The 5 Best, Coolest DIY Home Security Systems You Can Buy NOW

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Whoever you are I’m guessing you’ve got a lot of electronics in the house (especially if you’re reading this blog). Plus, your house contains the most valuable things ever: the lives of you and your family members. So protecting your home with a security system is basically a no-brainer.

It’s actually pretty easy to install your own home security system — take it from me. I did it not long ago and was pleasantly surprised at how much fun I actually had. I didn’t have to hire anyone or even give support a call. I installed a more traditional security setup with lots of sensors and cameras and what not — similar to the first two options listed here — and it took me 30–45 minutes of setup when it was all said and done.

And with Apple’s HomeKit efforts coming to fruition, it’s going to be easier than ever to control the “smart” devices in your home.

So here’s my list of the 5 best do-it-yourself home security systems. As always, design matters greatly here on DailyTekk so you won’t find plenty of other systems you might have come across in your research; so many were just too ugly. There are a great variety of features and approaches represented here from comprehensive security systems with all the bells and whistles to simple and easy to install systems. Take your pick!

Also read: SkylinkNet Alarm System Review: A Better, Cheaper ADT Alternative

Scout Alarm

Like many do-it-yourself home alarm or security systems, the Scout Alarm features the basic elements/components: a hub, HD cameras, door and window sensors, a key fob and motion detectors. Unlike almost every other security system on the planet (DIY or otherwise), the Scout Alarm system looks really, really nice. It even features wood-looking panels as an option of some of the sensors to better match your house (because nobody likes a white or black box sitting on their door that sticks out like a sore thumb).

Abode

Adobe is another DIY alarm system that looks really nice (seriously, most home security systems are butt ugly). The Gateway hub — the brains of the system — is highly redundant and laughs in the face of emergencies. It’s got a 12-hour backup battery built in and can use 3G to communicate with the other system components in case WiFi, Z-Wave or Zigbee are out of commission. The Abode’s motion sensors also come with cameras, the key fobs are classy/elegant and there’s also a slick numbered keypad (or access point) you won’t find on other systems.

Canary

The Canary wireless home security system is way different than anything else on the market. It’s an all-in-one approach to security; rather than having myriad sensors and cameras working together with a hub, the Canary is just one device that aims to cover everything in one simple package. The Canary features a siren, an HD camera, a mic, a motion detector and night vision in a very sleek, good-looking design. The Canary also has one awesome feature you won’t find on the other systems listed here: HomeHealth technology. So aside from securing your house, you can also monitor indoor temperature, humidity and air quality.

Myfox

Myfox, like Canary, takes a very different approach to securing your castle: it actually attempts to prevent break-ins before they happen. This preventative approach still makes use of sensors which can be placed on any doors or windows. The sensors are apparently capable of discerning the different between normal vibrations and vibrations generated from an attempted burglary. So, if a threat is detected the alarm will sound before anyone even enters your home. Again, the design is a major benefit of this system.

Korner

I like the simplicity of Korner: you buy sensors that fit into the corners of doors and windows (hence the name), apply them, plug a dongle into your router and download the app. There aren’t any cameras or motion sensors to deal with — just the corners/Korners. You can get 3 tags for $59, which is considerably cheaper than other options. On the downside there is a $39 annual fee.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a DIY home security solution that looks incredible and features the traditional components/take (sensors, cameras, key fobs, a hub, etc.) then check out Scout Alarm and Abode. If you want the simplest possible security setup then Canary is your best bet. If you’re interested in trying to prevent any damage to your home in the first place, Myfox is the only way to go (well that or hire some huge bouncers to stand guard 24/7). If you’re just looking for something cheap to get you started but still want the peace of mind associated with knowing there’s a sensor on every possible entry point (all windows and doors), give Korner a look.

What do you think? What have you tried? Do you agree with this list? Leave a comment and let me know!