Asus rog flow x13 with xg mobile review almost famous play asus rog flow x13 with xgody asus rog flow x13 with xgen asus rog flow x13 2022 asus rog strix asus rog laptop asus rog phone 6 asus rog zephyrus

Asus ROG Flow X13 with XG Mobile review: Almost the best of both worlds

Asus ROG Flow X13 with XG Mobile review: Almost the best of both worlds

Many people like their work laptops tiny and light and their gaming laptops screamingly fast and crammed with the latest technology. Sadly, the laws of physics conspire to keep us from getting both in a single device, but Asus gives it a shot with the combination of its ROG Flow X13, a 13-inch, 2.9-pound two-in-one laptop, and the XG Mobile, a compact external-GPU-plus-dock combo device. The power pairing of the new eight-core AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS processor in the laptop and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 mobile GPU in the external module combine to deliver a multifaceted, fast system that's imperfect, but still much more than the sum of its parts.

It's not the first time we've seen a laptop-plus-eGPU combo as a workaround to the tradeoff between power and size, but unlike Lenovo's thin-and-light lightweight gaming laptop with an external graphics processor, you can still get in some decent gameplay without the eGPU, because the X13 doesn't ditch the discrete graphics. Its GeForce GTX 1650 isn't a very powerful GPU, but it's enough to handle basic gaming and modest photo editing.

In addition to the RTX 3080 in the XG Mobile, the unit has its own 280-watt power supply that can drive the laptop, four USB-A ports, DisplayPort and HDMI connections, an Ethernet jack and an SD card slot. Because it uses the mobile Nvidia part, the XG Mobile is relatively small: 55 by 208 by 29 millimeters, and 2.2 pounds (1 kg).

The XG Mobile has both full-size HDMI and DisplayPort connections, an Ethernet jack, four USB-A ports and a UHS-II SD card slot.

Lori Grunin/CNET

It has a proprietary architecture for connecting the laptop and XG Mobile, with a single cable that combines USB-C for the hub and power delivery and an eight-lane dedicated connection to the PCI bus. Alienware's Graphics Amplifier also uses a proprietary connector, but it only has a four-lane bus. When not attached to the XG, the USB-C half of the connector works as... a USB-C port. 

Asus offers two configurations of the X13: one equipped with the 5900HS and a 120Hz, 1,920x1,200-pixel display, or a 5980HS-based "Supernova" edition with a 3,840x2,400, 60Hz screen. The Supernova only comes in a bundle with the XG Mobile for $3,300, while you can buy the standard-version bundle for $2,800 or the X13 and XG separately for $1,500 each. I tested the standard pairing. (The two products are not widely available outside the US, though we've seen UK resellers sell the Flow X13 for £1,500 alone or in a bundle with the XG Mobile for £2,900. That converts to about AU$2,700 and AU$5,200.)

Asus ROG Flow X13 with XG Mobile

Price as reviewed	$2,800
Display	13.4-inch 1,920x1,200-pixel IPS touchscreen display 120Hz
PC CPU	3.3GHz AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS
PC Memory	16GB LPDDR4x SDRAM 4,266MHz
Graphics	4GB Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q; 16GB GeForce RTX 3080 mobile in XG Mobile
Storage	1TB SSD; SD card slot in XG Mobile
Ports	2x USB-C, 1x USB-A 3.2, 1x HDMI 2.0b; 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 4x USB-A 3.2 in XG Mobile
Networking	Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.2; RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet jack on XG Mobile
Operating system	Microsoft Windows 10 Home (2004)
Weight	2.2 pounds (998 grams)

The Ryzen 9 5900HS processor turned in AMD's usual stellar multicore performance, as well as excellent single-core performance, narrowing the gap significantly with Intel. (The Ryzen 9 5980HS model should blow past it entirely.) I tested in Performance mode, which balances all the relevant variables -- noise, heat and so on -- but beyond that there's a noisy Turbo mode and you can overclock the chip as well. 

So if you're willing to play with the settings a bit, you can eke even more speed out of the processor. With the XG Mobile connected it performs slightly better, and the RTX 3080 mobile GPU is fast enough for you to get your 1440p gaming jollies without breaking a sweat, and it can hit 4K with some compromises. The combination of the CPU and GPU also turns the X13 into an eminently portable creative powerhouse. Because the GPU doesn't compete with the rest of the heat-generating components in the laptop, I expect it will continue to perform at the top of the mobile class, even compared with bigger 17-inch laptops.

Before you plonk down your hard-earned bucks, however, note that Asus will be refreshing the X13 with new Nvidia discrete graphics that will likely deliver even better performance. And the downside of Asus' trade paperback-sized XG is the inability to upgrade the GPU as you can with a typical eGPU.

By design

I have no problem with the proprietary connection for the XG Mobile. Thunderbolt wouldn't have worked for an eGPU for a variety of reasons. For one, it throttles the connection between the GPU and the main system, and splits the bandwidth among the other connections. That means it couldn't power the hub without taking a hit. Plus, when the eGPU is connected, the system disables the integrated GPU so it can allocate the power savings to the eGPU. But there's an even more notable reason: AMD doesn't support Thunderbolt.

While the USB-C ports support external displays, there just aren't enough of them, which Thunderbolt would have the bandwidth for. There isn't even a passthrough USB-C on the XG Mobile. 

Both the X13 and XG have pleasant physical designs, textured to let you have a firmer grip on them when carried. In fact, I only have one complaint about them: The nonremovable cable on the XG is a bad combination of very stiff and very short, which seriously limits your flexibility for placing them relative to each other. If you're using the kickstand to sit the XG upright, jostling the laptop knocks it over, and flipping the laptop into any of the tablet modes without detaching it is awkward.

Detaching and connecting the XG to the X13 is also a little more annoying than I'd like, which might escalate to frustrating if you want to frequently connect and disconnect. To connect it, you plug it in and slide a lock button, but you have to wait for the system to pop up a dialog for you to enable it, then wait some more while it thinks. Occasionally the dialog doesn't pop up, so you have to go searching to find and run the utility manually. If you detach it without going through the utility, the next time you boot without the XG connected the laptop throws up dire warnings about potential instability (which admittedly didn't seem to pose any problems).

In other ways, the X13 is a run-of-the-mill small two-in-one. The keyboard is far more oriented to work than play -- it has good travel and a bouncy feel that makes it comfortable to type on -- but the ability to rotate the display around with the keyboard in back makes it better suited to use with an external gaming keyboard than a clamshell. 

The display is... fine. A 120Hz refresh rate is a perk when you don't plan to connect to an external gaming monitor, but the screen is dimmer than you see these days on premium laptops, making it a meh choice if you work outdoors at a cafe or park. Battery life ran almost seven hours on our tests, which is good but not outstanding. You can extend that if you dial back the settings, but you really shouldn't have to. And if you do, you may take a noticeable performance hit, depending upon what you're doing.

I love the idea of the ROG Flow X13 and XG Mobile, but the execution could use a little refinement given the price. It's not overly expensive for what you're getting, but I'd rather not have to futz around as much to make it work optimally. If you're willing to put in the effort, though, it's a welcome way to balance a travel-friendly work laptop with one that can tackle your heavyweight gaming.

Geekbench 5 (multicore)

Razer Book 13 (late 2020)

Razer Blade Pro 17 (early 2020)

Asus ProArt StudioBook One

Asus ROG Flow X13 with XG Mobile

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14

Note:

Longer bars indicate better performance

Cinebench R20 CPU (multicore)

Razer Book 13 (late 2020)

Razer Blade Pro 17 (early 2020)

Asus ProArt StudioBook One

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14

Asus ROG Flow X13 with XG Mobile

Note:

Longer bars indicate better performance

Cinebench R20 CPU (single core)

Razer Blade Pro 17 (early 2020)

Asus ProArt StudioBook One

Asus ROG Flow X13 with XG Mobile

Razer Book 13 (late 2020)

Note:

Longer bars indicate better performance

Shadow of the Tomb Raider gaming test

Asus ProArt StudioBook One

Razer Blade Pro 17 (early 2020)

Asus ROG Flow X13 with XG Mobile

Note:

Longer bars indicate better performance (FPS)

3DMark Fire Strike Ultra

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14

Razer Blade Pro 17 (early 2020)

Asus ProArt StudioBook One

Asus ROG Flow X13 with XG Mobile

Note:

Longer bars indicate better performance

3DMark Port Royal (RTX)

Razer Blade Pro 17 (early 2020)

Asus ROG Flow X13 with XG Mobile

Asus ProArt StudioBook One

Note:

Longer bars indicate better performance

SpecViewPerf 13 SolidWorks (4K)

Razer Blade Pro 17 (early 2020)

Asus ROG Flow X13 with XG Mobile

Asus ProArt StudioBook One

Note:

Longer bars indicate better performance (in minutes)

System configurations

Asus ProArt StudioBook One	Microsoft Windows 10 Pro (1909); 2.6GHz Intel Core i9-9980HK; 64GB DDR4 SDRAM 2,666MHz; 24GB Nvidia Quadro RTX 6000 with Max-Q Design; 1TB SSD
Asus ROG Flow X13 with XG Mobile	Microsoft Windows 10 Home (2004); 3.3GHz AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS; 6GB DDR4 SDRAM 4,266MHz; 4GB Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 (16GB GeForce RTX 3080 mobile in XG Mobile)
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (GA401IV)	Microsoft WIndows 10 Home (1909); 3.0GHz AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS; 16GB DDR4 SDRAM 3,200MHz, 6GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 with Max-Q Design, 1TB SSD
Razer Blade Pro 17 (early 2020)	Microsoft Windows 10 Home (1909); 2.3GHz Intel Core i7-10875H; 16GB DDR4 SDRAM 3,233MHz; 8GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super Max-Q; 1TB SSD
Razer Book 13 (late 2020)	Microsoft Windows 10 Home (64-bit); 2.8GHz Intel Core i7-1165G7; 16GB DDR4 SDRAM 4,267MHz; 128MB Intel Iris Xe graphics; 256GB SSD

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UPS, Amazon delivery drones a step closer to reality with new US rules

UPS, Amazon delivery drones a step closer to reality with new US rules

Someday soon, you may not be waiting for packages delivered by a truck -- instead, they'll come overhead, via drone. But they might look a little different from what you've seen before. The Federal Aviation Administration announced new rules Monday for what it calls "unmanned aircraft" that weigh more than 0.55 pound (or 0.25 kilogram) to operate around people. 

Among the new rules, the FAA said drones will need to broadcast their identification through a new system called Remote ID, which will help the government track both the drones and their base "control" stations. Those operating at night will also need to have anti-collision lights, and drones must have no "exposed rotating parts" (like the flight blades) that could cut human skin. And people who manage the drones will need to have a drone pilot's license with them whenever operating the aircraft.

"The new rules make way for the further integration of drones into our airspace by addressing safety and security concerns," said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson, in a statement. "They get us closer to the day when we will more routinely see drone operations such as the delivery of packages."

The rules announced Monday are the latest in a series of steps to solidify regulations around drone deliveries and flights around the US. Both Amazon and UPS have been testing drone deliveries, indicating the technology isn't far off.

"The framework is a critical step in allowing more complex UAS operations, with a focus on safety and security," UPS said in a statement, referring to unmanned aircraft systems. The company added that the FAA's moves "will advance the integration of drones into the National Airspace System."

Various parts of the US government have expressed concern about how drones could be misused, a concern heightened by a series of incidents in 2018 in which drones caused Gatwick Airport in London to shut down.

It'll be more than two years before the new rules go into effect, but civilian drones offered for sale in the US must be equipped with ID broadcast technology in 18 months, according to the FAA release. Existing drones will also need to be retrofitted with a beacon system, and all drones will need to comply with these rules in the next couple years.

Amazon didn't responded to requests for comment.

See also: Best drones for 2020

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Oppo unveils 5g phone 48 megapixel camera phone with 10x15 oppo unveils 5g phone 48 megapixel camera phone with 10x travel oppo unveils 5g phone 48 megapixel camera phone with 10x16 oppo unveils 5g phone 48 megapixel result oppo unveils 5g phone 480 oppo unveils 5g phone deals oppo unveils 5g phone service oppo 5g cpe t1a oppo unveils meaning oppo unveils aero oppo unveils viper

Oppo unveils 5G phone, 48-megapixel camera phone with 10x lossless zoom

Oppo unveils 5G phone, 48-megapixel camera phone with 10x lossless zoom

Oppo has officially become the next Android brand to announce a 5G phone for 2019. At an MWC 2019 press conference, Oppo said its first 5G device will use Qualcomm's Snapdragon 855 chipset and X50 modem to latch onto 5G networks. Four carrier networks -- Swisscom, Australia's Telstra and Optus, and Singtel in Singapore -- will sell the unnamed 5G Oppo phone first, launching in Q2 2019, a quarter that spans April through June. It'll come to China Mobile this summer.

The phone-maker announced last December that it had built a 5G prototype phone based on the Oppo Find X.

5G is widely seen as a turning point in the mobile phone industry. The next-generation network technology promises to make phones between 10 and 100 times faster than 4G speeds, and to connect to the internet in 1 millisecond. Carrier and phone makers are scrambling to ready their devices, hoping that being a first-mover will give their brand the advantage.

Oppo also took the opportunity to announce another unnamed device for later in 2019, which will use three cameras (wide, ultrawide and telephoto lenses) to take photos with 10x lossless zoom. That means your photos will retain much more detail and crispness even when you zoom in at extreme levels. Lossless photography is most prized when you're taking shots from afar, say of a deer in the woods, a statue on top of a domed building or a performer on stage.

The future Oppo phone will have three cameras -- wide, ultrawide angle and telephoto lenses, to reach a total range of 16-160 mm. It'll also use a 6.76 mm-thick camera module, which makes room for a larger sensor that can let in more light and improve overall image quality.

Oppo may not be as well known in the US, but its sister company, OnePlus, is. Its portfolio includes high-end devices with features that frequently show up on OnePlus phones. Oppo's Find X from 2018 grabbed headlines for its unusual camera design, which mechanically rises from the phone body to allow for an all-screen design without the need for a notch. Deep, rich colors with eye-catching gradients are another recent Oppo hallmark. The brand operates in over 40 global markets and has designs on breaking into the US.

At MWC 2019, Oppo announced plans to launch its first 5G phone.

Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

Published Feb 3 at 6:01 a.m. PT
Update: 7:23 a.m. PT with details about the 5G phone's China Mobile launch.

Update: Feb. 24, 5:33 a.m. PT with new headline.

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​Snapchat's emoji pins are crazy fun. Here's how to use them

​Snapchat's emoji pins are crazy fun. Here's how to use them

Snapchat sensed you might be getting bored with swapping faces, so you can now stick emojis on moving objects in your Snapchat videos instead.

You've always been able to add emojis to your photo or video snaps, but now those emojis can move along with whatever face -- or thing -- you tie it to.

The end result makes something like this possible:

Fun, right? As you can see with the taco emojis (below), the emoji pins don't have to cover the selected object -- they can move around it too.

How to use Snapchat's emoji pin feature

To pin an emoji in Snapchat, record a video, ideally one that focuses on a moving object. It could be someone dancing or a dog running around (see above). Once you're happy with the video, tap the emoji icon at the top of the preview screen and select the one you want to use.

Twitter user @NoPattern used the new feature to fill his world with emoji tacos.

Twitter user @NoPattern.

I suggest re-sizing the emoji at this point. Once you pin it, it's harder to re-size it without having to re-pin. Next, long press on the emoji until the video pauses. Drag the emoji to the item you want it to follow. Snapchat will reload the video, and the emoji should follow along.

In testing, it's taken me a few tries to get Snapchat's tracking feature to work properly. I captured another video which started with my dog further away, but Snapchat couldn't track him until he got much closer. The new feature is easiest to use on videos that feature objects moving closer to the camera.

While you're learning new Snapchat features, read about the five hidden features that every Snapchat user needs to try.

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Reading to Fall Asleep Changed My Life. Here's Why You Should Try It

Reading to Fall Asleep Changed My Life. Here's Why You Should Try It

Most nights, my boyfriend finds me sprawled across the bed, the light on and a book still in my sleeping hand. It's a regular occurrence in my house. Each night, after I brush my teeth and finish my skincare routine, I crawl into bed with a book. Within a few minutes, tension evaporates from my shoulders and I feel my body relax. Then I'm out. 

Reading at night is my secret weapon for getting a good night's sleep. If my sage personal advice isn't enough to convince you, here are some real reasons you should be reading to fall asleep at night. 

Why reading can help you fall asleep at night 

It's relaxing and distracting 

Why do we read in the first place? For many, it's to engross ourselves in another world and forget any stress or anxiety we're carrying. That's why I do it. Reading at night helps me redirect negative thoughts and enjoy what I'm doing at the moment. 

There's no worrying about work, bills or impending family visits when you're deep in a good book. Stress and anxiety can make falling asleep harder and cause fragmented sleep cycles. Reading offers a way to redirect your thoughts. Studies have shown that reading for half an hour provides a comparable amount of stress relief to watching TV or doing yoga. 

It helps you stay asleep for longer

For some, getting to sleep isn't the trouble -- it's staying asleep. Reading is a way to work your brain without physical activity. This means that instead of working yourself into being tired, you naturally relax and get sleepy without effort. Some research has shown that reading for a short time before bed can help you stay asleep longer throughout the night. A different 2021 online survey of over 900 participants found that of the 496 participants who read to fall asleep at night, 42% reported that their sleep quality improved.

It's good for your brain

OK, this one isn't exactly sleep-related, but it's worth mentioning. Reading is good for your brain. Reading is a more complex task for the brain than scrolling through your phone or watching TV. So by reading at night, not only are you relaxing, but you're strengthening the connections in your brain and potentially preventing age-related cognitive decline. Reading has also been tied to more empathy and better concentration. 

It will become a habit

Integrating reading into your nighttime routine will signal your body that it's time to sleep. Once it's a habit, you'll find your eyelids getting heavy shortly after you've snuggled up in bed with a good book. Sometimes, I can fall asleep before I even get through a chapter because it's a defined part of my nighttime routine. 

How not to read to fall asleep

As with everything, there is a right and wrong way to do things. Make sure you avoid these pitfalls when reading to fall asleep. 

Don't read for too long

Admittedly, there are a few caveats I have to mention about reading to fall asleep. Depending on where you are in your book, you can accidentally read too long and eat into the time you should be asleep. We've all been there. To solve this, I like to set a chapter limit that I can't cross -- no matter if things are starting to get good. Another tip to ensure that reading doesn't impact your ability to sleep is to steer clear of books that will cause a significant emotional response. 

Don't read on your phone

You should avoid reading on screens that give off blue light. Blue light interrupts the body's natural melatonin production. Melatonin is the hormone that helps our body regulate the circadian rhythm or sleep/wake cycle. When the sun is up, melatonin production is blocked to keep us from getting tired. As the sun sets, melatonin is released and we get tired. Blue light throws off this process, making it harder to get quality sleep.  

Reading can't be the only thing you do

As much as I hate to admit it, reading isn't a magical cure-all for poor sleep hygiene. It can't replace everything that goes into sleeping; it's merely a supplement. You should watch your caffeine intake in the afternoon, avoid spicy or heavy meals before bed and always prioritize sleeping -- no matter how good the book is. 

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

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Wonder Woman 1984: Gal Gadot reveals first look at costume

Wonder Woman 1984: Gal Gadot reveals first look at costume

Wonder Woman's back, and she's getting down with the 1980s styles of her sequel's setting. Early Saturday, star Gal Gadot tweeted out a first look at the actress in costume from the upcoming sequel, Wonder Woman 1984, on Saturday. 

Fans were more than a little excited: By afternoon, the photo had been retweeted 50,000 times, and liked more than 200,000 times.

While there was nothing shockingly different in Wonder Woman's look, the costume did seem stupendously shiny, and Gadot's hair a bit curlier than in the original 2017 film. Curling irons were pretty popular in 1984, after all.

It's been a wonder-ous week for fans of the Amazon. Director Patty Jenkins revealed a spoiler-riffic photo of a certain character strolling through a very 1980s shopping mall, and Gadot herself shared a photo of Wonder Woman standing in front of a bank of 1980s TV screens. Jenkins also confirmed the title as Wonder Woman 1984, and thus narrowed down the totally righteous setting.

Start polishing the invisible jet, Wonder Woman 1984 is expected to hit theaters in 2019.

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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	1 base station, 1 keypad, 1 motion sensor, 3 entry sensors	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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