kit, starting at $200, is even cheaper if you only want a sensor or two.
SimpliSafe makes it easy to build out systems with more sensors, leak detectors and cameras, but has very limited support for any other smart home brand. Subscriptions range from a basic self-monitoring package to a full professional monitoring with live guards and AI features that can ignore friends and family.
Best cheap home security with cameras
Pros
- Reasonable pricing
- Advanced extra features
- Included range extender
- Easy to expand, especially with cams
Cons
- Not everyone needs a range extender
- Limited smart home integration with Alexa focus
Ring’s 2nd-gen Alarm security system is a small but might security kit that includes a contact sensor, motion detector and a range extender if your Wi-Fi can’t quite reach to the distant doors of your home. Ring’s design is reliable and its app serviceable. As an Amazon brand, you can also easily find extra accessories to add for expansions, although this $200 kit is ideal for saving money.
Amazon’s involvement also means that Ring Alarm doesn’t have much compatibility outside of Alexa. Also, there are several important features behind the Ring Protect system, including the ability to arm or disarm the system remotely, so a subscription is recommended. Fortunately, a subscription also includes valuable AI detection and AI video search features if you add one of the many Ring cameras to your kit.
Best compact cheap home security system
Pros
- All-in-one sensors for easy setup
- Arlo’s high-quality app
- Subscription isn’t necessary
- Great voice assistant support
Cons
- May be too limited for extra-large homes
Arlo’s system is made for people who groan at the idea of setting up a whole security system. This affordable bundle includes two all-in-one sensors. Want them to guard doorways or windows? No problem. Want them to check for leaks or temperature problems? They’ll do it. They can also monitor sounds like alarms and sudden light changes, among other capabilities. Put them wherever you want, and add a few more if you don’t mind bumping the price up to $300.
Arlo offers a compatible doorbell and fob if you want to expand, but we don’t think it’s particularly necessary. Few vital features are locked behind the subscription if you don’t have an Arlo cam, so this is an ideal option for those who don’t want to pay any subscription fees at all.
Best cheap home security system for Apple and other platforms
Pros
- Excellent third-party support
- Easy setup
- Largely optional subscriptions
Cons
- Cheap versions don’t have many sensors
Abode gets plenty of points for its broad smart home compatibility, working with not only the big three voice assistants (Alexa, Google and Siri) but also with speaker brands like Sonos and Bose, light brands like Ecobee and Philips Hue, Z-Wave smart locks, Ecobee thermostats and more. If you already have smart home devices or want some in the future, Abode is an easy way to plan for compatibility at an affordable price.
But Abode’s most affordable systems are limited in size. If you want to keep costs down, you’ll be limited to one sensor most suitable for your front door or similar area. That makes the cheap version more suitable for apartments or dorms, but a great option if you want to build out your security in the coming years.
Cheap home security systems compared
Cheap home security systems compared
| Best cheap home security systems | SimpliSafe Home Security | Ring Alarm 5-Piece Kit | Arlo Home Security System | Abode Iota Security Kit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| System price | $218 | $150 | $160 | $280 |
| Monthly monitoring price | $15/month | $20/month | $25/month | 18 per month+ |
| Starter equipment | 1 base station, 1 keypad, 1 panic button, 1 motion sensor, 4 entry sensors | Door/window sensors, motion detectors, a keypad, a siren and optional professional monitoring subscriptions | 1 keypad control panel, 2 All-in-One sensors | 1 base station + motion sensor, 1 mini door/window sensor, 1 key fob |
| Contract required? | No | No | No | No |
| Extra features | Customizable system, built-in Wi-Fi and cellular, integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant | Cellular-powered backup Wi-Fi, network security monitoring, local processing, storage for all of your Ring devices | 24/7 emergency response, smart interactive notifications, cellular and battery backup, integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant | 24/7 emergency response, smart detect notifications, cellular and battery backup, integration with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri, broad smart home compatibility |
| Review score | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 |
Other home security systems we tested
The CNET home security editors have tested out every major home security system over the years. We haven't listed every single one here, since some, such as AT&T Digital Life, are no longer available.
- Frontpoint: Although Frontpoint's hardware is solidly priced, its $50 monthly subscription fee is simply too much to recommend to anyone trying to stick to a budget.
- Kangaroo: While Kangaroo is an incredibly wallet-friendly DIY security system, its value simply isn't as high as our top picks. Its hardware isn't just cheap on paper, it also feels cheap. Its doorbell camera is terrible.
- Cove Home Security: While Cove's hardware is reasonably priced, the inability to self-monitor the system — or even have app access — without significant monthly fees makes it a less-than-ideal option for the budget-conscious buyer.
- ADT: Professionally installed systems probably aren't the way to go for the best cheap home security system, and ADT is worse than others on the list simply for its astronomically high prices and forced contracts.
- Vivint: Like ADT, Vivint isn't for the faint of wallet. While it's a great system for those interested in smart home integration, opting for Vivint won't save you money in the short term or long run.
Read more: How to Turn Your Old iPhone or Android Into a Home Security Camera for Free
How we test home security systems
Hands-on testing is core to our evaluations of any home security products. In short, when it comes to home security systems, we pay special attention to the user experience, the promised features, reliability and overall value, along with a few other elements. We do the testing in a real home environment over at least a full week. If you want to read more about our review process, check out our in-depth article on how we test home security systems and services.
Factors to consider when buying a cheap home security system
Not sure how to make up your mind? Here are the most important factors when considering a home security system that will spare your wallet.
Pricing and subscriptions
Security systems can be opaque when it comes to final pricing. The listed cost is often replaced by constant, rotating discounts which are more representative of the actual cost, and total subscription fees may not be obvious.
For our list, we chose DIY companies with upfront pricing models so you can see what you get, aiming generally between $200 and $300. If you want to save as much as possible, watch subscriptions carefully to see what’s included. Sometimes, you may be able to get away without a subscription at all, especially if you don’t want any cameras. Other times, a basic self-monitoring plan may be required.
App controls
Apps should be easy to understand and avoid hiding important features behind complex menus or constant demands for subscription fees. Look for clean apps with helpful user interfaces, large touchscreen buttons and walkthroughs during your setup process.
Setup and installation
Avoiding professional installation is a great way to save money, so we chose systems that are DIY and don’t have any contract requirements.
Installation also affects value, because smaller, cheaper kits work best when you use them well. That means choosing the most vulnerable doors and windows in your home with as few sensors as possible. You may want to check out our guide on how burglars choose homes to break into.
Flexible arming and disarming
Look for systems that have remote arming and disarming, customizable arming delays to get out the door and similar features. Automatic arming and disarming based on time of day, geofencing and other options are also handy.
Movability
Affordable security systems are great fits for rentals and apartments, but what happens when you have to move? We favored systems that use adhesive rather than leaving holes in the wall, and that are relatively easy to take down, pack up and install again during a move.
Additional features
Take a look at add-ons if you ever want to expand your system. Look for a variety of sensor options, including motion sensors, video doorbells, fobs, smart locks, glass break/vibration sensors and more. These should be affordable and easy to add.
Smart home compatibility
If you already use a voice assistant or standalone smart home devices, check to see if the home security system supports them before you buy. Google and Alexa are commonly supported, but other platforms less so, and home security systems can vary a lot. Matter compatibility is helping out here, but still has a long ways to roll out.
FAQ
Is it worth it to get a home security system?
Ultimately, you'll have to answer this question for yourself. Home security systems do deter burglars. Depending on where you live, a few hundred dollars may be a cost worth incurring to avoid the risk of burglaries or damaged property. Consider how frequent break-ins are in your area, how easy it is for strangers to access your home and how vulnerable the valuables in your home are.
What is a good price for a home security system?
Home security systems range in price anywhere from $100 to thousands of dollars. Generally, the larger the space you hope to cover -- especially the number of entryways you want to monitor -- the more expensive the system.
Many affordable systems allow you to pick your devices a la carte, and most sensors shouldn't cost more than $30 apiece. If you're looking for reliable, budget-friendly picks, you shouldn't spend more than a few hundred dollars on home security. Likewise, you shouldn't be paying more than $25 or $30 at the most for cheap monthly monitoring unless you're using a professionally installed system.
Do I always need a subscription for a home security system?
Not necessarily, and it varies greatly depending on the brand. Always look at what home security systems lock behind a subscription fee. Sometimes it will be advanced features you can live without, especially if you don’t want to add a camera. In other cases, you’ll need at least a self-monitoring subscription to unlike vital features like remote control.
Can I take a home security system with me?
It’s easier with some systems than others. If you move a lot or are planning a move, look for systems that use adhesive that’s easy to remove and offer compact systems to bundle up. Most of the picks on our list meet the qualifications of an easy-to-move system.
What if my new home already has a home security system?
You probably shouldn’t use it -- at least not right away. It’s time to ask some questions instead. It could be a landlord’s, a system wiped and left behind by the previous owner or just a few unwanted devices. We have a full guide on what to do with it here.