Home Security Systems That Are Fast, Easy and Totally Not Creepy

You can set up a robust home security system with a camera-free system of motion detectors and sensors

Want simple, DIY home security without a camera spying on your family? So does WSJ's David Pierce, who installed four such systems in his home--and then tried to rob himself to see which one worked best. Photo Illustration: Heather Seidel/The Wall Street Journal
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My first plan for an easy DIY home-security system was to get one of those Nest cams. My wife immediately ruled out the idea.

She’s right—even if theoretically only she or I would ever see the footage, something about an always-on camera seems creepy. Besides, I realized my motivation was largely to spy on my dog. Seriously, what does he do all day?

When...