Some home automation and security choices updated May 2025

I looked up https://simplisafe.com/home-security-system-starter
The system costs about $140 plus tax. The cheapest subscription free without cameras, $10 per month self monitoring with cameras and $22 per month if monitored by Simplisafe.

The cheapest system comes with a hub, a keypad, 2 door or window contact sensors and a motion sensor.

My opinion is that you need cameras for security.

https://simplisafe.com/home-security-system-beacon

The system costs about $365 plus tax. 

This system comes with a hub, a keypad, 4 door or window contact sensors, 2 motion sensors and 2 cameras.

DIY sell-install is easy but you can pay to get the system installed.

There are a lot of videos and you can look them up on YouTube and other packages and plans on the website. 

What Simplisafe does not offer is home automation such as controlling your lights, 110v outlets used to connect lamps, holiday lights, dimmers etc.

There are other choices from ADT and others that you can explore.

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Now that you seem to be interested and you are DIY person, you can read further.

Let us say that you will self-monitor and the minimal system is

4 door or window contact sensors, 2 motion sensors and 2 cameras.

You can get the same sensors which connect directly to your wifi and there is no need for a hub. Your phone or tablet can be used and also Alexa or Google Home speakers can be used to control or monitor. Yes, I know that  you need an internet connection to use the system. That is needed for remote control or monitoring anyway.

However, I recommend a technology called Zigbee or Zwave instead of wifi for the door or window contact sensors and motion sensors because they use much less battery and they are easy to connect. They do need a hub. The cameras are always plugged in and connected to wifi.

There are several choices of hubs which connect by a network cable to your router,

I will mention one of the easiest hubs first:

Smartthings now  Aeotec Smart Home Hub 

Works as a SmartThings Hub, Z-Wave, Zigbee, Matter Gateway, Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, WiFi $139

It works with Smartthings App supported by Samsung.

4 pack Zigbee contact sensors I like are from ThirdReality cost $68

2 pack motion sensors from ThirdReality cost $34

2 pack wifi cameras from TP Link Tapo cost $34

The total system cost is $348 plus tax which is about the same as Simplisafe.

However, you can add light switches, control electrical outlets etc. This is self-monitored. No subscription. For the cameras, you can subscribe if you wish but I do not see the need for it.

There are several videos on youtube on how to setup aeotec hub and devices.

Here is an example: https://youtu.be/phWMZOoXGaI?si=umqTRIyLJ9GnMTUb

If you are an advanced user and you would like community support:

The popular hubs for advanced users are Hubitat and Home Assistant.

I like Home Assistant. The one I use is Home Assistant Green $149.

You also need a Zwave USB and Zigbee USB sticks.

https://cloudfree.shop/product/home-assistant-skyconnect/ $45 Zigbee

https://www.amazon.com/Z-Wave-ZST39-Assistant-HomeSeer-Software/dp/B0BW171KP3 $40 Zwave stick

So the total cost for this system is about $450 which is about $100 more than the Aeotec system.

Since you are an advanced user, you can search but here is an example

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42GKCaB1xSg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muZS0-hs5z0

To able to control remotely, you will need a subscription of $65 per year.

However, if you want support and no interest in lights and other things, Simplisafe seems like a fine choice.