Monthly fees are the main reason people put off buying a home security system. The good news is that you can build a useful one without a subscription, as long as you know what "no monthly fee" really means and what you give up. This guide explains the options, the trade-offs of monitoring the system yourself and how to build a layered setup that costs nothing each month. It is part of our guide to choosing a home security system.
What "no monthly fee" means
A no-fee system is one you monitor yourself. The sensors and siren work, and your phone gets alerts, but no call center dispatches help for you. If an alarm goes off, you decide whether to call the police. Everything else, such as cellular backup, professional dispatch and cloud video recording, usually needs a paid plan.
Which systems work without paying monthly?
| System | Without a plan | Cheapest paid option |
|---|---|---|
| abode | Free plan with self-monitoring, according to Security.org | Standard self-monitoring at $8.49 a month; Pro professional monitoring at $26.99 |
| SimpliSafe | Usable without a plan, but limited. SafeWise says remote arm/disarm and live camera feeds work after you start with the first month of monitoring | Self-monitoring with camera recordings from $9.99 a month; professional from $22.99 |
| ADT Blu | Not free | Camera-only self-monitoring $9.99; full-system self-monitoring $14.99 (Security.org) |
| Ring Alarm | Limited; you need a Ring Protect plan to complete the system, per Security.org | Check ring.com for current plan prices |
| Cove | Not available. Security.org says every Cove system requires professional monitoring | From $22.99 a month with cellular backup |
Security.org describes abode's free tier as the most practical no-fee choice, but it warns that abode offers fewer cameras than SimpliSafe and that even the Standard plan does not include cellular backup. SimpliSafe is one of the best self-monitored systems, Security.org says, although it still recommends professional monitoring to get SimpliSafe's intruder-deterrent features. Prices are published figures as of October 2026 and change often, so confirm them.
What it saves over three years
Monitoring alone, at published entry-level prices, adds up over a 36-month period:
| Plan | Per month | Over 36 months |
|---|---|---|
| abode free plan | $0 | $0 |
| abode Standard self-monitoring | $8.49 | $305.64 |
| ADT Blu full-system self-monitoring | $14.99 | $539.64 |
| SimpliSafe Standard professional monitoring | $22.99 | $827.64 |
| Brinks Home entry monitoring | $39.99 | $1,439.64 |
Prices come from Security.org, NerdWallet and SafeHome and exclude equipment. For a wider comparison, see home security companies compared.
How to build a no-fee system
- Start with a self-monitored kit. A hub, door and window sensors, a motion sensor and a siren. Cover every ground-floor door and accessible window first.
- Add cameras that record locally. Choose cameras with microSD or recorder storage and no required plan. See our home security cameras guide, local vs cloud storage and video doorbells without a subscription.
- Layer on physical security. Strong locks, reinforced door frames and lighting cost nothing monthly. See door security and security lighting.
- Set up alerts properly. Turn on push notifications, add a backup contact who can check the system and test everything monthly.
The trade-offs of self-monitoring
- You are the dispatcher. If you miss an alert, nobody calls the police for you. Cameras help you verify before you call.
- No cellular backup on some plans. If your internet or power fails, alerts may not reach you. Security.org notes abode's Standard plan has none.
- Features behind a paywall. Cloud recording, smart-home links and professional dispatch often need a plan.
- Insurance. Some insurers discount only monitored systems. Ask before you buy; see home security and home insurance.
When you should pay for monitoring
Pay for professional monitoring if you travel often, live alone or have medical needs. In those cases, someone else responding matters. Our guides for older adults and how professional monitoring works explain what you get. You can also mix: start free, then upgrade for a few months while you travel, if your system allows month-to-month plans.
Ideas for tight budgets and renters
A no-fee system is ideal for renters because it is portable and has no contract; see home security for renters. For more low-cost ideas, read affordable home security solutions and compare brands in best smart home security systems. If you are still deciding between installing it yourself or hiring someone, see DIY vs professional home security.
No-fee checklist
- I chose a system that works without a plan and checked what it limits.
- Cameras record locally and have no required subscription.
- I have a backup contact for alerts.
- Doors, windows and lighting are secure.
- I asked my insurer about discounts for unmonitored systems.
- I test the siren and sensors monthly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have home security without monthly fees?
Yes, with a self-monitored system and cameras that record locally. You give up professional dispatch and may lose some smart features.
Is self-monitoring safe enough?
It can be if you respond quickly to alerts and use cameras to verify them. If you are often unreachable, professional monitoring is safer.
Which system has the best free plan?
Security.org's guide to no-fee systems points to abode, though it has fewer camera options and its Standard plan lacks cellular backup.
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