Best Self-Monitored Home Security Systems

Best Self-Monitored Home Security Systems

Scout Alarm

If you’re looking for a security system without the long-term contracts and high monthly costs associated with a professionally monitored system, a self-monitored security system may be right for you. In this article, we discuss the features, pricing, and benefits of the best self-monitored security systems.

Self-monitored security systems are ideal for homeowners who are looking to take full control of their home security. Without the commitment of a professionally monitored system, customers have the freedom to use and monitor their system in a way that best suits their home security needs. Selfmonitored systems are also a great option for those looking to save money, as they typically don’t require a long-term contract or month-to-month expenses.

With so many professional and DIY security systems offering self-monitoring options, choosing the right one can be difficult. Read on for the best self-monitored systems and how you can choose the right system for you and your home.

Abode System Offerings Abode offers home security to its customers through two pre-packaged DIY systems and a buildyour-own system offering. The iota All-In-One and Smart Security bundles come stocked with a 93db

siren, keyfob, and door and window sensors that send notifications directly to the Abode mobile app.

To supplement your system, Abode offers additional security devices, including a glass break sensor, wide angle motion camera, and panic button. Note: all optional devices you purchase are integrated directly with your Abode app, so you can monitor each item remotely.

Abode Monitoring While Abode offers professional monitoring, the system is fully functional as a self-monitored system.

Abode offers two self-monitoring options: a Standard Plan and a Basic Plan.

Standard Plan ($6 per month)—For six dollars per month, customers can self-monitor their system, receive premium customer service, and get access to Abode CUE. Abode CUE is a premium home automation platform that allows you to control your smart home devices through a system of automated scenarios. For example, you can tell Abode CUE to turn your floodlight on only at night and when it detects motion.

Basic Plan (Free)—Though Basic Plan customers don’t get access to Abode CUE, this free plan does allow you to self-monitor your system through your phone or web app. Your Abode system is compatible with any Z-Wave, Zigbee, or Wi-Fi third party device.

Abode Customer Service Abode customers receive phone and online messenger customer service 24 hours a day on the weekdays, and from 5 am until 7 pm PST on weekends. Along with their accessible customer service, Abode offers free returns within 30 days of initial purchase and a one-year warranty on most hardware.

Blue by ADT System Offerings Formerly known as Lifeshield Home Security, Blue by ADT allows customers to build their own security system or choose from three security packages: the 11-Piece System, 15-Piece Camera System, or Blue Doorbell Camera System. All packages come with the following equipment: Base station Entry keypad Door and window sensors Motion sensors Yard sign If you’re looking for packages that include cameras, the 15-Piece Camera System contains an indoor camera while the Blue Doorbell Camera System offers an HD doorbell camera, all controlled and monitored directly from the ADT app.

Blue by ADT Monitoring ADT offers 30 days of professional monitoring for free with each system. After the trial expires, you can continue to self-monitor your system. If you have additional, pre-existing third-party devices, you can integrate them with your new system through Z-Wave, IFTTT, and Wi-Fi capabilities.

With self-monitoring, you can arm and disarm your system, receive custom alerts, and create unique access codes all within the Blue by ADT app or with the help of voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

Blue by ADT Customer Service Though Blue by ADT doesn’t offer 24/7 customer service through the phone, they do support their customers 24/7 through their user-focused Support Center. The Support Center allows customers to manage their account, read about supported devices, and troubleshoot system issues. Blue also provides additional support via their web and app portals.

Scout System Offerings Scout offers some of the most comprehensive pre-packaged home security kits, offering four different packages and the option to customize your own system. The Scout Packs include the Scout Small, Scout Large, Scout Elements, and Scout Architect Pack, each offering home security essentials like a central hub, door panel, motion sensor, access sensor, and key fob.

If you choose to customize your own system, Scout requires you to select a Scout central hub before picking your choice of devices. Here are the devices you can purchase to build your own Scout security system: Door panel Access sensor Motion sensor Scout indoor camera Scout video doorbell Keypad Smoke alarm Water sensor Glass break sensor Door lock Yard sign Panic button Remote control Siren and Zigbee repeater Window sticker Key fob RFID sticker

Scout Monitoring Unlike many self-monitored systems, Scout doesn’t provide a free self-monitoring option, instead charging $9.99 per month for this type of monitoring. Although Scout customers pay for monthly self-monitoring, there are no annual contracts with the company and customers receive 4G cellular backup in case of an internet outage.

With self-monitoring from Scout, you’ll be able to monitor and control your system directly from the Scout mobile app while receiving email, push, SMS, and phone call alerts. With IFTTT and voice assistant compatibility, you can integrate devices from over 175 smart home companies and control your system hands-free with Alexa and Google Assistant.

Scout Customer Service This company offers phone customer service from 9 am until 6 pm CST, seven days a week. In

addition to phone customer service, customers can help themselves to an archive of system information through the online Scout Knowledge Base, which contains user manuals and troubleshooting help guides.

Scout provides customers with generous return and warranty guarantees, offering 60-day free returns and a three-year warranty on hardware. Additionally, Scout adds free shipping on orders of $200 or more.

Ring

Ring System Offerings Ring offers customers who want to self-monitor the choice of three prepackaged kits: a 5-Piece Security Kit, 10-Piece Security Kit, and 14-Piece Security Kit. Ring also allows customers to customize their own kit, selecting from over 20 devices.

Here’s an overview of what each kit has to offer:

Ring Monitoring Ring offers two self-monitoring plans: a Free and Basic Plan.

Free—The Free Plan equips Ring customers with motion-activated notifications, real-time video surveillance, two-way communication, and a lifetime theft protection. While selfmonitoring with this plan, you can control your system directly from the Ring mobile app.

Basic—The Basic Plan costs $3 per month and includes everything in the Free Plan, plus additional 60-day video history, video saving and sharing, and photo snapshots. The Basic Plan is tailored to customers who purchase video camera equipment for their Ring security system.

Both self-monitoring plans allow you to control Ring devices and third-party equipment directly from the Ring application or with the help of a voice assistant.

Ring Customer Service Ring provides customer service through online chat and phone support. Additionally, Ring customers can receive system help through their mobile application, which allows users to contact support, request spare parts, and look through frequently asked questions.

Ring offers a 30-day return policy on its products in addition to a one-year limited warranty.

Vivint System Offerings Vivint Home Security offers five security bundles that include standard equipment like control panels, entry sensors, and motion detectors. To supplement your security system, Vivint offers more advanced equipment like smart locks and doorbell cameras.

Here’s the additional equipment you can add onto any bundle: Door/window sensors Glass break sensors Motion sensors Smart smoke detectors Flood/temperature sensor Carbon monoxide detector Key fob remote Panic button Ping indoor security camera Outdoor security camera Doorbell camera Kwikset smart lock

Vivint Monitoring Once you purchase the Vivint security equipment outright, you’ll be able to self-monitor your system with no monthly contract or cost. Using the Vivint mobile app, you can arm and disarm your system, create custom alerts and notifications, and check the live video feed from your video surveillance equipment.

In addition to the mobile app, you’ll be able to control your system using the included Vivint SkyControl panel or a voice assistant like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

Vivint Customer Service Your Vivint equipment comes with a 120-day warranty that begins after installation. During that 120-day period, all repairs are free. For quick questions, Vivint is available online through their support chat or through the phone at 1-800-216-5232.

How to Buy a Self-Monitored Home Security System Before purchasing a self-monitored home security system, consider the following factors: DIY vs. professional installation—When choosing your self-monitored home security system, consider your installation options and their associated costs. Most self-monitored systems can be self-installed, utilizing wireless devices and adhesive strips to simplify the installation process. Other systems require professional installation and may have a fee attached to the labor.

Special features—Special features include devices that aren’t traditionally included in home security bundles. These are items that go beyond motion detection or base stations, like glass break detectors or an outdoor camera with night vision capabilities.

Affordability—Before purchasing a system, look into how much the system costs and how much you’ll be paying monthly for the system. Additionally, research the company’s warranty and return policy so you know what’s covered and what equipment you’ll be able to return.

Pros and Cons of a Self-Monitored Home Security System With real time alerts sent directly to your mobile device, self-monitoring has never been easier, but there are times when you might not be available to respond to a situation. Compare the pros and cons of a self-monitored home security system below:

Self-Monitored Home Security System FAQs Can you self-monitor with ADT? You must agree to a professionally monitored contract with ADT. After that contract is up, you can choose to drop monthly professional monitoring and self-monitor your system using your existing equipment. If you want to avoid long-term contracts and self-monitor your system, try Blue by ADT, which allows you to self-monitor without lengthy contracts.

Can I use my existing home security system without monitoring?

Most home security systems, like Abode and Scout, allow you to incorporate Z-wave and Zigbee compatible security devices into your new system. Once integrated with your system, these devices can be controlled through your provider’s mobile application.

How much does it cost to self-monitor?

The cost to self-monitor varies with each provider, though most allow self-monitoring at no charge.

Our Conclusion Self-monitored security systems give you full control over your home security. Whether you want to cover a few doors or the whole house, most self-monitored systems allow you to incorporate a variety of devices, including security cameras, motion detectors, and contact sensors.

To help you determine which self-monitored alarm system is right for you, compare the offerings from top providers below.

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