Having a security system in your home has become an increasingly essential addition to the home in recent years. It has also become a more viable option as quality security systems have become more affordable and accessible, meaning there is a system for pretty much any budget and need.
Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Why Having a Self-Monitored Security System is Essential for Homeowners
- Comparing Self-Monitored to Professional Monitoring
- Best Self-Monitoring Security System
- Abode Security Kit
- SimpliSafe
- Ring Alarm 5 Piece Kit
- Wyze Home Security
- LWOSHI
- Rraycom Security System
- IeGeek
- Clouree
- MUBVIEW
- OOSSXX
- Final Thoughts
Even when you know what it is that you want for your security system, there are many options to consider. You could go for professional monitoring or keep it to self-monitoring for a more cost-effective solution that also gives you more control.
In this overview, we will be going over some of the aspects to look out for in a self-monitored system while also showing you some of the best options on the market.
Key Takeaways
- A self-monitored security system can be a great option as it is more cost-effective and also gives you more control over the surveillance and settings.
- Professional monitoring does provide faster response times and more specialized assistance, but it is more expensive and less controlled than self-monitoring.
- We will compare some of the best monitoring systems on the market and see which one would be the best fit for you and your needs.
Why Having a Self-Monitored Security System is Essential for Homeowners
Keeping you and your family safe is a top priority for any homeowner. If thieves break into your house, you not only run the risk of being injured but also of having all of your most prized possessions stolen before you know it. Any homeowner would certainly want to avoid these kinds of scenarios, so having a security system has become pretty much essential.
Luckily, they have become so affordable that doing so has become more accessible than ever, and there are many options. One of the biggest decisions you will have to make when choosing a security system is whether to go for a self-monitored system or one with professional monitoring. We will cover why we think self-monitoring is such a compelling option in just a bit, but it is an option that gives you a lot of control while also being more affordable.
By the end of this overview, you will certainly see why you definitely want to consider one for your home security needs.
For more information on self-monitored systems, we have an overview on the subject that you can check out.
Comparing Self-Monitored to Professional Monitoring
When it comes to security systems, you typically have two major options: self-monitoring and professional monitoring. Self-monitoring is where you will be able to view a feed from your cameras, typically from an app on your phone. You can also respond to alarms and set other features that you can control.
Professional monitoring will usually have some kind of subscription service. How it normally works is that if there is an alarm or a breach, a professional security specialist will be able to view the footage and call the appropriate response teams.
So, if the security specialist sees an intruder they will call the police, if they see a fire they’ll call the fire department, and so on. Of course, both approaches have their merits. Professional monitoring is great because it takes less pressure off of you, and you know that response times will be rapid in an emergency.
However, some people don’t like the idea of a stranger having access to their footage. Also, it will usually incur a fairly hefty subscription fee if you want constant protection.
Self-monitoring, on the other hand, does require more of you, as you will have to view the footage yourself and act accordingly, making response times a bit slower. However, it means you can check the footage whenever you want and don’t have the same privacy concerns.
Additionally, self-monitoring is also a lot cheaper than professional monitoring, so these reasons make it a compelling option if you want more control over the monitoring of your home.
We have also looked at 3 of the best no contract security systems if you want more options to consider.
Best Self-Monitoring Security System
In this next section, we will show off 10 of the best self-monitoring security systems that you can choose from while also comparing some of the different features each has.
Abode Security Kit
The Abode security kit is one of the best we have seen, and there are many top-notch features and options available, making it a great system for most scenarios. We have also compared Abode vs. Simplisafe in the past, so this will give you a better look at both of these options.
Wireless vs Wired
Installing the system is easy and requires no tools or intricate wiring. It also has a battery backup in case there is a power outage, so you will always be covered.
Ease of Installation
The system has been designed to be set up and operating within minutes, making it more accessible for more people.
Smart Home Integration
You can integrate the system directly into Amazon Alexa, Hey Google, and more, meaning it should fit well into your smart home setup with no fuss.
Remote Access Through Apps
The Abode app allows you to monitor the system yourself, giving you more control. If you would prefer professional monitoring, there is an option for 24/7 monitoring for an extra subscription fee.
Motion Detection
The base kit does not come with motion detection, as it includes only the hub, mini door and window sensors, and a key fob. Additional devices can be added if bought separately, however.
Night Vision
There is not a camera included in the base set, but night vision cameras can be added.
Battery Backup
A battery backup is included in case of power outages, and a 4G connection can also maintain internet connectivity. This is also only included as an optional paid extra.
SimpliSafe
The SimpliSafe security system is another compelling option that has some great features and benefits while being easily upgradable as well.
Wireless vs Wired
The base station is wired, but no wiring will need to be installed at all. The various sensors will also require no wiring.
Ease of Installation
This is another easy-to-set-up device that can be set up in minutes. You will merely need to plug in the base station and place the sensors to begin setup.
Smart Home Integration
You can connect the system to Alexa and Google Assistant for easy smart home integration.
Remote Access Through Apps
The SimpliSafe app allows you to control the app remotely no matter where you are.
Motion Detection
Motion detection has a 30 ft radius, and an alarm will be set off if it is triggered.
Night Vision
The base kit does not include cameras, but they can be added if you choose.
Battery Backup
The base features a 24-hour battery backup in case of a power outage.
Ring Alarm 5 Piece Kit
The Ring alarm 5-piece kit includes various devices that can increase the protection of your home, making it perfect for smaller homes or apartments.
Wireless vs Wired
No additional wiring will be needed, making setup as easy and hassle-free as the previous options we have seen so far.
Ease of Installation
This is another system that has been designed with easy setup in mind. Everything you need is in the box, so you won’t need additional tools to include it.
Smart Home Integration
The kit is designed to easily integrate with Alexa, making it very easy if you already have that device set up in your home.
Remote Access Through Apps
You can access the system through the Ring app, and there are other subscriptions you can add for additional protection and features.
Motion Detection
The 5 piece kit does include a motion detector along with other sensors for doors and windows.
Night Vision
Once again, there is no camera option included with this set by default.
Battery Backup
As we have come to expect, a 24-hour battery backup is included as well.
Wyze Home Security
The Wyze Home Security Kit is another impressively comprehensive kit to consider. It is geared more toward professional monitoring, however, so that is worth keeping in mind.
Wireless vs Wired
Once again, no wiring will be required to set up the system, making it nice and easy to get going.
Ease of Installation
This is another easy-to-install system, and no tools will be required. The sensors are easy to install as well, and adding additional ones is a breeze as well.
Smart Home Integration
The system should be compatible with Alexa and some other smart home systems.
Remote Access Through Apps
Monitoring is possible through the Wyze app, but it seems to have been designed with optional professional monitoring in mind. However, Wyze does claim that their fees are below the norm for this kind of service at $9.99 a month.
Motion Detection
The system does include a motion sensor.
Night Vision
Yet again, there is no camera included, but Wyze cameras can be added easily.
Battery Backup
Battery backup for the main station does not seem to be included, so that’s worth keeping in mind if you have frequent power outages.
LWOSHI
The next option, the LWOSHI security system, may not be as well known as some of the other brands we have seen, but it makes up for that with some impressive features and devices.
Wireless vs Wired
This is another system designed to not need complex wiring, so it’s another one that can be set up easily by you.
Ease of Installation
You won’t need professionals to help set up this system, as it is another that has everything you will need in the box.
Smart Home Integration
You can connect the system to Alexa for easy control and monitoring.
Remote Access Through Apps
If the sensors are triggered, you will receive an alert on your smartphone using the free app. There are also no subscription fees you will need to worry about.
Motion Detection
Motion detection is included with the sensors of this system.
Night Vision
Not only are cameras not included with this system, but it appears that they can’t be added as an optional extra, so that’s worth noting if you would like camera support.
Battery Backup
A built-in lithium battery backup is included for power outages.
Rraycom Security System
The options we have seen so far have not included cameras, but this option from Rraycom is the first one that does, so this would be a good option if you want camera features right out of the box.
Wireless vs Wired
You will need to plug in the cameras of this set, but no additional wiring is needed to get them going.
Ease of Installation
This is a bit of a more limited set than some of the others, but this does make it even easier to install, with no tools required.
Smart Home Integration
The cameras can be connected to smart home systems such as Alexa and Hey Google.
Remote Access Through Apps
Remote viewing of the cameras is included with the use of the app.
Motion Detection
The cameras do feature motion detection and will alert you if anything is detected.
Night Vision
This is the first set that includes not only cameras but color night vision without extra devices needed.
Storage
You can access cloud storage for your footage, but cloud storage options are also available.
Battery Backup
The cameras do not appear to have battery backup, which is definitely worth taking note of.
IeGeek
If you would like another camera-focused option, then this camera from IeGeek is definitely one to pay attention to. Let’s see what this camera can do in order to see whether it’s right for you.
Wireless vs Wired
This is the first completely wireless option on the list, as it is powered with a long-lasting rechargeable battery.
Ease of Installation
Because no wiring is needed, this camera is one of the easiest to set up yet on this list.
Smart Home Integration
The camera is compatible with Alexa for easy setup.
Remote Access Through Apps
The IeGeek app allows you to remotely monitor the camera.
Motion Detection
When motion is detected, the camera will immediately start recording and alert you.
Night Vision
The camera features night vision for easy viewing in all lighting conditions.
Storage
You can store footage locally via an additional SD card, or you can pay a subscription for optional cloud storage.
Battery Backup
With normal usage, the high-capacity battery should last for up to 120 days on a single charge.
Clouree
Next up, we are going back to a security system that is more like the first ones we covered with this Clouree security system.
Wireless vs Wired
The system does have some wired components, so some additional wiring may be required.
Ease of Installation
Even though this system is a bit more involved than some we have seen, setup should still be fairly easy with no advanced tools required.
Smart Home Integration
Unfortunately, this system does not seem to be compatible with any major smart home systems.
Remote Access Through Apps
You will be notified of any breaches or motion detected thanks to the free app that you can use with this system.
Motion Detection
The system does include a wired motion detector for additional security.
Night Vision
This is another system that does not include cameras as a default, but Clouree does have a few camera options that can be purchased separately.
Storage
There are no storage options with this particular setup.
Battery Backup
There is a backup battery life of 6-8 hours in case of a power outage.
MUBVIEW
If you’re looking to have more of an outdoor setup, then this MUBVIEW camera could be the one for you. This is also an option that doesn’t rely on Wifi if you have a more remote area that you would like to monitor.
Wireless vs Wired
This is a completely wireless option with a high-capacity battery, making it another easy-to-install option.
Ease of Installation
Installing this camera is very easy to do and should require only basic tools and know-how.
Smart Home Integration
This camera does not have smart home features.
Remote Access Through Apps
Using the free MUBVIEW app, you will be able to view the footage and manage alerts yourself.
Motion Detection
Motion detection is included, and the camera will start recording whenever it detects any motion.
Night Vision
The camera does feature night vision capabilities.
Storage
You can use an optional SD card for local storage.
Battery Backup
The camera can last for up to 9 months on a single charge, and it also has an included solar panel. This should ensure that you never have to worry about the camera’s power supply.
OOSSXX
The final product we have to look at is another comprehensive camera setup, this time from OOSSXX.
Wireless vs Wired
The cameras will need outlets to be plugged into, but no additional wiring should be required.
Ease of Installation
Seeing as no complex wiring is needed, the system should be easy to set up and get going.
Smart Home Integration
This setup does not support smart home integration, unfortunately.
Remote Access Through Apps
There is a free app that you can use to view footage at any time.
Motion Detection
Motion detection recording is included with this camera.
Night Vision
The cameras do have night vision capability.
Storage
The hub comes included with 1TB of storage for local footage storing.
Battery Backup
There does not seem to be any battery backup with this system.
Final Thoughts
We hope that this overview has given you a few options to choose from if you would like to increase the security of your home. We tried to find a few different approaches to home security that included everything from motion sensors to camera setups.
Remember that most of these setups can also be customized with additional devices to better suit your needs. No matter what you choose, we’re sure that you will be able to sleep easy knowing that you and your family are a lot safer with a great security system watching over you!
