Most security guides focus on suburban homeowners, not your Brooklyn walkup or Manhattan studio where drilling isn’t allowed.

New York City renters face challenges suburban guides ignore. Co-op boards demand documentation. Package thieves patrol shared lobbies. Your lease forbids permanent fixtures. You might move in six months.

This guide answers one question: which DIY security system works best for NYC apartment living?

So, What Each System Does Best?

Ring Works Best for Package Protection

180-day video storage and multiple doorbell options make Ring the strongest choice for package theft. Works exclusively with Alexa devices for smart home integration.

Google Nest Uses AI to Learn Your Routines

AI-powered face recognition and routine learning. Best if you’re already using Google devices and want intelligent automation.

SimpliSafe Offers Month-to-Month Monitoring

Month-to-month monitoring with no long-term commitment. Perfect for renters facing uncertain housing situations or wanting set-it-and-forget-it security.

What Each System Costs and Offers?

Here’s everything that matters for an apartment living in one place.

Feature	Ring Alarm	Google Nest Secure	SimpliSafe
Best For	Package watchers, Alexa users	Google Home enthusiasts	Flexibility-focused renters
Monthly Monitoring	$20 (includes video)	$29	$23 basic / $33 with video
Contract	None	None	None
Smart Home	Alexa only	Google Home	Alexa and Google (basic)
Battery Backup	24 hours	12 hours	24 hours
Video Storage	180 days	30 days	30 days
Siren Volume	113 decibels	104 decibels	95 decibels
Setup Time	30-45 minutes	30-45 minutes	20-30 minutes

Ring vs Nest vs SimpliSafe for NYC Apartment Living

Ring

Ring stores video for 180 days, six times longer than competitors. That matters when you notice a missing package weeks later. The Neighbors app connects you with other Ring users in your building for community alerts. The 113-decibel siren is loud enough to wake neighbors through walls.

• Pros: Multiple doorbell models for different door types, 24-hour battery backup, self-monitoring option
• Cons: Alexa-only integration, limited co-op board guidance

Google Nest

Face recognition is what sets Nest apart in busy buildings. The system learns who belongs and who doesn’t—your roommate at midnight doesn’t trigger alerts, but a stranger in the hallway does. The AI learns your schedule and adapts automatically.

• Pros: Pros: Face recognition cuts false alarms, learning algorithms, works seamlessly with Google Home
• Cons: 12-hour battery backup (half the competition), $29 monthly cost

SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe stores video for 30 days with the Core plan ($33/month). The monitoring company calls 44 seconds after alarms trigger. The base station talks you through installation. Water leak sensors catch pipe bursts in older NYC buildings.

• Pros: No contracts, voice-guided setup, temperature monitoring
• Cons: Bulkier sensors, 30-day video storage

When people ask which DIY security system is best for renters, it often comes down to how long you plan to stay.

Getting Past NYC Landlords  and Co-op Board Rules

All three systems use adhesive mounting without drilling. However, co-op boards scrutinize more than just installation methods.

Ring’s visible cameras might violate rules about recording common areas. Check your lease before mounting doorbell cameras facing hallways.

Nest’s smaller equipment draws less attention during inspections, though boards may require proof the system doesn’t interfere with building security.

SimpliSafe’s simple design satisfies conservative boards. Its local alarm functions work without the internet, addressing connectivity concerns.

All three companies provide spec sheets for board submissions. Get pre-approval by matching these specs to your board’s camera placement rules, or consult a security installer familiar with NYC co-op requirements.

Which System Is The Best Match For You?

Choose Ring if:

Package theft is your main worry and you need long-term video evidence. You use Alexa. Your building allows hallway cameras. Ring wins the renter friendly video doorbell comparison with the most models and mounting options.

Choose Google Nest if:

You’re invested in Google products. Face recognition matters because your building has constant delivery traffic. The higher monthly cost fits your budget.

Choose SimpliSafe if:

You’re not sure how long you’ll stay. Month-to-month flexibility matters more than features. Your building has older infrastructure where water leaks and temperature monitoring matter.

How Much You’ll Spend Each Year

• Ring: $200-250 equipment + $20 monthly = $440-490 first year
• Nest: $400-500 equipment + $29 monthly = $748-848 first year
• SimpliSafe: $200-250 equipment + $23-33 monthly = $476-646 first year

All three skip contracts. Return windows: Ring (30 days), Nest (30 days), SimpliSafe (60 days).

How NYC Building Types Affect Installation

Pre-war buildings have plaster walls and thick concrete construction. Adhesive strips can work, but it’s worth testing them first to make sure they’ll hold. Wireless sensors tend to handle plaster better than concrete, which can interfere with signal strength. Installing equipment in pre-war NYC buildings requires planning for connectivity issues.

Modern high-rises typically offer better wireless penetration, but you’ll likely deal with more interference from neighboring networks since there are so many units in close proximity. This makes sensor placement more important than in other building types.

Brownstones present their own challenge when it comes to sensor range, especially if you need coverage across multiple floors. Companies like Ring and SimpliSafe offer range extenders specifically to help with this issue. Adding smart tech to century-old brownstones involves similar range planning.

Walkups are generally easier for installation since you have more straightforward access throughout the building. However, removal can become challenging if you’re moving furniture up several flights of stairs when it’s time to relocate.

Finding Your Best Fit Among the Three

There’s no universal best security system for NYC renters. Your building type, main concerns, and smart home setup point toward different choices.

Ring dominates package theft monitoring with unmatched video storage. Nest delivers the smartest automation for Google users. SimpliSafe provides maximum flexibility for renters facing unpredictable housing.

When comparing, focus on solving your problem and consider what matters most: long video storage, smart learning, or month-to-month flexibility.