Best Cheap Home Security Systems (2026): Under $20/Month
Last updated August 2026
Best Cheap Home Security Systems Under $20/Month
You do not need to spend a fortune to protect your home. In 2026, several excellent security systems offer professional monitoring for under $20 per month, and some charge nothing at all for basic self-monitoring. The key is knowing which budget options deliver real protection and which cut corners that matter.
This guide covers the five best cheap home security systems: Ring Alarm, Cove, Wyze, Abode, and Eufy. We compare total cost of ownership, what you get at each price point, and where each system compromises to hit its price target. Whether your budget is $10 per month or zero, there is a system on this list that will keep your home safe without breaking the bank.
Quick Comparison Table
Here is how the top cheap security systems compare on price and core features.
| Brand | Monthly Cost | Equipment Start | 3-Year Total | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wyze | $9.99/mo | ~$75 | ~$435 | None |
| Ring Alarm | $19.99/mo | ~$200 | ~$920 | None |
| Cove Basic | $22.99/mo | ~$300 | ~$1,128 | None |
| Abode (self) | $0 | ~$160 | ~$160 | None |
| Abode Pro | $26.99/mo | ~$160 | ~$1,132 | None |
| Eufy (self) | $0 | ~$160 | ~$160 | None |
| Eufy Pro | $9.99/mo | ~$160 | ~$520 | None |
Wyze is the absolute cheapest at $9.99 per month, but comes with serious caveats including no cellular backup and security concerns that have led major reviewers to stop recommending it. Ring at $19.99 per month offers the best balance of low cost and reliable professional monitoring. Eufy and Abode both offer true $0 self-monitoring options for buyers who want basic protection without any recurring fees.
Ring Alarm: Best Monitoring Under $20
Ring Alarm offers the lowest-cost professional monitoring from any major brand at $19.99 per month through its Ring AI Pro plan. For that price, you get 24/7 professional monitoring, cellular backup, and eero backup internet to keep your system online even if your primary connection fails. No other brand delivers professional monitoring with cellular backup at this price point.
What You Get for $19.99/Month:
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Cellular backup (keeps system online if Wi-Fi fails)
- eero backup internet connection
- In-app SOS button
- Duress code for silent alarm
- 180-day cloud storage for cameras
- No contract, cancel anytime
Equipment Costs: Ring Alarm starts at $199.99 for the 5-piece kit, with 8-piece ($249.99), 10-piece ($279.99), and 14-piece ($329.99) options available. The Alarm Pro series, which includes an eero Wi-Fi 6 router, starts at $249.99.
The Catch: Ring is deeply integrated with Amazon’s ecosystem. If you are not an Alexa household, some features feel less natural to use. Ring does not support Apple HomeKit, Z-Wave, or IFTTT. Video quality on Ring cameras is good but not exceptional, topping out at 1080p while competitors offer 2K and 4K options.
Bottom Line: At $19.99 per month with cellular backup, Ring Alarm is the best value in budget security for Amazon households. The 3-year total cost of approximately $920 makes it accessible for most budgets without sacrificing core protection features.
Cove: Best Service on a Budget
Cove Basic at $22.99 per month is just over our $20 threshold, but its Plus plan at $32.99 adds cameras, smart home integration, and a lifetime warranty that makes it one of the best values in the industry. Cove has earned a reputation for exceptional customer service and industry-leading guarantees.
Cove Basic ($22.99/mo) Includes:
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Cellular backup
- RapidSOS dispatch (3-4 minutes faster than average)
- Cove LiveAssist through the panel
- Hourly system checks
- No contract
Cove Plus ($32.99/mo) Adds:
- Camera support
- Alexa and Google integration
- Lifetime equipment warranty
- Rate lock guarantee
Equipment Costs: Cove equipment starts around $300 for a basic hub and sensor setup. The company frequently runs 70% off sales that dramatically reduce upfront costs. Equipment is sold a la carte or via custom quote, so you only buy what you need.
The Catch: Cove’s smart home integration is limited compared to Abode or even Ring. Camera integration is through third-party Eufy cameras, which can create compatibility headaches. The system works best as a straightforward security solution rather than a smart home hub.
Bottom Line: Cove’s 60-day money-back guarantee is the best in the industry, and its customer service consistently ranks at the top. If you value support and peace of mind over smart home features, Cove is worth the slightly higher monthly cost.
Wyze: Cheapest Monitoring (With Caveats)
Wyze offers professional monitoring for just $9.99 per month, the cheapest of any major brand. The Core Starter Kit costs only $75 to $112, making Wyze the most affordable entry point into home security by a wide margin.
What You Get for $9.99/Month:
- 24/7 professional monitoring via Noonlight
- Cam Plus cloud storage for one camera
- AI person, vehicle, package, and pet detection
- Text-based alarm response
- No contract
Equipment Costs: Core Starter Kit ~$75-112. Individual cameras are incredibly cheap: Wyze Cam v3 at $35.98, Cam Pan v3 at $39.98, Battery Cam Pro at $89.98, and Video Doorbell v2 at $59.98.
The Serious Problems: CNET and other major reviewers have stopped recommending Wyze due to recurring security vulnerabilities and privacy issues. The system has no cellular backup, meaning your security goes completely offline if your internet connection fails. The warranty is weaker than competitors. For a system meant to protect your home, these compromises are significant.
Bottom Line: Wyze is the cheapest option available, but we recommend it only for buyers on the tightest budgets who understand the risks. If you can stretch to Ring at $19.99 per month, you get dramatically better reliability, cellular backup, and peace of mind.
Abode: Best Free Self-Monitoring
Abode is the only security system that offers a genuinely usable free self-monitoring tier. Unlike competitors whose free tiers are essentially useless demos, Abode’s free plan includes live streaming, basic automations, and core security functionality that actually protects your home.
Abode Free Tier ($0/month):
- Self-monitoring with push notifications
- Live camera streaming
- Basic automations
- CUE automation engine access
- No contract, no credit card required
Abode Standard ($8.49/mo or $79.99/yr):
- 7-day cloud storage
- Timeline view
- Geofencing
- Advanced automations
Abode Pro ($26.99/mo or $245.99/yr):
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Cellular backup
- 30-day cloud storage
- Insurance discount certificate
Equipment Costs: Starter kits from $130 to $160. The iota all-in-one hub with built-in camera is slightly more expensive but eliminates the need for a separate indoor camera.
The Standout Feature: Abode supports every major smart home platform: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Z-Wave, Zigbee, IFTTT, Nest, and Philips Hue. No other system comes close to this level of integration.
Bottom Line: If you want basic home security with zero monthly cost, Abode is the only serious choice. Its free tier is genuinely functional, and upgrading to professional monitoring gives you the best smart home integration in the industry.
Eufy: Best No-Monthly-Fee Option
Eufy takes a different approach to cheap security: local storage that eliminates the need for cloud subscriptions entirely. All footage is stored on the HomeBase 3 hub with up to 16TB of expandable storage, and Eufy’s BionicMind AI provides facial recognition without any monthly fee.
Eufy Self-Monitoring ($0/month):
- Local storage on HomeBase 3 (no cloud required)
- BionicMind AI with facial recognition
- Person, vehicle, pet detection
- 2K and 4K camera options
- No contract
Eufy Pro Monitoring ($9.99/month):
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Additional cloud storage options
- Expanded AI features
Equipment Costs: 5-Piece Alarm Kit $159.99, HomeBase 3 $149.99, cameras $60 to $400, Video Smart Lock $349.99.
The Catch: Eufy suffered a significant privacy controversy in 2022 over unauthorized cloud uploads. In 2025, New York’s Attorney General announced a $450,000 settlement tied to security concerns. While Eufy has taken steps to address these issues, privacy-conscious buyers may hesitate. The system also has limited smart home integration compared to Abode.
Bottom Line: For buyers who want high-quality cameras and zero monthly fees, Eufy is compelling. The local storage approach means your footage stays in your home, not on a company’s servers. Just be aware of the privacy history before you buy.
What You Sacrifice at Each Price Point
Every budget security system makes compromises. Here is what you give up at each price tier.
$0/month (Abode Free, Eufy Self):
- No professional monitoring (you respond to alarms yourself)
- No cellular backup (system depends entirely on your internet)
- Limited or no cloud storage
- No insurance discount (most insurers require pro monitoring)
$9.99/month (Wyze, Eufy Pro):
- Wyze: No cellular backup, security/privacy concerns, weak warranty
- Eufy Pro: Professional monitoring but no cellular backup on the alarm system
$19.99/month (Ring):
- No Apple HomeKit support
- No Z-Wave or advanced smart home integration
- 1080p camera maximum (no 2K or 4K)
- Limited automation capabilities
$22.99-$26.99/month (Cove, Abode Pro):
- Cove: Limited smart home, third-party cameras only
- Abode: Higher cost but best smart home integration
The key question is which compromises matter to you. If you just want basic intrusion detection and are comfortable self-monitoring, Abode’s free tier or Eufy’s local storage save you hundreds over three years. If you want professional monitoring with cellular backup, Ring at $19.99 is the cheapest reliable option.
3-Year Total Cost Comparison
Monthly price alone does not tell the full story. Here is the total 3-year cost for each budget system, including typical equipment purchases.
| Brand | Equipment | Monitoring (3yr) | Total | Cost Per Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wyze | $75 | $359.64 | $434.64 | $12.07 |
| Eufy (self) | $160 | $0 | $160.00 | $4.44 |
| Abode (self) | $160 | $0 | $160.00 | $4.44 |
| Ring | $250 | $719.64 | $969.64 | $26.93 |
| Eufy Pro | $160 | $359.64 | $519.64 | $14.43 |
| Cove Basic | $300 | $827.64 | $1,127.64 | $31.32 |
| Abode Pro | $160 | $971.64 | $1,131.64 | $31.43 |
The numbers reveal a clear pattern: self-monitoring with Abode or Eufy costs practically nothing over three years. Wyze is the cheapest monitored option but comes with significant reliability concerns. Ring offers the best balance of professional monitoring and total cost at under $1,000 over three years.
Final Verdict
The best cheap home security system depends on your budget floor and what compromises you are willing to accept.
Best Overall Under $20: Ring Alarm ($19.99/mo) Ring delivers professional monitoring with cellular backup at the lowest price point from any major brand we trust. The $19.99 Ring AI Pro plan is the sweet spot for budget-conscious buyers who do not want to sacrifice reliability.
Best Free Option: Abode (Self-Monitoring) Abode’s free tier is the only one that actually works. You get real security functionality, live streaming, and basic automations without spending a dime. When you are ready to upgrade, the Pro plan adds professional monitoring and the best smart home integration available.
Best No Monthly Fee: Eufy Eufy’s local storage approach means zero recurring costs and your footage never leaves your home. Just be aware of the privacy controversy history before purchasing.
Avoid: Wyze Despite the tempting $9.99 price, Wyze’s lack of cellular backup, security vulnerabilities, and declining reviewer recommendations make it hard to endorse for home protection.
No matter your budget, there is a security system that can protect your home in 2026. Start with Ring if you want professional monitoring under $20, or Abode if you want to start for free and upgrade when ready.