Renting doesn’t mean you need to compromise your safety. Use the best apartment security systems without drilling into the walls.
Updated Jan. 29, 2024 3:00 p.m. PT
Written by
David Priest
David Anders
Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission.
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David Priest Former editor
David Priest is an award-winning writer and editor who formerly covered home security for CNET.
David Anders Senior Writer
David Anders is a senior writer for CNET covering broadband providers, smart home devices and security products. Prior to joining CNET, David built his industry expertise writing for the broadband marketplace Allconnect. In his 5 plus years covering broadband, David’s work has been referenced by a variety of sources including ArcGIS, DIRECTV and more. David is from and currently resides in the Charlotte area with his wife, son and two cats.
Expertise Broadband providers, Home internet, Security Cameras
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Best cheap security system
Wyze Home Monitoring
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Best system for a building unit
Ring Alarm
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While many home security systems require drilling to install, even if you do a DIY installation, renting doesn’t mean you have to miss out. Even if your landlord doesn’t want extra holes in the doorframe or walls, you still have home security options. There are a few good systems out there we’d consider to be the best apartment security systems.
To put together our list of the best home security systems for renters, we tested every major security system on the market, from professionally installed systems to DIY ones. In general, the professional systems don’t make much sense for renters because they tend to rely on permanent fixtures and sometimes come with contracts that last longer than a lease. The better picks for home security systems for a rental property are going to be cheaper, DIY products. Here are the best systems for the job.
Read more: 7 Home Security Tips for Apartment Dwellers
Best Apartment Security Systems
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Security systems for renters compared
| Wyze Home Monitoring | Ring Alarm (5-piece) | SimpliSafe (6-piece) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $79 | $200 | $280 |
| 24/7 professional monitoring fees | $10 | $20 | $0.99/day |
| System hardware | 2 door/window sensors, 1 motion detector, 1 keypad, 1 base station with built-in siren | 1 door/window sensor, 1 motion sensor, 1 keypad, 1 range extender, 1 base station | 1 base station, 1 keypad, 3 entry sensors, 1 motion sensor |
| Setup | DIY installation | DIY installation | DIY installation |
| Extra features | 24/7 professional monitoring, remote alerts, false alarm prevention, no long-term contracts, Alexa and smart home integration | Mobile notifications and remote alerts, integrates with Alexa and other Ring products | Cell backup, 24/7 professional monitoring service, customizable system, Alexa and Google Assistant integrations, 24-hour battery |
| Review score | 8.4 | 7.5 | 8.5 |
For each system we test, we install it ourselves just as you would at home, or we have an installer come set it up in the case of professional systems like ADT and Comcast Xfinity. Once it’s installed, we spend at least a week testing the system and all the device-by-device features. Our ranking puts a priority on value but also takes into strong consideration the quality of hardware, service and general user experience — including how easy it was to set up and the frequency of false alarms. For more robust information on any of the recommended security systems above, please read the full reviews.
If you want to read more about our review process, check out our in-depth article on how we test home security systems and services.
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