Consumers Happy With DIY Home Security – What About Pro Systems?

DIY home security quickly garnered a lot of attention when it first hit the market years ago. It peaked, in terms of the total number of installations in the U.S. back in 2020. However, DIY home security still has a good reputation. The majority of homeowners with DIY systems say they are happy with those systems.

The professional home security market obviously took a hit with the introduction of DIY systems. But the industry is holding its own. In terms of market share, DIY and professionally installed home security are running just about even. If there is any bad news for the professional market, it is the main reason people are dropping professional systems in favor of DIY.

Data From 2017-2023

Parks Associates conducted a consumer survey on home security in early 2024. They asked some 8,000 U.S. households with internet access about their use of electronic home security and installation methods. They compared the data with historical data covering the years from 2017-2023. Here is what they learned:

• 45% had DIY security systems.
• 42% had professionally installed systems.
• 60% of the DIY owners believe their systems keep them safe.
• 25% of those who quit professional home security cited high monthly subscription costs.

DIY home security peaked at the same time that professionally installed home security reached its lowest point: the second quarter of 2020. Moreover, a quick look at a graph put together by Parks Associates shows an exceptionally sharp decline between 2017 and 2020. In 2017, 54% of all home security systems in the U.S. were professionally installed. The number fell to 29% in 2020.

The good news is that professionally installed systems have rebounded. At the same time, DIY home security peaked at 55% in 2020 but has since declined to 45%. Both DIY and professionally installed systems are running about even right now.

The Pros and Cons of Each

DIY home security comes to consumers by way of a lot of different companies competing for market share. SimpliSafe is probably the most well-known among them. The professional market is dominated by just a few major brands. Vivint Home Security is one of them.

Both DIY and professionally installed home security have their pros and cons. Let’s take a look:

DIY Home Security

DIY home security’s biggest pro is cost. Consumers pay less up front for equipment because they are handling installation themselves. The cost of installation is not built into the products they purchase. For some homeowners, having the opportunity to design, build, and install home security devices according to their own needs and specifications is a big plus.

Going with a DIY system is also a good option for renters who can always pack up their equipment and take it when they move. On the downside, DIY home security needs to be self-monitored. Also, customer support is limited.

Professionally Installed Security

Cost is the biggest con of professional home security. Equipment costs more because installation costs are built in. Also, professional monitoring involves a monthly subscription fee. But for some people, the pros of professional equipment, installation, and monitoring are worth it.

Professional home security’s strength is 24/7 monitoring. Homeowners do not have to be so diligent about monitoring their equipment because they are paying a service provider to do it. Installation is hassle-free for obvious reasons.

At this point, there doesn’t seem to be any reason to believe that DIY home security will put professional service providers out of business. They seem to have settled into a place where both types of home security can share the market.