Achieving peace of mind for your home doesn't have to be expensive or difficult.

Traditional home security systems often require long contracts and expensive professional installation, but most smart DIY security systems are affordable and easy to install, giving you the option to pay for a monitoring-only plan when you want.

Ring offers two of the most comprehensive and easy-to-use DIY home security systems we've tested: Ring Alarm Pro and the original Ring Alarm. Both use the same simple app, have multiple add-ons (including more choices for cameras and video doorbells compared to our other picks), and offer the most comprehensive monitoring plan for the least money.

The latest Ring security system has a built-in Wi-Fi 6 router, works with just about any type of add-on you can think of, and offers Internet backup (for a fee), as well as the ability to get up to 24 hours of additional backup -upstream to be added in the event of a failure.

Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, works with Ring

Ring Alarm Pro

The power of Ring Alarm Pro, in addition to all the sensors and accessories it can support (including a wide variety of cameras), is that it includes a built-in Eero Wi-Fi 6 router. That means you can replace your standard router, depending on your service, or create a mesh network to improve the speed of your Wi-Fi for security cameras and other smart home devices throughout the home.

Ring has limited how self-monitoring works for new Ring owners, who will no longer receive smartphone alerts in the event of an emergency and will have to call emergency services themselves (although we don't like the policy change, we don't like it either). really recommend self-control). Still, the Ring Protect Pro plan offers the best bang for your buck when it comes to professional monitoring for $20 per month or $200 per year. With that plan you get 180 days of video storage, mobile backup, and 3GB of 24/7 internet backup with the option for more ($3 per 1GB).

The original Ring Alarm

Our Pick The original Ring system is easy to use and cheap to set up, and has more camera add-ons than any of our other picks.

Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, works with Ring

If you already have a mesh network or don't want one, we recommend the original Ring Alarm. This easy-to-use DIY security system works with the same add-ons as the Ring Alarm Pro, including the Ring Protect Pro monitoring plan for $20 per month. Unlike the Ring Alarm Pro, it doesn't offer internet backup or work with external battery packs, but the base station offers 24 hours of battery backup and the Pro plan includes a cellular connection. Runner-up This SimpliSafe kit is affordable and easy to install and use.

Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, August Smart Locks

SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe is another easy-to-use DIY security system, with add-ons like indoor and outdoor video cameras, a doorbell camera, a smart lock, and smoke and other sensors. The cost for professional 24/7 monitoring is competitive with other DIY systems, although all their kits also offer a self-monitoring option. Unfortunately, aside from smart speakers, the only non-SimpliSafe devices it's compatible with are August locks. Even so, the SimpliSafe setup is still a good choice for anyone who wants a reliable system that is easy to use, works with voice control systems, and offers a good selection of add-ons. great

Abode

Abode also offers more smart-home integration than any other system. other security system we tested, which means you can pair it with smart home devices from different manufacturers. Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Z-Wave, Zigbee. Abode is for the person who wants a security system that integrates with smart lights and thermostats, voice-activated speakers and other smart home devices – and doesn't mind to go through the steps to create that setup. Abode supports both Zigbee and Z-Wave compatible devices, as well as Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant and IFTTT (If This Then That). That kind of support comes at a price: We found Abode starter packs and most accessories to be more expensive than our other picks.