Everyone wants to keep their home safe but that often comes at a hefty price, sometimes even a monthly price. I have comprised a list of what I think to be the best home security systems without the pesky monthly fees.
What are the best home security systems with no monthly fees? The best home security systems with no monthly fees are SimpliSafe, Abode Security, Wink Lookout, and Canary Security. These four companies provide the most effective and easy to use features at reasonable prices.
After a lot of comparing and searching, these systems are what I have found to be the best home security systems with no monthly fees. If you are interested in what they entail, and why they are so good, keep reading.
| Rank | Name | Price (for basic kit) |
| 1 | SimpliSafe | $229 |
| 2 | Abode | $299 |
| 3 | Wink Lookout | $199 |
| 4 | Canary | $349 |
SimpliSafe Security Systems
SimpliSafe is at the top of my list because it not only protects against intruders, it also helps protect against fires, floods, and CO2 leaks within the home. It does tend to be on the pricier side, but you can get a plan which involves no monthly fees making the one-time price doable.
SimpliSafe is a DIY home security system that has become very popular in recent years being compared to major companies such as Ring and Nest. SimpliSafe offers a variety of packages that fit the needs of almost all consumers. Here is a table of their most popular systems.
| System | Number of Pieces | Price |
| The Foundation | 4 pieces | $229 |
| The Essentials | 6 pieces | $259 |
| The Hearth | 9 pieces | $374 |
| The Knox | 13 pieces | $449 |
| The Haven | 14 pieces | $489 |
The most basic package they have is called “The Foundation” this package is designed for small homes or apartments, and has the basic elements of their security systems and costs $229.96.
“The Foundation” includes the following:
- 1 Base Station (in black or white)
- 1 Keypad (in black or white)
- 1 Entry Sensor
- 1 Motion Sensor
The next higher up package they have is “The Essentials”. This system package contains 2 more pieces than “The Foundation”. It is intended for someone with a slightly larger area and wants a little more protection. This system costs $259.
“The Essential” system includes the following:
- 1 Base Station (in black or white)
- 1 Keypad (in black or white)
- 3 Entry Sensors
- 1 Motion Sensor
Next is “The Hearth” which includes 9 pieces. This is a good package for someone who wants a system with more features. as the specialists at SimpliSafe put it, “Smoke Detection. A handy Key Fob. Plus a 105dB Siren. It’s about as loud as front row at Zeppelin in ’72. Intruders, start running.” It ends up costing $374.
“The Hearth” system includes the following:
- 1 Base Station (in black or white)
- 1 Keypad (in black or white)
- 3 Entry Sensors
- 1 Motion Sensor
- 1 Key Fob
- 1 105dB Siren
- 1 Smoke Detector
Next is “The Knox’ system. This is system is very similar to “The Hearth”, but with extra entry sensors, and an extra motion sensor. This would be a good package for someone who has a larger home and needs a few more sensors than “The Hearth” offers. This system costs $449.
“The Knox” System includes the following:
- 1 Base Station (in black or white)
- 1 Keypad (in black or white)
- 6 Entry Sensors
- 2 Motion Sensors
- 1 Key Fob
- 1 105dB Siren
- 1 Smoke Detector
Lastly is “The Haven”. This is the largest kit with the most features. This kit is perfect for someone who is looking for the total package for protecting their home. This kit involves features that not only protect against intruders but natural dangers as well. This kit runs at $489.
“The Haven” System includes the following:
- 1 Base Station (in black or white)
- 1 Keypad (in black or white)
- 4 Entry Sensors
- 2 Motion Sensors
- 1 Key Fob
- 1 105dB Siren
- 1 Smoke Detector
- 1 Panic Button
- 1 Freeze Sensor
- 1 Water Sensor
If none of these packs fit what you are looking for, they also have a “build your own system” option which allows you to hand pick what goes into your Security System so you are getting exactly what you are looking for.
They also have cameras for purchase that allow you to also have video surveillance on your home.
While they do offer plans in which you pay monthly for them to monitor your home at a fairly reasonable rate, it is not required and this step can be skipped at check out. They also have no contracts so if you do get a membership and decide you don’t need it, you can cancel at any time.
While I believe this is one of the best systems on the market, there are still cons that need to be considered before buying this system:
- If you don’t get a monthly subscription then you won’t be able to access the video recordings.
- It also is not compatible with third party systems or speakers.
Overall this product is rated 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon, and gets great reviews. One reviewer writes:
“The Simplisafe system has been excellent so far. I’ve had it a week, and I love how practical it’s been. Very easy to use, very intuitive, and extremely expandable. The price point is perfect for us, and the fact that we can activate or deactivate it from our phones means we can feel good about it while travelling.”
Jason Thomas
Abode Security Systems
Abode Security System is a less common security system that isn’t as big as some of the other security system companies. This system is underrated as it has no monthly fees, but still gives you great features.
Abode doesn’t offer many security packages as most of it’s products are just sold individually but they do offer two main ones.
| System | Number of Pieces | Price |
| iota All-in-One Security Kit | 3 pieces | $299 |
| Gen 2 Smart Security Kit | 5 pieces | $279 |
The first package it offers is the iota All-In-One Security Kit. This is a beginner kit that offers everything you need to start your basic home security kit.
The iota All-In-One Security Kit includes the following:
- 1 Home Base with a built-in camera
- 1 Mini Door/Window Sensor
- 1 Key Fob
The next package is the Gen 2 Smart Security Kit. This is a package for someone who wants a newer kit with a few more items. Unlike the iota, the Gateway does not have a built in security camera so that would have to be purchased seperatley. But, to make up for the lack of camera it comes with a motion sensor.
The Gen 2 Smart Security Kit includes the following:
- 1 Gateway (home base)
- 1 Mini Door/Window Sensor
- 1 Key Fob
- 1 Motion Sensor
- 1 “secured by Adobe” sticker
Like previously said, there are not many packages because many items are sold separately, but they do have a wide variety of additional equipment for purchase. Here is a list of the majority of the other products for sale.
Doors and Window protection
- Door/Window Sensor $25
- Recessed Door/Window Sensor (Hidden sensor) $36
- Slim Strip Door/Window Sensor (Small enough to fit in the gap of a door or window) $40
- Vibration Glass Break Sensor (Goes on the window to detect an attempted window break) $30
- Acoustic Glass Break Sensor (Listens for the sound of breaking glass to be able to cover a whole room) $49
Cameras and Motion Sensors
- abode Cam $112
- Wide Angle Motion Camera (takes pictures during an alarm) $99
- Motion Sensor $40
Security Accessories
- Keypad (for arming and disarming) $69
- Key Fob (arming and disarming from your key ring) $20
- Water Leak Sensor $49
- Smoke Alarm $45
- Indoor Siren $49
- Outdoor Siren (with flashing strobe lights) $56
- System Status Indicator $27
I have been really impressed by this system. It is a newer system so it is still updating and releasing many of it’s products but, it still has a lot to offer. I like how they make it so customizable with all the different options and features they offer. While they don’t have many packages they still have a lot of products.
There are several different plans which you can choose from, the basic plan does not cost anything, and provides the following features:
- 3-day timeline and media storage
- Unlimited self-monitoring
- Ability to connect up to 160 devices
- Unlimited User Accounts
- The ability to create up to a hundred automations
- Customer Support over email, phone, and website
This is one of the big appeals, as many basic or free plans from the other security systems don’t have the same amount of features or perks as this one does. It also offers 24/7 monitoring of your home for 7 or 3 days for a low price if you were to go out of town and wanted extra survelliance on your home.
Just like before although it is a great system there are still cons, which I have listed below:
- There aren’t many packages to buy which can make it more costly when you have to buy each individual accessory separately.
- The security system has more of a clunky look to it, which many users have complained about.
Overall the starter kit for Abode was rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon. One reviewer writes:
“I have to say I am completely taken back by the quality, and feel 100% confident about my purchase. Every piece of this system is quality built hardware and as soon as you have it in your hands you know you got your moneys worth. … This is not some crappy unsupported and convoluted beta software, you can tell hundreds if not thousands of hours were devoted to this project by those who put the website and application together. I will recommend this alarm system to everyone who is serious about security, those who want to protect investments and their family will feel confident with their purchase.”
Anonymous
Wink Lookout Systems
The first thing that really stood out to me about Wink is that they openly advertised on their front page that there were no required monthly fees. On the other sites, I had to do a lot of digging and researching to finally figure out that there were plans that didn’t require monthly fees, and it got confusing. It seemed almost as if other sites were trying to hide the fact you didn’t have to pay monthly fees for their product to function.
I also really like how you can set Wink apart from the other companies. Their website is easy to use and navigate, and they offer security systems that aren’t like everybody else’s.
Wink has 3 startup kits for protecting your house, each with a different purpose. Some are for protecting your house in ways you wouldn’t normally consider such as protecting against leaks, and being able to control lights.
| System | Number of Pieces | Price |
| Wink Bright | 3 pieces | $129 |
| Wink Lookout | 7 pieces | $199 |
| Wink Leak Protection | 3 pieces | $169 |
The first starter kit is known as the Wink Bright. This kit is for controlling the lights in your house from wherever you are through their app with the included Homesitter and Moonlight services. You can turn lights on and off when you are out of town so it seems as though someone is home through the Homesitter function, or turn the outside lights on when coming home late, so you don’t have to come home in the dark through the Moonlight function.
This a security kit that many other security companies don’t offer, and I find it to be a great kit for someone who isn’t looking for maximum security, just a little more control over their home and safety. It costs $129.
The Wink Bright Starter Kit includes the following:
- Wink Hub 2 and Ethernet Cable
- 2 SYLVANIA Smart A19 Dimmable bulbs
- Homesitter and Moonlight service on the app, to be able to control your lights in two different modes.
Next is the most traditional security system, the Wink Lookout. This is for someone who just wants the basic security features, as opposed to more unique ones. This kit is comparable to the previously mentioned SimpliSafe and Abode kits when it comes to content. It costs $199.
The Wink Lookout Kit includes the following:
- Wink Hub 2
- 2 Door / Window Sensors
- Motion Sensor
- Siren & Chime
- Power Adapter
- Ethernet Cable
Lastly, the Wink Leak Protection Kit. This is one of the kits that stood out to me, because I haven’t seen many kits like this, and it is a very useful one to have. This kit hooks up to your pipes and will shut off water if it detects a malfunction with your appliances.
As Wink says, “This kit features a Dome Water Main Shut-Off Valve and 2 Dome Leak Sensors. Pair them with your Wink Hub to automatically alert you to leaks and shut off your water source to prevent flooding.” This kit normally costs $199 but has been cut down to $169.
The Wink Leak Protection Kit includes the following:
- 2 Dome Leak Sensors
- Dome Water Main Shutoff
Aside from kits Wink also has other products to offer for a more secure home. They work with other large companies such as Ring, Nest, Arlo, and more. This means you can buy products from those companies straight from the Wink website, such as video doorbells and security cameras and they will be compatible with your Wink Hub.
Although Wink has many features that other security companies don’t offer, there are still cons to this company:
- Wink is a company that mainly sells smart home products such as thermostats and light switches, meaning while they have great products, only a few of them are actually related to home security.
This is why Wink is rated number 3 on the list because they just don’t offer as much as other security companies do, even though they have unique security kits.
Overall the basic wink lookout kit was rated 3.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon. One reviewer writes:
“A friend the recommended Wink system so I decided to try out the security kit. I was hesitant to try it given there aren’t many reviews, but so far I’ve been impressed especially given the price. I’d recommend this for anyone who wants basic security with the ability to add more/customize to the system over time”
Rick
Another reviewer writes:
“After reading a lot of reviews on here and elsewhere on the web, I was a little skeptical about Wink. From “it notifies you every time you move no matter what” to “it’s so difficult to connect”. I personally had no trouble whatsoever connecting all of the devices that came in the bundle. I simply plugged the hub into my router, downloaded the app and the siren, door sensors, and motion detector all connected flawlessly. The whole thing was set up in less than 15 minutes. As for the notifications.. I have found the use of “Robots” as Wink calls them to be much more useful than the “Lookout” part of the app. If you go to the “Lookout” tab in the app and click the large bell it will turn all alerts off, then you can create “Robots” to send you notifications or sound the siren etc. whenever certain things happen such as a door sensor is opened or motion is detected. An awesome feature I was not aware of at first was the location services function. Currently I have 5 robots set up and my system is working great.”
Anonymous
Canary Security
Canary is a security company that mainly sells security cameras, as opposed to all the other security gadgets. They are simple, sleek, and come in all kinds of shapes and sizes for every part of your house.
Canary stood out to me, because it provides so many more camera options than the other companies do. Even though it doesn’t have as many gadgets, it’s simple and effective for someone who isn’t looking for all the high tech add ons.
| System | Number of Pieces | Price |
| Canary 2-Pack | 2 pieces | $319 |
| Starter Pack | 2 pieces | $349 |
| Total Home Pack | 3 pieces | $539 |
| Canary Flex 3-Pack | 3 pieces | $569 |
| Outdoor Security Pack | 3 pieces | $389 |
All these packs come with relatively the same pieces just in different quantities or combinations, so I’m going to explain what each piece is before going into what each pack contains.
The first item is the Canary all-in-one security camera, simply known as the “Canary”. This is an HD security camera that shoots in 1080p and has a built-in siren and a built-in air monitor. Which is perfect for someone who wants all the basic security precautions wrapped into one device.
The next item is the Canary Flex. This is a smaller HD security camera. Canary describes it as, “Canary Flex is the amazingly versatile indoor/outdoor weatherproof, HD security camera that works wire-free or plugged in.”
The first pack is the Canary 2-pack. This pack is a pretty basic pack for anyone who wants all the basic security measures wrapped up into one product, for around their home. This pack costs $319.
The Canary 2 pack includes the following products:
- 2 Canary All-in-One HD Security Cameras
The next pack is the Starter Pack. This pack is good for someone who doesn’t need 2 Canary’s but still wants more camera coverage for around their home or yard. This pack costs $349.
The Stater Pack includes the following:
- 1 Canary All-In-One HD Security Camera
- 1 Canary Flex
Next is the Total Home Package. This package is very similar to the Starter Pack except with one more Canary Flex. This pack is good for someone who wants both indoor and outdoor cameras around their home. This pack costs $539.
The Total Home Package includes the following:
- 1 Canary All-In-One HD Security Camera
- 2 Canary Flex
Next is the Canary Flex 3-pack. This pack is perfect for someone who doesn’t want or need the Canary. It provides 3 Canary Flex cameras to place inside or outside your home. They also sell a Canary 2-pack, but because it is exactly the same as this pack, just one less Canary Flex I didn’t feel the need to include it. This pack costs $569.
The Canary 3-Pack includes the following:
- 3 Canary Flex
Last is the Outdoor Security Pack. This is a good pack for someone who doesn’t need indoor security cameras but would prefer to put them outside their home for monitoring. This pack costs $389.
The Outdoor Security Pack contains the following:
- 2 Canary Flex
- 1 Secure Mount
Aside from the packs, Canary also sells accessories to make sure you can get full use out of your Canary Flex and basically put it anywhere. From right by a baby’s crib to hidden in a plant.
The first accessory is the Secure Mount, featured in the Outdoor Security Pack. This is a mount that will stick to virtually any wall or surface. This makes it possible to securely put your Canary Flex just about anywhere.
The next accessory is the Twist Mount. This mount is basically a case for your Canary Flex with a long wire at the bottom that allows you to hang or wrap your canary where you want it. Canary explains it as, “Whether you hang it or wrap it, Twist Mount creates vantage points for your Canary Flex and adjusts to any space.”
Lastly, is the stake mount. This mount allows you to basically plant your Canary Flex in the ground. It is perfect for hiding your Canary Flex in potted house plants, gardens, or even on your lawn.
While you can purchase a monthly membership for this company, you will get by just fine with their basic plan which doesn’t cost anything monthly.
The basic plan includes the following features for up to four devices:
- 24/7 ability to watch your cameras live.
- Motion-activated video clip recordings (up to 30 seconds).
- Video History for up to one day.
- Person detection which will alert you if Canary thinks it sees a person (preventing false alarms for a pet, or a plant).
- Advanced detection which includes automatic arming and disarming, privacy mode, and smart notifications.
- Activity zone masking which filters out activity that should be ignored.
- Directly connect with first responders near your home through the Canary app.
- A device warranty for 1 year.
Just like any other of the companies, Canary also has it’s cons. This is why Canary ranked number four on the list:
- Canary is just cameras, the only exception to that is the Canary which includes a siren and air detector. Other than that the only security option you have is video.
- The cameras are pricey for what you get. They are good quality cameras with useful features, but they are most expensive out of any of the other security packages I have reviewed in this article, and it doesn’t even come with other accessories.
- If you have more than four devices you have to have a membership.
Overall The Canary was rate 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon. One reviewer wrote:
“This product was so simple to set up. It really does come out of the box plug and go. The app set up only took a few minutes but was simple to just follow instructions. Will buy again in future if needed.”
Jenanah2
Another reviewer wrote:
“I like the peace of mind knowing that my home is being watched, while I’m away. It’s a great way to monitor things around the house without having to go back and check on the house.”
Anonymous
Related Questions
What is a DIY security system? A DIY security system is a “do-it-yourself” security system. This means instead of having it professionally installed, you get the pieces of the system you choose, and you set it up according to how you want it. It makes the security system more customizable for the home owner.
Why do security systems have monthly fees? Security systems usually have monthly fees as a charge for monitoring your home, but it differs for each company. Most security companies that don’t require monthly fees will not monitor your home for you.
What is the difference between self-monitoring security systems and security systems that are monitored by the company? Security systems that require self-monitoring are not connected to an alarm company, it will just alert you if something is wron. If the security system is monitored by the company they will call if something is wrong, or alert authorities for you.