10 Best No Monthly Fee Home Security System 2025 in the United States

The Ring Alarm 14-Piece Kit is designed for homes with 2-4 bedrooms, making it a solid choice for families or individuals looking for a reliable security system without monthly fees. Its kit includes essential components like a Base Station, Keypads, Contact Sensors, Motion Detectors, and a Range Extender, providing comprehensive coverage. One of its strengths is the intuitive Keypad for easy arming and disarming, and the system allows for easy expansion with additional sensors as needed.

Connectivity is handled through Z-Wave technology, which offers a decent range, and the system can be monitored via a smartphone app, sending notifications if any alarm is triggered. This is beneficial for users who want to keep a close eye on their home security from anywhere.

While the Ring Alarm Kit enables basic functionalities without a subscription, many advanced features, such as remote arming and professional monitoring, require additional paid plans. This may deter users who are looking for a completely free solution. Also, the system is primarily intended for indoor use and has some limitations regarding battery life and operating conditions for certain components. Users should also be aware that while it offers compatibility with Alexa for voice commands, a subscription is necessary for full functionality.

The Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit is designed with smaller homes in mind—like one to two-bedroom setups—offering a solid mix of components: a Base Station, Keypad, four Contact Sensors, a Motion Detector, and a Range Extender. It’s easy to set up, wireless, and connects primarily through Z-Wave, allowing good coverage within typical home sizes. The keypad makes arming and disarming straightforward, and the contact sensors help monitor doors and windows effectively. A handy feature is its compatibility with Alexa, letting you manage alerts and see live video through Echo devices, which adds to home convenience.

Power-wise, the system plugs into standard outlets with battery backups to keep things running during outages. The included sensors mostly run on long-lasting batteries, minimizing upkeep. While the core system operates without monthly fees, some advanced features—like video recording, extended cloud storage, and professional monitoring—require a separate subscription. This might be a downside for those strictly wanting no ongoing costs.

Storage is cloud-based for eligible cameras, but it’s temporary and depends on your internet connection. The system supports up to 10 devices and pairs well with other smart locks and accessories, offering room to grow your setup. Sensors have some limitations in range and placement, and indoor use only is recommended. If you want a relatively affordable, expandable security system that’s user-friendly and integrates well with smart home devices, the Ring Alarm Kit is a good pick. Just be aware that unlocking its full potential means opting into subscriptions, and the sensor range might require some planning in larger or uniquely shaped homes.

The Like-New Ring Alarm 8-piece kit is a solid choice for those seeking a no-monthly-fee home security system, particularly for small homes with 1-2 bedrooms. One of its standout features is its easy DIY installation; you simply plug in the base station, connect to your Wi-Fi, and place the sensors as needed. The system includes essential components such as a base station, keypad, motion detector, and contact sensors, which provide comprehensive coverage for your home. The mobile app allows you to get alerts and manage your security settings conveniently from your phone.

Compatibility with Alexa enhances its usability, enabling voice alerts and allowing you to check on your home easily. The Z-Wave connectivity is reliable, offering a strong range between devices, which is beneficial in larger apartments or homes where distance could be a concern.

There are some drawbacks to consider. Although the kit is refurbished and comes with a warranty, potential users may have concerns about the longevity of refurbished products. Additionally, some features, such as professional monitoring, require a separate subscription, which is something to keep in mind if you're looking to avoid any ongoing costs. You may also find the need to purchase additional sensors or accessories depending on your security needs, which can add to the initial investment.

While the system is designed for indoor use, it lacks smoke and carbon monoxide monitoring, which could be a deal-breaker for some home security seekers. This system is a great fit for those who favor a customizable, user-controlled experience without the commitment of monthly fees, but it may not meet the needs of users looking for a fully comprehensive alarm system that includes smoke and carbon monoxide detection.