Home security is essential in protecting your home, belongings, and loved ones from potential risks such as burglary, fire, or carbon monoxide poisoning. However, comprehensive home security systems can be expensive, and not everyone needs all the features provided.
Secure Your Home for Less With Cheap Home Security Systems
A comprehensive home security system with all the mouth-watering features doesn’t come cheap. But not everybody needs the same features, and you may not need all the features in a security system.
This means you don’t need to break the bank to own a reliable security system. You only need to determine the most critical security features you require for your home and find the best system that meets those needs.
Several home security systems below $100 can meet your needs. We’ll show you some of them and highlight their prominent features.
We’ll also show you:
- How to find affordable home security providers near you
- What you’ll gain from using them
- Things to consider before getting a cheap security system
Benefits of Cheap Home Security Systems
Apart from saving you money on home insurance, home security systems keep you, your family, and your loved ones safe by
- Preventing burglaries and break-ins
- Protecting your home from fire hazards
- Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning
- Allowing remote control and monitoring of your home
The peace of mind that comes with having these benefits is therapeutic.
Protection Against Burglars and Intruders
Home security systems detect unauthorized access to your home and can alert security authorities when there’s a break-in.
For example, if a burglar tries breaking into your home, your alarm will go off, which can scare them away. Some systems will alert the police immediately, and in no time, the police will arrive to handle the situation.
Also, these systems can provide video coverage for your home using security cameras, which can help you identify intruders and provide valuable evidence for security operatives.
Criminals look for easy targets. Many security systems have yard signs and window decals to warn these criminals that your home is a no-go area. According to the National Council for Home Safety and Security, three out of five burglars would turn back once they see you have a home security system.
Early Fire Detection
Fires are devastating—they spread quickly, cause extensive damage, and can kill you.
But with advanced sensors, home security systems can quickly detect smoke or spikes in room temperature and notify you of a fire outbreak before things get out of hand.
For example, if you’re at work and a fire breaks out in your home, your system can inform you through your smartphone. Then you’ll call the fire department or ask your neighbor to check on your property. Some security systems can contact the fire department automatically.
These early detection and alerts can save lives and property should a fire break out in your home. According to the National Fire Protection Association's report on home fires, nearly 60% of home fire deaths occurred in properties without smoke alarms.
Advanced home security systems can help prevent fires or minimize their damage using heat sensors and automatic shut-off valves for gas appliances.
Protection Against Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that can harm you and your pets. Exposure to high levels of CO can cause sudden illness, unconsciousness, or death.
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in the US, accidental CO poisoning causes
- At least 430 deaths annually
- About 50,000 emergency ward admissions yearly
Home security systems with CO detectors can alert you via your smartphone once CO levels in your home become dangerous. This will give you plenty of time to evacuate your home or call emergency services.
Remote Monitoring and Control
From your smartphone, you can see what’s happening in your home at any time, thanks to home security systems. So, you can check what your kids are up to even though you’re thousands of miles away from home.
You can also control your home from anywhere in the world with your smartphone.
- Lock or unlock your doors
- Arm or disarm your security system
- Turn your lights on or off
- Adjust your thermostat
Lower Insurance Premiums
Owning a home security system can save you money on your homeowner’s insurance.
Many insurance companies will offer discounts on your premiums if you have a home security system because of the reduced risk of burglary or theft. This discount ranges from 5–20%.
For example, if you pay $1,500 for your home insurance yearly, you could save between $75–$300 per year if you own a home security system.
The percentage discount you’ll get from your insurance company depends on
- Type of security system
- Level of monitoring
- Company policy
Contact your insurance provider to confirm whether you qualify for a discount on your home insurance. They’ll provide accurate and recent information on their discount policies and requirements.
Peace of Mind
The greatest benefit of a home security system is the peace of mind you get.
Your mind will be at ease knowing that your home and loved ones are monitored and protected by a reliable security system.
With this sense of security, you’ll sleep soundly at night, enjoy your time away from home, and go to work without worrying about potential hazards at home.
Best Do-It-Yourself Home Security Systems Under $100
Check out some of the best DIY home security systems that cost less than a hundred bucks:
YISEELE Home Security System
Price: $58.49
The YISEELE Home Security System is an entry-level DIY home security system with WiFi.
It includes ten contact sensors for windows and doors and one anti-pet motion sensor. It also has two key fobs, which means you and someone else can control the system.
This system works with the Tuya app for remote control. You can arm or disarm the system remotely and receive notifications when an alarm goes off.
Pros:
- Easy to control system on your Android or iOs device
- Easy to install and configure
- Supports up to 100 sensors and 10 remotes
- No contracts or subscription fees
- Voice control works with Alexa and Google Assistant
Con: The sirens could use a little more volume.
GE Personal Security Window and Door Alarm
Price:
- $12.62 for two packs
- $23.22 for six packs
- $37.99 for ten packs
The GE Personal Security Window and Door Alarm is a simple and affordable DIY home security system that alerts you when a window or door is opened.
You can set it up in a few minutes. It’s a wireless system, so you don’t need any tools or drilling to install it. Attach the alarm to your window or door with the included double-sided tape, and you’re good to go.
It offers a loud 120-decibel alarm that you can hear up to 750 feet away. Potential intruders will think twice about breaking in.
Pros:
- Super-loud alarms to scare away intruders
- Three-state customizable alarm: Off, blaring sound, or chime
- Hassle-free installation
- Easy to check battery power levels
Cons:
- Chime may be too loud for some people
- No video surveillance or motion detection
Tolviviov A-8pack WiFi Door Alarm System
Price: $59.99
This tolviviov wireless DIY smart home security system includes
- One alarm siren station
- Five window and door sensors
- Two remote controls
With this smart system, you get real-time notifications to your smartphone once your window or door opens or closes. You can also monitor your system status remotely with the free smart life app.
To install this tolviviov security system, peel the double-sided stickers from the kit and paste the kit on the wall.
It supports an expansion of up to 20 sensors and 5 remote controls/keypads, which you can add to the WiFi alarm station.
You can schedule your alarm system to arm or disarm. For example, you can set the system to automatically turn off by eight in the morning when you wake up and turn on by ten when you go to bed.
Pros:
- Easy to install and customize
- No contracts or subscription fees
- You can grant your family members access to control the system
- Voice control works with Alexa and Google Assistant
Cons:
- No chime feature
- No low-battery notification
Wyze Cam v3
Price: $35.98
Wyze Cam v3 records video when it detects motion or sound and sends an alert to your smartphone.
This wired home security system provides high-quality 1080p video footage that beats most other security cams in the market. With its Starlight sensor, you can enjoy color video even at night.
You can easily set up this system using its magnetic mounting kit, screw kit, and built-in adjustable table stand.
With its IP65 weather & dust resistance, you can see everything around your home, inside and out.
It’s now available in black in case you want a less prominent security cam.
Pros:
- High-quality video footage
- Night vision capabilities
- Two-way audio
- Suitable for indoors and outdoors
- Voice control compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
Cons:
- Audio quality could use some improvement
- No free cloud storage for video footage
Blink Mini Pan-Tilt Camera
Price: $41.99
The Blink Mini Pan-Tilt Camera has a mounting base, mounting screws, and a quick-start guide that makes installation a breeze.
You can mount the base on a flat surface, and the camera will snap easily onto the mount. Installing the mount and setting up your security camera takes less than ten minutes.
The pan-tilt feature gives you a complete view of your room. Because the mount is quiet and smooth, you can tilt and pan the camera without noise. You can also focus your cam on your area of interest.
Pros:
- 360° coverage to monitor every corner of your room
- Voice control compatible with Alexa
- HD video with infrared night view
- Two-way audio
- Motion detection
- Real-time motion alerts on your smartphone
Con: No free cloud storage—only a 30-day free trial for Blink Subscription.
Cheap Home Security Systems Near Me
Finding a reliable home security system provider in your area can be difficult. But once you find one, you’ll enjoy more personalized service than larger national providers.
Use these methods to find reliable and affordable security providers close to you:
Ask for Recommendations
Start by asking your family members, friends, or neighbors who own home security systems if they can recommend their provider. They will refer you to their security provider if they’re happy with their home security system.
You can also get recommendations from your local community groups or police department.
Search Online
Use search engines like Google or Bing to find affordable home security providers in your area. Read their product pages thoroughly and check the features to see if they fit your budget.
When you find an interesting provider, search for their products on Amazon to find more comprehensive product reviews.
Check local business listings like Yellow Pages and business directories to find a list of providers.
Contact Us
We have links to hundreds of home security providers all over the US. So, there’s every chance we know the right provider for you.
We’ve researched the best security companies near you so you don’t have to. We can refer you to tried and true providers for any of these services:
- Home alarm system installations
- Security camera installations
- Cheap doorbell cameras
- Smart thermostats and locks
- Voice assistance controllers
- Best Door Alarms
Benefits of Using a Local Security Provider
If you use home security systems from local providers, you’ll enjoy customized service and quick response. You’ll also be supporting your local economy.
Personalized Service
Local security providers can customize your security system to suit your needs and budget. You’ll enjoy continuous support and maintenance to ensure your system works optimally.
Quick Response Time
A local security provider can quickly send you technicians or emergency services if something goes wrong since they’re close to you. This alone keeps your mind at ease since you know help will always be nearby.
Knowledge of Your Neighborhood
Security companies in your area understand the specific security needs or threats in the locality. This insider knowledge helps them design better security systems to address those needs.
For example, if there are high rates of intruders breaking in through windows in your area, your local security company can design efficient window alarm systems to deter these criminals.
Support for the Local Economy
Using a local security provider means they can create more jobs in your community. Supporting these businesses is an excellent way to invest in your community and help to keep them thriving.
Features to Consider When Choosing Cheap Home Security Systems
You won’t get all the stellar features in the world if you buy a home security system for less than a hundred bucks. Nevertheless, you can find a great deal if you know what to look for.
So, let’s see some crucial features you should consider when looking for an affordable home security system.
Motion Detection
Look for a system with motion sensor alarms to help detect intruders in your home. These sensors detect movement within their range and send real-time alerts to your smartphone or monitoring center.
With motion detection, you can monitor your kids’ and pets’ movements around your home to prevent them from entering no-go areas.
When choosing a system with motion sensors, look out for the sensor range and their mode of installation. You’re better off if you can adjust the motion detector sensitivity to minimize false alarms from pets and other harmless movements.
The Wyze Cam v3 is an affordable security camera with customizable motion detection zones. Its Person Detection feature can tell human movement from other kinds of movement, minimizing false alarms.
Door and Window Sensors
These sensors will trigger an alarm if your door or window is opened, alerting you of potential intruders.
Consider how many window and door sensors come with the system and if they can cover all the required areas in your home. For example, if you need to cover five rooms, a system with only two window and door sensors won’t cut it.
Also, consider if you can install the sensors yourself or if they require professional installation.
The GE Personal Security Window and Door Alarm come with up to six sensors that you can easily install using adhesive strips. The wireless sensors don't require any drilling or wiring.
Remote Access
This feature lets you monitor your home and control your system from anywhere via your smartphone. You’ll need this feature if you travel often or if you care about what goes on in your home when you’re not around.
With remote access, you can
- Get notifications when an alarm is triggered
- View live video feeds from your security cameras
- Arm and disarm your system
When choosing a security system with remote access, check how easy it is to use the app and the level of control you get from it.
Some users may want remote control of their alarm settings. Others may be okay with arming or disarming the system remotely.
Confirm if the remote features you need are available on the system before buying it.
Professional Monitoring
This feature is helpful if you don’t have all the time in the world but still want to have eyes on your home.
In this case, a team of professionals monitors your system and contacts relevant authorities whenever an alarm goes off.
Before you choose a system with professional monitoring, check the cost and what services are included. Some systems offer round-the-clock monitoring, while others only monitor during specific hours.
Installation Tips for DIY Home Security Systems
These tips will help you set up your home security systems:
1 - Plan Ahead
Figure out the parts of your home you want to secure or monitor. These should be the most vulnerable areas, like windows, doors, garages, and other entry points.
Choose the right locations to place your sensors. For example, you should set your cameras where they can provide the best coverage.
Next, determine what security features or sensors you’ll need to cover those areas. Also, consider how you’ll place the sensors and control panel.
For example, if you want to prevent CO poisoning, you’ll choose systems with CO detectors. Whereas someone worried about burglars will need motion detectors and security cameras.
2 - Read the Instructions
Security companies usually provide detailed instruction manuals to guide DIY installers. Read these guides thoroughly to understand how the system works and the requirements for proper installation. Follow all instructions provided in the manual.
Some manufacturers provide instructional videos which show a step-by-step installation process. Review these videos before installing your system.
3 - Use the Right Tools
Ensure you have all the necessary installation tools before you start installing your system.
Some security systems require screwdrivers, drills, wire strippers, pliers, or even voltage testers.
If you’re unsure how to use any of the required tools after reading your user manual and watching online setup videos, seek help from an expert.
4 - Test the System
Test your system before use to ensure all sensors and alarms work correctly.
For example, you can walk past a door to trigger your motion detector and check if it goes off as expected.
Check your voice control and remote access features to see if they work properly.
Protect Your Home for Less
It’s time to secure your home. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations, compare prices or scrutinize online reviews and product pages for security features that are important to you.
Choose from any of the options we’ve listed for you, or use our tips to research if you need other options.
If you’re too busy to research, contact us now. We’ll walk you through all the options and provide a free quote. We’re always in touch with the best security providers near you.