Best No-Contract Home Security Systems of 2023
Don't want to commit to anything long-term? These security systems don't require yearly contracts.
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Last Updated on Apr 11, 2023
- DIY monitoring lets you avoid contracts altogether
- Real-time smartphone alerts for free
- Get single months of professional monitoring when you need them
- Free, no-contract plans include short-term cloud video storage
- Alexa and Google Home integration even with no contract
- With DIY monitoring, you can purchase a basic security package for just $199
- Choose from DIY or no-contract professional monitoring
- Monitor live video feeds through the Ring app for no cost
- Control up to 100 different smart home products month-to-month
You don’t like contracts? No problem! Contracts are common in home security, but many fine systems work without paperwork. Here we detail the best no-contract home security systems of 2023.
All companies below let you self-monitor a home security system. Also, most offer an optional connection to pro monitoring; they can automatically call for help if your system is breached. No contracts or credit checks are needed.
Testing Process Overview
| Types of systems | Self-monitored |
|---|---|
| Equipment prices | $69-$600 |
| Installation type | DIY and professional |
| Number of systems tested | 35+ |
The Best No-Contract Home Security Systems
- SimpliSafe - Best DIY Installed
- abode - Best Home Automation Features
- Ring Alarm Security Kit - Best Alexa Integration
- Cove - Best Professional Monitoring Service
- Arlo - Best Security Camera System
- Scout Alarm - Most Affordable
Detailed List of the Best No-Contract Home Security Systems
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1. SimpliSafe - Best DIY Installed
An early leader in home contract-free home security, now on its third generation of equipment
SimpliSafe is a top choice for those seeking good quality without a markup. The company builds mostly wireless security equipment, and you can own a starter set for $229 MSRP.
What’s “simple” about SimpliSafe? The equipment is remarkably easy to set up. Also, the no-contract monitoring plans let you sidestep stress. For a while, the equipment was rather basic too, but SimpliSafe is now on its third generation. New SimpliSafe systems let you integrate Google Assistant or Alexa to control a doorbell camera, lights, and other connected equipment.
SimpliSafe’s SimpliCam Many people choose SimpliSafe for totally DIY home security. Going beyond DIY, the best SimpliSafe plan provides 24/7 professional monitoring. For $24.99/month you’ll get security backup from the award-winning COPS network of emergency dispatching centers. This SimpliSafe plan also adds the benefit of home automation with equipment from select brands.
SimpliSafe Home Security Equipment
Most SimpliSafe equipment is wire-free, which lets you accomplish setup without any tools. The only exception is the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro; it connects to your old doorbell’s wiring, and you’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver for installation.
Customers choose from various SimpliSafe starter kits. Prices start at $229 before discounts. Kits are designed for homes of different sizes; the bigger your home, the more sensors you’ll need for basic security. Some kits combine security sensors with environmental sensors (e.g., smoke detectors).
A SimpliSafe Base Station is the heart of each system. This small cylindrical tower plugs into a wall and has 24 hours of battery backup. Its “Heartbeat” feature constantly checks your security system’s integrity, and a soft glowing light lets you know it’s working. Other features of the SimpliSafe Base Station are:
- Voice prompts for set-up
- 85-decibel siren
- Can connect with 41 sensors
- Cellular chip for optional pro monitoring
- Tamper detection
The Base Station works with a wireless keypad for entering your PIN. You can also arm your security system with a key fob, and with paid service, you can call upon a virtual personal assistant: “Hey Google, arm SimpliSafe to HOME.” SimpliSafe’s $24.99/month plan lets you add Google Assistant and Alexa to the system.
As noted above, the base can monitor up to 41 devices. SimpliSafe makes sensors such as:
- Wireless keypads
- Entry sensors
- Glass break sensors
- Indoor motion sensors
- Indoor cameras
- Video doorbells
- Smoke detectors
- Water leak sensors
- Water freeze sensors
Additionally, several brands make smart home equipment that’s compatible with the SimpliSafe Base Station. Product choices include:
- Amazon Echo speakers
- Google Home speakers
- Nest Learning Thermostat
- August Smart Lock Pro
SimpliSafe lets you try any home security system risk-free for 60 days. If you decide to return the equipment, you can get a full refund and free return shipping.
No-Contract Monitoring with SimpliSafe
As you’ll read on our SimpliSafe pricing page, SimpliSafe gives three choices for no-contract home security monitoring:
- Free do-it-yourself (DIY) monitoring with smartphone alerts
- Basic professional monitoring with smartphone alerts, $17.99 per month
- Advanced professional monitoring with smartphone alerts, basic home automation, and video monitoring, $27.99 per month
The free option will work for some, but without professional monitoring, it requires you to respond to alerts yourself. That could spell trouble if you’re busy and unable to respond, as when it comes to break-ins, every second counts.
Paid professional monitoring starts at $17.99 per month, and it’s a good starter option if you want to boost your home security. Backed by COPS’s network of emergency responders, SimpliSafe’s professional monitoring will ensure that you’ll get help when you need it, whether you respond to the alert yourself or not.
Finally, for $27.99 per month, you’ll get professional monitoring plus a few extra features, including cloud storage for security camera footage, basic smart home features, and Alexa and Google Assistant integrations.
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2. abode - Best Home Automation Features
With cutting-edge equipment for home automation and security, Abode is favored by shoppers seeking lots of flexibility with video surveillance and smart home products. An Abode hub can work with Z-Wave, so compared with SimpliSafe you have a wider selection of third-party gadgets to choose from. Without monthly payment, you get a mobile app for system control and can integrate Alexa or Google Assistant. The cheapest starter set is just $199.
With Abode you can choose free DIY monitoring or get pro monitoring without a contract:
- Free DIY monitoring includes a mobile app and short-term video storage. You can extend the storage for $8/month.
- Pro monitoring costs $20 month-to-month. It provides a 24/7 connection to Central Monitoring Center (CMC) in case of an emergency.
Abode Home Security Equipment
Customers choose from two base units: the Gateway base station and the iota tower. These can monitor sensors over Wi-Fi, plus each has a 4G cellular chip. Installation is simple; these plug-in devices require no wall mounting. Each unit can respond to voice commands and also works with a keychain remote control.
- The $199 Gateway hub can support up to 160 sensors, from basic motion sensors (included) to equipment with Z-Wave and Zigbee technologies. Its backup battery can serve for 10 hours.
- The $299 iota tower can likewise support up to 160 sensors and is Z-Wave/Zigbee compatible. Additionally, iota has a built-in motion sensor and night vision camera, so in small apartments, it may be sufficient security on its own. This unit has six hours of backup battery power.
Abode Iota Available directly from Abode are these and other compatible devices:
- Occupancy sensor (Detects motion, light, and temperature)
- Indoor and outdoor sirens to augment the main system alarm
- Smart home power switch to control any appliance remotely
- Smoke detector
- Water leak sensor
- Motion-activated snapshot camera
- Motion-activated video camera
abode Camera All Abode equipment carries a 30-day money-back guarantee.
As mentioned above, you can also wirelessly connect third-party devices that use Zigbee or Z-Wave. (Zigbee lets you create a small personal area network for wireless communication. Z-Wave devices use a specific radio wave frequency to communicate.) Examples of popular Z-Wave gadgets are:
- Smart speakers for interacting with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Smart light switches and dimmers by Philips Hue
- Smart keypad locks by Kwikset and other brands
- Nest thermostats for automated energy efficiency
Your options with Abode are infinite! Thousands of Z-Wave products are on the market, and the Smart Home Power Switch lets you automate and remotely monitor any household appliance.
No Contract Monitoring with Abode
Abode provides the best no-contract security with three main options:
- Free DIY monitoring – Includes full access to the Abode mobile app and can easily integrate Alexa or Google Assistant. Free do-it-yourself service also saves video clips to cloud storage, although just three days per clip. Equipment communicates over your home Wi-Fi network.
- $8/month – Expands cloud video storage to 14 days per clip. This no-contract security deal also adds cellular backup in case your Wi-Fi fails.
- $20/month – Adds cellular backup and professional monitoring. Pro monitoring is also available for shorter and longer terms, no contract required.
You can order expanded cloud storage and/or professional monitoring on-demand with Abode’s mobile app.
In sum, Abode home security can be very low-priced in terms of equipment and optional paid monitoring. However, many customers choose to add gadgets that are more expensive than what you’d get with SimpliSafe.
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3. Ring Alarm Security Kit - Best Alexa Integration
Contract-free home security with the industry’s best Alexa integration Ring Alarm is a leader with smart doorbell cameras and other video surveillance solutions. Their equipment works beautifully with Amazon’s Alexa personal assistant, and a Ring hub can monitor much more than cameras; Z-Wave lights, locks, smart plugs, and other devices are compatible.
Many customers choose Ring for totally DIY home security. No-contract paid monitoring is available too.
Ring home security is best known for its doorbell cameras. Some need to be hardwired. Others are mainly battery powered and can be installed especially quickly. You can use a doorbell camera without a physical hub; the Ring mobile app works as a control center.
Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus Also featured at the Ring website are wireless indoor and outdoor security cameras. Special features are built-in sirens, floodlights, and two-way voice communication.
Ring Home Security Equipment
As mentioned above, a Ring doorbell camera can work independently; no base station is needed. For small apartments with just one feasible entrance, a doorbell camera could be an adequate all-in-one home security system. However, the most robust DIY systems are built around Ring base stations.
A Ring base station works with a wireless keypad. It can monitor a video doorbell, indoor and outdoor Ring cameras, your household lights, motion sensors, smoke alarms, and much more. The Ring website sells base stations in starter sets for homes of different sizes. The smallest set provides home security essentials for $199. Often Ring includes a free gadget, such as a smart light, to help promote its home automation options. (“Alexa, turn on my porch light.”)
Surveillance cameras by Ring are cutting-edge and diverse. You can choose from hardwired and wire-free setups. Some Ring cameras can be solar-powered and have long-lasting rechargeable batteries; they can serve for years without maintenance. Especially powerful against prowlers is the $249 Floodlight Cam with bright LED bulbs, a 110-decibel siren, and two-way voice.
Two-way voice helps make Ring cameras especially useful. This feature, of course, lets you holler at trespassers, but it’s also convenient for non-emergency communication within your household. The Stick Up Cam ($179) is a popular example. It works indoors and out, so with two-way voice family members can easily stay in touch from anywhere on your property. (If needed, a range extender can expand your Wi-Fi coverage.) Pressing a button on the camera or within the mobile app lets a person initiate interaction.
As mentioned above, the Ring Alarm hub can monitor Z-Wave products from other brands. You can connect up to 100 gadgets such as:
- Garage door tilt sensor by EcoLink – After driving away, or before sleeping at night, verify that you remembered to close your garage door
- Smart deadbolt locks by Schlage – Enjoy keyless entry with a convenient keypad and mobile app
- Plug-in smart outlets by GE – Let the Ring app automate your coffee pot, lamps, TV, and other household appliances
Keep in mind that only Ring brand products can be professionally monitored. For instance, you could connect a third-party smoke alarm, but only a Ring smoke alarm can automatically alert the company’s emergency operators.
You can try Ring Alarm equipment with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
No Contract Monitoring with Ring
A Ring doorbell or larger Ring security system can work without paid service; a free app for mobile or desktop can alert you to activity. The app lets you see live video and use the two-way voice function of Ring cameras.
To save the video, you’ll need a no-contract paid plan. Two are for DIY monitoring, and one other adds pro monitoring:
- Protect Basic adds video storage to DIY monitoring. It covers one device for $3 per month or $30 per year without a credit check. Videos are stored for up to 60 days each.
- Protect Plus adds video storage to DIY monitoring, as well, but it covers all Ring cameras and doorbells for $10 per month or $100 per year.
- Protect Pro offers the same video storage as Protect Plus, but coupled with professional monitoring for your Ring Alarm or Ring Alarm Pro for $20 a month or $200 a year.
Again, there is no contract or credit check for Ring Alarm. It’s a top brand for DIY video monitoring, and the hub works well with Alexa and third-party equipment. You can add professional monitoring anytime.
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4. Cove - Best Professional Monitoring Service
Cove is a leader in DIY home security systems, and with affordable, contract-free monitoring, it’s easily the best professionally monitored option for folks who are avoiding long-term contracts. Keep in mind, though, that in exchange for no-contract monitoring, Cove requires its users to buy their equipment upfront (as is the case with most of the systems on this list). But thankfully, Cove offers generous discounts of up to 50-percent if you pay for your system outright.
Cove Home Security Equipment
Cove doesn’t have a long list of sensors and equipment, which is good for those who want to keep things simple.
Every system starts with a touchscreen alarm panel, called the Cove Touch, that retails for $249 but costs only $124.50 with online discounts available as of the time of writing. The alarm panel features touchscreen controls, a loud speaker and siren, 24-hour battery backup, and cellular communication for professional monitoring.
Once you’ve added the Cove Touch, you have three security sensors to choose from: entry sensors, motion sensors, and glass break sensors. You can also add environmental detectors for fire safety and flood prevention. Next, there are cameras. Cove offers an indoor camera, an outdoor camera, and two different doorbell cameras, all of which feature 1080p HD resolution, event recording, and night vision. Lastly, you can add remote keyfobs that double as panic buttons or a dedicated panic or medical alert button to your system.
Save for the cameras and the Cove Touch, all Cove products cost less than $30 each.
No-Contract Monitoring with Cove
So what makes Cove’s no-contract professional monitoring the best? There are a number of reasons. First, it’s affordable. Cove Basic, the most basic service, costs $17.99 a month. Cove Plus, which features home automation and video monitoring, costs $27.99.Furthermore, Cove uses cellular signals to transmit alerts. This is currently the gold standard in professional monitoring, as cellular communication allows for faster and more stable transmission of alerts to the monitoring center. It also has fewer downtimes than typical landline or internet-connected systems.
Finally, Cove utilizes what it calls Triple-Touch Alarm Response. Instead of alerting you through phone calls only, Cove reaches out through three different channels during emergencies. First is through the alarm panel’s two-way audio, then through SMS text messaging, and last, via direct phone call. This type of alarm response ensures that wherever you are and whatever you’re doing, you’ll get the help you or your home needs.
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5. Arlo - Best No Contract Security Camera System
An impressive selection of surveillance cameras for DIY home security Arlo Technologies is a top recommendation for high-tech DIY video surveillance. The company does not partner with a monitoring service. You can self-monitor a single Arlo camera via an app for $2.99/month, and you can save on plans for up to 10 cameras. Base stations start at $49.99.
Cameras by Arlo are cutting-edge. A sampling of special features:
- Color night vision
- Motion-activated spotlight
- Facial recognition (Familiar faces only; available with all cameras)
- Pre-recorded messages for the video doorbell (Works with facial recognition)
- Lullaby mode on the nursery cam
Arlo Home Security Cameras
Arlo cameras, whether indoor or outdoor, are wireless for easy DIY setup. They’re monitored by Arlo hubs and base stations, which connect to your private Wi-Fi router. Here are examples of popular Arlo cameras:
- Arlo HD Baby Monitoring Camera – The Arlo baby monitor records high-resolution video in any light. It has a nightlight with adjustable color, music mode, two-way voice, a cry alert, and other functions. The camera can be outfitted as a bunny or a puppy.
- Arlo Ultra 2: As you can read in our Arlo Ultra review, the Arlo Ultra is a cutting-edge wire-free camera with a 4K resolution, features such as person detection and package detection, and a rugged but sleek-looking exterior capable of withstanding outdoor elements.
- Arlo Pro 4: The Arlo Pro 4, with its 2K resolution, is a notch lower than the Arlo Ultra in terms of video quality, but it has a built-in spotlight that’s perfect for deterring would-be intruders.
- Arlo Go – Arlo Go is a weatherproof and cord-free security camera. It’s equipped with infrared night vision and two-way voice. Black, white, and camouflage-print cameras are for sale.
- Arlo Audio Doorbells – Arlo doorbells can detect motion, send mobile alerts, record audio, and video, and allow live voice communication. Visitors can also leave messages.
Arlo Pro 3 and Arlo HomeBase
No Contract Monitoring with Arlo Cameras
You can self-monitor an Arlo camera with facial recognition for $2.99 per month. Monitor up to 10 cameras and include facial recognition for a total of $9.99/month, or up to 20 cameras for $14.99/month. Videos are stored for 40 days with the cheaper plans, and for 60 days with the $14.99 plan.
Arlo doesn’t partner with a specific monitoring service. Their Z-Wave cameras may be compatible with other brands’ hubs.
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6. Scout Alarm - Most Affordable
Low-priced home security systems with optional contract-free monitoring plans
Scout Alarm sells low-cost security systems with affordable DIY or pro monitoring. Each system is built around a hub equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, a cellular chip, and Z-Wave. The Scout hub also works with Zigbee, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant.
A camera and motion sensor are built into the Scout Alarm hub. You can add external motion sensors, carbon monoxide alarms, and other devices sold by Scout and third parties. A convenient money-saving option is using Scout RFID stickers rather than key fobs or keypads to arm/disarm.
A basic Scout Alarm system sells for $229. DIY monitoring with a mobile app runs $9.99 per month, and pro monitoring costs $19.99 per month without a contract. Emergency dispatching is provided by COPS Monitoring.
Scout Home Security Equipment
The Scout hub is a slim box (about 5” x 5” x 1”) with tamper detection. To blend with your home it’s available in Arctic White and Midnight Black. Features of the hub are:
- 105-decibel alarm
- PIN pad
- Zigbee radio
- Z-Wave radio
- Backup battery (12 hours)
- Status light
Scout sensors can be added wirelessly via a mobile app. A sampling of choices:
- Doorbell video camera
- Door panel with 105-decibel siren
- Key fob to arm/disarm
- RFID stickers to arm/disarm
- Glass break sensor
- Indoor security camera
Scout cameras, including the doorbell camera and indoor camera, are motion activated. They can also live stream video anytime.
Scout Indoor Camera Going beyond the Scout Alarm brand, you can enhance your system with smart locks, lights, thermostats, and more. Automate your home with these and other compatible devices:
- Nest – The Scout mobile app can show activity for Nest indoor cameras and thermostats.
- Z-Wave Locks – Scout works with Kwikset and Yale Z-Wave door locks. These allow you the convenience of keyless entry, and you can track PIN activity with your mobile phone.
- Smart Lights – The Scout hub can monitor and control lights by LIFX and Hue. Use your voice or mobile app to set the scene.
- Smart Thermostats – Stay comfortable and reduce your energy bill. Energy-saving Nest thermostats are compatible with Scout.
Scout security equipment has a 60-day money-back guarantee.
No-Contract Monitoring with Scout Alarm
New Scout Alarm systems work with paid service only. You can choose from two no-contract monitoring plans: Always On and Always On+. Always On allows self-monitoring with text alerts. Always On+ provides professional service from COPS Monitoring, America’s largest UL-certified emergency call company.
- Always On: Always On provides self-monitoring SMS text alerts and mobile push notifications. The service costs $9.99 per month, and you can add cloud storage for $2.99/month per camera. For a discount on monitoring, you can pay $107 for one year all at once.
- Always On+: Always On+ provides professional monitoring, mobile/SMS alerts, and email notifications. It’s the most affordable no-contract monitoring when you prepay for a year, as the total is $215 for 12 months. You can also opt for a $19.99 month-to-month deal. Cloud storage is included for one camera, and storage can be added for additional cameras at $2.99 each per month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the questions people ask us the most about security systems without contracts, fees, and monitoring.
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What is the best home security system without a monthly contract?
The best home security system without a contract is Cove. Cove is a DIY system that lets you build your home security through a combination of security sensors, cameras, environment sensors, and other security and safety devices. It’s affordable, both in terms of monitoring fees and equipment fees, and it provides a solid professional monitoring without the hassle that often comes with monitoring contracts.
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What is the best home security system with no monthly fee?
The best home security system with no monthly fee is SimpliSafe (remember, no monthly fee is different from no-contract security systems). If you want a local alarm system that won’t cost you any more aside from the equipment, SimpliSafe is a great option along with abode, Ring Alarm, Scout, and Arlo.
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What is the best non-monitored security system?
The best non-monitored security system is SimpliSafe. We self-monitored our system for free by checking in on the live footage from our SimpliCam and SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro.
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Can you get ADT without a contract?
You cannot get a traditional system from ADT without a contract. However, if you buy a Blue by ADT or ADT Samsung SmartThings system, you can avoid signing a contact and self-monitor. You can also choose from month-to-month contracts, while the original ADT requires three-year commitments.
Features ADT Blue by ADT Professional monitoring required? Yes No Self-monitoring Yes Yes Monthly cost of professional monitoring $40- $60 $19.99 after free first month Length of contracts 3 years Monthly