8 DIY Home Security Devices

With installation and subscription fees, traditional home security systems can be daunting – or out of the budget. Try these affordable gadgets that put security within reach, many with no monthly fees and no fancy wiring required.

By: Carley Knobloch

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Piper

No need to buy separate cameras and alarms: This hub has an integrated, 180-degree HD video camera, microphone with two-way audio, and a siren. It also monitors temperature and humidity, and for extra security, you can add door and window sensors. If there’s trouble, Piper can message, text, email and call you.

Lowe’s Iris

Iris is a hub that works with smart devices, letting you control them from your phone. The Safe & Secure kit includes a motion sensor and two door/window/cabinet sensors; you can optionally add more sensors, cameras and even smart locks. The app will alert you if any are triggered.

Dropcam

A small but powerful HD camera with two-way audio, Dropcam works with an app to let you see what’s happening in your house via your smart devices or computer. It sends emails or notifications when it detects movement. Crystal visuals plus night vision make this a great choice for monitoring pets and babies, too.

Belkin WeMo

A series of products intended to make it easy to automate your home, WeMo lets you control everything via app — from cameras to motion sensors to lights. Schedule your house to light up at a certain time, lock or unlock, check cameras or even switch on the stereo, so it’s like you’re home even when you’re not.

August Smart Lock

Safer than leaving keys under a mat (or getting your key reproduced or stolen), this smart keyless lock only lets in those who have a digital key assigned to them. You can even control when people have access to your house (so the housekeeper can’t let herself in while you’re on vacation).

Brinno PeepHole Viewer

Looking through an ordinary peephole gives only a miniature, limited view (not to mention visions of horror movies). The PeepHole expands that view to a 2.7” LCD screen, so you never need to guess what you’re seeing.

SkyBell Video Doorbell

Who’s ringing the bell? Find out by seeing live video feed on your cell phone — then communicate via two-way audio. It’s like installing a call box with video, plus a motion sensor, night vision and accessibility across multiple devices — so you can even see who’s there when you’re out of the house.

STI Rex Plus II Electronic Watchdog

Rex uses radar to detect movement through walls and glass, and starts barking. When an intruder gets closer, he barks more frequently, and can even growl. If you prefer a siren or a human voice, Rex can do that, too. Good boy.