Smart home security systems are ideal for monitoring your home’s interior and exterior activities, but not everyone requires or can afford a Vivint or ADT professionally monitored system. DIY systems like Ring Alarm Pro and SimpliSafe are great ways to save money, but you can only use the parts that work with the platform. A third option is to construct a customized home security system using the best available components. To help you get started on your DIY home security system, we’ve highlighted the best products for each component below.
Start with a Security Camera Every good DIY home security system has at least one security camera to keep an eye on what’s going on inside and outside your house. A good indoor camera can be had for less than $100, depending on features like face recognition, local storage, and alerts for sound and motion.
Look for a camera that can communicate with plugs, lights, and door locks from third parties and has a resolution of at least 1080p. Choose a camera that supports voice control and/or streams to a compatible smart display if you use Alexa or Google Assistant to control your smart devices. The Eufy Indoor Cam 2K Pan & Tilt P24, one of our favorite inexpensive models, has mechanical pan-and-tilt controls, local and cloud video storage options, motion tracking, and 2K video. Apple HomeKit is also supported by it.
The price of outdoor cameras typically varies more. The 1080p Wyze Cam V3, our Editors’ Choice for the best inexpensive outdoor camera, has a lot of features, like color night vision, intelligent motion detection, voice control, a built-in siren, and local video storage. It can also activate door locks, lighting, and external sirens and integrates with numerous smart devices from third parties. The Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight, on the other end of the price spectrum, offers stunning 2K video, color night vision, a bright light that comes on when motion is detected, and a rechargeable battery that makes it possible to use it wirelessly.
