Best Home Security Systems With No Monthly Fee in 2026

Ring ($3.99-20/mo), ADT ($28-60/mo), Vivint ($30-50/mo) — the home security industry runs on subscriptions. But you can build a better system with zero monthly fees. Here's how.

Best No-Fee Security Cameras

1. Eufy (Best Overall — $0/Month)

• Price: $40-100 per camera, $200-400 for 4-camera systems
• Storage: Local on HomeBase (16TB expandable) or microSD
• AI: Person, pet, vehicle detection — all processed locally, no cloud
• Privacy: Everything stays on your network. No cloud uploads.
• Best for: Privacy-conscious users who want AI detection without subscriptions

2. Reolink (Best Image Quality — $0/Month)

• Price: $40-80 per camera, NVR systems $200-500
• Storage: Local NVR (up to 12TB), microSD, or free basic cloud
• Resolution: Up to 4K/12MP — best-in-class image quality at this price
• PoE option: Wired Power-over-Ethernet for reliability (no WiFi dropouts)
• Best for: DIY users who want wired reliability and crystal-clear footage

3. Wyze (Cheapest — Free Cloud Included)

• Price: $25-40 per camera
• Storage: Free 14-day cloud (12s clips) + local microSD
• AI: Basic motion detection free. Person detection requires Cam Plus ($2/cam/mo) — optional
• Best for: Budget-conscious users. A 4-camera Wyze setup costs under $120 total.

Best No-Fee Alarm Systems

1. Abode (Self-Monitoring — $0/Month)

• Price: $199-329 for starter kit (hub + sensors + keypad)
• Self-monitoring: Free app notifications when sensors trigger — no monthly fee
• Optional pro monitoring: $6/month if you want 24/7 dispatch (one of the cheapest)
• Smart home: Works with HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, Z-Wave, Zigbee

2. Ring Alarm (Self-Monitoring — $0/Month)

• Price: $199-330 for starter kits
• Self-monitoring: Free — alarm sounds, app notification, but no police dispatch
• Pro monitoring: $20/month (Ring Protect Plus) — includes camera cloud storage and cellular backup
• Caveat: Ring cameras require $3.99+/month subscription for cloud recording

3. Home Assistant (DIY — $0/Month)

• Price: $50-100 for hardware (Raspberry Pi or Home Assistant Yellow) + sensors
• Full local control: No cloud, no subscriptions, completely self-hosted
• AI integration: Frigate NVR for free AI-powered camera detection
• Best for: Tech-savvy users who want complete control and privacy

What About Professional Monitoring?

Do you actually need 24/7 professional monitoring?

• Self-monitoring is usually enough: Modern smart notifications reach your phone in seconds. You can call 911 yourself.
• Professional monitoring response time: 30-60 seconds to verify → call police → police arrive 7-10 minutes. Total: 8-11 minutes.
• Self-monitoring response time: Instant notification → you call 911 → police arrive 7-10 minutes. Total: 7-10 minutes.
• Insurance discount: Some insurers give 5-20% discounts for professional monitoring. Calculate if the discount exceeds the subscription cost.
• When it makes sense: If you travel frequently, are elderly, or live alone — the peace of mind may be worth $6-20/month

5-Year Cost Comparison

• ADT: $125 equipment + $45/mo × 60 = $2,825 (3-year contract, equipment lease)
• Vivint: $0 equipment + $40/mo × 60 = $2,400 (equipment financed into monthly)
• Ring + cameras: $400 + $20/mo × 60 = $1,600
• SimpliSafe: $250 + $18/mo × 60 = $1,330
• Eufy (no sub): $400 + $0 × 60 = $400
• Reolink (no sub): $350 + $0 × 60 = $350
• Wyze (no sub): $120 + $0 × 60 = $120