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9 home security systems to keep watch when you're out

These DIY kits offer the flexibility to design a security system that's right for your home.

Megan Wollerton
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1 of 9 Chris Monroe/CNET

Abode Essentials Starter Kit

Abode's $229 starter pack comes with a bunch of sensors and accessories; it also works with Amazon AlexaIFTTT and Nest.

Professional monitoring is available for $30 per month. 

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2 of 9 Chris Monroe/CNET

Honeywell Smart Home Security Starter Kit

Meet Honeywell's $450 Smart Home Security Starter Kit. 

Here's the list of its kits and a la carte devices, complete with pricing information. The Starter Kit includes a Camera Base Station, two door/window sensors and one key fob. 

This system does not support professional monitoring. 

iSmartAlarm
3 of 9 Colin West McDonald/CNET

iSmartAlarm Starter Package

iSmartAlarm's $150 Starter Package comes with a CubeOne hub, one door/window sensor, one motion sensor and one key fob. Add an iSmartAlarm Spot or iCamera Keep Pro camera to the system and connect it to IFTTT for advanced automations with third-party devices. iSmartAlarm doesn't offer professional monitoring. 

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4 of 9 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Nest Secure Alarm System

Nest's $399 Secure alarm system starter kit includes one Guard hub, two Tag key fobs and two Detect door/window/motion sensors. Professional monitoring services will be available via Moni, but not quite yet.

Arm and disarm the Secure system with a PIN code, a Tag fob or through the Nest app. Add Nest cameras and other devices to expand the system.

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5 of 9 Julie Snyder/CNET

Ring Alarm Security Kit

The $250 Ring Alarm Security Kit 8-pack includes a hub, a keypad, four door/window sensor, a motion sensor and a Z-Wave range extender. 

Professional monitoring is optional and available for $10 per month, which includes cellular backup.

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6 of 9 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Scout Alarm

The Scout security kit comes with a $129 hub, a $29 door/window sensor, a $49 motion sensor and a $40 water sensor -- all for $247. Professional monitoring and cellular and battery backup cost $10 per month, but they're optional and contract-free. Scout also works with Amazon Alexa. 

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7 of 9 Chris Monroe/CNET

SimpliSafe Foundation Kit

SimpliSafe's reasonably priced starter kit will set you back $229; professional monitoring starts at $15 per month. It's an optional feature, but one you'll need if you want to access any of SimpliSafe's remote security features.

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8 of 9 Juan Garzón/CNET

SmartThings ADT Home Security Starter Kit

SmartThings' ADT Home Security Starter Kit comes with a 7-inch SmartThings panel, two door/window sensors and one motion detector. The kit costs $550, one of the most expensive DIY systems available.

Spend an additional $200 for the expansion kit, which includes a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector and a water leak sensor. The SmartThings system offers month-to-month ADT professional monitoring starting at $15 per month. 

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9 of 9 Wink

Wink Lookout

 Will.i.am's tech company I.am+ now owns smart hub company Wink. Wink's new $199 Lookout security system includes two door/window sensors, one motion sensor, one siren and chime and one second-generation Wink hub (it's also compatible with the first-gen Wink hub). 

Buy the starter kit or get the accessories a la carte if you already own a Wink hub. It costs $29 per door/window sensor, $39 per motion sensor and $39 per siren and chime. 

This system doesn't offer professional monitoring. 

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