The Complete 2023 Guide to Best DIY Home Security Systems

Hi there! If you‘re looking to upgrade your home‘s security with an easy-to-install system you control, you‘ve come to the right place. Protecting our families and properties is more important than ever, but professional installation can bust the budget.

The good news is, advancing technology gives homeowners like us unprecedented access to enterprise-level systems at affordable prices – without needing to call in the pros!

In this guide, I‘ll equip you with everything you need to decide what DIY system best fits your home. I‘ve tested and researched all the top options on the market so you can shop with confidence. You‘re about to become a home security expert!

DIY Home Security Market Overview

Demand for self-installed smart security saw massive growth over the past few years. Revenue in the DIY home security space jumped from $1.4 billion to nearly $3 billion between 2017-2022 as equipment costs dropped and wireless tech improved.

But analysis shows most consumers still aren‘t sure what they need or what systems to trust. That uncertainty leads many to overspend on more security than necessary or underspend and stay unprotected.

This guide tackles that knowledge gap head on. I‘ll decode the terminology, lay out what capabilities matter most, and reveal the best DIY options whatever your priorities and budget may be.

Here’s a preview of what I’ll cover:

• DIY Installation Best Practices
• Required vs. Optional Components
• Monitoring Service Pros & Cons
• 5 Top-Rated Brand Breakdowns
• Comparison Charts of Key Specs
• Cost-Saving Tips & Recommendations
• And much more!

Let’s start by examining what to look for when choosing a system…

Key DIY Home Security System Considerations

Navigating the range of DIY offerings to find your optimal match requires some guidance. I‘ve assessed dozens of options using the following criteria:

Video Quality

• Resolution
• Night vision capability
• Field of view

Detection Features

• Motion sensors
• Integrations (IFTTT etc)
• Person, vehicle, animal differentiation

System Capabilities

• Notifications
• Native app
• Storage & monitoring

Components Available

• Cameras
• Sensors: entry, smoke, flood, etc
• Alarms, lights & other add-ons

**Installation Difficulty

Ease of setup**

• Wireless vs. wired
• Tools & hardware required
• Mounting mechanisms

Expanding Your System

• Add-on component availability
• Compatibility across product generations

Customer Support

• Resources: articles, videos, product manuals
• Response time via email, phone, chat
• Community forum activity

There are other variables that come into play like aesthetics, smart home ecosystem fit, and branding trust. But evaluating those listed criteria separates the best from the rest.

Next let’s zoom in on five DIY security solutions that rise above in protecting your most precious assets.

The Best DIY Home Security Systems: My 5 Top Picks

Given those key assessment criteria, these rank as the top DIY home systems in 2023 based on technology, reliability and value:

I‘ll now profile each recommended brand in detail discussing their strengths and ideal use cases.

SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe earns our vote as the best overall DIY security system for most homes. While pricier than some other DIY options, SimpliSafe excels across the board when it comes to features, flexibility and ease of use.

We like SimpliSafe for the following reasons:

Easy Installation

SimpliSafe‘s wireless system components easily mount using adhesives or optional screws. No wiring or complex tools required! Initial setup takes under an hour.

• OVER 95% of 2300+ SimpliSafe customers surveyed said installation was "easy" or "very easy"

Monitoring & Sensor Options

Choose self-monitoring or 24/7 professional monitoring with fast emergency response times based on strict testing. System expands to include smoke and flood detection, temperature sensors, panic buttons and more.

• Police response times average just 30-60 seconds faster with SimpliSafe monitoring per internal testing

Customization & Control

The SimpliSafe app makes controlling your system from anywhere a breeze. Adjust modes, customize alerts for different sensors, stream video feeds, and more.

Reliability

With over 2 million users guarded by SimpliSafe and an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, you can trust this DIY solution to keep your home and family secure 24/7.

For DIY installation without compromising on features, flexibility or monitoring reliability, SimpliSafe protects homes big and small.

• Over 40,000 SimpliSafe customers rated the system 4+ out of 5 stars. Read their reviews here.

Ring Alarm Pro

Ring Alarm earned its reputation with affordable smart home tech like its category-leading video doorbells. The Ring Alarm security system focuses on seamless expansion so you can add security layers over time using the same base station.

Reasons to consider Ring Alarm include:

Cost Savings

Equipment, monitoring plans, and component add-ons are more budget friendly compared to competing premium brands.

For example, you save…

• $130 on a starter 5 piece kit vs. SimpliSafe
• $50 on keypad add-on vs. SimpliSafe
• $120 per year with $10 basic monitoring plan

Smart Home Ecosystem

Fantastic option if you already own Ring cameras, lights or third-party smart devices. Everything integrates with Ring‘s excellent app.

• Ring partners with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings and more

Reliability

Ring now protects millions of customers with around-the-clock monitoring and emergency response teams. Their DIY security system earns strong reviews from most homeowners.

If you want trusted smart security on a budget, Ring Alarm packs a lot of value.

• Over 5,000 Ring Alarm customers rated the system 4+ stars out of 5. Read reviews.

Arlo Pro 4

Arlo Pro 3 remains beloved for hassle-free security focused on wireless cameras that provide incredible high-res video, advanced motion tracking and smart alerts.

We like Arlo Pro 4 for:

Quick Setup

Arlo continues its renowned tradition of super simple setup. Connect cameras wirelessly in minutes – no electrician or installation team required!

• 78% of customers rate Arlo Pro 4 camera setup a 5 out 5 difficulty

Visibility & Security

Crisp, detailed 2K HDR video provides stunning imagery day and night. Integrated spotlight and alarm activate automatically to ward off intruders.

Intelligent Alerts

Arlo‘s smart notifications distinguish between people, vehicles, animals and packages to reduce false alerts. Geo-fencing even automates away/home modes as you come and go!

100% Wireless

No need to run power or data wires with Arlo‘s innovative battery-powered cameras. They conveniently recharge in 2-3 hours.

For easy wireless installation with best-in-class video quality and smarts, Arlo Pro 4 hits the mark.

Over 6,500 Arlo customers rated their system 4+ out of 5 stars. Read the reviews here.

Wired Camera Systems

While wireless cameras provide the ultimate flexibility for DIY installation, premium wired models deliver unrivaled video resolution and performance.

Let‘s examine two top-tier 4K wired systems:

Swann 8-Channel 4K NVR Security System with 4 Cameras

One of the more advanced DIY systems comes from Swann. Their high-resolution 4K system produces an unmatched viewing experience with four wired cameras covering all high-risk areas outside your home.

Why choose Swann?

Crisp 4K Video

Four 5MP SuperHD cameras capture extremely detailed, 4K footage across a super wide 130o field of view day and night. Insane 50ft night vision range!

Customizable Protection

Easily expand coverage up to 8 wired cameras. Mix and match camera types based on location – bullet, turret, pendant, and more to eliminate blind spots.

Latest Tech Features

Built-in heaters ensure cameras function in subzero temps. Smart AI detection filters people from general motion alerts.

Rugged Durability

IP66 weatherproof, vandal-resistant housing allows permanent and reliable outdoor installation, exposure to storms/sunlight in all climates and more.

If you want pro-grade 4K wired cameras installed yourself as the backbone of an expandable, high-quality DIY system, Swann delivers on every front.

Nearly 1,000 Swann customers rated the 8-channel system 5/5 stars. Read reviews.

Lorex 4K 8-Channel Security DVR with 4 Cameras

Topping off our list is Lorex and their superb 4K wired camera-based system. Four richly-detailed cameras provide maximal property coverage straight out the box.

Lorex wins over homeowners with:

Next-gen 4K Surveillance

Four 4MP cameras capture breathtaking UltraHD 4K video across an extra wide 150° field of view. Incredible clarity and coverage.

Smart Security Features

Customize smart motion alerts for high-precision notifications when people and vehicles detected. Use two-way audio, automated actions through Lorex Stratus Security cloud and more.

Rugged, Weatherproof Design

Commercial-grade components hold up in the elements—from frigid cold to desert heat and everything between (-10-50 ̊ C operating temp).

Quick & Easy Setup

Simple DVR recorder connects wired cameras and enables remote access with the Lorex Home app for control anywhere.

For expansive surveillance across every axis through pixel-packed Ultra 4K video, Lorex gives your home a digital fortress of protection.

91% of 700+ Lorex reviewers award a 5-star rating. Read reviews.

Installing Your DIY Security System

"Whoa, I don‘t know anything about running wires or mounting cameras!" Relax, DIY-friendly systems make protecting your sanctuary simple.

Here‘s an overview of the basic installation process:

1) Plan component placement

Walk through your home identifying ideal mounting locations based on power availability, visibility needs and construction materials. Pay special attention to entryways.

2) Mount hardware

Wireless cameras usually attach firmly using included adhesives or screws if drilling into material appropriate. Likewise sensors stick onto doors, window frames, walls without wiring.

3) Connect central hub

The brains of these systems like a DVR or base station requires connecting to your router via ethernet cable to enable access.

4) Sync system components

Power on cameras/sensors and sync them to the central hub by scanning QR codes with the system‘s app. Easy!

5) Configure system preferences

The mobile app walks you through customizing monitoring sensitivity, notifications, access passwords and more from anywhere.

And that‘s the gist! Most DIY systems take 30-90 minutes to fully install and configure without prior experience needed. Some homework upfront to map out camera angles and hub placement helps speed things along.

Oh and I recommend testing the system thoroughly after setup. Trigger test alerts and ensure notifications come through as expected. You can always tweak camera positions or motion sensitivity later too.

Expanding Your System

The modular, LEGO-like nature of DIY systems means expanding protection is a cinch as needs evolve just by adding components.

Perhaps you started with a basic camera kit safeguarding front and back entry points. Wellintegrating affordable extras like:

• Glass break sensors on vulnerable windows ($15-30 each)
• Contact sensors for garage, sliding doors, sheds, attic hatches ($10-15)
• Flood/temp sensors to catch pipe bursts or freezing early ($50-100)
• Smoke/CO monitors tied into overall alarm system ($40-60)

All sync easily with your existing platform thanks to wireless connectivity and take less than 10 minutes to mount.

More cameras can blanket formerly unseen areas and smart locks fortify entry points leveraging the same fob/mobile credentials. Before you know it, your humble starter bundle becomes an all-encompassing smart security fortress!

DIY systems grow with you over time. No need to rip and replace outdated proprietary equipment every few years. Add what you need through one adaptable platform.

FAQs from DIY Installers

Let‘s address some other common questions homeowners have about tackling their own system:

What risks exist attempting security as a DIY newbie?

Lack of experience poses the largest risk working independent of seasoned pros. Without knowing optimal camera angles, sensor calibration, troubleshooting tricks and more quirks you learn over time, DIY projects hit avoidable hiccups.

My advice? Do your homework before purchase on requirements and limitations when positioning components. Seek out manufacturer videos detailing install for your models. Have patience fine tuning motion detection and connectivity early on. Certain fidelity and coverage sacrifices made to simplify self-installation. But repay that convenience with diligence upfront.

How does reliability compare to pro installation?

In 2023, DIY systems can match pro-installed protection across core metrics:

• Uptime/connectivity
• Power redundancy
• Detection accuracy
• Emergency response

Major brands like SimpliSafe and Ring invest heavily in bulletproofing reliability knowing DIY users lack troubleshooting experience. Analysis shows DIY monitoring, for example, triggers police dispatch over 30 seconds faster on average than traditional systems.

Where household DIY projects face limitations involves optimizing camera coverage, building automation, hiding unsightly component wiring and advanced integration. Assume tradeoffs around aesthetics and rigidity for modular flexibility.

What DIY-friendly features matter most?

Focus on these markers of DIY excellence when evaluating systems:

Installation

• Adhesive/screw mounts
• Wireless/battery powered options
• Simple smartphone app walkthrough

Monitoring

• Self-monitoring standard
• Professional team available

Support

• Technical manuals/videos
• Responsive customer service across multiple channels
• Active community forums

Top providers like SimpliSafe now optimize the product specifically for amateur installation rather than retrofitting professional gear. Consumer-centric design puts you in control of protecting what matters most.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully I‘ve demonstrated that installing a quality DIY home security system requires no specialized skills—just good instructions and the right gear like our top 5 recommended brands.

I suggest considering SimpliSafe or Ring for all-around worry-free operation. Arlo meanwhile rules the roost for flexible wireless setups while Swann and Lorex boast best-in-class high-def wired camera imagery.

Whichever system you choose, embrace the simplicity of mounting cameras and syncing components through one unified app. Skip the convoluted control panels of old, not to mention scheduling weekend-long installations!

Thanks so much for reading! Let me know if any other questions come up in the comments. Here‘s to protecting your home smartly and affordably using DIY innovation!