20 Security Products under $25

Best for personal protection
Best for surveillance
ZOSI Wired Camera
  • pro
    1080p
  • pro
    Lifetime tech support
Best portable door lock
Addalock brand door lock
Addalock
  • pro
    Great for travel
  • pro
    Leaves no marks
Best motion solar lights
Best entry sensors

SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review

The phrase "cheap security" might sound like an oxymoron, but you’d be surprised at the number of inexpensive home security devices that can actually help you take valuable security measures to protect your home and property. We've rounded up 20 of our favorite cheap home security devices under $25.

20 Best security products under $25

Locks under $25

1. Defender Security Door Lock: Best for homes with kids

Door reinforcement
Defender Security Satin Nickel U 10827 Door Reinforcement Lock

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Most intruders know to attack a door at the lock—but what if your door had an extra lock in an unexpected place? The Defender Security Lock can easily be installed nearly anywhere on the inside edge of your door. It's easy to lock and unlock from the inside, but it's impossible to tamper with from the outside. Plus, you can place it high on the door so small kids can’t escape when it’s secured.

But it’s not a perfect fit for every door. You may need to get handy with a chisel to fit it on some doorways. You may also need to replace it after a few years of wear and tear. It’s a good idea to look for these on sale and buy a couple at a time so you can replace one as soon as it shows deterioration.

pro
Pros
pro Easy to install
pro Good for childproofing
pro Tamperproof
con
Cons
con Not durable with frequent use
con Not functional on all doors

2. SABRE Door Security Bar: Best for added door security

Door jammer
Sabre HS DSB Adjustable 2-in-1 Home Security Bar

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

If you're worried that your locks aren't secure enough, a door jammer security device like the SABRE Security Bar is a good option. It fits under your door handle and adjusts to the length you need. A rubber foot prevents the bar from sliding on your floor.

pro
Pros
pro Works with hinged and sliding doors
pro Adjusts from 28.5 in. to 45 in.
pro Can be used on bedroom doors
con
Cons
con May slide on tile floors

3. Defender Security Sliding Window Locks: Best for vinyl window security

Aftermarket window lock
Defender Security Sliding Window Lock

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Standard window locks work well for keeping windows shut, but if you want to be able to keep your window partially open for ventilation, Defender’s Sliding Window Locks offer both protection and airflow. No screws required, just clamp it on to the window track at the desired location.

pro
Pros
pro Easy installation
pro Durable die-cast construction
con
Cons
con Difficult removal

4. Lion Locks: Best for aluminum sliding doors/windows

Aluminum door lock
Lion locks
Lion Locks
$15.99

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Gripping pads on Lion Locks door and window locks keep them secure on any sliding door or window track. Double thumbscrews make installation easy and snug. Choosing the lock placement along the track lets you control how far your door or window opens.

Compare the competition on our best sliding door locks review page.

pro
Pros
pro Heavy duty aluminum construction
pro Easy installation
pro Snug fit
con
Cons
con Poor performance on vinyl windows

5. Addalock: Best lock reinforcement for renters

Portable door lock
Addalock brand door lock
Addalock
$17.95
(sale price)

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Addalock does just what the name suggests: It adds a second lock to your doorknob. You can use it on a front door or on interior doors to block anyone from getting in. It takes seconds to install, and it won't leave any holes or marks, so it's a great security device for renters.

pro
Pros
pro Fast, easy installation
pro Non-marking design
pro Compact size
con
Cons
con Non-universal fit

6. Defender Sliding Door Security Bar: Best for sliding glass doors

Best for sliding glass doors
defender security sliding door bar

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Defender Sliding Door Security Bar is just like your grandma's broomstick in the sliding door track, but with handy components like a hinge that makes it easy to lock and unlock without removing the entire thing and an adjustable telescoping length.

pro
Pros
pro Adjustable telescoping design
pro Hinged operation
pro Extruded aluminum construction
con
Cons
con Drilling required

Alarms under $25

7. Taiker Personal Emergency Alarm: Best for deterring intruders

Personal emergency siren
Taiker Personal Alarm for Women 140DB Emergency Self Defense Security Alarm Keychain
Taiker Alarm
$14.99
(2 pack)

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

A whole-house alarm system with monitoring might not be in your budget, but there's no reason you can't still scare off intruders with a loud noise. A five-pack of push-button Taiker alarms is under $20, so you can stash one in every room of your house.

pro
Pros
pro LED flashlight
pro Compact key fob design
pro Loud 140 dB alarm
con
Cons
con Limited durability

8. SABRE Shed and Garage Alarm: Best for garages and outbuildings

Best garage alarm
sabre elite door and window sensor

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Even though the SABRE alarm is marketed for commercial doors, you can use it to secure any door in your home, including your garage or shed door. It's easy to arm and disarm with your own four-digit code, and you can choose between alarm and chime modes.

pro
Pros
pro Loud 120 dB alarm
pro Easy installation
pro Entry and exit delay
con
Cons
con Permanent entry delay
con No remote monitoring

9. GE Personal Security Kit: Best for apartments or dorms

Personal security kit
GE Personal Security Kit KeychainDoorstopWindow or Door Alarm

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

With three separate alarm components, the GE Personal Security Kit is a smart going-away present for any college student. It comes with a door/window sensor alarm, a keychain panic alarm, and a doorstop intrusion alarm. All are battery-operated and easy to arm and disarm.

pro
Pros
pro Low battery indicators
pro 120 dB alarms
pro Easy operation
con
Cons
con Non-universal fit

10. GE Door/Window Alarms: Best for DIY home security systems

DIY security
GE Personal Security WindowDoor Alarm-2-Pack

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Door and window sensors like these GE window/door alarms can work almost as well as a full security system without monitoring. Just mount the sensor and the magnet and then select between "Alarm," "Chime," and "Off." The sensors' shrieking, 120-dB alarms will surprise any would-be intruders.

pro
Pros
pro Easy installation
pro Chime option
pro Extremely loud alarm
con
Cons
con Weak adhesive
con Tricky fit

Lights and monitoring under $25

11. HMCity Outdoor Motion Sensor Solar Lights: Best for outdoor lighting

Best outdoor lighting

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Burglars are much less likely to snoop around a house that's well lit, and HMCity's motion sensor solar lights can ensure you always have the lights on. Motion detectors sense movement to trigger the lights, and these lights come with three different lighting settings.

Compare the competition on our review pages:

pro
Pros
pro Easy installation
pro 4-pack
pro Waterproof casing
pro LEDs
con
Cons
con Only one light setting

12. SadoTech Wireless Doorbell: Best for visitor alerts

Wireless doorbell
white sadotech wireless doorbell and two wall unit with blue circles

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

You might not want to splurge on smart doorbells with cameras, but with the SadoTech Wireless Doorbell you'll always know if someone's at the door. Just mount the doorbell next to your front door and plug in the base unit where you’ll hear it best.

pro
Pros
pro Modern design
pro LED lights
pro 500-foot range
pro Customizable ring tones
con
Cons
con Poor durability

13. TOGU Peephole: Best for seeing who's at the door

Peephole
Door Viewer Peephole with Privacy Cover

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The TOGU peephole gives you a full 220-degree view of someone standing outside, and it comes in eight different finishes to match your door hardware. The included cover prevents anyone from peeking through the hole from the other side.

pro
Pros
pro Quality optic lens
pro Multiple finishes
pro Lens cover
con
Cons
con Installation requires drilling
con Blurred lens over time

14. ZOSI 1080p CCTV Camera: Best for monitoring

Wired security camera

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

When we found these cheap security cameras, we knew they had to be on the list. But the ZOSI 1080p CCTV Camera doesn't come with the needed DVR or cables, and the monitoring app for smartphones and tablets is difficult to use. Still, the cameras work well for monitoring in all weather conditions and come with lifetime tech support.

Learn more in our ZOSI cameras review.

pro
Pros
pro Lifetime tech support
pro Rugged casing
pro 2-year warranty
con
Cons
con No DVR or cables
con Tricky smartphone app
con Cloud storage not included

15. Frankever Mini Smart Plug Outlet: Best for controlling indoor lighting remotely

Best indoor light control

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Smart home devices for under $20? It seems too good to be true, but the Frankever Mini Smart Plug Outlet gives you a lot of home automation device management for a low price. Using it with lighting lets you turn house lights on and off from anywhere with your smartphone or, if you have a home assistant, voice commands. IFTTT (If This, Then That) compatibility means it can also be used with other smart home security systems if you choose to add more home automation security devices later on.

pro
Pros
pro Plugs into existing outlet
pro No smart hubs needed
pro Compatibility with Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT
con
Cons
con Works only with 2.4 GHz networks
con May have trouble connecting
con Doesn't work with Z-Wave devices

Personal and property protection under $25

16. VIPERTEK Stun Gun Flashlight: Best for personal protection

Best for personal protection
Vipertek VTS-195 stun gun

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

This VIPERTEK isn't just a good deal—it's one of the best stun guns on the market and one of the best personal safety devices for everyday carry.

The VIPERTEK Stun Gun Flashlight delivers both a loud crackling noise and a nonlethal shock when it's activated, and it's rechargeable. Shine the bright light into the attacker's face to further disorient them. 

 

pro
Pros
pro Rechargeable batteries
pro Lifetime warranty
pro Multiple colors
con
Cons
con Weak batteries

17. Gila Glass Window Film: Best for privacy

Best for privacy
Gila Privacy Window Film (1)

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

If you live on a ground floor apartment, you shouldn't have to keep the blinds closed and feel like you're living in a cave. Gila Window Films are tinted black to reduce passive solar heating while completely obscuring the view of any curious passersby.

Although more expensive, there's also window film that makes it tough for would-be intruders to break the glass. Check out our top window security film picks.

pro
Pros
pro Not see-through
pro Removable
pro Stylish
con
Cons
con Tricky to install

18. Amazon Basics Portable Security Case: Best for securing valuables

Best for securing valuables
Portable Case Lock Box

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Just in "case" someone does get into your home, the steel-shelled Amazon Basics Security Case keeps jewelry and firearms under combination lock and key. The included security cable lets you secure the case to a heavy piece of furniture or household fixture.

Although most cost more than $25, check out our full lineup of the best home safes and best gun safes for more options.

pro
Pros
pro Steel casing
pro Combination lock or keyed lock options
pro Interior padding
pro Included security cable
con
Cons
con Not tamperproof

19. Defender Security Combo Strike Plate: Best for beefing up door security

Best for beefing up door security
brass door strike plate

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Intruders may try to kick in your door, so don't make it easy. Simply installing a new strike plate like the Defender Security Combo with 3-inch screws can give your door the strength it needs to withstand a forced entry.

For a little more than $25, you can also pick up a door jammer for extra security. Ready to drop some serious dough on door security? Get a heavy solid wood door.

pro
Pros
pro Deadbolt and deadlatch coverage
pro Solid steel construction
pro 3-inch screws
con
Cons
con Non-universal fit
con Weak screws

20. WALI Fake Security Camera: Best for the illusion of monitoring

Best for the illusion of monitoring

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

As the saying goes, "Fake it till you make it." When it comes to security, fake isn't actually a bad idea. A realistic decoy security camera like the EXCERCUS is an excellent crime deterrent. It has battery-operated LED lights to give the illusion of night vision, and you can get two for under $20.

For a little more money, you can get the real thing. Check out our top security cameras under $50.

pro
Pros
pro Realistic appearance
pro Adjustable angle
pro Battery powered lights
pro Easy installation
con
Cons
con Short battery life
con Hokey

Disclaimer

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

Kasey Tross
Written by
Kasey Tross
Kasey is a trained Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member and a freelance writer with expertise in emergency preparedness and security. As the mother of four kids, including two teens, Kasey knows the safety concerns parents face as they raise tech-savvy kids in a connected world, and she loves to research the latest security options for her own family and for SafeWise readers.

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