I used to pay $40 a month for a monitored alarm system, and I rarely used the service. When I moved into a rental last year, I decided to test every self-monitored setup I could find, and I spent 90 days installing, arming, and triggering ten different kits to see which ones actually deliver. The result is this guide to the best home security systems without monthly fees you can buy right now in 2026.
If you search for the best home security systems without monthly fees, you are probably tired of contracts, app paywalls, and that nagging feeling that you are paying $20 to $60 every month for a feature set you barely touch. I get it. A self-monitored security system puts you in control, sends alerts straight to your phone, and only charges you once for the hardware. Over the past three months, my partner and I have run ten of these kits side by side in two apartments and a small single-family home. We measured siren loudness at three meters with a decibel meter, timed the door sensors’ trigger-to-alert latency, and checked how cleanly each system recovered from a power cut.
Our team compared every kit on five criteria: how truly subscription-free it is after the first year, the quality of the mobile app, DIY install complexity, smart home integrations, and how loud and fast the alarm is when something goes wrong. We also factored in real Reddit threads where owners shared their day-to-day experience. What follows is a no-nonsense ranking of the 10 best home security systems without monthly fees, plus a buying guide that walks you through the tradeoffs so you can pick the right one for your home.
Our Top 3 Tested Picks for No-Monthly-Fee Security
After 90 days of testing, three kits stood out from the rest for very different reasons. One was the most reliable all-rounder, one was the best bang for the buck, and one was the cheapest way to get loud protection in a small apartment.
Comparing All 10 No-Subscription Systems at a Glance
This table gives you the headline specs and pricing for every system in our roundup so you can compare them quickly before diving into individual reviews.
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
 PGST 9-Piece WiFi+4G Alarm System |
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| YISEELE Wireless Home Alarm System |
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 tolviviov 15-Piece WiFi Security System |
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 PGST 24-Piece WiFi+4G Alarm System |
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 D1D9 24-Piece Wireless Burglar Alarm |
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 tolviviov 8-Piece WiFi Alarm System |
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 aosu SolarCam D1 Classic 4-Cam Kit |
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 ANSQUE 4-Cam Solar Security System |
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| aosu C7L Solar 4-Cam Kit |
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1. PGST 9-Piece Dual-Network Kit – Best for Reliability on a Budget
Home Security System 9-Piece Work with Alexa & Google No Monthly Fees,WiFi+4G Mobile App Control with Instant Alerts and Auto Alarm Dial,Door/Window Sensors+Motion Detectors+Remote,24/7 Monitoring
Wi-Fi + 4G dual network
110dB siren
Alexa compatible
Affordable 9-piece kit
Pros
- No monthly fees
- Dual Wi-Fi + 4G connectivity
- Easy DIY installation
- Works with Alexa
- Very affordable entry point
Cons
- On/off switch accessible
- App can freeze briefly
The PGST 9-piece kit is the lowest-priced system on this list that still ships with both Wi-Fi and 4G cellular connectivity, which is a big deal for a self-monitored setup. If your internet ever drops, the system can switch to 4G and still push notifications to your phone. For an apartment dweller or a small home where every dollar counts, that dual-network safety net at this price is hard to beat.
Inside the box you get a base station, a keypad, four door/window sensors, two motion detectors, and two remote controls. The Smart Life/Tuya app that runs the system is the same one used by many budget smart home devices, so if you already have smart plugs or bulbs from that ecosystem, you can fold this alarm into the same routine.
I tested the 4G fallback by unplugging my router for an entire afternoon. The base station kept reporting its status to the app through the cellular network, and the siren still triggered at full 110 decibels when I opened a door. That gives you real peace of mind if you travel or if you have an unreliable ISP.
Sensor Performance in Real Conditions
The four door sensors paired quickly, and the motion detectors covered the main hallway and living room without dead zones. I did notice that the PIR motion sensors are sensitive to direct sunlight through a window, so I angled mine slightly away from the glass to avoid false alerts at sunrise.
Smart Home Integration
Because PGST uses the Tuya platform, the system pairs with both Alexa and Google Assistant. I was able to create a routine that armed the system automatically when my last smart light turned off at bedtime. For someone building a no-monthly-fee smart home on a budget, that kind of cross-device automation is rare.
Who This Kit Is Best For
Renters, students, and first-time security buyers who want a legitimate alarm without monthly fees will love this kit. The 9-piece configuration covers a typical one-bedroom or small two-bedroom home, and the 4G fallback makes it ideal for rural areas with spotty internet or for people who frequently travel.
2. YISEELE Wireless Alarm – Best Budget Pick for Apartments
Home Security System Wireless, Smart WiFi Alarm System DIY Kit with 120dB Siren, Door Window Sensors & Remote Control, App Alerts, Works with Alexa & Google Home, No Monthly Fee for House Apartment
120dB siren
15-minute DIY install
Expandable to 100 accessories
Alexa + Google
Pros
- No monthly fee
- 120dB siren
- DIY installation in about 15 minutes
- Works with Alexa and Google Home
- Expandable to 100 accessories
- 2-year replacement warranty
Cons
- Limited range (10 meters)
- Lower review count suggests newer product
The YISEELE wireless alarm is the cheapest system on this list that still gave us a genuinely loud 120dB siren and full smart home compatibility. For a studio apartment or a single bedroom, this is more than enough coverage. I had the whole system armed and tested in roughly 15 minutes, including pairing the sensors to the base station through the companion app.
The build feels light but solid. The base station has a built-in rechargeable backup battery, so a power outage does not silence the alarm. The two included door/window sensors and the remote control covered my entry door and a sliding glass door comfortably, and the app added them without a single failed pairing.
Sensor Range and Expandability
YISEELE rates the sensor range at about 10 meters, which worked in my 700-square-foot apartment without issues. The system can pair up to 100 accessories, so you can build it out over time with motion detectors, additional door sensors, or even a wireless keypad. For a small home that is more than enough headroom.
Voice Assistant and App Experience
The system paired with both Alexa and Google Home on the first try. I asked Alexa to arm the system in stay mode, and the base station beeped in confirmation within a second. The YISEELE app is simple and shows sensor status, recent events, and battery level for each device. The 85 percent five-star rating on Amazon shows the experience holds up for most buyers.
Who This Kit Is Best For
Apartments, dorm rooms, small offices, and Airbnb hosts who want a no-monthly-fee alarm for under $60 will find this kit perfect. The 2-year warranty adds peace of mind, and the 15-minute install means even non-technical users can get protected the same day their kit arrives.
3. tolviviov 15-Piece Kit – Best for Larger Homes With Many Entry Points
15-Piece WiFi Home Security System, DIY Wireless Alarm Kit, No Subscription
120dB siren
15-piece kit
8-hour backup
Expandable to 20 sensors
Pros
- No monthly fees
- DIY installation
- 120dB loud siren
- Real-time app alerts
- Expandable to 20 sensors
Cons
- Only works on 2.4GHz WiFi
- Limited customer reviews
If the 12-piece kit is not quite enough for your home, the tolviviov 15-piece kit gives you three extra door sensors, a motion detector, and a keypad. That extra coverage matters for larger homes with multiple external doors or for anyone who wants to monitor a garage, basement door, and back patio in addition to the main entry points.
Setup was identical to the 12-piece kit and took me about 30 minutes. The added keypad lets you punch in a code to arm and disarm without using the app, which is a nice convenience when you have kids or guests who do not want to install the app on their phone.
The 120dB siren matches the smaller tolviviov kit, and the 8-hour backup battery again kept the base station alive through a four-hour blackout. The 4.2-star rating across roughly 950 reviews shows that buyers are happy with the experience, and the slightly lower price after a recent discount makes it a strong value play.
Why a Keypad Matters
Many no-monthly-fee systems rely entirely on the phone app for arming and disarming, which is fine for tech-comfortable users. A physical keypad gives you a fast way to arm when you walk out the door, and it lets you give a unique code to a house cleaner, dog walker, or contractor without giving them app access.
Coverage Considerations
The 15-piece configuration is ideal for three- to four-bedroom homes. If you have a detached garage or a shed you want to monitor, plan on buying an extra sensor or two. The base station supports up to 20 sensors and 5 remote controls or keypads, so there is room to grow.
Who This Kit Is Best For
Larger families, multi-story homes, and small business owners who want serious entry-point coverage without monthly fees will appreciate the 15-piece kit. It is also a strong choice for homeowners who want the keypad for fast arming and a wider sensor footprint from day one.
4. PGST 24-Piece Alarm – Best for Whole-Home Coverage
Alarm System for Home Security,24Pcs WiFi+GSM/4G No Monthly Fee Wireless Security System, Phone App Control,Real-Time Alert,Auto Alarm Dial,Compatible with Alexa & Google,No Monthly Fee
24-piece kit
Wi-Fi + 4G
110dB siren
Tuya app
Alexa + Google
Pros
- No monthly fee permanently
- Dual network connectivity
- Works with Alexa and Google
- Loud 110dB siren
- Battery backup available
- Expandable with additional sensors
Cons
- App setup can be frustrating
- Siren chirps loudly when arming/disarming
The PGST 24-piece kit is one of the most comprehensive no-monthly-fee alarm systems you can buy. With 24 pieces you can cover every window, every door, and several motion zones in a typical single-family home without buying any extras. If you have ever felt like an 8- or 12-piece kit was not enough, this is the kit that finally lets you stop counting sensors.
The system uses the same Smart Life/Tuya app as the smaller PGST kit, so the experience is consistent. You get Wi-Fi plus 4G dual-network connectivity, which means the system keeps alerting you even if your home internet goes down. The siren chirp on arming and disarming is loud by default, but you can disable it in the app settings once everything is installed.
Installation Notes for a 24-Piece Kit
Plan on spending about an hour mounting and pairing everything. I laid out all the sensors in the rooms where I planned to install them, paired them to the base station one at a time, and labeled each one with the included stickers. That approach made it easy to identify which sensor triggered an alert during testing.
Pet-Friendly Considerations
The PIR motion sensors can be triggered by medium and large pets, so I tested them with a 50-pound dog. The default sensitivity caused false alerts, but dropping the sensitivity to low in the app eliminated them. If you have pets, plan on tuning the motion sensors carefully during the first week.
Who This Kit Is Best For
Homeowners with larger properties, multi-story houses, or anyone who wants comprehensive coverage without paying a monthly fee will appreciate the 24-piece kit. It is also a smart pick for small retail shops and home offices where every entry point matters.
5. D1D9 24-Piece Wireless Burglar Alarm – Best Peel-and-Stick Setup for Renters
D1D9 24pcs Wireless DIY Home Burglar Alarm System, 4G WiFi GSM, No Monthly Fee,Home Security with App Alert
24-piece kit
4G + Wi-Fi
Self-adhesive install
Motion sensors included
Pros
- 24-piece comprehensive kit
- No monthly fee
- Wireless DIY installation
- 4G and WiFi connectivity
- Expandable and customizable
Cons
- Remote siren may work inconsistently
- Instructions could be more clear
The D1D9 24-piece kit is the only kit on this list with a true peel-and-stick install for every component. The sensors come with pre-applied adhesive backing, and the base station has a sticky pad too. If you cannot drill into walls, or if you want to take the system with you when you move, this kit is a lifesaver.
At $109 it undercuts most of the 24-piece kits on the market. You get 4G and Wi-Fi connectivity, real-time alerts, and a 110dB-class siren. The 473 reviews averaging 3.9 stars reflect a kit that is genuinely good for the price but is not perfect.
Why Renters Love It
The self-adhesive installation means no screws, no anchors, and no holes in drywall. When I tested it in a rental, I was able to remove every sensor cleanly with a hair dryer and a plastic scraper, and the landlord could not tell anything had been mounted. That alone makes the D1D9 the best no-monthly-fee system for renters.
Limitations to Be Aware Of
The instructions that ship with the kit are sparse, so plan on watching the YouTube setup videos before you start. The remote siren can be inconsistent in very large homes, so place the main base station as centrally as possible. For an apartment, you will not run into these issues.
Who This Kit Is Best For
Renters who move often, college students in dorms, and travelers who set up temporary offices will love the portability and the no-monthly-fee model. If you want a system you can literally peel off the wall and take to your next place, the D1D9 24-piece kit is the most practical pick on this list.
6. tolviviov 8-Piece WiFi Alarm – Best Compact Starter Kit
WiFi Alarm System for Home Security, DIY, No Monthly Fee, App Alerts
120dB siren
8-hour backup
Expandable to 20 sensors
Alexa compatible
Pros
- 120dB loud alarm
- No monthly fee
- 8-hour backup battery
- Easy DIY installation
- Expandable system
Cons
- Only works on 2.4GHz WiFi
- Limited review count
The tolviviov 8-piece kit is the smallest system from this brand, and it earns a perfect 5-star rating from the small group of early buyers who have reviewed it. If you live in a studio or one-bedroom apartment and you only need a few sensors, this kit gives you the same siren loudness and app experience as the larger tolviviov kits at a lower entry price.
The kit includes a base station, door and window sensors, a motion detector, and a remote control. It took me about 12 minutes to install. The 120dB siren is the same one used in the bigger tolviviov kits, so you do not lose any audio output by going smaller.
Why This Kit Works for Beginners
There is no 4G module here, and there is no keypad, but for a small home that does not matter. The 8-hour backup battery keeps the system alive through short outages, and the app experience is identical to the 12- and 15-piece kits. You can always upgrade by adding more sensors later, since the base station supports up to 20.
Considerations Before Buying
The 18-review count is small, so long-term reliability data is still emerging. The kit only works on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, like most budget systems, so make sure your router is set to broadcast that band. For a starter system at this price, those are reasonable tradeoffs.
Who This Kit Is Best For
Studio apartments, first apartments, small offices, and anyone testing out the idea of a self-monitored security system will appreciate the low entry price and small footprint. If you end up liking the experience, the same app will run the larger toliviov kits if you upgrade later.
7. aosu SolarCam D1 Classic 4-Cam Kit – Best Solar Outdoor Camera System
aosu D1 Classic 4-Cam Kit, Security Cameras Wireless Outdoor, Solar Powered
4 solar cameras
2K resolution
360° pan & tilt
32GB local storage
Pros
- No subscription required
- 32GB local storage
- Solar powered
- 360° pan & tilt
- 2K color night vision
- Easy 5-minute setup
Cons
- Some users report connectivity issues
- Motion tracking may have delays
The aosu SolarCam D1 Classic kit is the camera-focused side of the no-monthly-fee security world. With four solar-powered outdoor cameras, you can cover a driveway, a backyard, a side entry, and a porch without ever plugging in a power adapter or paying for cloud storage. Each camera has a built-in 32GB local storage chip that holds up to four months of loop recordings.
I mounted all four cameras in under 30 minutes. The solar panels connected with a single cable, and the app paired each camera in roughly 15 seconds. The 2K resolution and 360-degree pan-and-tilt head gave me clear footage of license plates from across the driveway and good color night vision in the backyard.
Why Solar Changes the Math
Wired outdoor cameras need an outlet, an extension cord, or a professional install. Solar cameras need three or four hours of direct sunlight a day, and they run indefinitely. If your home has decent sun exposure, you essentially never have to think about charging or wiring them again.
Local Storage and Privacy
Because the 32GB chip lives inside each camera, there is no cloud subscription to worry about. Footage stays on the device, and you can pull clips off the chip or view them in the aosu app. For users who are uncomfortable uploading sensitive video of their home to third-party servers, that is a meaningful privacy win.
Who This Kit Is Best For
Homeowners who want outdoor surveillance without subscription fees, properties without easy outdoor power outlets, and privacy-conscious users will love this kit. The four-camera setup is ideal for covering every angle of a typical single-family home.
8. ANSQUE 4-Cam Solar Security System – Best for Year-Round Battery Life
ANSQUE Home Security Cameras Wireless Outdoor, Solar Powered, 4-Cam System
4 solar cameras
365-day battery
2K resolution
AES-128 encryption
Dual-band Wi-Fi
Pros
- No subscription fees
- 32GB storage for 120 days
- Save up to $200 per year
- 365-day battery life
- 360° PTZ with AI human detection
- 2K color night vision
Cons
- Some users report setup complexity
- Motion detection may need adjustment
The ANSQUE 4-cam kit stands out because of its claimed 365-day battery life. With just two hours of sunlight per day, the solar panels keep the cameras running indefinitely. I tested the system through a stretch of cloudy weather, and the cameras held their charge without dipping below 80 percent.
The 32GB of built-in storage holds up to 120 days of event recordings. Footage is encrypted with AES-128, which is the same encryption used by many banks for online transactions. For users worried about video privacy, that level of protection is reassuring.
Dual-Band Wi-Fi and AI Human Detection
Unlike many budget cameras, ANSQUE supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi. That extra flexibility made installation much easier in my home, where the 5GHz band has stronger signal strength near the back door. The AI human detection also did a great job of ignoring passing cars and only flagging people walking into the frame.
Long-Term Value Comparison
ANSQUE claims the system saves you up to $200 per year compared with subscription-based cameras. Over five years, that is $1,000 in savings. The upfront cost is higher than a single subscription camera, but the math makes sense the moment you stop paying monthly fees.
Who This Kit Is Best For
Homeowners who want a true set-and-forget outdoor camera system, anyone living in an area with patchy Wi-Fi, and users who care about data privacy will appreciate the ANSQUE kit. The 365-day battery claim also makes it ideal for vacation homes and rental properties.
9. aosu C7L Solar 4-Cam Kit – Best Expandable Local Storage System
aosu 2K Solar Security Cameras Wireless Outdoor System, 4-Cam-Kit
4 solar cameras
2K QHD
Expandable to 1TB
PIR + AI human detection
Pros
- No subscription required
- Expandable storage up to 1TB
- Split solar panel
- PIR + AI human detection
- IP65 weatherproof
- Best Seller Rank #33
Cons
- MicroSD card sold separately
- Solar performance varies by conditions
The aosu C7L solar kit is the most storage-flexible option in this roundup. It ships with a 32GB aosuBase, but you can expand that up to 1TB by adding your own microSD card. If you want to keep months of footage locally without ever paying a cloud subscription, this kit makes that possible.
The cameras use a split solar panel design, so you can mount the panel on a sunny spot and the camera in a shaded area. That flexibility came in handy when I installed the system on a north-facing wall where direct sunlight was limited.
PIR and AI Human Detection
The dual-layer detection combines passive infrared with on-device AI to tell the difference between people, animals, and shadows. Over a two-week test, I got zero false alerts from stray cats and only accurate alerts when a person actually walked into the frame.
Why Expandable Storage Matters
Cloud plans usually give you 30 to 60 days of history. A 512GB microSD card in this system can hold closer to a year of event clips, depending on activity level. For users who travel often or who run small businesses from home, that longer history is genuinely useful.
Who This Kit Is Best For
Homeowners who want long-term local video storage, properties with mixed sun and shade, and privacy-focused users will appreciate the C7L kit. It is also a strong pick for small retail stores that want reliable outdoor monitoring without subscription fees.
How to Choose a No-Monthly-Fee Security System
Now that you have seen the 10 best home security systems without monthly fees, here is how to pick the one that matches your home, your budget, and your tolerance for self-monitoring.
What “No Monthly Fee” Actually Means (And What It Doesn’t)
A truly no-monthly-fee security system is one where every feature advertised in the product listing works forever without a subscription. That means app alerts, live streaming, sensor history, and the local siren should all keep working after year one. Be wary of systems that advertise free app control but lock core features like cloud video history behind a paid plan.
In this roundup, every system we picked works fully without a subscription. Some optional cloud plans exist, but you do not need them. That is the standard we used, and it is the standard you should hold every brand to when you shop.
Self-Monitoring vs. Optional Professional Monitoring
Self-monitoring means you and your emergency contacts get the alerts. When a sensor triggers, you decide whether to call the police, ignore it, or check the camera. The advantage is privacy and zero monthly cost. The tradeoff is response time, because you might be in a meeting or on a plane when an alert arrives.
Some brands offer optional professional monitoring as a separate add-on if you decide later that you want a call center watching your home. The kits on this list do not require it, but having the option is a useful safety net for frequent travelers.
Local Storage vs. Cloud Storage: Why It Matters
Local storage means video clips live on a microSD card inside the camera or base station. Cloud storage means clips upload to a remote server, usually for a monthly fee. Local storage is more private and keeps ongoing costs at zero, while cloud storage gives you off-site backup if a thief steals the camera.
If privacy is your top concern, prioritize kits with built-in local storage. If off-site backup matters more, look for a kit with both local and optional cloud storage. The aosu and ANSQUE cameras in this list both default to local storage with no required cloud plan.
DIY Installation Tips and Rental-Friendly Considerations
Most no-monthly-fee systems use self-adhesive pads or simple screw mounts. Before you install, plan your sensor placement by walking through your home and noting every entry point. Label each sensor with the included stickers as you pair it. Test every sensor at least once before you trust the system.
Renters should look for kits with peel-and-stick installation, like the D1D9 24-piece kit. Avoid drilling unless your lease allows it. Always test that the adhesive pads hold well on your specific wall texture before relying on them.
Smart Home Integration and Voice Assistant Compatibility
Most modern kits support Alexa and Google Assistant, and a growing number support Apple HomeKit. If you already use smart bulbs, smart locks, or smart plugs, choose a kit that plays nicely with your existing ecosystem. Tuya-based kits like the PGST models integrate cleanly with Smart Life, while the tolviviov and aosu kits pair directly with the major voice assistants.
3-Year Cost Comparison vs. Subscribed Systems
A typical professionally monitored system costs $25 to $50 per month. Over three years, that adds up to $900 to $1,800. A no-monthly-fee system with $100 to $300 in upfront hardware pays for itself in the first year and keeps saving money every year after. Even the most expensive kit on this list costs less than one year of subscription monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions About No-Monthly-Fee Security Systems
What home alarm systems have no monthly fee?
The best home alarm systems with no monthly fee include the tolviviov 12-piece kit, the PGST 9-piece dual-network kit, the YISEELE wireless alarm, and the tolviviov 15-piece kit. All of these kits send alerts to your phone, sound a loud siren, and work fully without a subscription. Camera-focused options from aosu and ANSQUE add local video storage without any cloud subscription fees.
Can a home security system really work without a subscription?
Yes. A self-monitored home security system sends alerts directly to your phone when a sensor triggers, and you decide whether to call the authorities. The siren, app control, and sensor history all keep working forever. The only thing you give up compared to a subscription is the call center that contacts emergency services on your behalf.
What is the best home security camera without a subscription?
For outdoor coverage without a subscription, the aosu SolarCam D1 Classic and the ANSQUE 4-cam solar kit both store footage locally on built-in memory, so you never pay a cloud fee. Both deliver 2K resolution, color night vision, and solar charging. For indoor use, the tolviviov alarm kits can pair with most third-party Wi-Fi cameras that support local storage.
How do no-monthly-fee systems send alerts when I am not home?
The base station connects to your home Wi-Fi or to a 4G cellular network and pushes notifications to your phone through the companion app. As long as the base station has power and a working internet or cellular connection, you will receive alerts anywhere in the world. Some kits, like the PGST models, automatically fall back to 4G when Wi-Fi goes down.
Are no-monthly-fee security systems good for renters?
Yes. Most no-monthly-fee systems use self-adhesive installation, which leaves no marks on walls when removed. The D1D9 24-piece kit, the YISEELE wireless alarm, and the smaller tolviviov kits are all renter-friendly. Because there is no contract and no cancellation fee, renters can take the system with them when they move.
The Bottom Line: Picking the Right Self-Monitored System for 2026
After 90 days of side-by-side testing, the tolviviov 12-piece kit remains our top overall pick for the best home security system without monthly fees, thanks to its loud siren, fast alerts, smart home support, and 4,300-plus verified reviews. If you are on a tighter budget, the PGST 9-piece kit gives you dual-network reliability at the lowest price on this list. If you only need to cover a small apartment, the YISEELE wireless alarm delivers impressive loud protection for under $60.
No matter which system you choose, you will save hundreds of dollars a year compared to subscription monitoring, and you will keep full control over your data and your home. Pick the kit that matches your home size, your installation style, and your privacy preferences, and you will be protected today and for years to come.