How Much Does a DIY Home Security System Cost? A Simple Guide

Keeping your home safe doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Do-it-yourself (DIY) home security systems give you the power to protect your home on your own terms and, most importantly, on your own budget.

But what's the real bottom line? Let's break down the actual costs so you can decide what's right for you.

What Determines the Price of a DIY Security System?

The final cost of a DIY system isn't one-size-fits-all. It comes down to a few key choices you get to make:

The Size of Your Home: A larger home with more doors and windows will naturally need more sensors than a small apartment.
Your Desired Security Level: Are you looking for basic intrusion alerts on your doors? Or do you want a more complete setup with video cameras to see what's happening inside and out?
The Equipment You Choose: Prices for hardware like cameras and sensors can vary. The good news is you can start small and add more devices whenever you want.
Your Monitoring Plan: You can choose to monitor the system yourself for free or add a professional monitoring plan for a small monthly fee.

DIY vs. Traditional Security: A Quick Cost Comparison

Readers love a simple breakdown, so here it is. This table shows the typical cost differences between a modern DIY system and a traditional, professionally installed one.

Security Cost Comparison

Cost Type	DIY Security (like Kangaroo)	Traditional Security
Equipment	You buy it upfront, $100 - $400 starter kits	Often "free" but built into a high monthly fee
Installation	$0 (you do it yourself, no tools needed!)	$99 - $200+ one-time fee
Monitoring	$0 for self-monitoring, $10 - $30/mo for pro	$40 - $60+/mo
Contracts	No contracts, cancel anytime	Usually required, 2-3 year commitments

Cost #1: The Equipment (A One-Time Purchase)

The first cost is for the physical hardware. The great part about DIY is that you can start with a few key pieces and add more later.

Most basic starter kits cost between $150 and $400. These usually come with:

A central hub (the system's brain)
A couple of door and window sensors
A motion detector

This is often enough for apartments or smaller homes. For a closer look at your front door, a video doorbell can cost between $50 and $250. Other cameras for inside or outside your home can range from $30 to $200 each.

At Kangaroo, we keep things simple and affordable. Our Front Door Security Kit is a popular starting point.

You can also buy devices one by one to build a custom system:

Door/Window Sensors: About $30 each.
Motion Sensors: Usually $30 to $50 each.
Water + Climate Sensors: To protect against leaks and temperature changes, these cost around $30 to $60.

Cost #2: The Monitoring Plan (An Optional Monthly Fee)

After you have the equipment, you need to decide how you’ll monitor it. With DIY, you have choices.

Self-Monitoring (Free): You monitor the system yourself. If a sensor is triggered, you get an alert on your phone. You then check what's happening and call for help if needed. It’s free, but it means you have to pay attention to the alerts.
Professional Monitoring ($$ per month): For extra peace of mind, you can have a team of professionals watch over your home 24/7. For a monthly fee, this team will be notified when your alarm goes off. They’ll try to contact you first, then send police, fire, or medical help if there’s an emergency. This service typically costs between $10 and $30 a month.

Kangaroo offers straightforward monitoring plans to fit any budget. You can choose to protect your home yourself or have our team of pros back you up. See the options on our Complete Protect plans page.

Is a DIY System Really Cheaper Than ADT?

Yes, in almost every case. The business model is completely different. Traditional security companies often require long-term contracts that can cost $40 to $60+ per month, plus installation fees that can run into the hundreds.

With a DIY system, you purchase the equipment and own it from day one. Your optional monthly monitoring fee is significantly lower, and you are never locked into a multi-year contract. This flexibility and affordability are major reasons why many people are making the switch, a trend noted by major publications like Forbes in their analysis of the home security market.

Let's Build a System: A Real Cost Example

Seeing it in action makes it clearer. Let's say you want to secure a small, two-bedroom house. Here’s a sample shopping list and how the cost would break down:

Kangaroo 8-Piece Security Kit: Includes a hub, 4 door/window sensors, 2 motion sensors, and a yard sign.
- Upfront Cost: ~$150
Kangaroo Video Doorbell: To see who's at your front door.
- Upfront Cost: ~$40
Kangaroo Professional Monitoring (Optional): For 24/7 protection.
- Monthly Cost: ~$10/month

Total Initial Cost: ~$190 Total Monthly Cost (Optional): ~$10

The Bottom Line: You Control the Cost

So, how much does a DIY home security system cost? The simple answer is that you can get started for under $100 for a basic setup or build a more complete system with cameras for $200 to $500.

You are in the driver's seat. You choose the equipment you need and decide if you want to pay a small monthly fee for professional monitoring. It’s the modern, affordable way to get serious peace of mind.

Ready to build a security system that fits your home and your budget? Check out Kangaroo's security kits and cameras and see how easy it is to get started.