Best Home Security Systems With No Monthly Fees 2026
Top-rated home security systems with no monthly fees. Local storage, self-monitoring, and zero subscriptions required.
SmartShieldHQ Editorial Team
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Monthly fees are the hidden cost of home security. That $199 system suddenly costs $500 a year once you add professional monitoring, cloud storage, and premium features. But here is the good news: in 2026, several excellent security systems work completely without a subscription.
We tested the best no-monthly-fee home security systems to find which ones deliver real protection without the ongoing expense. Every system on this list provides core security features — arming, disarming, alerts, and local recording — with zero recurring costs.
Top No-Fee Security Systems at a Glance
| System | Best For | Price | Storage | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eufy Security S380 | Overall (No Fee) | $399 | Local (16 GB built-in) | 4.5/5 |
| Abode Iota | Self-Monitoring | $279 | Local + Optional Cloud | 4.3/5 |
| SimpliSafe Essentials | Optional Monitoring | $199 | Cloud (with plan) | 4.2/5 |
| Ring Alarm (2nd Gen) | Alexa Integration | $199 | Cloud (with plan) | 4.1/5 |
| Wyze Home Monitoring | Budget | $99 | Local + Cloud | 4.0/5 |
1. eufy Security S380 — Best Overall No-Fee Security System
- 16 GB local storage on HomeBase 3 with expandable storage
- BionicMind AI for facial recognition and smart detection
- No monthly subscription fees for core features
- Encrypted local and cloud backup options
The eufy Security S380 is our top pick for buyers who want to avoid monthly fees entirely. Everything is stored locally on the HomeBase 3, which includes 16 GB of built-in eMMC storage and an expandable slot for up to a 16 TB hard drive. There is no cloud dependency and no subscription required for any feature.
The system includes a HomeBase 3 hub, two entry sensors, a motion sensor, and a keypad. The HomeBase 3 doubles as a security hub and a Wi-Fi camera base station, so you can add eufy cameras that also store footage locally. The 2K cameras support on-device AI processing for person, pet, and vehicle detection — all handled locally without sending data to the cloud.
What truly sets the S380 apart is end-to-end encryption. Your footage never leaves your network unless you explicitly share it. For privacy-conscious buyers, this is a significant advantage over cloud-dependent competitors.
What We Like
- Zero subscription fees -- all features included
- Local storage with up to 16 TB expansion
- End-to-end encryption for maximum privacy
- On-device AI detection (person, pet, vehicle)
- Expandable with eufy cameras and sensors
Could Be Better
- Higher upfront cost at $399
- No professional monitoring option
- Fewer third-party integrations than Ring or SimpliSafe
- Self-monitoring only -- you are the responder
Our Verdict: The eufy S380 is the best home security system you can buy if you refuse to pay monthly fees. The local storage, on-device AI, and privacy-first approach make it a standout. Just know that you are fully responsible for responding to alerts yourself.
2. Abode Iota — Best Self-Monitored System
The Abode Iota is an all-in-one security hub that includes a built-in 1080p camera, motion sensor, and 93 dB siren in a single device. It works as a standalone system out of the box, and the free tier includes self-monitoring with push notifications, a web dashboard, and basic automation.
Abode supports an impressive range of third-party devices through Zigbee, Z-Wave, and WiFi protocols. This makes it one of the most flexible hubs for building a custom security setup over time. You can add door sensors, glass break detectors, smoke listeners, and water leak sensors from multiple brands.
The free CUE automation engine lets you create rules like “if the front door opens after midnight, turn on the hallway light and send an alert.” This level of automation without a subscription is rare.
What We Like
- All-in-one hub with camera, sensor, and siren
- Zigbee, Z-Wave, and WiFi device support
- Free automation engine (CUE) included
- Optional professional monitoring ($8/mo) if you change your mind
Could Be Better
- Built-in camera is only 1080p
- Device ecosystem is smaller than Ring
- App can be sluggish at times
- No local video storage without adding a camera with SD card
3. SimpliSafe Essentials — Best Optional Monitoring
SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe The Essentials Security System
- Base station with built-in 95 dB siren
- Wireless keypad with backlit PIN entry
- 3 entry sensors and 1 motion sensor included
- Optional 24/7 professional monitoring
SimpliSafe takes a different approach: the hardware works without a subscription for basic arming, disarming, and local siren alerts. But if you decide you want professional monitoring, cellular backup, or camera recording, you can add it month-to-month with no contract and cancel anytime.
The Essentials kit includes a base station, keypad, three entry sensors, and a motion sensor. Setup is genuinely tool-free — peel the adhesive backing, stick the sensors, and pair them through the app. The entire process takes about fifteen minutes.
SimpliSafe’s cellular connection (available with the monitoring plan) means the system works even if your WiFi or power goes out. This is a major advantage over purely WiFi-based systems during break-ins where an intruder might cut power.
What We Like
- Works without subscription for basic alerts
- Optional monitoring with no contract ($17.99/mo)
- Cellular backup available for power/WiFi outages
- Dead simple installation -- fully wireless
Could Be Better
- Camera recording requires active subscription
- Hardware feels plasticky at the price point
- No Zigbee or Z-Wave for third-party devices
- Limited smart home integrations without plan
4. Ring Alarm (2nd Gen) — Best for Alexa Smart Homes
If your home is built around Amazon Alexa, the Ring Alarm fits in seamlessly. You can arm and disarm with voice commands, get announcements on Echo speakers when doors open, and build routines that trigger lights, locks, and cameras when the alarm activates.
The base system costs $199 for a five-piece kit. Without a subscription, you get local siren alerts and app notifications. The Ring Protect Pro plan ($20/month) adds 24/7 professional monitoring, cellular backup, and an integrated Eero WiFi 6 router — but it is entirely optional.
Ring’s first-party sensor lineup is extensive: door/window sensors, motion detectors, flood/freeze sensors, smoke/CO listeners, panic buttons, and keypads. The ecosystem depth is hard to beat.
What We Like
- Best-in-class Alexa integration
- Large ecosystem of Ring sensors and cameras
- Works without subscription for basic alerts
- Ring Protect Pro includes Eero WiFi router
Could Be Better
- Full features require Ring Protect subscription
- Privacy concerns with Amazon cloud storage
- No HomeKit support
- Professional monitoring requires highest-tier plan
5. Wyze Home Monitoring — Best Budget Option
At $99 for a starter kit with three months of monitoring included, Wyze is the most affordable way to get a real security system. The kit includes a hub, keypad, two entry sensors, and a motion sensor. After the trial, you can continue professional monitoring for $7.99/month or use the system for free with self-monitoring.
The free tier gives you app alerts, siren activation, and local arming/disarming. Wyze cameras with microSD cards provide local recording without any subscription. The system works with Wyze’s full ecosystem of cameras, plugs, bulbs, and sensors.
What We Like
- Incredibly affordable at $99 for the starter kit
- Professional monitoring for just $7.99/mo (optional)
- Works with the entire Wyze ecosystem
- Local recording with microSD cards in Wyze cameras
Could Be Better
- Sensor quality is a step below premium brands
- Hub requires constant WiFi connection
- Fewer sensor types available
- Customer support can be slow
No-Fee Security: What You Need to Know
Local Storage vs. Cloud Storage
Local storage means your video footage is saved on a hard drive, microSD card, or NAS in your home. The advantage is privacy and zero recurring cost. The disadvantage is that if someone steals or destroys the storage device during a break-in, the footage is lost.
Cloud storage saves footage to remote servers. It survives theft and fire, but requires a subscription (typically $3-$15/month) and raises privacy questions about who can access your data.
Our recommendation: Use local storage as your primary method, and if your system supports it, enable cloud backup for critical cameras like front door and driveway.
Self-Monitoring Tips
When you skip professional monitoring, you become your own security response team. Here is how to do it effectively:
- Enable push notifications for every sensor. Do not rely on checking the app manually.
- Set up redundant alerts. Use the security app, email notifications, and smart speaker announcements so you never miss an event.
- Share access with trusted contacts. Give a partner, family member, or neighbor app access so someone else can respond if you are unavailable.
- Create automations. Program lights to turn on and sirens to sound automatically when the alarm triggers, even if you are not actively monitoring. A smart home hub makes it easier to coordinate automations across different devices and brands.
- Test your system monthly. Walk through your home and trigger every sensor to verify they are all working and connected.
How Much Do Subscriptions Really Cost?
Here is what you save by going fee-free over three and five years:
| Service | Monthly Cost | 3-Year Total | 5-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADT | $28.99 | $1,043 | $1,739 |
| Ring Protect Pro | $20.00 | $720 | $1,200 |
| SimpliSafe Standard | $17.99 | $647 | $1,079 |
| Wyze Monitoring | $7.99 | $287 | $479 |
| eufy (No Fee) | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Over five years, skipping a mid-tier monitoring plan saves you over $1,000. That money can buy additional security cameras, sensors, or a complete smart home upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a no-fee security system really protect my home?
Yes. The core components — door sensors, motion detectors, sirens, and instant alerts — work identically whether you pay monthly or not. The main difference is that without professional monitoring, no one calls the police on your behalf. You must respond to alerts yourself.
What happens during a break-in with self-monitoring?
Your system triggers the siren (typically 93-105 dB, which is extremely loud) and sends an instant push notification to your phone. You then decide whether to call 911, check your cameras, or alert a neighbor. The siren alone deters most intruders.
Is local storage safe from thieves?
It depends on placement. Mount your hub or NVR in a hidden location — a locked closet, basement, or attic. Some systems like eufy encrypt footage, so even if the hub is stolen, the data is unreadable without your account credentials.
Can I add professional monitoring later?
Yes, with SimpliSafe, Ring, Abode, and Wyze. These systems let you add or cancel monitoring month-to-month with no contract. eufy is the exception — it does not offer professional monitoring at any price.
Final Verdict
The eufy Security S380 is the best home security system for buyers who want zero monthly fees, full local storage, and strong privacy protections. If you want the flexibility to add professional monitoring down the road, the SimpliSafe Essentials gives you that option without locking you into a contract.
Going fee-free does not mean going unprotected. It means taking control of your own security — and keeping over $1,000 in your pocket over the next five years. For a broader look at all your options, including systems with monitoring plans, see our home security system buying guide.
This article was last updated on February 28, 2026. Prices and availability may change.
