How To Build A Budget Security System
Protect your home without breaking the bank with Arlo.
Protect your home without breaking the bank with Arlo.
Home security should be accessible to any household. After all, peace of mind should be in everyone’s reach. Still, there’s a common belief that home security comes with a high price tag, hefty professional installation rates, and overpriced contracts. But guess what? You can easily build a budget security system that your family—and your wallet—will love.
Yes, you can have an effective, complete, and affordable home security system on a budget. The key here is taking the DIY installation approach. Build a home security system that fits your wallet and your home, choosing indoor and outdoor cameras a la carte for your needs. But here’s the secret to success: No matter what, your home security system should also be flexible, expandable, and feature smart home integration.
Pick a flexible security system that can be quickly installed and easily customized over time. Picture this: You live in a studio apartment. You think “I just need a camera for the front door.” So, you buy any cheap security camera. You feel happy with your decision… until you don’t.
In the end, cheap, limited tech is not budget-friendly. Maybe you move to a larger apartment, or you get the chance to buy your very own home. Suddenly, your cheap security camera is not reliable enough. And since it’s not part of an expandable ecosystem, upgrading only means getting rid of it for something better.
Choosing an expandable security system, like the Arlo security ecosystem, is ultimately the best choice, budget-wise. You can begin with a security camera or video doorbell camera and incorporate them into a bigger system as your budget grows. There’s simply no waste, technologically or financially.
What’s the best home security system for your budget? Every budget is different and may evolve over time depending on your needs.
Read on to explore our top picks for a cheap home security system for any price point. But, remember: Whether you invest $100 or $300, “cheap” doesn’t mean low quality. Seek out budget home security devices that give you a bang for your buck and major peace of mind.
Security cameras are the foundation of home security. When visible, they deter potential intruders. If you’re looking for protection on a tight budget, a security camera should be your first choice. They work with mobile apps, enabling remote home monitoring, keeping an eye on your surroundings, and spotting potential intruders.
For a budget under $100, go with wireless security cameras. They rely on your Wi-Fi connection and a built-in battery. You can easily mount them in any place within your Wi-Fi range—something especially useful when taking the DIY route.
For an affordable option, check out the Arlo Essential Camera lineup. The Arlo 2nd Generation Essential Wireless Security Camera starts at just $49.99. It offers HD video capture, motion sensors, and an Integrated Spotlight—features you don’t typically find at this price point. With 2-Way Audio, you can tell intruders that they’re being watched and that police are on their way. Or you can opt for the 2K model at $99.99, which provides 2K video capture in the same wire-free design.
| Arlo Essential Wireless Security Camera (HD) | $49.99 |
| Total | $49.99 |
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Your front door is a key area that should be protected. If your budget allows it, we recommend adding a video doorbell. These devices are valuable because they let you both see and communicate with anyone approaching your home.
Options like the Arlo 2nd Gen Video Doorbell start at $79.99 and feature motion detection, Color Night Vision, 2-Way Audio, and an Integrated Siren. Get head-to-toe coverage and a wide 180° Field of View, ensuring that you see more of what’s happening.
By installing a video doorbell at your front door and a security camera at another entry point, you’ll improve your security on a $150 budget. Security yard signs are known to discourage potential intruders, so think about adding one with the rest of your budget. Options like the Arlo Security Yard Sign cost $24.99, for a total amount of $154.99.
| Arlo Essential Wireless Security Camera (HD) | $49.99 |
| Arlo Video Doorbell (HD) | $79.99 |
| Arlo Security Yard Sign | $24.99 |
| Total | $154.99 |
|---|
Your home security is already in good shape with outdoor security cameras. But what about inside? On a $200 budget, you can expand your home protection with an indoor security camera. This device lets you keep an eye inside any crucial room with entry points. Point it at windows or doors for security or use it to simply keep an eye on your pet.
Options like the 2nd Generation Arlo 2nd Gen Essential Indoor Camera feature a 130° Field of View, clear 2-Way Audio and Night Vision. It also comes with an Automated Privacy Shield, ensuring your personal moments remain completely private. This model doubles as a motion detector, giving the best bang for your buck on a sub $200 budget. It also works with your favorite smart home devices like Alexa and Google Home, formerly known as Google Assistant.
| Arlo Essential Wireless Security Camera (HD) | $49.99 |
| Arlo Video Doorbell (HD) | $79.99 |
| Arlo Security Yard Sign | $24.99 |
| Arlo Essential Indoor Wired Security Camera (HD) | $39.99 |
| Total | $194.99 |
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For an additional $200, consider adding an alarm system. Traditional systems feature basic motion or entry sensors. But options like the Arlo Home Security System simply knock it out of the park. With its All-in-One Sensors, you can detect open doors and windows, motion, smoke alarm listening, water leaks, and more
An alarm system can be an essential addition to your budget home security setup. The Arlo Home Security System starts at $199.99 and includes 1 Keypad Sensor Hub and 2 Sensors. You can expand by adding more sensors as your budget allows, but 2 is a perfect number to start with.
Install them at doors or windows to keep an eye out for potential break-ins, or try to mix it up. Place one near your smoke alarm for fire detection and another on your garage door to remind you to close it. You can customize their uses to suit your specific needs.
| Arlo Essential Wireless Security Camera (HD) | $49.99 |
| Arlo Video Doorbell (HD) | $79.99 |
| Arlo Security Yard Sign | $24.99 |
| Arlo Essential Indoor Wired Security Camera (HD) | $39.99 |
| Arlo Home Security System (1 Keypad Sensor Hub + 2 Sensors) | $199.99 |
| Total | $394.99 |
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Security subscription plans differ from traditional contracts because they are optional. Their purpose is to enhance your existing home security system and upgrade even the most basic ones. If your monthly budget allows it, consider getting one.
The main advantage of a subscription plan like Arlo Secure is cloud storage, with access to 30 days of video recordings. In addition to the customer service included with every Arlo device, this subscription plan introduces 24/7 Emergency Response. With one tap, you can notify live security experts to dispatch police, fire, or medical responders to your home.
Additional benefits include the ability to detect people, packages, vehicles, or animals, and the option to customize Activity Zones. If you decide to choose Arlo Secure Plus, the most complete plan, you can get additional features like 24/7 Professional Monitoring.
With a total amount of $394.99 on a $400 budget, you have enough spare change for a coffee. Or for trying a security subscription plan, as options like Arlo Secure start at $4.99 per month. Luckily, every Arlo device we’ve mentioned includes a free trial, so don’t worry and enjoy your coffee.
With a robust, flexible lineup of devices and subscription plans, Arlo gives you the protection for your specific needs. You can even build your own bundle and save big on a budget. Are you new to the security game? For complete security for every household, you can’t go wrong with Arlo Total Security. Get everything you need to secure your home for only $9.99/month with no upfront costs. Even better, this includes 24/7 Professional Monitoring and ALL hardware.
Whether it’s with security cameras, video doorbells, or a home security system, Arlo lets you create a security solution that’s effective and affordable. (Pro tip: You don’t have to break the bank for peace of mind.)
