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ADT's LifeShield adds a video doorbell to its DIY security lineup
ADT's LifeShield adds a video doorbell to its DIY security lineup
LifeShield today added a new device to its DIY home security lineup -- the HD Video Doorbell.
The new doorbell has the following key features:
1080p HD resolution
170-degree viewing angle
30-day video storage
Professional monitoring
Two-way audio
Motion-detection zones
People detection
Compatible with Alexa and IFTTT
ADT acquired LifeShield in February 2019. LifeShield, a DIY home security company, continues to operate independently from professional firm ADT with its offering of DIY security devices and accessories. The hardware ranges from a central hub to motion sensors, door-and-window sensors, security cameras -- and the new HD Video Doorbell.
LifeShield is similar to DIY security company SimpliSafe. Both offer a wide variety of home security accessories, similar to a professional security firms, but without the contracts.
The doorbell is available as part of a home security kit with a LifeShield hub, a keypad, two door-and-window sensors and one motion sensor for $345. It's also available for $200 as an add-on to an existing system.
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ADT's LifeShield adds a video doorbell to its DIY security lineup
ADT's LifeShield adds a video doorbell to its DIY security lineup
LifeShield today added a new device to its DIY home security lineup -- the HD Video Doorbell.
The new doorbell has the following key features:
1080p HD resolution
170-degree viewing angle
30-day video storage
Professional monitoring
Two-way audio
Motion-detection zones
People detection
Compatible with Alexa and IFTTT
ADT acquired LifeShield in February 2019. LifeShield, a DIY home security company, continues to operate independently from professional firm ADT with its offering of DIY security devices and accessories. The hardware ranges from a central hub to motion sensors, door-and-window sensors, security cameras -- and the new HD Video Doorbell.
LifeShield is similar to DIY security company SimpliSafe. Both offer a wide variety of home security accessories, similar to a professional security firms, but without the contracts.
The doorbell is available as part of a home security kit with a LifeShield hub, a keypad, two door-and-window sensors and one motion sensor for $345. It's also available for $200 as an add-on to an existing system.
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Best DIY Home Security Systems for 2022
Best DIY Home Security Systems for 2022
Professional home security systems from companies like ADT and Vivint are great, but a DIY home security system offers some benefits as well. The main advantage is that they're far more affordable than a professional setup. There are no costly upfront fees or multiyear contracts. Some of the best DIY home security system options on the market only cost a few hundred dollars and are easy to install yourself. Plus, they don't come with any hidden fees.
We've tested some of the most popular DIY home security options available and rounded up our picks below of the best, including our top pick, the Ring Alarm Pro.
Want to find out if DIY is right for you? Read our DIY versus professionally installed home security systems comparison here .
Best DIY home security systems
Hobie Crase/CNET
The Ring Alarm Pro system has shaken the DIY home security market, wrapping a Wi-Fi 6 Eero router into its base device. That means you get all the basic security you'd expect from, say, SimpliSafe or Abode, but you'll also get access to all sorts of extra features, including cellular-powered backup Wi-Fi in case of power outages, network security monitoring, local processing and storage for all of your Ring devices and integration with Alexa's Guard Plus service (provided you have an Echo speaker or display).
Ring still has a troubling history when it comes to its privacy practices and policies, but the Ring Alarm Pro is undeniably one of the smartest DIY home security systems I've ever tested, and it's surprisingly well priced in a crowded market. The base system with four entry sensors, one motion detector, one Z-Wave extender and a keypad costs $300, and you can add other devices a la carte for reasonable prices.
Read our Ring Alarm Pro review.
Chris Monroe/CNET
SimpliSafe was one of the first DIY home security system options to hit the market and is a reasonable alternative to ADT and other professional alarm company firms. That's due in large part to this home security system's affordable cost and wide variety of accessories. You can usually find its starter kit for around $200.
SimpliSafe's impressive array of accessories such as key fob, additional motion sensors, smoke detector, glass break sensor, siren and solid performance for the price make it our favorite DIY home security system -- if basic security is all you're after.
Read our SimpliSafe Home Security System (2018) review.
David Priest/CNET
Wyze Home Monitoring is a standout due to its affordable cost. The base kit includes two door/window sensors, a motion detector, a keypad, and a base station with a built-in siren -- all for around $100 (an increase from the original $50 price tag). Add $10 per month for professional monitoring, or just sign up for a year of professional monitoring ($60) and get the starter kit half-off. From there, you can add cameras for around $30, sensors for under $10 and a slew of other gadgets for ridiculously cheap prices. The only real drawback: Wyze doesn't have cellular backup in case of power or internet outages.
Other DIY home security systems we've tested
The above systems weren't the only DIY options we tested. We've also tried out Abode Iota, Cove, Lorex, Frontpoint, Kangaroo and Ring Alarm. Iota was a great security system, but it wasn't able to match Simplisafe's prices. Frontpoint, meanwhile, offers great hardware at competitive prices, but its monthly $45 monitoring fees are too much. Cove simply struggled to distinguish itself in any significant way.
Budget-friendly options Kangaroo and Ring Alarm couldn't quite knock out Wyze. Kangaroo nearly matches Wyze's price, but its hardware -- especially its janky doorbell cam -- leaves something to be desired. Meanwhile, Ring Alarm, though a great deal all around, is part of a company with a troubling history when it comes to police partnerships. While Ring Alarm is neck-and-neck with Wyze, Wyze comes out on top simply because it's not carrying all the baggage that Ring is.
Finally, Lorex offers a local network of connected cameras -- but it doesn't offer the integration that smarter systems do for the same price.
Still have questions? Check out this comprehensive guide to all things home security.
How we test home security systems
Hands-on testing is core to our evaluations of any home security products. In short, when it comes to home security systems, we pay special attention to the user experience, the promised features, reliability and overall value -- along with a few other elements. We do the testing in a real home environment over the course of at least a full week. If you want to read more about our review process, check out our in-depth article on how we test home security systems and services.
DIY Home Security Systems Compared
Our Picks
Ring Alarm Pro
SimpliSafe (8-piece set)
Wyze Home Monitoring
System Price
$300
$245
$100
Monitoring Price
$20/month
$15/month
$10/month
Starter Equipment
Eero Wi-Fi 6 mesh router, door/window sensors, motion detectors, a keypad, a siren and optional professional monitoring subscriptions
v3 camera, two door/window sensors, a motion detector, a keypad and the Sense Hub
Contract Required?
No
No
No
Setup
DIY installation
DIY installation
DIY installation
Extra Features
Cellular-powered backup Wi-Fi, network security monitoring, local processing, storage for all of your Ring devices and integration with Alexa's Guard Plus service
Customizable system, built-in Wi-Fi and cellular, integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
Customizable system, integration with many third-party devices, integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
Review Score
9
8.5
8.4
DIY home security system FAQs
How do I choose the best DIY home security system?
There are a few considerations to take into account when choosing the right DIY home security system.
Obviously, cost -- both upfront for equipment and potential ongoing subscription fees for monitoring or storage -- is one of the main factors when choosing a home security setup. Some systems, like the Wyze Home Monitoring System featured above, are available for less than $100. Others can set you back $200 to $300 or more, and the price could inflate even higher with each sensor, camera or alarm you add. Adding another layer of complication to the equation: Many of these systems see significant discounts throughout the year.
Speaking of adding devices, be sure to factor in the number of areas, such as doors and windows, you'll want to place a camera or sensor when choosing a DIY security kit. Some DIY security systems may come with a base and one or two sensors while others, like the Ring Alarm Pro, come with four sensors, a motion sensor and a range extender.
Higher-priced DIY security systems are likely to come with more devices, plus lots of useful features and compatibility with other smart home devices, which is something else you'll want to consider when choosing a DIY home security system. The Ring Alarm Pro, our top pick for DIY security systems, features cellular-powered backup, local processing and storage for Ring devices along with easy integration with Alexa Guard Plus service.
Finally, you'll want to consider local-versus-subscription storage and monitoring options. A DIY Ring system, for example, could offer a number of monitoring and data storage options for an added monthly cost that are not available with other devices. On the other hand, if you'd rather monitor your home security system and handle data storage yourself, many devices allow you to do so at no extra cost.
Is it better to have professional home security service over a DIY version?
A DIY home security system certainly has its advantages, like lower pricing and simple self-installation, but professional security has its perks. While DIY systems are typically easy to install and set up, you won't have to worry about any of that when a professional system is installed by an experienced technician.
Professional systems are generally more expensive than DIY, but may come with lower upfront costs. It's possible to get free or discounted equipment and free installation with a professional system, but keep in mind that you may also have to sign a one- or two-year contract.
Signing a contract is unfortunate, but the level of monitoring, support and warranties may be worth it. While DIY systems often come with warranties, monitoring options and technical support on their own, professional services are likely going to deliver a more hassle-free experience -- if you're willing to pay for it.
How much do DIY home security systems cost?
A DIY security system can cost $60 to $400 or more depending on the brand and model you buy and where you purchase it. The Wyze home monitoring system is a great value at $80, for example. On the other end of the spectrum, SimpliSafe's 10-piece DIY home security system is available for $281 on their website -- and those prices can go much higher if you opt for all the bells and whistles the service offers.
Like with any addition or upgrade to your home, you'll want to evaluate the costs, and what you get for the money, when choosing a DIY security system for your home. It's easy for the cost of a DIY system to add up, but keep in mind that choosing a cheaper system that doesn't meet your needs may not be worth your while either.
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Best Home Security Systems for Renters in 2022
Best Home Security Systems for Renters in 2022
Home security systems can give you peace of mind, but if you're renting a home or apartment installing these might not be possible. A professionally installed system -- and some DIY systems with more invasive installations -- might not be feasible given owner or landlord restrictions. If you don't want to drill into walls, fiddle with doorbell wiring or pay to install a permanent system in an apartment you're renting, there are plenty of home security systems for you.
To put together our list of the best home security systems for renters, we tested every major security system on the market, from professionally installed systems to DIY ones. In general, the professional systems don't make much sense for renters because they tend to rely on permanent fixtures and sometimes come with contracts that last longer than a lease. The better picks for home security systems in a rental property are going to be cheaper DIY products. Here are the best systems for the job.
Read more:7 Home Security Tips for Apartment Dwellers
Wyze
Wyze's home security system is ridiculously cheap -- even after the price bumps many of its products saw in early 2021. The company's home monitoring system costs $80 and comes with two door/window sensors, a motion detector, a keypad and a base station with a built-in siren -- plenty of devices for an apartment. You can also get a year of professional monitoring for $60. That'll give you a 50% discount on the system (which rounds out the price at $100).
In short, Wyze's is a solid system with a really appealing price tag -- and it's cheaply and easily scalable for a variety of apartment or home sizes (adding a camera, for instance, will set you back as little as $30). The big drawback? It doesn't have cellular backup, which means if the power or internet go down, you lose the professional monitoring and remote alerts. The system will still work locally, though, so if someone breaks in while the power is down, the siren is still going to sound.
Read our review.
Chris Monroe/CNET
Ring has a ton of baggage, but its 5-piece home security system is a solid midrange DIY security option for renters. It comes with a door/window sensor, a motion sensor, a keypad, a range extender and a base station. While it's not as good as its Ring Alarm Pro system, many renters don't need a new router -- let alone a mesh Wi-Fi system.
What I like most about this Ring Alarm for renters, though, is that it works with the Ring Peephole Cam, which is one of the only video doorbells that works with those peepholes you often find in apartment buildings. Like Wyze, Ring unfortunately doesn't have cell backup.
Read our review.
Chris Monroe/CNET
SimpliSafe is our favorite DIY home security system for renters for several reasons: it's reliable, well-priced and has no significant weaknesses (that's right, you have cell backup here, unlike the two systems above). That said, SimpliSafe does have one shortcoming for renters in particular: its video doorbell is wired-only. For many renters without doorbell wiring (or without permission to fiddle with it), that takes the video doorbell off the table.
If you're not worried about the video doorbell, though, SimpliSafe offers fantastic packages at prices that, while slightly higher than the systems above, beat out direct competitors like Abode. Packages start at $244, but you can regularly find them on sale on the SimpliSafe website for significantly less -- at the time of writing, for instance, the base package only costs $171.
Read our review.
Security Systems for Renters Compared
Our Picks
Wyze Home Monitoring
Ring Alarm (5-piece)
SimpliSafe (8-piece)
Price
$100
$160
$179
24/7 Professional Monitoring Fees
$10
$20
$17.99
System Hardware
2 door/window sensors, 1 motion detector, 1 keypad, 1 base station with built-in siren
1 door/window sensor, 1 motion sensor, 1 keypad, 1 range extender, 1 base station
24/7 professional monitoring, remote alerts, false alarm prevention, no long-term contracts, Alexa and smart home integration
Mobile notifications and remote alerts, integrates with Alexa and other Ring products
Cell backup, 24/7 professional monitoring service, customizable system, Alexa and Google Assistant integrations, 24-hour battery
Review Score
8.4
7.5
8.5
How we test home security systems
For each system we test, we install it ourselves just as you would at home, or we have an installer come set it up in the case of professional systems like ADT and Comcast Xfinity. Once it's installed, we spend at least a week testing the system and all the device-by-device features. Our ranking puts a priority on value, but also takes into strong consideration the quality of hardware, service and general user experience -- including how easy it was to set up and the frequency of false alarms. For more robust information on any of the recommended security systems above, please read the full reviews.
If you want to read more about our review process, check out our in-depth article on how we test home security systems and services.
Home security for renters FAQs
Can you install a security system in a rental?
You can add a home security system to your rented apartment or home, but a DIY, noninvasive system (one that does not require drilling into walls or doors, or rewiring a doorbell, for example) will often be your best bet. What's more, professionally installed security services may come with a contract that extends past the length of your lease, further complicating your next move.
Before purchasing a system or signing up for a service, check your lease agreement to make sure any major changes, like the installation of a home security system, are allowed in your apartment or home.
Should I put a security camera in my apartment?
An exterior camera, unless reserved to private spaces like your back patio, is generally not recommended for apartments because it will routinely capture footage of people in public spaces. Additionally, many lease agreements do not allow for the exterior installation of devices such as cameras or satellite dishes.
On the other hand, there are many reasons why you may want to add a security camera or two inside. Smart home cameras are great ways to monitor kids from another room or pets when you're out of the house. As for security, a camera may capture images or video of intruders and send you an alert. Furthermore, the presence of a security camera is often enough to deter a potential burglar, so consider placing a camera somewhere it can be easily seen by others.
How can I secure my apartment?
Installing a home security system that monitors entryways and the interior of your apartment is one of the best ways to secure your dwelling, but there are other measures you can take. It's a good idea to keep any valuables out of sight, especially from windows (where someone may see them from the outside).
The buddy system can be a free but invaluable way to enhance your apartment's security: Make friends with your neighbors, communicate suspicious activity and ask them to keep an eye on your property while you keep an eye on theirs.
You may also want to consider renter's insurance to minimize losses in the event of a burglary or other security breach. To learn more about home security for apartments, check out these home security tips for apartments.
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Wyze Home Monitoring kit review: The best budget security system
Wyze Home Monitoring kit review: The best budget security system
Wyze is well known in the smart home industry for one thing: pushing prices lower than they've ever been. At a time when Wi-Fi-connected cameras were regularly over $100, Wyze launched a $20 smart cam. While video doorbells are still almost all over $100, Wyze launched (a slightly less successful) $30 doorbell cam. And earlier this year, Wyze entered the home security game with a $5-per-month professional monitoring.
Those prices are ridiculously low (I'll show you exactly how ridiculously low later), but the question is, how does the technology perform? I installed the system and tried out the monitoring, and it was surprisingly solid -- with one or two notable exceptions. If you're wanting the sleek, hassle-free, integrated smart security experience of a professionally installed system, Wyze isn't it. But if you're looking for reliable home monitoring for a third of your monthly Netflix subscription cost alone? You can't beat Wyze. And that's why we've given this incredibly budget-friendly security setup an Editors' Choice Award for 2021.
David Priest/CNET
How cheap is it really
Home security systems have a reputation for exploitative contracts and expensive monitoring subscriptions. While many companies are improving these -- particularly by adding more transparency and removing contracts altogether -- prices are still fairly high, especially for professionally installed systems.
To compare, Vivint and ADT charge $500-$600 for their base systems, which include a handful of sensors and a touchscreen hub. Comcast Xfinity's base system is $350. Among DIY systems like Simplisafe and Ring, starter kits start at around $200 (give or take; sales are common) and include sensors, a keypad and a bridge.
Wyze's system costs $50. Yes, fifty bucks. And it comes with one more door/window sensor than Simplisafe's and Ring's base kits (Ring does include a Wi-Fi range extender that Wyze doesn't). In addition, you can add a 3-pack of door/window sensors for $20, a motion detector for $8 and a variety of Wyze cams for as little as $24. Again, those prices are pretty unbeatable.
OK, but what about monitoring? Surely Wyze can't beat competitors on everything, price-wise.
Au contraire, reader. Wyze's professional monitoring fee is $5 per month, compared to Simplisafe's $15 per month and Ring's $10 per month base plans. The professional systems from ADT ($39 per month), Vivint ($30 per month) and Xfinity ($30 per month) are even higher -- and you often have to pay significantly more for home automation features and cloud storage for cameras.
Like many DIY home security kits, Wyze's setup includes a keypad -- along with two door/window sensors, a motion detector and the base station with built-in siren.
David Priest/CNET
Wyze includes all of its smart home features at no extra charge, and charges only $2 per month per camera for comparable cloud storage. What's more, at the time of this review's writing, if you pay for a year of professional monitoring ($60), you get the starter kit for free and free cloud storage for one camera for a year.
How affordable is Wyze's Home Monitoring kit? As I said before, ridiculously affordable.
OK, but is it good?
The Wyze Home Monitoring security kit includes a hub with a built-in siren, two door/window sensors, a keypad and a motion detector. Setting it all up took me about twenty minutes, and went about as smoothly as most DIY security setups go these days. It wasn't quite as easy as, say, Abode Iota's setup -- Abode's devices come paired already -- but it was relatively painless.
The door/window sensors worked as they do in every system, accurately indicating when an entry point was closed or open. The motion sensor never missed me walking through a room -- even when I was over thirty feet away -- but also wasn't over-sensitive. It didn't report tree branches waving outside nearby windows, for instance.
The keypad is small, but feels well-made. All of the devices are battery-powered and should last about 18 months before needing those batteries replaced, according to Wyze. The batteries are AA and AAA, which makes those replacements relatively convenient.
The Wyze app itself is also super simple to understand and navigate. One problem, though: If you want to use the Wyze app for home monitoring and smart home integration, you'll need to use only Wyze devices -- its connected bulbs, cameras, plugs, locks and so on. Granted, we've liked many of these devices, but it's a more restrictive experience than what you might get with, say, Ring Alarm, where you can integrate some third-party gadgets from Yale, Kwikset and Leviton.
Door/window sensors can be hugely helpful gadgets for automating your house -- just use them to trigger your lights when you walk out onto the back porch, or any number of other tricks.
David Priest/CNET
To integrate Wyze's security system with other smart home devices, you'll need to use other integration platforms, like IFTTT (an app that specializes in connecting smart home devices from different developers). For some people, this won't be a problem at all -- Wyze is a DIY home security system, after all, so taking the time to set up triggers between Wyze's door/window sensors and, say, your Philips Hue lightbulbs may not bother you.
In fact, integrations with IFTTT can give you a ton of flexibility and freedom that you don't get (or don't get cheap) with higher-end home security systems. For instance, IFTTT can trigger connected devices like lights when a smart cam detects motion (and this can be accomplished using only Wyze devices). That level of depth isn't possible even on our favorite professional security system, Comcast Xfinity.
In addition, Wyze works well with both Google Assistant and Alexa. You can call up live camera feeds on Nest and Echo smart displays, and control your Wyze smart locks with a four-digit PIN. As of now, however, you can't arm or disarm your security system with a voice command and PIN.
The biggest drawback of Wyze Home Monitoring is the lack of cell backup. If your Wi-Fi goes down, the system will still detect breaches and set off the local alarm, but it won't contact the monitoring service. Most professional and DIY alternatives offer cell backup (occasionally for a small price bump), so this feels like Wyze's one big deficit compared to the competition.
Even if the power goes out, Wyze's sensors can still communicate with the base station and set off your siren in case of emergency.
David Priest/CNET
That said, as long as there isn't a power outage, monitoring seems to work well (and even if there is, Wyze still at least has battery backup to maintain the local security measures).
I tested Wyze's armed modes (home and away), but I didn't go through the process of triggering a real warning. According to the company, if you do so, you'll get a text message within five seconds, a phone call within thirty seconds, and authorities will be notified within a minute -- allowing you time to stop a false alarm, but also not wasting much time in case of a real emergency.
The best budget security system?
Wyze has jackhammered through the subfloor beneath another smart home gadget with the Home Monitoring system. It's cheap, effective and… well, did I mention cheap?
Of course, that $50 price tag and $5 monitoring fee mean Wyze can't compete with everything the pricier competitors offer, and cell backup is the most notable cut feature. But no cell backup is better than no professional monitoring -- so if you're between a fully self-monitored system and Wyze's $5-per-month system, Wyze will give you the much better value.
