This guide contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
A DIY alarm system protects doors, windows and rooms for a fraction of a traditional alarm company's cost, with no installer visit and no long contract. Ring Alarm and SimpliSafe are the two most popular choices on Amazon.
Our Picks at a Glance
- Best Overall Value: Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit
- Best Professional Monitoring: SimpliSafe 8-Piece Wireless System
- Best for Larger Homes: Ring Alarm 14-Piece Kit
1. Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit — Best Overall Value
One of the highest-rated security kits on Amazon, with more than 18,000 ratings, designed for 1-2 bedroom homes.
- Base station, keypad, 4 contact sensors, 1 motion detector, 1 range extender
- Phone alerts through the Ring app
- Optional Ring Protect plan adds remote arming, cellular backup and 24/7 professional monitoring
- Arm and disarm with Alexa (with a plan)
- Amazon rating 4.7/5 (18,000+ ratings)
Pros: excellent rating, easy setup, works with Ring cameras and doorbells.
Cons: best features need a subscription.
Best for: apartments and smaller homes, especially with Ring cameras.
2. SimpliSafe 8-Piece Wireless System — Best Professional Monitoring
A security specialist known for fast professional monitoring and a no-contract model.
- No wiring or drilling; plug in the base station and place sensors
- Entry sensors with optional silent "Secret Alerts"
- Motion sensor covers 35 ft, pet-friendly under 60 lbs
- Panic button and smash-safe keypad
- First month of monitoring free, no long-term contract; Amazon rating 4.5/5 (2,600+ ratings)
Pros: strong monitoring service, pet-friendly motion sensor, no contract.
Cons: monitoring is a paid add-on after the free month.
Best for: people who want professional emergency dispatch.
3. Ring Alarm 14-Piece Kit — Best for Larger Homes
The bigger Ring kit, designed for 2-4 bedroom homes, with twice the sensors.
- Base station, 2 keypads, 8 contact sensors, 2 motion detectors, range extender
- Expandable with more Ring sensors
- Optional 24/7 professional monitoring
- Amazon rating 4.6/5 (6,000+ ratings)
Pros: covers a whole house out of the box.
Cons: more sensors than small homes need.
Best for: family homes with many doors and windows.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Ring Alarm 8-Piece | SimpliSafe 8-Piece | Ring Alarm 14-Piece | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home size | 1-2 bedrooms | Small to medium | 2-4 bedrooms |
| Contact sensors | 4 | Included (entry sensors) | 8 |
| Motion detectors | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Professional monitoring | Optional plan | Optional plan, no contract | Optional plan |
| Amazon rating | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.6 |
From the Amazon listings and manufacturers' websites, checked October 2026. Amazon ratings change daily. Prices change often, so we do not list them here.
What to Look For
- Kit size for your number of doors and windows.
- Monitoring: self-monitored alerts vs paid professional dispatch.
- Cellular backup in case Wi-Fi or power goes down.
- Ecosystem: pick the brand that matches your cameras and doorbell.
Add cameras: see the best outdoor security cameras and best smart locks. Sensors and cameras stay connected best with strong Wi-Fi in every room: see the best mesh Wi-Fi systems.
How we choose: we have not lab-tested these products ourselves. Our picks are based on manufacturer specifications, the Amazon listings and recurring themes in buyer reviews, checked in October 2026. We favor products with strong ratings from large numbers of buyers.
FAQ
Do I have to pay for monitoring?
No. Both Ring Alarm and SimpliSafe work as self-monitored systems that alert your phone. 24/7 professional monitoring with police, fire and medical dispatch is an optional paid plan, with no long-term contract.
Are these systems hard to install?
No. They are wireless: plug in the base station, stick sensors on doors and windows, and follow the app. No drilling or wiring is required.
Will pets set off the motion sensor?
SimpliSafe says its motion sensor gets along with pets under 60 lbs. With any system, place motion sensors in corners and test them before arming.
Can I add cameras later?
Yes. Both systems are expandable with extra sensors, sirens and cameras from the same brand, all managed in one app.
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Product details and ratings on Amazon change often, so check the current listing before you buy.