Best Home Security Systems for Renters in 2026: No Drilling Required
Our Top Picks at a Glance
| # | Product | Best For | Price | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SimpliSafe | Best overall for renters | $299 | 9.2/10 | Visit Site → |
| 2 | Ring Alarm | Best budget system | $199 | 8.9/10 | Visit Site → |
| 3 | Wyze Home Monitoring | Best under $10/month | $99 | 8.6/10 | Visit Site → |
| 4 | Abode | Best no-monthly-fee | $249 | 8.4/10 | Visit Site → |
| 5 | Cove | Best customer service | $179 | 8.2/10 | Visit Site → |
| 6 | Eufy Security | Best no-subscription system | $199 | 8/10 | Visit Site → |
| 7 | Kangaroo | Best ultra-budget | $49 | 7.8/10 | Visit Site → |
Last Updated: March 2026
TL;DR: Quick Summary
- Our #1 pick is SimpliSafe (9.2/10) — best overall for renters at $299
- Runner-up: Ring Alarm (8.9/10) — best budget system at $199
- Best budget option: Kangaroo at $49
- We tested 7+ diy security and ranked them by features, pricing, and real-world performance
The best diy security in 2026 is SimpliSafe, which earned our top spot for overall for renters with a 9.2/10 rating at $299.
Renters face a security dilemma most homeowners don’t: you can’t drill holes in the walls, you can’t install hardwired systems, and you have to take everything with you when you move. For years, that meant your options were either a cheap door alarm from a hardware store or going unprotected.
That’s changed. Today’s best wireless security systems were practically designed with renters in mind — adhesive sensors, no-contract monitoring, portable hardware, and 24/7 professional monitoring available for under $30/month. We tested seven systems over three months in apartments and rental homes, evaluating ease of installation, portability, monitoring options, and what happens when you need to move.
Best Security Systems for Renters at a Glance
| System | Price | Monthly Fee | Contract | Monitoring | Portable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SimpliSafe | $299 | $19.99–$29.99 | None | 24/7 professional | Yes |
| Ring Alarm | $199 | $10–$20 | None | 24/7 professional | Yes |
| Wyze Home Monitoring | $99 | $9.99 | None | 24/7 professional | Yes |
| Abode | $249 | $0–$20 | None | Self or professional | Yes |
| Cove | $179 | $17.99–$27.99 | None | 24/7 professional | Yes |
| Eufy Security | $199 | $0 | None | Self-monitored only | Yes |
| Kangaroo | $49 | $2.99–$6.99 | None | 24/7 professional | Yes |
What Renters Need in a Security System
Not every security system works for renters. The right system for an apartment or rental home must meet four criteria:
1. No-Drill Installation
All sensors, cameras, and keypads should mount with removable adhesive strips — no screws, no holes. Most systems on this list use the same 3M Command Strip-style adhesive used throughout their installation process. When you leave, peel them off cleanly. The Eufy HomeBase and SimpliSafe base station sit on a shelf or table. Nothing requires drilling.
2. No Long-Term Contract
Renters move. A 2-year monitoring contract is incompatible with a lease that ends in 12 months. Every system on this list offers month-to-month monitoring you can cancel anytime. Some, like Abode and Eufy, offer no-cost self-monitoring for users who don’t want any ongoing fees.
3. Fully Portable Hardware
The hardware should move with you. All systems here are fully portable — disconnect the hub, peel off the sensors, and reinstall at your next address. SimpliSafe and Ring Alarm are particularly well-designed for this, with sensors that re-pair quickly to a new base station setup.
4. Wireless Operation
No ethernet or hardwired connections required. All systems here use cellular backup (in addition to Wi-Fi) so they keep working even if a burglar cuts your internet. SimpliSafe’s cellular module is particularly robust — it maintains a connection even during power outages via battery backup.
Best Home Security Systems for Renters
1. SimpliSafe — Best Overall for Renters
SimpliSafe is our top pick for renters and has been for multiple years running. Every component uses adhesive mounting, the cellular backup works through power and internet outages, and the professional monitoring costs less than $30/month with no contract. When you move, every sensor peels off the wall and reinstalls at your new address without re-pairing — the system recognizes all components automatically.
Installation: Fully wireless, adhesive mounting throughout. Base station plugs into wall outlet. Setup takes 30–45 minutes for a typical apartment.
Equipment: Starter kits include entry sensors, motion sensors, a keypad, and a base station. Add-ons include indoor cameras, smoke/CO detectors, water sensors, and glass break sensors.
Monthly cost options:
- Standard ($19.99/month) — 24/7 professional monitoring with cellular backup
- Fast Protect ($29.99/month) — adds live guard protection and video verification
- Self-monitoring — free, but no professional dispatch
What We Liked
- Easiest move-friendly system — sensors auto-recognize at new address without re-pairing
- Cellular backup works through Wi-Fi outages and power cuts
- No contract — cancel anytime without penalty
- Fast Protect's live guard agents can visually verify alarms and dispatch accordingly
- Wide range of sensors covers entry points, glass breaks, smoke, CO, and flooding
What Could Be Better
- Monthly monitoring is required for remote arm/disarm and smart features
- Cameras are basic compared to dedicated camera brands
- Base station and keypad design is dated compared to Ring's modern aesthetic
- No Z-Wave or Zigbee integration limits smart home expansion
2. Ring Alarm — Best Budget System
Ring Alarm is the most affordable path to professional monitoring among top-tier systems. The 8-piece kit starts at $199 — less than any competitor with professional monitoring — and Ring Protect at $10/month adds 24/7 dispatch without a contract. The sleek hardware looks modern in any apartment, and the Alexa integration makes it the natural choice for homes already running Amazon devices.
Installation: Adhesive sensors throughout; Ring Base Station sits on a shelf. Setup takes 20–30 minutes and is genuinely the easiest on this list.
Equipment: Entry sensors, motion detectors, keypad, range extender. Add Ring cameras, doorbells, and smart locks to the same Ring app for unified control.
Monthly cost options:
- Ring Protect Basic ($10/month) — 24/7 professional monitoring for one location
- Ring Protect Plus ($20/month) — unlimited Ring cameras and extended warranty
- Self-monitoring — free, but no professional dispatch
What We Liked
- Lowest hardware cost for a professional-grade system at $199
- Cleanest, most modern hardware design of any system on this list
- Ring Protect at $10/month is the most affordable professional monitoring available
- Native Alexa integration — voice arm/disarm and announcements
- Expandable with Ring cameras, doorbells, and smart locks in one app
What Could Be Better
- Ring Protect required for video recording on Ring cameras — adds cost
- Cellular backup only available on Ring Protect Plus ($20/month)
- Heavy dependence on Amazon's ecosystem — privacy-conscious users may prefer alternatives
- Limited compatibility outside Amazon's platform
3. Wyze Home Monitoring — Best Under $10/Month
Wyze Home Monitoring offers professional monitoring at $9.99/month — the lowest rate in the industry for a full-featured system. The starter kit is $99, making the combined first-year cost under $220 including monitoring. Wyze’s approach won’t impress spec-sheet shoppers, but for renters who need basic coverage at the lowest possible price, nothing comes close.
Installation: Adhesive sensors, plug-in hub. Installs in 15–20 minutes. Wyze’s app-guided setup is the most beginner-friendly on this list.
Equipment: Entry sensors, motion sensor, hub, and keypad in the starter kit. Wyze Cam v4 and Wyze Cam Pan cameras integrate natively.
Monthly cost options:
- Wyze Home Monitoring ($9.99/month) — 24/7 professional monitoring with cellular backup
- Self-monitoring — no paid tier; limited to app notifications
What We Liked
- $9.99/month professional monitoring is the best rate available anywhere
- Lowest combined first-year cost (hardware + monitoring) on the list
- App-guided setup is the most beginner-friendly experience tested
- Wyze cameras integrate natively for a complete system
- No contract — month-to-month with immediate cancellation
What Could Be Better
- Hardware feels less premium than SimpliSafe or Ring at a similar kit price
- Limited sensor variety — no glass break, no environmental sensors in the base kit
- Wyze's app has historically had reliability issues
- Less name recognition may affect insurance discounts vs. SimpliSafe
4. Abode — Best No-Monthly-Fee System
Abode is the only system on this list that provides genuinely useful self-monitoring at no monthly charge. The Abode app lets you arm/disarm remotely, receive push notifications, view camera footage, and run automations — all for free. Professional monitoring is available on demand for $8/month (month-to-month) or $20/month for full CMS monitoring. For renters who want a capable system with no recurring commitment, Abode is the best option.
Installation: Adhesive sensors, plug-in gateway. Installs in 30–40 minutes. Abode supports both Z-Wave and Zigbee, adding compatibility with hundreds of smart home devices.
Equipment: Entry sensors, motion sensor, gateway, and keypad. Abode’s broad Z-Wave/Zigbee compatibility lets you mix in third-party sensors, locks, and lights.
Monthly cost options:
- Free tier — self-monitoring, remote arm/disarm, push alerts (full-featured)
- Connect ($8/month) — on-demand professional monitoring by the day
- Pro ($20/month) — 24/7 professional monitoring with cellular backup
What We Liked
- Best free tier of any system — fully functional self-monitoring at $0/month
- Z-Wave and Zigbee compatibility enables the broadest smart home integration
- On-demand professional monitoring ($8/month) is ideal for renters who travel occasionally
- No contract on any plan — true month-to-month flexibility
- Works with Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and IFTTT
What Could Be Better
- Gateway design is older-looking compared to Ring Alarm or SimpliSafe
- 24/7 professional monitoring ($20/month) is more expensive than Ring Protect
- Cellular backup only on the Pro plan
- App is capable but more complex than Wyze or Ring for beginners
5. Cove — Best Customer Service
Cove earns the highest customer service ratings in the industry — a meaningful differentiator when your alarm goes off at 2 AM and you need someone to talk to. The system is simple, the monitoring is professional-grade, and the average customer service wait time is under 30 seconds. For renters who aren’t tech-savvy and want the confidence of reliable human support, Cove is the right choice.
Installation: Adhesive sensors with an unusually clear step-by-step installation guide in the box. Average setup time: 20–25 minutes. Cove’s phone-based installation support is available throughout.
Equipment: Entry sensors, motion detector, keypad, and hub. Add-ons include indoor cameras, smoke detectors, and CO detectors.
Monthly cost options:
- Basic ($17.99/month) — 24/7 professional monitoring with cellular backup
- Plus ($27.99/month) — adds smart home integrations and extended warranty
What We Liked
- Best customer service in the industry — under 30-second average wait times
- Simplest installation experience with best in-box documentation
- No contract on all plans — cancel anytime
- Cellular backup included on Basic plan — not locked behind a premium tier
- Renters insurance discounts available through Cove's insurance partners
What Could Be Better
- Equipment variety is more limited than SimpliSafe or Abode
- Less name recognition than Ring or SimpliSafe for insurance discount purposes
- App is functional but lacks the polish of Ring or SimpliSafe
- No self-monitoring tier — professional monitoring is required
6. Eufy Security — Best No-Subscription System
Eufy’s security system takes the same no-subscription philosophy from its cameras and applies it to a full alarm system. The HomeBase 3 stores all footage locally, the sensors include on-device AI, and the entire system functions with zero monthly fees — including remote arm/disarm, push notifications, camera access, and event history. For renters who refuse any recurring charge, Eufy is the only professional-grade option.
Installation: Adhesive sensors, HomeBase 3 plugs into router and wall outlet. Setup takes 25–35 minutes. The Eufy Security app guides installation cleanly.
Equipment: Door and window sensors, motion detectors, indoor cameras, and the HomeBase 3 hub. Eufy’s camera ecosystem integrates natively.
Monthly cost options:
- Free tier only — full system functionality with local storage at $0/month
- No professional monitoring option currently available
What We Liked
- Zero monthly fees — every feature including remote access works at $0/month
- End-to-end encryption on all locally stored footage
- Best camera integration of any system — Eufy cameras feel native
- Apple HomeKit support alongside Alexa and Google
- Portable — peels off walls and re-installs at new address easily
What Could Be Better
- No professional monitoring available — self-monitoring only
- Eufy had past privacy transparency issues; since audited but worth noting
- HomeBase 3 requires a wired ethernet connection to your router
- No insurance discount typically available without professional monitoring
7. Kangaroo — Best Ultra-Budget
Kangaroo is the most affordable security system you can actually call a system. For $49 you get a motion and entry sensor combo, and professional monitoring starts at $2.99/month — making it the cheapest monitored option available. The hardware is basic, the app is simple, and the feature set is limited compared to everything above it. But for renters who need a bare-minimum monitored alarm on a very tight budget, Kangaroo delivers the essentials.
Installation: Adhesive mounting throughout. The standalone sensors install in under 10 minutes — the simplest setup on this list.
Equipment: Motion + entry combo sensor, indoor camera (separate purchase). Kangaroo’s ecosystem is intentionally minimal.
Monthly cost options:
- Complete Protect ($2.99/month) — 24/7 monitoring for one sensor
- Complete Protect+ ($6.99/month) — unlimited sensors
What We Liked
- Lowest cost entry point — $49 hardware plus $2.99/month monitoring
- Simplest setup of any system — under 10 minutes
- Month-to-month with no contract
- Genuinely portable — smaller form factor than any competitor
- Good option for a single-room or temporary installation
What Could Be Better
- Very limited sensor variety — not a comprehensive system
- No cellular backup — relies entirely on Wi-Fi
- App is basic and lacks the features of premium systems
- Not a replacement for a full system in a house or large apartment
Renter Security Tips Beyond a System
A security system is the foundation, but renters can significantly improve their security with several additional steps that require no drilling and no landlord permission.
Smart Locks
Smart locks like the Schlage Encode or August Smart Lock replace your existing deadbolt (allowed in most leases) with a Wi-Fi-enabled lock you can control from your phone. You get keyless entry, entry logs, auto-lock, and remote access — plus you take the lock with you when you move. Pair with SimpliSafe or Abode for integrated entry alerts.
Window and Door Sensors
Most systems include entry sensors in their kits, but renters often underestimate how many entry points need coverage. Ground-floor windows are the second most common entry point after front doors. Add sensors to every accessible window — they’re $10–15 each from SimpliSafe, Ring, or Eufy, and install with no tools.
Package Theft Prevention
Package theft is the top property crime in apartments and rental neighborhoods. Options that require no installation:
- Camera doorbells or porch cameras — Reolink or Eufy doorbells mount with adhesive brackets
- Package lockboxes — Lockable box bolted to your porch (check with landlord) or a free-standing weighted version
- Amazon Key / Google Nest Hub delivery alerts — Smart notifications when packages are detected
- Ship to a locker — Amazon Hub Lockers, Walgreens, or UPS Access Points eliminate front-door delivery entirely
Renter’s Insurance
Every renter should have renter’s insurance — it covers theft, fire, and liability for typically $15–25/month. Adding a monitored security system earns a 5–15% discount with most providers. Call your insurer before purchasing a system to confirm which monitoring providers qualify for discounts.
Related Articles
- Best Home Security for Apartments — Apartment-specific security recommendations
- Best Home Security Without Monthly Fee — No-subscription systems for all home types
- Self-Monitored vs Professionally Monitored — Which monitoring approach fits your needs
- Ring vs SimpliSafe — Two top renter-friendly systems compared in depth
- Abode vs SimpliSafe — The best no-contract options head to head
- Home Security Insurance Discounts — How to maximize savings on renters insurance
- How Much Does Home Security Cost — Full breakdown of hardware, monitoring, and total costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need landlord permission to install a security system?
For wireless systems that use adhesive mounts and don't drill holes, you typically don't need permission — but check your lease. Most leases prohibit permanent alterations like drilling, so adhesive-mounted systems like SimpliSafe, Ring Alarm, and Wyze are generally safe. If you plan to hardwire anything or mount cameras that require drilling, notify your landlord first. Many are supportive of tenants adding security.
Can I take my security system when I move?
Yes — that's one of the biggest advantages of wireless DIY systems. SimpliSafe, Ring Alarm, Wyze, Abode, and Cove all use sensors mounted with adhesive strips. When you move, peel off the sensors, remove the adhesive residue with Goo Gone, and reinstall everything at your new address. The monitoring subscription moves with you. This is a major advantage over professionally installed systems tied to a specific address.
Is home security worth it for an apartment?
Yes. Apartment dwellers face different but real security risks: shared building entry, ground-floor units, and packages left in common areas. A basic system with a door sensor, motion detector, and entry siren deters opportunistic theft. Data from the FBI Uniform Crime Report consistently shows that burglars avoid homes with visible security. For renters specifically, the low upfront cost and portability make the value proposition even stronger.
Do renters get insurance discounts for security systems?
Yes — most renters insurance providers offer 5–15% discounts for monitored security systems. SimpliSafe, Ring Alarm, and Cove offer integrations with insurance partners that can reduce your annual premium by $30–100. Given that renters insurance typically costs $15–30/month, a security discount can offset a significant portion of a basic monitoring subscription. Contact your insurance provider to confirm available discounts.