The Best Affordable Home Security Systems of 2025
SimpliSafe’s packages start at $250, and out of the 12 budget-friendly security systems we tested, we found it offers the best value for money.
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Last Updated on Aug 14, 2025
- Packages start at $250, customizable with additional equipment
- Advanced monitoring features like Intruder Intervention
- No long-term contracts and optional self-monitoring plans
- Packages start at $250, customizable with additional equipment
- Advanced monitoring features like Intruder Intervention
- No long-term contracts and optional self-monitoring plans
- Packages as low as $100, with sensors going for less than $10 a piece
- High-tech, touch screen keypad
- Most affordable professional monitoring plans starting at $19.99 per month
- Packages as low as $100, with sensors going for less than $10 a piece
- High-tech, touch screen keypad
- Most affordable professional monitoring plans starting at $19.99 per month
- Heavily discounted equipment packages starting at $69
- Pricey but comprehensive professional monitoring plans
- Premium customer service
- Heavily discounted equipment packages starting at $69
- Pricey but comprehensive professional monitoring plans
- Premium customer service
You don’t need to buy an affordable home security system from a brand you don’t recognize. Many of the best home security systems offer budget-friendly solutions that don’t take shortcuts. You’ll still get high-quality equipment and reliable professional monitoring plans.
We tested several budget-friendly security systems to see which ones offered the best bang for your buck. In our expert opinion, SimpliSafe does the best job with its affordable equipment options and flexible monitoring plans. Cove, Frontpoint, ADT, and Abode also won’t break the bank. Let’s find out why these security systems are worth investing in.
>> Read More: DIY vs Professional Home Security Installation
The Best Affordable Home Security Systems
- SimpliSafe - Best Equipment
- Cove - Best Affordable Monitoring
- Frontpoint - Best Customer Service
- ADT - Best Affordable Financing
- abode - Best for Affordable Smart Home Automation
Comparison of the Best Affordable Security Systems
| System |
SimpliSafe
|
Cove
|
Frontpoint
|
ADT
|
abode
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th |
| Ratings | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| Installation | DIY or professional | DIY only | DIY only | DIY or professional | DIY or professional |
| Professional monitoring cost | $21.99 per month | $19.99 per month | $14.99 per month | $24.99 per month | $25.99 per month |
| Equipment package prices | Starting at $249.96 | Must customize package | Starting at $69 | Starting at $269 | Starting at $109.99 |
| Read Review | SimpliSafe Review | Cove Review | Frontpoint Review | ADT Review | abode Review |
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1. SimpliSafe - Best Security Equipment
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $250.96 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
Our SimpliSafe security starts with a base station SimpliSafe started off as a quality home security system for renters, so it was an affordable option from the get-go. SimpliSafe also offers incremental subscription plans with cloud video storage and add-on monitoring features as well as modular packages for different budgets.
>> Compare: SimpliSafe vs. Frontpoint
Did You Know: If you’re looking for more ways to save, SimpliSafe also offers deals and discounts from time to time. Usually, these sales are substantial, especially around Black Friday Cyber Monday.
What We Like
- Modular packages let you pick exactly the devices you need
- Easy DIY installation saves you from professional installation fees
- No-contract professional monitoring; cancel anytime
What We Don’t Like
- Limited smart home capabilities, plus Alexa and Google Home integration requires a subscription
- Increased monitoring rates three times in the last four years
- Limited selection of security cameras
Equipment
SimpliSafe System Motion Sensor Here’s why SimpliSafe earned top scores for homes on a budget:
- Cheap entry point. SimpliSafe’s bare-bones, 4-piece starter package, the Foundation, retails for $250. It includes a motion sensor, door sensor, base station, and keypad controller, which could be enough for apartments.
- Modular set-up. Every SimpliSafe system requires a base station, but after that, you can build your system out à la carte, which is what we did.
- Flexible payment options. With SimpliSafe we had the option to pay upfront or spread out payments over three, 12, or 24 months.
FYI: We ended up paying around $500 for our SimpliSafe equipment, which included some additional motion sensors and two cameras. Compared to the $1,200 bill we saw when we tested our Vivint security system, that was a significant savings.
Subscriptions
Free self-monitoring is always tempting, but we recommend signing up for a SimpliSafe monitoring plan. They range from $21.99 to $79.99 per month. We picked the Core plan ($31.99 per month) so we could test Intruder Intervention.
With Intruder Intervention, the Wireless Indoor Camera’s privacy shutter opens and streams to SimpliSafe’s monitoring center when a sensor detects motion. An agent verifies the alert and speaks to the intruder via the two-way speaker to let them know police are on the way. Here’s a breakdown of the rest of SimpliSafe’s subscription plans and their features.
Features Self-monitoring Standard Core Pro Pro Plus Self-monitoring via app Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 24/7 professional monitoring No Yes Yes Yes Yes Cellular backup No Yes Yes Yes Yes Camera recording Available for $9.99/month No 10 cameras 10 cameras 10 cameras Video verification No No Yes Yes Yes Intruder Intervention No No Yes Yes Yes Active Guard Outdoor Protection No No No Yes; limited hours Yes Price per month $0 $21.99 $31.99 $49.99 $79.99 Pro Tip: SimpliSafe’s advantage over traditional systems like ADT and Vivint is that all monitoring plans are contract-free. That means you can cancel, downgrade, or upgrade anytime, depending on your current budget and needs. This makes it one of the best contract-free security systems we’ve tested.
Considerations
SimpliSafe’s keypad was easy to use, but maybe not worth the $70 price tag SimpliSafe isn’t perfect. It’s missing a few key features like home automation and third-party integration. We’re also not big fans of the keypad you see above. It’s easy to use, but considering SimpliSafe has one of the best security system apps, we never touch it.
While we think SimpliSafe is one of the best security systems for Alexa and Google Assistant, we would like to see the functionality expanded. For example, ADT and Frontpoint let you control smart lights and locks with your voice, which is helpful if you have your hands full.
>> Alternatives: The Best Home Security Systems for Smart Homes
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2. Cove - Best Affordable Monitoring
View Packages Links to Cove
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Systems start at $90 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
Our complete Cove security system with hub, cameras, video doorbell, and more Even when Cove is not running a sale, which is rare, it’s one of the most affordable security systems on the market. What holds it back is the limited equipment range and the awkward integration with Eufy cameras. It’s why we recommend Cove as a great security system for apartments if the building already has cameras.
>> Related: Best Security Cameras for Apartments
What We Like
- Affordable professional monitoring starting at $19.99
- Deals and discounts are available all the time, up to 70 percent off
- No contracts, activation fees, and installation fees
What We Don’t Like
- Limited equipment options and security cameras are from Eufy
- Doesn’t work with smart home devices
- No professional installation option
Equipment
Installing our Cove door sensor in the guest bedroom Cove’s equipment is affordable, but not cheap in quality. Here are a few things we liked about it:
- Easy set-up. Cove makes it easy to build your security system with an online questionnaire that targets your security needs. Installation was quick even by DIY standards.
- Basic equipment. Cove doesn’t try to upsell you on equipment you don’t need. It covers the core components of security systems like motion, entry, and glass break sensors, as well as a few safety-related sensors like smoke and flood detectors. Security cameras are optional.
- Cheap sensors. Cove motion sensors sell for as low as $15 a piece (compare that to SimpliSafe’s $34.99 price tag). This is crucial because you want as many sensors in your home as you can afford.
>> Also: How Door Sensors Work
Subscriptions:
Cove keeps it simple by offering two monitoring plans. Like ADT, if you include cameras with your system, you’ll need the more expensive option. We chose this plan anyway as it features extra perks like lifetime warranty for as long as you stay a customer. Here are both Cove plans side-by-side to compare:
Features Cove Basic Cove+ Camera support Yes Yes Alexa and Google Home voice control Yes Yes Text-based alerts Yes Yes Cellular backup Yes Yes 24/7 alarm monitoring Yes Yes Equipment warranty 1 year Lifetime (as long as you’re subscribed) Price $19.99 per month $29.99 per month Cove security systems now come with a wireless touchscreen keypad for easy control and management FYI: Like ADT, Cove requires the premium plan for video support and cloud storage. If you prefer local storage, Cove’s cameras have a microSD slot. However, cloud storage is generally safer for confidential data like video footage inside your home.
Considerations
Cove is a great home security system if you don’t need cameras. While Eufy is one of the top security camera brands, the devices create a clunky experience when connected to Cove setups. You’ll need to use the Eufy app for anything camera-related and the Cove app for the rest of the system. If you’re in an emergency situation where seconds matter, this process isn’t ideal.
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3. Frontpoint - Best Customer Service
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Starting at $69.00 Monitoring Options Professional only Monthly Monitoring Costs Starting at $14.99 Contract Lengths 1-36 months Installation Options DIY Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home Frontpoint Overview
A look at the Frontpoint yard sign that comes with all Frontpoint packages. Frontpoint isn’t a household name like ADT, but our testing found the equipment and professional monitoring reliable. We like that all the devices arrive pre-configured to make DIY installation as easy as possible. Frontpoint also has excellent customer support, which is a bonus if you’re new to home security systems.
>> Learn More: Frontpoint FAQ
What We Like
- Affordable equipment packages starting at $69
- Offers a self-monitoring option with video storage for $14.99 monthly
- Strong home automation capabilities
What We Don’t Like
- You must call to subscribe to cheaper monitoring plans
- A contract may be required
- Touch screen control panel costs extra
Equipment
Frontpoint is a solid security system overall, especially thanks to these features:
- Bargain basement packages. Frontpoint starter package retails for just $69; a lot lower compared to SimpliSafe’s $250 entry-level package.
- Extremely easy DIY installation. We had the bulk of our Frontpoint system up and running in about a half hour.
- Instant customer support. When we ran into a snag connecting our equipment to our hub, a Frontpoint agent was immediately available by phone to help us out.
Budget Tip: Frontpoint is regularly running sales, discounting equipment bundles and add-on components. We recommend buying all the equipment you need upfront for maximum savings.
Frontpoint Keypad Subscriptions
A basic Frontpoint package without cameras costs a rock-bottom $69 Like our number two pick Cove, Frontpoint equipment requires a professional monitoring plan. Subscriptions range from $14.99 to $49.99 per month, putting Frontpoint on par with some of the more expensive security systems we’ve tested, like Vivint and ADT.
That said, Frontpoint’s more expensive Ultimate Monitoring plan offers full protection, including cellular backup, automated system checks, geofencing features, cloud video storage, and video verification. It’s as expensive but as comprehensive as ADT and Vivint’s top-tier monitoring plans.
>> Compare: Vivint vs. ADT Self Setup
Considerations
We like Frontpoint’s products and monitoring options, but it’s not as easy to customize as SimpliSafe or Cove. We had to call Frontpoint to discuss alternate monitoring options as only the Ultimate Monitoring Plan is available online. The Interactive and Video-Only plans are cheaper, but only available over the phone.
Choosing a cheaper Frontpoint monitoring plan required a phone call -
4. ADT - Best Affordable Financing
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $269 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 Overview
Just having the ADT yard sign outside our house gave us extra peace of mind SimpliSafe, Cove, and Frontpoint are affordable if you want to pay for a security system upfront. ADT’s packages are available in monthly installments of $7.47 per month for 36 months through financing. You’ll still need a professional monitoring plan, but you can save money by installing the equipment yourself with an ADT Self Setup system.
>> Compare: ADT vs. SimpliSafe
FYI: ADT’s starter plan works out to $269. In order to qualify for financing, ADT will need to check your credit.
What We Like
- Wireless equipment designed for either DIY or professional installation
- Security cameras from Google Nest include facial recognition
- Great quality app
What We Don’t Like
- A contract may be required, especially with financed equipment
- Higher monitoring rates if you opt for professional installation
- Lacks a touch screen keypad
Equipment
ADT has taken steps to make their security systems more affordable while keeping these bedrock features that made it great:
- Customization. ADT offers packages, but like SimpliSafe, those packages can be customized to fit your budget.
- Professional installation. ADT is hands-down the best professionally installed security system we’ve tested. The service isn’t too expensive, starting at $100.
- Smart home automations. ADT now partners with Google, so you can add a number of cheaper Google smart devices like a Google Nest Doorbell, one our top video doorbell picks, to your ADT system, and take advantage of lower ADT costs and smart home automations.
FYI: Nest cameras work exclusively with ADT, but only when you subscribe to ADT’s top monitoring plan. That plan also includes Nest Aware which enables facial recognition, 30 days of cloud storage, and activity zones.
>> Also: This Year’s Best Indoor Security Cameras
Subscriptions
We set up our ADT system ourselves this time, but still signed up for professional monitoring All ADT packages require monitoring. Prices start at $24.99 for DIY Self Setup systems with a $34.99 monthly ceiling if your system is professionally installed. That’s more expensive than Cove and SimpliSafe, for sure. That said, ADT’s monitoring services are widely regarded as the best in the industry.
ADT has 12 separate monitoring facilities, so in case of power or server outages, you’re never at risk of monitoring failures. The SMART Monitoring feature (included in all plans) also cuts down on expensive false alarms with instant SMS to confirm or disregard alarms.
Did You Know: If the police are called to your house over a false alarm repeatedly, the fines can be substantial,1 so reducing false alarms is in both your and ADT’s interests.
Considerations
You can avoid long-term financing fees for your ADT equipment by paying upfront. But if the price is beyond your budget, you’ll be looking at a 36-month contract. That commitment can be a tough sell for folks who aren’t in their forever home.
FYI: To soften the blow of their long-term contracts, ADT offers the longest money-back guarantee in the industry at six months.
Our ADT window sensor placed discreetly on our side window -
5. abode - Best for Affordable Smart Home Automation
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $159.99 Monitoring Options Professional and DIY Monitoring Costs Starting at $6.25 per month Contract Lengths Month-to-month or Yearly Installation Options DIY or professional Smart Platform Integration Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit
abode Overview
Our Abode Iota security system included a keypad and door sensor Abode is our final budget home security option and our top pick for budget smart homes. It works well with most voice assistants, like Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit, and you can integrate scores of third-party smart home technologies into your system, including thermostats and lighting. It’s comparable to Vivint, but prices are much, much lower.
What We Like
- Works with hundreds of third-party smart home devices
- Great at automating homes thanks to the CUE feature
- Affordable starter packages
What We Don’t Like
- Confusing hub options
- CUE home automation engine requires a paid plan
- Only one security camera available
Equipment
Similar to the other DIY systems on this list, pre-built Abode packages and custom à la carte systems are available. Here’s where adobe stands out:
- Smart. Abode was designed as a smart hub for its own equipment and for third-party integrations. Unlike ADT’s smart plans, Abode plans don’t require extra video storage or monitoring fees.
- Local video storage. Abode doesn’t lock your video behind an extra monthly subscription. You can livestream via the Abode app.
- Solid design. Usually, designy security products are more expensive, but Abode equipment earns points for both style and affordability.
Subscriptions
Our abode mini door sensor was pretty cheap at $17.99 The biggest single issue with budget security systems is subscriptions. You usually end up paying back in monthly fees what you save in low-priced equipment.
Abode is refreshingly different. Its monitoring plans are reasonable at $6 to $20 per month. The more expensive Pro plan gives you 30 days of cloud storage and cellular backup. And of course, abode also allows self-monitoring just like SimpliSafe. That means you don’t have to pay a dime to use your cameras.
Feature Basic Standard Pro Smart home integrations Yes Yes Yes Customizable notifications No Yes Yes Unlimited users No Yes Yes Days of cloud storage 0 7 30 Timeline access No Yes Yes Home automation features No Yes Yes Cellular backup No No Yes 24/7 professional monitoring No No Yes Access to deals and discounts No No Yes Monthly price $0 $6.99 $24.99 Considerations
The only real downside to Abode is that building a security system isn’t very straightforward. Abode isn’t just one security system; you have to choose from three hubs available, and your choice will decide how comprehensive your system can become.
We recommend the Iota hub package if you’ve got the budget for it. It’s the most expensive, but it also offers the most advanced features. The hub even has a built-in security camera.
>> Compare: abode vs. SimpliSafe
Tips for Keeping Home Security System Costs Low
Buying an affordable security system is one way to keep home security costs low. Here are a few additional tips.
- DIY installations are cheaper than professional ones. Don’t worry if you’re not particularly handy, the best DIY security systems are designed for complete beginners.
- Self-monitoring is cheaper than professional monitoring. Although professionally monitored systems offer more peace of mind, the best self-monitored systems offer better savings.
- Understanding your security needs will save you in the long run. Figuring out exactly what security equipment you need for your house before you commit to a system will cut out unnecessary purchases.
- If you want to avoid big upfront costs, try financing. Many of us don’t have hundreds — or thousands — of dollars on hand to spend on a security system. Some of the more traditional providers offer financing to help out.
- Shop when the deals are good, on Black Friday, for example. We don’t recommend leaving your home unprotected, but if there’s a holiday coming up, you might want to wait to buy your home security system. A lot of companies offer significant savings around Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and on popular sale days like Prime Day.
Do I Really Need a Home Security System?
Property crimes have been dropping steadily over the past few years,2 but in most areas burglaries are still much more common than violent crime.3 While many of us can’t do anything about where we live, we can make our homes less attractive to thieves. In most cases, a decent outdoor camera, alarm, and a motion-activated spotlight is all we need.
>> Related: The Most Dangerous U.S. Cities
Fortunately, acquiring those security basics isn’t out of reach for most budgets. In fact, most average-sized homes can be outfitted with a reasonable security system for around $300 to $600. If this is something you can afford, we recommend purchasing one.
>> Learn More: A Step-by-Step Guide to Burglar-Proofing Your Home
FYI: Some security companies offer free self-monitoring, which means you’ll need to call for help yourself. We recommend budgeting for professional monitoring, which ranges from $10 to $50 per month, based on features.
Other Affordable Ways to Protect Your Home
Property installed home security systems reduce your chances of falling victim to burglary, but that’s not the only security step we recommend taking. To keep thieves away, you should also:
- Install motion-activated lighting
- Keep your yard tidy
- Carry in your trash cans after garbage pick-up
- Pick up mail and packages regularly
- Consider a dog or at least a “beware of dog” sign
- Keep windows and doors locked when you’re out
- Install locks on sheds and garages
- Keep your blinds closed so snoops can’t see inside
In sum, you want your home to be as unappealing as possible to a potential intruder. Most of the time, that just means looking like you’re home.
Methodology
Whenever we recommend security systems to our readers, we make sure they meet the highest standards of quality and service. Here are the criteria we used to to judge our top affordable home security systems:
- Cost: You can outfit the average home with quality security equipment for under $600 with any of these systems, minus subscription fees.
- Features: Cheap security equipment means nothing if it doesn’t work. Our top picks offer top-shelf equipment with the core and optional features you need to protect your home from intruders.
- Installation: The majority of the providers on this list are DIY. We’ve personally installed each of these five systems to guarantee that they are easy to install and don’t require any specialized knowledge or tools.
- Contracts: We know that long-term contracts are tough for tight budgets, which is why most of the providers we’ve chosen offer month-to-month subscriptions.
Recap
Protecting your home from intruders requires an investment, but it’s probably less than you thought. As we’ve seen, with any of our top picks, the security basics cost about $500 for the average home. Here’s a round-up of this year’s most affordable home security systems:
- SimpliSafe. Best all-around pick with flexible packages, hassle-free installation, and a free self-monitoring plan.
- Cove. The cheapest subscriptions we found with budget equipment to match.
- Frontpoint. The cheapest starter packages with excellent customer support, but annoying upselling tactics.
- ADT. DIY installations cut down on cost with 36-month financing for pricier traditional plans.
- Abode. Our top pick for smart homes on a budget.
Affordable Home Security Systems FAQ
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Are there security systems that don’t require subscriptions?
Yes, there are a number of security systems that don’t require subscriptions. SimpliSafe, abode, and Ring all allow self-monitoring.
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What’s the cheapest home security system?
As cliché as it sounds, no two homes have the same security needs. But we can say that with any of the brands on this list you should be able to outfit your home with a first-rate security system for around $500, minus subscriptions fees.
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Do security companies offer discounts?
Yes, security companies offer discounts occasionally. Brands like SimpliSafe, ADT, and Frontpoint sometimes offer special deals on their websites, and many of them offer deals around Black Friday, Cyber Week, and other retail holidays.
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Are budget security systems reliable?
No, not all budget security systems are reliable; for instance, we recommend staying clear of these three shoddy alarms. But our top picks are not only reliable, they’re among the best on the market.
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Do I need professional monitoring for my security system?
No, but if you can afford it, we recommend it. Without monitoring you’ll have to manage security events, like break-ins and intruders on your property, yourself. With monitoring, there’s a direct pipeline between your alarm and first responders.
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Can I install my security system myself?
Yes, all of the brands on this list have DIY options, and most of them are DIY by design.
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Deep Sentinel. (March 7, 2024). False Alarm Fines in Major U.S. Cities.
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FBI. (September 30, 2025). FBI Releases 2024 Quarterly Crime Report and Use-of-Force Data Update.
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Pew Research. (April 24, 2024). What the data says about crime in the U.S.
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/04/24/what-the-data-says-about-crime-in-the-us/
