It is safe to say that cost is a barrier to some people considering electronic home security. The same is true for just about every type of consumer product. If prices are too high, people will not invest. It’s human nature. But there are ways to get your foot in the door and still maintain a reasonable budget.
The average cost of a home security system right now is about $600. You could spend as little as $45 on a single video camera, but one camera hardly constitutes a system. You could also invest in a fully integrated home automation and security system to the tune of thousands of dollars. But what if your budget lies somewhere in the $200-$500 range? Could you still make it happen?
Method #1: Professionally Installed, No Contract
For the purposes of this post, I am dividing home security systems into two categories: professionally installed and DIY. The first method for getting into the space on a budget is to go with a professionally installed, no-contract package. I will use Vivint Home Security as an example.
Vivint’s HomeProtect package is purposely designed to be affordable. It is an entry-level system that offers basic protection with or without professional monitoring. It comes with free installation. There is also no contract requirements.
If you do choose to have the system professionally monitored, you can pay for it on a month-to-month basis. You are not locked in for 3-6 years. You can end service at any time just by canceling at the end of the month.
While this package includes a limited number of devices, you have the flexibility to add more as needed. Throw in an extra camera or two. Maybe you need an additional door sensor. What keeps things affordable are the free installation and the ability to choose either month-to-month or DIY monitoring.
Method #2: DIY, No Contract
Going with the first option means paying a little more for your equipment upfront. Higher equipment costs help defray the provider’s installation costs. But you can get away even more cheaply by going DIY. A brand like SimpliSafe illustrates how this model works.
You purchase your system either online or over the phone. SimpliSafe ships it to you. Then you handle the installation yourself. Everything is wireless, so you will not be cutting into walls and trying to tap into your electrical panel.
As far as monitoring goes, you have the same two options: professional monitoring or DIY. The ultimate budget option is the DIY option. But going this route means you have to be diligent about paying attention to your smartphone.
Method #3: DIY, Piecemeal Build
The third and final method for getting into home security on a budget is to build a DIY system piecemeal. Start with a camera and a door sensor that fits into your budget. Then add more devices as you can afford to do so. Over time, you can actually build something quite impressive.
I would recommend looking for a free and open-source home automation platform to tie everything together. Investing only in devices that work with that platform will ensure a consistent ecosystem that eliminates the need to install half-a-dozen apps on your phone. Open-source platforms can be hosted on old laptops, tablets, or mini-PCs.
It is great that systems costing thousands of dollars are available to those who can afford them. But for the rest of us, there are ways to get into home security without breaking the bank. You can do quite well for just a few hundred dollars.
