Monthly monitoring fees are the #1 hidden cost of home security. At $20-$40/month, they add up to $720-$1,440 over three years — often exceeding the cost of the equipment itself. But here's what the security companies don't want you to know: you can build a perfectly functional security system with zero monthly fees.
Self-monitoring has gotten remarkably good. Push notifications hit your phone within 2-3 seconds of a sensor trigger. Cameras with local storage record everything without cloud subscriptions. Smart sirens deter intruders whether you have monitoring or not. For many homeowners, self-monitoring is more than sufficient.
This guide covers the best security products that work fully without any subscription, along with an honest assessment of when professional monitoring is worth the extra cost.
The Math: What You'll Save
Subscription Savings Over Time
- 1 year: Save $240-$480 (vs. $20-$40/mo monitoring)
- 3 years: Save $720-$1,440
- 5 years: Save $1,200-$2,400
- 10 years: Save $2,400-$4,800
Over a decade, avoiding monthly fees saves you enough to buy an entirely new, top-of-the-line security system multiple times over.
How No-Fee Security Works
Without a monthly subscription, your security system still provides:
- Real-time push notifications when sensors trigger or cameras detect motion
- Loud siren that activates when the alarm is triggered (deters intruders)
- Live camera feeds viewable from your phone anytime
- Local video recording on microSD cards (no cloud needed)
- Smart home automation (lights turning on, locks engaging, etc.)
What you don't get without a subscription:
- 24/7 professional monitoring and emergency dispatch
- Cloud video storage (with most brands)
- Cellular backup for internet outages (usually)
- Advanced AI detection features (with some brands)
Abode — Best Overall No-Fee System
Abode Smart Security Kit
$279 — Abode is the best security system you can use completely free after the initial purchase. Free self-monitoring includes push notifications, siren control, and full app access. It also doubles as a smart home hub supporting HomeKit, Alexa, Google, Z-Wave, and Zigbee.
Abode earns our top pick for no-fee security because its free tier is genuinely full-featured. Unlike Ring and SimpliSafe (which lock key features behind subscriptions), Abode gives you complete app access, real-time notifications, and full automation capability at no ongoing cost.
The smart home hub functionality is a major bonus. Abode's gateway works as a Z-Wave and Zigbee hub, meaning you can add third-party sensors, smart bulbs, and other devices without buying separate hubs. Paired with Apple HomeKit support, it's the most versatile smart home platform available in a security system.
The on-demand monitoring option is particularly clever for no-fee users. Going on vacation? Activate professional monitoring for just those days. The rest of the time, self-monitor for free. This hybrid approach provides 24/7 coverage when you need it most without the year-round monthly bill.
Eufy Security — Best No-Fee Cameras
Eufy Security System + Cameras
HomeBase + 5-piece kit: $259 — Eufy's entire ecosystem is built around local storage and zero subscriptions. The HomeBase 3 stores all camera footage locally with 16GB built-in storage (expandable). Cameras, doorbells, and sensors all work without any monthly payment.
Eufy has built its entire brand around the no-subscription model, and it shows. Every Eufy camera, doorbell, and sensor works at full capability without any monthly payment. The on-device AI processing handles person detection, facial recognition, and activity zones locally — features that competitors charge $3-$8/month to unlock.
The HomeBase 3 is the central hub that stores all footage locally. With 16GB of built-in storage (enough for roughly 7-14 days of events depending on activity), it eliminates the need for cloud storage entirely. You can add a microSD card or connect a USB drive for expanded storage.
The main risk with local-only storage: if someone steals your HomeBase or it's destroyed in a fire, your footage goes with it. Cloud storage provides an off-site backup. For most day-to-day security needs, local storage is perfectly adequate, but this is a legitimate trade-off to consider.
Reolink — Best No-Fee Camera Quality
Reolink Cameras & NVR System
Individual cameras: $50-$170 | NVR systems: $300-$500 — Reolink offers the highest resolution cameras with zero subscription fees. Their 4K cameras store everything locally on microSD cards or an NVR (network video recorder) for whole-home systems.
Reolink is the go-to brand for anyone who wants high-quality surveillance cameras without any recurring costs. Their 4K cameras deliver genuinely impressive detail — in our testing, the Argus 4 Pro could resolve facial features at 30+ feet and read license plates at 20 feet. No subscription-dependent camera matches this resolution.
For homeowners who want multi-camera coverage, Reolink's NVR (Network Video Recorder) systems are the most cost-effective option. A 4-camera 4K NVR system runs about $300-$500 with a 2TB hard drive that stores weeks of continuous footage. Compare that to 4 Arlo cameras ($1,000) plus an Arlo subscription ($18/month, or $648 over 3 years), and the savings are enormous.
SimpliSafe — Limited No-Fee Functionality
SimpliSafe (Without Subscription)
$299+ — SimpliSafe technically works without a subscription, but with severe limitations. Without a plan, you get the local siren and keypad arming/disarming — but no app access, no remote monitoring, and no camera recording.
We include SimpliSafe here because it technically works without a subscription, but we can't recommend it in that mode. Without the Interactive plan ($27.99/month), you lose app access entirely — meaning you can't arm/disarm remotely, can't receive push notifications, and can't view cameras. It becomes a basic local alarm that beeps when doors open. For that functionality, Abode is significantly better because it provides full app access for free.
Ring — Limited No-Fee Functionality
Ring Alarm (Without Subscription)
$199-$299 — Ring Alarm works reasonably well without a subscription. You get full app access, real-time push notifications, and the ability to arm/disarm remotely. The main loss is camera video recording and professional monitoring.
Ring is a solid middle ground for no-fee usage. The alarm system itself works well without a subscription — you get real-time notifications, full app control, and Alexa integration for free. The alarm siren triggers, sensors work, and you can check system status remotely.
The significant limitation is cameras. Ring cameras cannot record or store any video without a Ring Protect subscription. You can view the live feed in real-time, but the moment the event ends, it's gone. No playback, no evidence. If you pair Ring Alarm (no subscription) with Eufy or Reolink cameras (free local storage), you get the best of both worlds.
Full Comparison: No-Fee Capabilities
| Feature (Without Subscription) | Abode | Eufy | Reolink | Ring | SimpliSafe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| App Access | |||||
| Push Notifications | |||||
| Camera Recording | Limited | ||||
| Smart Detection (AI) | Basic | Live only | |||
| Smart Home | All platforms | Alexa, Google | Limited | Alexa | |
| Alarm System | |||||
| No-Fee Rating | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
Trade-offs: What You Give Up Without a Subscription
No Emergency Dispatch
This is the biggest sacrifice. Without professional monitoring, nobody calls the police, fire department, or ambulance on your behalf. If your alarm triggers at 3 AM and you sleep through the notification, nothing else happens. For families with children or elderly members, this is a serious consideration.
No Cellular Backup
Most cellular backup features require a subscription. If an intruder cuts your internet or power (which smart burglars do), a system without cellular backup can't send you alerts. Abode offers cellular backup as a paid add-on without requiring full monitoring.
No Cloud Video Backup
With local-only storage, if someone steals your camera or HomeBase, the footage goes with it. Cloud storage provides an off-site backup that survives equipment theft. This is the strongest argument for maintaining at least a basic camera subscription.
The Best Compromise
If you want to minimize monthly costs but maintain some safety net, consider:
- Abode + on-demand monitoring for travel days only (~$6/day)
- Ring Alarm (no sub) + Reolink cameras for free local recording
- Eufy full ecosystem for completely subscription-free home security
Our Top Recommendation
Best no-fee setup: Abode security kit ($279) + Eufy outdoor camera ($99) + Reolink doorbell ($80). Total: ~$460 with zero monthly fees, full app access, local video storage, and smart home integration. Over 3 years, you save $720-$1,080 compared to a subscription-based setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best home security system with no monthly fee?
Abode is our top pick for no-fee security. It offers free self-monitoring with push notifications, works with HomeKit, Alexa, and Google, and supports Z-Wave/Zigbee devices. For cameras without subscriptions, Eufy and Reolink are the best options.
How much can I save by avoiding monthly monitoring fees?
The average monitoring plan costs $20-$30/month, or $240-$360/year. Over 3 years, that's $720-$1,080 in savings. Over 5 years, you save $1,200-$1,800.
Is self-monitoring as safe as professional monitoring?
Self-monitoring provides the same alerts and sirens but requires you to call emergency services yourself. Professional monitoring provides 24/7 dispatch. Self-monitoring works well for people who respond to alerts quickly, but professional monitoring is safer for overnight coverage and when traveling.
Can Ring work without a subscription?
Partially. Ring's alarm system provides self-monitoring with real-time alerts for free. However, Ring cameras cannot record or save video without a Ring Protect subscription ($3.99/month per camera). You can view live feeds but can't review past events.