Keeping your home secure shouldn’t require drilling holes or signing long-term contracts—especially if you’re renting. At RetailUndercut, we’ve tested and compared dozens of renter-friendly home security systems in real apartments, condos, and rental homes across the U.S.
In 2025, the best security systems for renters are wireless, contract-free, and easy to set up yourself. We looked for systems that offer reliable protection, smart features, flexible plans, and above all—portability. Whether you’re in a studio or a three-bedroom rental, here are the best options to secure your space without breaking lease terms.
SimpliSafe 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System
SimpliSafe continues to be a standout for renters—and for good reason. The 8-piece system includes a base station, keypad, motion sensor, and entry sensors. No drilling. No wires. No fuss.
We love how you can install this in under 30 minutes, and when it’s time to move, just pack it up and go.
Key Features
- Completely wireless and DIY install
- 24/7 professional monitoring (optional, no contract)
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Cellular backup and battery-powered base
Pros
- No long-term contracts
- Excellent mobile app for control and alerts
- Loud 95dB siren built into base station
- Lightweight, portable sensors
Cons
- Camera sold separately
- Entry-level kit may be small for larger homes
Use Case
Great for renters in small-to-medium-sized apartments who want affordable protection with no strings attached.
This stood out to the RetailUndercut testing crew for its ease of use and ultra-fast setup.
Ring Alarm 14-Piece Kit (2nd Gen)
Ring brings smart-home power to security with this robust kit. It’s ideal for renters who want more advanced coverage—especially if you’re already in the Alexa ecosystem.
This 14-piece kit includes multiple entry sensors, motion detectors, a keypad, and a range extender, making it perfect for multi-room units or townhomes.
Key Features
- Easy peel-and-stick installation
- Optional Ring Protect Plus plan (includes video cloud storage)
- Full app control, smart alerts
- Z-Wave compatibility for expanding with third-party devices
Pros
- Expandable with Ring doorbells and cameras
- Affordable monthly monitoring
- Strong integration with Amazon Alexa
Cons
- Works best with other Ring products
- Slight learning curve during setup
Use Case
Perfect for renters who want an integrated security and smart-home experience. If you’re already using a Ring doorbell, this is a natural fit.
Wyze Home Monitoring System
Wyze is the budget-friendly champ. If you’re renting a smaller space and need solid protection without spending much, this one’s hard to beat.
The starter kit includes a hub, keypad, motion sensor, and two entry sensors—and it’s just a fraction of the price of bigger brands.
Key Features
- Super affordable monthly monitoring ($9.99/mo or less)
- Works with Wyze Cam v3 for live viewing
- Customizable alerts and arming modes
- Optional camera bundles
Pros
- Incredibly low cost
- Compact sensors perfect for tight spaces
- Simple mobile app
Cons
- No cellular backup
- Limited integration with third-party platforms
Use Case
Great for budget-conscious renters in smaller apartments or shared spaces. Ideal for students or anyone new to home security.
This one stood out to the RetailUndercut team for offering full monitoring at under $10 a month—without feeling “cheap.”
Arlo Essential Wireless Security System (4 Piece)
Arlo brings camera-first protection with this Essentials bundle. It includes a base hub, wireless keypad, motion sensor, and an HD security camera—making it one of the few systems that balances visual coverage with physical protection.
If visual monitoring is your top priority, this one shines.
Key Features
- Wireless camera with color night vision
- Built-in siren and two-way audio
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit
- Arlo Secure app with smart notifications
Pros
- High-quality video with smart motion detection
- Camera included in base bundle
- Sleek, modern design
Cons
- Limited to Arlo ecosystem for expansion
- Cloud storage requires subscription
Use Case
Best for renters who value live video monitoring or want to keep an eye on pets, packages, or porch activity.
abode Security Kit with Camera
abode blends smart home compatibility with pro-level security in a renter-friendly package. It’s one of the most flexible systems for automations and smart integrations.
The standard kit includes a hub, mini door sensor, motion detector, and an HD streaming camera with two-way voice.
Key Features
- Supports Z-Wave, Zigbee, Alexa, Google, HomeKit
- Optional professional monitoring (short- or long-term)
- Built-in 93dB siren
- Indoor cam with night vision
Pros
- Ultimate compatibility with smart home systems
- Flexible plan options (even short-term for travel)
- Great for automations
Cons
- App can feel complex to new users
- More premium pricing
Use Case
Ideal for tech-savvy renters who already have smart devices at home and want customizable control.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right security system as a renter in 2025 is all about flexibility, ease of setup, and peace of mind without lease violations. Here’s what we found at RetailUndercut after weeks of testing:
- SimpliSafe is our go-to for all-around reliability with zero hassle.
- Ring works best for those already using Alexa or Ring cameras.
- Wyze proves that low cost doesn’t mean low quality.
- Arlo gives you visual coverage out of the box.
- abode is the smart-home lover’s dream with deep integrations.
Whether you’re looking for simple intrusion alerts or a full-blown smart security setup, there’s a renter-friendly system that fits your space and budget.
