- From high-rise apartments to single-family homes,
there's a variety of renters and rentals out there.
With 36% of US households under leases,
how do you protect your home when you're renting?
What's out there for studios, apartments, and condos?
Thankfully, we've got you covered.
This is our 2023 list of the best home security systems
for renters of all types.
These picks are all DIY setups,
meaning you can place your sensors, cameras anywhere
without installation fees.
They also come with adhesive backing
for equipment that won't destroy your walls.
Each of these systems come
with some kind of monthly monitoring fee,
but they span the variety of budget-friendly options
because, as we all know, rent is high enough as it is.
So without further ado, let's get into it.
Wyze is known for offering quality smart home security gear
for really awesome prices,
and its Home Monitoring Kit is no exception.
The starter kit lands around $100
and is perfect for small spaces like studios,
one-bedroom apartments, and even dorm rooms.
Along with the base station, keypad, motion sensor,
and contact sensors,
you can add other Wyze gear to your system
like cameras, smart locks, lights, and plugs.
Wyze can grow with you too.
The system supports up to 100 devices.
As far as drawbacks go,
there isn't much nuance to the system
like cellular backup that can kick on
when the internet goes out,
and it's app left me frustrated
more than once from crashing.
But with Wyze, it's very what you see is what you get.
If you're looking for simple,
that's exactly what Wyze delivers.
Abode is a smart home-focused powerhouse for renters.
The brand itself has a huge library
of sensor types and gear,
but it also works with a ton of third party equipment
and smart home platforms.
Abode can adjust and change with you over the years.
Our favorite system from Abode, the iota,
combines a camera, siren, motion sensor, and hub
all into one device to save you space where you need it.
Abode is the only system in this lineup
that works with Apple HomeKit, ZigBee, Z-Wave, Alexa,
and Google Home, as well as smart brands
that might already be installed in your rental.
Admittedly, Abode's cameras were underwhelming in our tests,
but the brand still works with the likes of Arlo and Blink.
While Abode offers self-monitoring service,
it's professional monitoring fees top off
at around $20 per month.
That's around what I used to pay for coin laundry.
Just because you rent doesn't mean you have to miss out
on the most recognizable name in home security.
Formerly Blue by ADT,
ADT Self Setup is a no-contact pro monitoring machine.
After partnering with Google,
ADT now offers Google Nest cameras, thermostats,
and other Nest products in its packages.
Plus, there's SMART Monitoring for participating areas.
That smart option teams up with local emergency dispatchers
to reduce false alarms and respond to emergencies faster.
And with that video verification available
through those Nest cameras, you'll know that the emergency
or false alarm you see is captured in crystal clear video.
ADT doesn't come cheap, even in a DIY security package.
Prices for equipment can reach up to $600
and professional monitoring up to $35 per month,
but if you want that top of the line Nest equipment
paired with a name brand system,
ADT Self Setup is the way to go.
For renters who move, travel,
or are just out of the house a lot,
SimpliSafe might be your system.
Sure, it has a range of sensors to detect threats
like broken glass, fire, or flood;
sure, it has unlimited recording for cameras
and video verification and emergencies,
but what makes it really great
for those restless renters out there
is its monitoring options and expandable system.
SimpliSafe offers three levels of monitoring
from a simple self-monitoring version
to its more advanced interactive plan,
but we have the secret scoop
on its small-batch monitoring option.
Say you are out of town for two weeks on a work trip,
you can purchase those 30 days of pro monitoring
from SimpliSafe while you're gone
and then switch right back to self-monitoring
when you return.
That kind of flexibility is really appealing
to renters who are gone for long periods of time.
That peace of mind knowing that your stuff is safe
makes your travels so much better.
Finally, our number one pick for renters is Cove.
When I tested Cove, it was out of a 500-square foot,
one-bedroom apartment.
The sensors didn't mark up the walls,
and the system I got was enough to cover
every entrance and window.
I even had sensors for leaking water,
smoke, and carbon monoxide.
Cove is our top choice for renters
because it's so customizable,
easy to set up, and non-invasive.
The touchscreen control panel
walks you through the entire installation process
and even helps you make a test call
to the monitoring center.
Every Cove kit is customizable too
so it's easy to fit to your rental space
or change it as you move to new locations.
It comes with a 60-day free trial,
so you can return the system if you decide it isn't for you.
And it comes with awesome emergency features
like RapidSOS that gets first responders to you even faster.
Basically, Cove has everything you need
in a security system for your rental.
It's affordable, simple, and expandable.
Renters deserve protection too
because, let's face it,
if you're a millennial like me,
you probably will be renting for the rest of your life.
With a security system like Wyze, Abode,
ADT Self Setup, SimpliSafe, or Cove,
your rental and all the stuff inside of it
is safe from intruders, roommates, and even your landlord.
If you wanna learn more about any of these security systems,
check the links below to see our written reviews
on safewise.com.
We also have videos here on our YouTube channel
covering these systems.
Thanks for watching and stay safe.
(gentle upbeat music)