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You don’t need the income or skills of a tech genius to beef up your home security. 

With just a few strategic upgrades, it’s possible to outsmart potential intruders and protect what matters most. 

Stick with us, as here we reveal five affordable home security solutions that are simple to install, budget-friendly, and surprisingly effective.

Take note, as these upgrades could save you from a break-in. 

Our Top 3 Picks

  • Best for Shared Access Control: Smart Locks
  • Best for Flexible Monitoring: Security Cameras
  • Best for Outdoor Deterrence: Motion Sensor Lighting

1. Install Smart Locks

Best for: Tech-savvy users and households with shared access.

Keen to control your home access without fumbling for keys? Smart locks are your convenient solution to inexpensive home security. 

They connect to your phone so you can lock and unlock doors remotely, set access codes, and even monitor who’s coming and going. 

This upgrade works great for families, roommates, and Airbnb hosts who need flexible access options.

In most cases, installation is easy, and all you need is a screwdriver. We suggest placing them on your main entry doors for the best impact. You can also pair them with other devices for an integrated security system.

Pros:

  • No physical keys.
  • Convenient remote control.
  • Logs entry attempts for better monitoring.

Cons:

  • Needs Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to operate.
  • Batteries need periodic replacement.

2. Upgrade Door and Window Locks

Best for: Renters and homeowners who want an inexpensive security boost.

Old or flimsy locks are an open invitation to intruders. Swapping them out for stronger locks is one of the simplest and most effective upgrades. 

For a robust line of defense, go with deadbolts for doors and pin locks for windows. Keep your sliding doors secure with a strong bar or rod in the track to stop forced entry.

You can also consider reinforcing your door frames. Strike plates and longer screws make it harder for doors to be kicked in. For windows, add inexpensive window alarms to alert you if someone tampers with them.

Pros:

  • Boosts physical security.
  • Easy to install yourself.

Cons:

  • Only secures existing access points.

3. Install Motion Sensor Lighting

Best for: Homeowners who want to increase outdoor visibility and security on a budget.

Darkness is a burglar’s best friend. Use outdoor motion sensor lights to instantly brighten areas when movement is detected and scare off potential intruders. 

These lights are affordable and energy-efficient, with solar-powered options that don’t increase your electricity bill.

Position them strategically near entryways, along pathways, and around the garage. They’re especially effective in spots where shadows linger. 

As an extra deterrent, combine them with fake security signs to give the impression of a fully monitored property.

Pros:

  • Deters intruders with sudden light.
  • Low-cost. 
  • Easy to maintain.

Cons:

  • Wildlife or weather triggers false alarms. 

4. Use Security Cameras

Best for: Budget-conscious households and renters who want flexible, DIY monitoring options.

Don’t think you have to splurge on a fancy system to keep an eye on your property. There are various affordable wireless cameras to monitor your home through your phone.

Installing them isn’t rocket science and some even offer two-way audio, night vision, and motion alerts.

Mount your security cameras at entry points like front doors, back doors, and driveways. If you want them indoors, cover areas like your hallway or living room. 

We consulted the team at New York Security Camera Installers for advice on the best setup. They suggest using multisensor cameras for a seamless 360-degree view as these minimize blind spots and offer improved low-light performance and motion detection. This ensures comprehensive coverage and reliability, even if one sensor is compromised.

Pros:

  • Real-time monitoring and recording.
  • Strong visual deterrent.

Cons:

  • May need Wi-Fi for remote access.
  • Inferior models have limited battery life.

5. Reinforce Entry Points

Best for: Families and homeowners in high-traffic or urban areas.

Security doors and windows are always your first line of defense. It’s only logical then to make them tougher to break. 

Reinforcing entry points doesn’t mean replacing everything as small upgrades go a long way. Use door reinforcement plates to strengthen weak spots around locks. Add security screen doors for extra protection without compromising airflow.

Put a security film on your windows. This makes glass harder to shatter. Window alarms also add an extra layer of protection by sounding off when someone tampers with them. 

All these small changes have the potential to deter the most determined burglars.

Pros:

  • Beefs up vulnerable points.
  • Prevents easy break-ins.

Cons:

  • Minor tools or professional help for installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do fake security signs work?

Yes, fake security signs can deter opportunistic burglars by giving the impression of a monitored property, but they are more effective when used alongside visible deterrents like cameras and motion sensor lights.

Is it worth buying a cheap security camera?

A cheap security camera can be worth buying as it provides basic monitoring and acts as a visible deterrent, especially when placed strategically, but it may lack advanced features found in higher-end models.

What is the best value home security system?

The best value home security system offers a combination of affordability, effective features like monitoring and alerts, and low or no monthly costs, making it ideal for securing your home on a budget.

What is the monthly cost of a security system?

The monthly cost of a security system can range from $10 to $60, depending on the level of monitoring and features included.

Conclusion

Affordable home security doesn’t have to mean cutting corners. These five affordable upgrades work together to create a robust defense system that’s both smart and budget-conscious. 

From smart locks that give you total access control to motion sensor lights that keep intruders guessing, each solution adds a layer of protection without complex installations or expensive monthly fees.

By implementing these cost-effective measures, you not only boost your property’s safety, you also get peace of mind, and protect what matters most. Your home is your sanctuary, so defend it wisely, affordably, and intelligently.