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 Jun 30, 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
Many top home security systems offer budget-friendly options. The tricky part is knowing how to get the most value for your money without sacrificing security. You may be willing (and have the expertise) to install your security system yourself, for instance, but do you really want to say no to professional monitoring?
With that in mind, let’s take a look at our favorite affordable security systems of the year: SimpliSafe, Cove, Frontpoint, ADT, and abode. These brands will let you build a security system for less than $300 and provide multiple monitoring options for added budget flexibility. Keep reading to find out which is the best option for you.
>> 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 | 9.9/10 | 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
We recommend getting a SimpliSafe monitoring plan to get the most out of your equipment. These plans range from $21.99 to $79.99 per month, and we recommend the mid-tier Core plan ($39.99) to access Intruder Intervention. When any of your sensors detects an intrusion, the Wireless Indoor Camera comes alive and starts streaming to the monitoring center. An agent can then verify the alert and talk down the intruder via two-way voice.
Here’s a breakdown 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 Even our top security picks don’t get everything right. For example, we find SimpliSafe’s keypad (pictured above) unnecessary. It’s easy to use, but we didn’t think it was a good investment at $70, especially when SimpliSafe has one of the best security systems apps we’ve tested. Unfortunately, SimpliSafe still requires it.
SimpliSafe’s home automation features were also limited. While it’s one of the best security systems for Alexa and Google Assistant, it can’t control third-party smart lights and locks like Frontpoint and ADT can. It also doesn’t offer a way to automate homes.
>> 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 Cove requires a monitoring subscription, which really cuts into its affordability. Like SimpliSafe, it doesn’t offer much in the way of smart home integration, either. However, Cove equipment is high quality and a massive bargain. Equipment packages go for less than $100 most of the time, thanks to discounts. If you want a really cheap security system to protect your apartment or home, Cove is worth a look.
>> 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
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Cove requires subscriptions for its security cameras, which isn’t great for budget-minded homes, but they mitigate the cost by not requiring long-term contracts and offering cheap, basic options. Here are Cove’s professional monitoring plans:
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: Cove video cameras require the upper-tier $29.99 subscription if you want to view your video. For comparison, ADT charges $39.99 for video support, which makes Cove the bargain option. Cove’s security cameras also allow local storage on a microSD card, which is another privacy benefit for those looking to secure their confidential data.
Considerations
Cove is a great option if you want solid security equipment on the cheap. If you also want security cameras, however, we don’t recommend it.
Cove security cameras are made by the respectable Eufy brand, but we learned in our testing that the Cove system and the security cameras don’t gel together nicely. You can’t even use the Cove app to watch security camera footage; you’d need the app from Eufy. That’s not the most ideal setup. You’d be better off buying standalone cameras from the top security camera brands.
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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 as high-profile a name as SimpliSafe or ADT, but their equipment is top-shelf and affordable. They also offer excellent customer support, which, in our experience, is not that common in budget-friendly home security system brands.
>> 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.
FYI: When there’s a sale – which is pretty much all the time – the discount applies to Frontpoint’s packages and most add-on components. If you buy a Frontpoint system, get all the equipment you need right off the bat to maximize your 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
Frontpoint is a great security system for anyone on a tight budget, but it bothers us that it requires extra steps before letting users choose less expensive monitoring plans. The Interactive and Video-Only plans are advertised on Frontpoint’s website, but you can’t add them to your cart like you can with the Ultimate plan. A contract may also be required no matter which plan you go with.
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 DIY security systems like SimpliSafe, Cove, and Frontpoint are usually the most affordable options, but traditional providers like ADT have evened out the playing field a bit with financing options. That means a lower cost of entry. For example, ADT packages start at $7.47 per month for 36 months plus monitoring costs. You don’t even have to pay for professional installation anymore, because like our other top picks, ADT now sells DIY equipment.
>> 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: Note that all ADT security systems now work exclusively with Google security cameras, and all plans with cameras require ADT’s top-tier monitoring plan. On the plus side, an ADT Complete subscription includes Nest Aware ($8 per month value), which gives you 30 days of event recording and smart features like facial recognition.
>> 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: Most home security companies require some sort of monthly subscription to get the most out of their system. You should budget around $10 to $30, depending on the features you’re looking for.
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/
