The best way to secure your property while you are away is by installing security camera systems. Here we have created a detailed review of best self-monitored home security camera system after a lot of testing and researching. According to our tests, out of all the camera systems only a few mentioned in our list scored highest numbers during tests. Among them the best one to go for is Arlo Pro Wireless Home Security Camera System.
Top Pick
Quick Navigation
TOP 7 Self Monitored Home Security Camera Systems
1. Arlo Pro – Best For Vacation Homes
Arlo Pro is a wireless security camera system. It adds convenience as there are no power cables or stuff like that. It comes with 3 HD security cameras, a base station, a base station power adaptor, an Ethernet cable, rechargeable battery for each camera, power adaptor to recharge batteries and a magnetic wall mount. The system is wholly weather resistant having a rating of IP65. There is a two-way audio mechanism where you can listen as well as talk back to the person on the other side of the camera. The cameras support a wireless range of 300 feet in a straight line of sight.
The advantage of this device is that you can see the live view over your smart device with internet access. It records videos both on sound as well as motion detection, which saves the battery life too. The app is user-friendly and supports touch ID also. You can easily customize the settings inside app. Except for their paid plans, the basic or free plan is also noteworthy. Nevertheless, a wired connection is included in connecting your router with the base station. The picture quality is 1080P. While recording and detecting motion, however, there is a delay of almost 4 minutes. And it also uses 2.4 Gigahertz Wi-Fi which can be upgraded to 5 Gigahertz or more.
- Wireless system.
- Smart solution.
- Easy to setup.
- User-friendly app.
- HD 1080P picture quality.
- Wide range of vision in daylight.
- The router needs to be connected via wires to the base station.
- Reduced range of vision in the night.
Bottom Line
For us, Arlo Pro has everything that a self-monitored home security camera system should have. First of all it wireless and can be accessed remotely using your phone. And with its paid plans you can have professional keep an eye on your home.
2. Ring Alarm – Best Option With Motion Detection
This is a home monitoring system offered by Ring, one of the biggest developer of home security devices. The package comes with a base station, motion detector, contact sensor, range extender, and a keypad. The system also works with Alexa devices for voice controls. So, you can add any Alexa device to arm, disarm or to check the status of Ring Alarm. It lets you monitor what is happening inside of your house using your phone. This alarm system is compatible with both iOs and Android devices. There is a Ring app also where you can completely customize the settings depending upon your needs.
However, you can arm or disarm your alarm system with Ring app over the phone, but there is a keypad that will do the same function. You need to enter the access code for that over the keypad, and then you are good to go. For professional monitoring, you can also check out there $10/month plan without any long term contract. It’s a monitoring system without any video recording device. You have to purchase a video recording device separately and then sync it with the Ring base station for recording videos over the app.
- Sync to all Ring devices.
- 24-hour battery backup.
- Easy DIY installation.
- Self-monitoring.
- Optional 24/7 professional monitoring.
- 110-decibel siren.
- No video recording device.
Bottom Line
If your requirement is complete home security package, then something like Ring Alarm is your answer. Especially if you plan to add new cameras and new motion sensors in future, security system like Ring Alarm will accommodate all the update.
3. Fortress Security – Best For Budget Conscious Users
No products found.
If you are one of those users who don’t rely on a smartphone, this Fortress security system can also connect to your landline. With this security system you are going to get two motion sensors, the main panel, five windows/door contact sensors, a panic button, two key tags, a plug-in siren, and two remote fobs. The device also supports an app that you can run over smartphone. This SO3 Wi-Fi Kit is compatible with both Android and iOs devices, and you can also voice control it with Alexa devices.
Suppose, you own security cameras at your home or business place, the monitoring system may turn out to be the best for yours. But, you have to purchase them separately if you are looking for video recording devices. Moreover, there is nothing like monthly fees here. It is all self-monitored and free. But we didn’t like the fact that as you plug out the panel, it immediately gets disarmed meaning that it does not have any battery backup in case the intruder cuts off the main supply.
- A good amount of accessories.
- Compatible with Alexa, Android, and iOs devices.
- User-friendly app.
- Very responsive sensors.
- Loud siren.
- Two options of alarming.
- No video recording device.
- No battery backup in the main panel.
Bottom Line
Most of the big brands offer premium paid services to make the system for automated. But with Fortress Security system you do get something similar to premium services for free. This is why it is one of the best no monthly fee home security system on our list.
4. SimpliSafe 8 Piece Wireless – Best For Paid Monitoring Services
As the name says, it is simple to install as well as use. Even the non-professionals can install it with ease and with very little knowledge. If you have little money to spend 24/7, professional monitoring is available at $14.99/month without any long term contracts. The SimpliSafe has one of the best paid services. With their monitoring services, you are going to get police dispatch upon intrusion detection. In addition, the package includes motion detector, 4 window/door detectors, a base station, a keypad, and a panic button. All the components are pre-synced.
The base station integrates 802.11n 2.4GHz Wi-Fi radio, but it still does 24/7 monitoring without Wi-Fi. However, without WiFi, you won’t get those automatic firmware updates. The siren is already embedded in the base station with a 24 hr battery backup. This device also integrates well with third-party devices. The only downfall is that if you are looking for self-monitoring for free of cost, this may not be the one as it requires you to pay a monthly fee.
- 24/7 professional monitoring.
- Very responsive sensors.
- Easy DIY installation.
- 24 hr battery backup of the base station.
- No self-monitoring.
Bottom Line
Paid services have their own advantages. If you are willing to spend extra on monthly fees, we recommend you to go with the SimpliSafe 8 Piece Wireless Home Security System. It has the best paid services and also the best customer support. Also it is the best diy home security system.
5. YI 4pc Home Camera – Best For Baby Monitoring
No products found.
These are 4 security cameras by YI. It supports vivid 1080P HD picture quality with wide night vision. There is an inbuilt microphone with a 2-way audio system that is ultra-responsive. This surveillance system is compatible with Android and iOs devices. To record videos, it has a non-invasive infrared light to ensure clear and HD picture quality throughout day and night. The 110° wide-angle lens let it record crystal clear images from all positions.
However, the device doesn’t support 5GHz Wi-Fi which is a downfall if you are having that. And, you have free cloud storage option for two months. After that, you have to pay for it separately. If you have the right internet connectivity, the cloud storage could be a great way to save and access the videos. You won’t require separate recording system to store your recorded footage which is always an added cost.
- 1080P HD video quality.
- Wide-angle range.
- Supports clear day and night vision.
- Easy to install.
- Easy to use the app.
- SD card option for local storage.
- No syncing with other devices.
- Do not support 5GHz Wi-Fi.
Bottom Line
There are two aspects of YI Home Camera system that we loved. The first is baby monitoring and the second is the cloud storage. If these two factors are on your priority list while buying self-monitored home security camera system, then go for it.
6. Cromorc All in one with 10.1 inches Monitor – Best Option With NVR System
This is a Network Video recording system by Cromorc consisting of 4 pieces of 1080P HD camera. These are 960P indoor as well as outdoor vision cameras. It is a wireless system provide with integrated 10.1” LCD monitor that pairs the cameras automatically without any complicated settings. Cameras support a night vision range of 65 feet. You will also get 1TB hard drive along with the system to record videos. The build quality of cameras is weatherproof with the IP66 rating. This monitoring system can handle up to 8 security wireless HD cameras.
We directly connect the cameras and NVR system with the power cord. So, you don’t have to connect the cameras directly with NVR. This ease of wireless transmission, along with an integrated monitor helps you consider the device. In case you are at home, you can use that monitor directly to see what is happening inside or outside your home. There is also an option of using cloud storage for Windows PC/Mac users. Nevertheless, the cameras do not have any audio input or output. Plus, if you set motion alerts in your phone, you have to go into the app, again and again, to see them maybe because they are a bit late in sending alerts.
- 1080P HD camera.
- User-friendly app.
- Integrated monitor into NVR system.
- Clear night vision.
- Cloud storage.
- Sometimes late in sending alerts for motion detection.
- No audio input/output in cameras.
Bottom Line
NVR systems are a great way to manage the footages from the cameras. They allow you to store the footages locally on the hard drive. With this system you do get a 1 TB hard drive. Also the cameras included in the package support night vision. Though it is basically an NVR system, you can use as self-monitored camera system at your home or workplace.
7. ZOSI FHD – Best For Outdoor Monitoring
This is one of the best system by Zosi consisting of 8 security cameras. It’s a Digital Video Recorder with 1080P/720P security cameras. It also supports Zosi app over Android or iOs devices and can be connected to monitor through free Zosi Client software on Mac or Windows. There is a customized motion detection for each security camera and can be adjusted to minimize false alerts. It provides 4 kinds of recording modes for ease of use.
The app is user-friendly as expected from Zosi and lets you preview the live videos over the smart device directly. It will help you control your home even if you are not there. But, you need to purchase a hard drive for saving videos. It is mandatory in a DVR system to have a hard drive. Apart from that, all of the necessary hardware required to install the system is provided already. Also you can add lot of accessories to it that is why it is among the top alarm systems you can monitor yourself.
- Motion detection DVR.
- User-friendly app.
- Easy installation.
- HD picture quality.
- Weatherproof.
- No hard drive provided.
Bottom Line
Among all the systems that we tested ZOSI FHD Home Security Camera System is performed great when installed outdoors. The cameras it uses has a high-quality design that can withstand toughest of weathers.
Buyer’s Guide – What To Consider?
Home security comes first. In today’s modern technological era, there is no need to hire technicians and install those lengthy wires for a security system if you have self-monitoring home security systems. It’s good news for tech-savvy and better news for non-technicians. Moreover, you are at a safer side with regards to the budget if you are choosing to buy a self-monitored security system for your home or business place. Look for these specific factors while purchasing a best home security system with cameras.
1. Easy installation
A DIY installation is a must factor to be considered for a home security system. If you are looking for self-monitored security this year, easy installation factor should not be left behind. It will look more user-friendly without any complications of hiring a technician and increase the price with installation costs.
2. Network connection
It’s less chance that you will find a wholly wireless security system. Most of the times, you need to connect base station provided either with Ethernet cable or any extension cable to get power. You also need a Wi-Fi connection or cellular data connection for self-monitoring. Even so, security systems always have Wi-Fi compatibility. In case of no Wi-Fi zones, cellular security systems are the best options to go for. Also, wired connections are not bad to go for wireless as they provide more stable connection. And most of the self monitored home security camera system use wireless network.
3. Remote control
Self-monitoring is all about controlling the device remotely in case you are not available at home. There are two options, i.e. paid and free. In case of paid monitoring, you will 24/7 professional monitoring along with police dispatch. So, you won’t need to worry about all-time monitoring. There is someone to do that on your behalf. And, this professional monitoring will be available to you in terms of monthly fees or long term contracts. However, we will not recommend long term contracts as they are highly expensive and bind you even if you are not happy with the service. You should select free self-monitoring if you are saving on your budget and have enough time to do all this. It’s not that difficult as it looks. Every security device comes with the compatibility of the smartphone app. Thus, with the help of a user-friendly app, self-monitoring is at a breeze.
4. Accessories
Look for the items you are getting with your security monitoring system. There are security systems that will provide you with security cameras also. It’s a good fit for budget-friendly option if you do not have any security camera to connect with. If you are not getting accessories like security cameras, key fobs or panic button, etc., look for the features you are getting in that system. If the features are exclusive and worth the price they are charging, there is no need to rethink.
FAQs
1. What happens to the camera system if the lights go down?
Most of the best home security systems use back up battery systems in case the lights go out. If you are worried about intruders cutting off the power supply, go for the wireless cameras that use batteries as Arlo Pro Wireless Home Security Camera System does.
2. Does all the units have recording capability?
To some extent, yes, all the camera system have ability to record. However, it might record up to few hours or days and delete it automatically after that. However, some of the systems make use of cloud storage or has inbuilt NVR system that allows you to store and access the footage when needed.
3. Does all the security cameras have inbuilt motion sensors?
No, not all the security cameras have motion sensors. It depends on the type of cameras you use. Something Arlo Pro Wireless Home Security Camera System has motion sensor capability. However, you can always deploy motion sensors separately and connect it to the security system. It also works perfectly.
4. Accessing the cameras remotely possible?
Yes, most of the best self monitored home security systems make sure that they have these capabilities. But the internet connectivity is a must for this. Make sure that your security camera system is connected to the internet 24 x 7 so that you can access the system from phone or computer even when you are not home.
5. Does all the cameras have night vision?
No. You will have to check with the manufacturers. However, almost all security cameras can accommodate third party cameras. Hence, you can choose to go for the night vision cameras with any security system you choose for your home or office.
Final Thought
We have compiled this list after thorough research. And we made sure that all kinds of user get something for their needs. It is quite possible that number 1 on our list may not suit you, but number 3 might be perfect. So without any hesitance go for it. Because all are high quality it is just they outscore one another for different aspects. Also before you buy security system, make sure you understand your needs so that you can choose right one and not waste your money.
Arlo Pro- Editor's Choice
Summary
For us, Arlo Pro has everything that a self-monitored home security camera system should have. First of all it wireless and can be accessed remotely using your phone. And with its paid plans you can have professional keep an eye on your home.
Leave a Reply