🛒 2026 buyer guide

Best DIY home security systems

Compare the best DIY home security systems for Southern California: SimpliSafe, Abode (DIY Home Security), Ring Alarm, Cove, and Frontpoint.

Top DIY picks

Editor's Choice

SimpliSafe review

Best DIY home security with no contract

SimpliSafe is the most popular DIY home security system because it keeps installation simple and gives shoppers flexibility around monitoring. Strong fit for renters, condos, apartments, and homeowners who do not want a hardwired alarm contract.

📦 DIY (optional pro install)📡 Self or 24/7 professional📝 No contract💵 $19.99–$49.99/mo monitoring

Pros

No contract — cancel anytime
DIY install in 30–60 minutes
Optional pro monitoring with police, fire, medical dispatch

Cons

Limited third-party smart-home integration
Cameras are an additional cost

Visit SimpliSafe → Read full review

9.0

★★★★★

AT&T Connected Life review

Best Google Home security bundle (AT&T Connected Life)

AT&T Connected Life combines Google Home / Google Nest smart devices, the AT&T Connected Life app, AT&T connectivity, and professional monitoring powered by Abode. It is worth comparing for households already using AT&T Fiber or AT&T Wireless.

📦 DIY kit with connected app📡 24/7 professional monitoring by Abode📝 No contract on month-to-month plan💵 Bundled with AT&T Fiber

Pros

Pairs Google Home / Google Nest devices with monitoring
Bundles cleanly with AT&T Fiber internet
Pro monitoring is delivered by Abode

Cons

Tied to AT&T service availability
Smaller ecosystem than ADT/Vivint

Visit AT&T Connected Life → Read full review

8.8

★★★★☆

Abode Home Security review

Best DIY home security with smart-home flexibility

Abode is a strong DIY home security option for shoppers who want smart-home flexibility, optional professional monitoring, and to avoid the feel of an old-school alarm contract.

📦 DIY📡 Self or on-demand pro monitoring📝 No contract💵 $0 self / $24.99/mo Pro

Pros

Wide smart-home compatibility (HomeKit, Google, Alexa, Z-Wave, Zigbee)
On-demand 7-day pro monitoring add-on
No contract — month-to-month

Cons

Less brand recognition than ADT/Vivint
Smaller pool of installer support

Visit DIY Home Security → Read full review

8.7

★★★★☆

Ring Alarm review

Best Ring video doorbell + alarm ecosystem

Ring Alarm is strongest for homes that already use Ring video doorbells or cameras. Simple DIY installation, deep camera ecosystem, and well-priced monthly plans.

📦 DIY📡 Self or 24/7 professional📝 No contract💵 $10–$20/mo Ring Protect

Pros

Best-known video doorbell ecosystem
Easy DIY install in under an hour
Affordable Ring Protect monitoring tiers

Cons

Privacy and police-data history concerns
Cellular backup requires the Pro tier

Visit Ring Alarm → Read full review

8.6

★★★★☆

Brinks Home review

Best alternative to ADT for pro monitoring

Brinks Home is a national monitored security provider with traditional alarm packages, smart-home integrations, and 24/7 monitoring options. A solid pro-monitored alternative to ADT.

📦 DIY or professional📡 24/7 professional📝 36 months typical💵 $39–$50/mo

Pros

Established national pro-monitoring brand
Compatible with existing alarm hardware in some homes
Strong sensor lineup and app

Cons

Long-term contracts
Pricing varies based on installer and territory

Visit Brinks Home → Read full review

8.1

★★★★☆

Frontpoint review

Best DIY equipment with full pro monitoring

Frontpoint is a DIY-oriented monitored system that appeals to homeowners who want to install equipment themselves but still keep professional monitoring.

📦 DIY📡 24/7 professional📝 1–3 year monitoring options💵 $49.99/mo

Pros

DIY install with pro monitoring included
Cellular and battery backup standard
Strong reputation in remote-monitoring features

Cons

Equipment costs are higher than SimpliSafe/Cove
Long-term contracts available

Visit Frontpoint → Read full review

7.9

★★★★☆

What to look for

Install type: DIY for renters and movers; professional for whole-home automation.
Contract: month-to-month is safer if you may move; long contracts can lower monthly cost.
Monitoring: 24/7 pro monitoring is required by most insurance discounts.
Equipment: cellular backup, battery backup, and outdoor-rated cameras matter most in Southern California.
Smart home: verify HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa support before committing.

Featured picks

ADT · Vivint · SimpliSafe · AT&T Connected Life · DIY Home Security from Abode.

Cross-reference

For broader review depth, see alarm system reviews, home security reviews, and security systems reviews.

Ready to lock in a Southern California alarm system?

Compare the best home security companies, alarm monitoring providers, and DIY security systems with editorial scoring, pros and cons, pricing, and city-specific notes.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best best diy home security systems?

For 2026, the strongest options are ADT, Vivint, SimpliSafe, AT&T Connected Life, Abode (DIY home security), Ring Alarm, and Xfinity Home, depending on the buying decision below.

Are these picks updated?

Yes — the best diy home security systems list is reviewed and refreshed for 2026 based on equipment, monitoring, app reviews, and Southern California-specific factors.

Where can I cross-check?

Compare independent partners alarm-reviews.net, home-security-reviews.com, and securitysystemsreview.com for additional reviews and rankings.