Looking to secure your home without paying for a monthly subscription? Surely, with all the smart technology and cameras available today, it should be easy to set up a security system without relying on a big company to keep you safe.
If that’s what you think, then you’re absolutely right! Gone are the days of solely depending on a company to handle your home security system (unless that’s your preference). Anyone comfortable with technology can now set up their own system, offering an excellent way to save money.
You can secure your home with a completely custom system, utilizing wired or wireless cameras and alarms to alert you when someone opens a window or door. Setting it all up is relatively simple these days, and once you’ve covered the upfront cost of equipment, there are no monthly fees to worry about!
Which Cameras Should You Buy?
A home security system is not complete without a camera system, so which cameras do you need to buy? Well, to avoid paying a monthly fee, we have a few recommendations. It varies between wired and wireless, and indoor/outdoor. Do you need outdoor cameras? If you live in an apartment, you might not. If you live in a single-family home, you just might.
Be careful when selecting a camera because some require a monthly subscription, and we’re trying to avoid that. You also want to consider video quality, as a low-resolution camera may not work well at identifying intruders.
Here are our no-monthly fee home security camera recommendations:
Outdoor Cameras
GMK Security Cameras Wireless Outdoor: 1080P Color Night Vision AI Motion Detection 2-Way Talk Battery Powered
Best Indoor Cameras
2K Indoor Security Cameras, Litokam Cameras for Home Security with 360°Motion Detection, WiFi Camera
Alarm Systems
When it comes to setting up your no-monthly fee home security system, the alarm component plays a crucial role in keeping your home safe. Here are some key aspects to consider:
Types of Sensors: From traditional door/window sensors to advanced motion detectors, there’s a variety of sensors available to suit your specific needs. Door/window sensors trigger an alarm when a door or window is opened, while motion detectors sense movement within a designated area. Choosing the right combination of sensors ensures comprehensive coverage and peace of mind.
Audible Alarms vs. Silent Alerts: Audible alarms are loud, alerting both occupants and neighbors to potential danger. On the other hand, silent alerts discreetly notify you via smartphone notifications or email, allowing for a swift, covert response. The choice between audible alarms and silent alerts depends on your preference for either a visible deterrent or a discreet warning.
Integration with Smart Home Devices: Your home security system can seamlessly integrate with other smart devices, enhancing convenience and efficiency. Compatibility with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, as well as smart locks and lights, adds an extra layer of convenience and control to your home security setup.
Monitoring Your Home Security System Without a Subscription
There are a lot of home security monitoring options, with and without a monthly subscription. It all comes down to how tech-savvy of a person you are. For instance, you can buy a variety of cameras and alarms on Amazon and sync them with Google or Alexa.
However, if you want something simple, that you can just buy and use without worrying about the details, then go with Arlo.
Arlo Cameras
Wireless Security, 2K Video & HDR, Color Night Vision, 2 Way Audio, Direct to WiFi No Hub Needed
Arlo offers a self-monitoring solution, and their cameras are some of the best on the market. If you want something you can just buy, install, and self-monitor, then go with Arlo and forget about all the rest. They have high-tech sensors for doors and windows, and all the essentials needed for a home security system.
More tech-savvy individuals might set up something custom, that works entirely with a DVR and network connection to deliver footage and alerts to their phone.
REOLINK Smart 5MP 8CH Home Security Camera System
4pcs Wired 5MP PoE IP Cameras Outdoor with Person Vehicle Detection, 4K 8CH NVR with 2TB HDD for 24-7 Recording
A middle-of-the-road approach would be to buy smart cams and alarms on Amazon and sync them with Alexa. There are many options that can work with your smart home assistant like Alexa or Google Home. The support isn’t as good as using a system like Arlo, but, a loud alarm is a loud alarm. And a loud alarm is typically what you want to get the job done! That, and some high-res cameras!
