Let’s be honest. The thought of securing your home can feel overwhelming. And expensive. You picture complicated systems with monthly fees that add up. But here’s the deal: you don’t need a fortune to make your home a much harder target for intruders. In fact, some of the most effective security moves cost less than a nice dinner out.
We’re talking about smart, simple upgrades that deliver serious peace of mind without the serious price tag. Let’s dive into the best budget-friendly home security upgrades you can get for under $100.
Reinforce your entry points
Most burglars aren’t master safecrackers. They’re looking for the easiest way in. Often, that’s through a flimsy door or a window with a weak latch. Strengthening these spots is your first and most crucial line of defense.
1. Upgrade your deadbolt strike plate
That little metal plate on the door frame where the deadbolt slides into? The one that probably came with the lock? Yeah, it’s often installed with dinky half-inch screws that go barely into the door frame. A good kick can splinter the wood and send the door flying open.
The fix is stupidly simple. For about $10, you can get a heavy-duty, 3-inch steel strike plate. Replace the old screws with long, 3-inch wood screws that anchor deep into the house’s wall stud. This one upgrade ties the door directly into the frame of your house, making it incredibly difficult to kick in. It’s the biggest security bang for your buck, period.
2. Add a door barricade or security bar
Sliding doors and even standard entry doors can benefit from a physical barrier. A simple security bar that wedges under the doorknob and braces against the floor is a classic for a reason—it works. For sliding glass doors, a cut-down piece of wooden dowel or a dedicated Charley Bar in the track prevents the door from being forced open or lifted off its rails. These solutions are visual deterrents, too. An intruder sees that bar and is likely to move on to an easier target.
3. Window security film
Windows are vulnerable. A rock or a punch can shatter the glass, allowing someone to simply reach in and unlock it. Security film is a clear, adhesive laminate you apply directly to the glass. It won’t prevent the glass from breaking, but it will hold the shards together like a car windshield, making it incredibly difficult to get through. It buys precious time and creates a noisy, messy obstacle. A small roll for a few key windows is well under $100.
Embrace smart tech on a budget
The smart home revolution has been a gift for budget-conscious security. You can now get devices that were unthinkably expensive just a few years ago.
4. Smart plugs for light automation
A dark house is an empty house, right? That’s what burglars think. But you can easily create the illusion that someone’s home. Smart plugs, which you can often find in multi-packs for under $30, let you automate lamps and radios. Set them on a schedule to turn on at dusk and off at bedtime. You can even randomize the timing for a more natural, lived-in look. It’s a simple psychological trick that’s remarkably effective.
5. A Wi-Fi video doorbell (the affordable kind)
Okay, the top-tier brands might be out of this price range, but there are a surprising number of solid, no-name or budget-friendly Wi-Fi doorbells available now for under $100. These let you see and speak to anyone at your door from your phone. Even if the video quality isn’t 4K, the mere presence of a camera is a powerful deterrent. You get a log of activity, and the ability to scare off a package thief with your own voice. Just check reviews carefully before you buy.
6. DIY window and door sensors
You don’t need a full-blown monitored system to know if a door or window has been opened. Simple, standalone sensors are widely available. These battery-powered gadgets stick to your door or window and its frame. When they separate, they emit a incredibly loud, piercing alarm—up to 120 decibels. It’s not a silent alarm to a monitoring center; it’s an earsplitting “GET OUT NOW” siren that will scare the daylights out of an intruder and alert you and your neighbors instantly. A two-pack is usually around $20.
Lighting: Your nocturnal watchdog
Darkness is a burglar’s best friend. Take it away from them.
7. Motion-activated outdoor lights
This is a golden oldie for a reason. A sudden flood of light is startling and exposes anyone lurking where they shouldn’t be. Solar-powered motion lights have gotten really good and require zero wiring. You can just screw them into an exterior wall. Aim them at approach paths, side yards, and backyard entries. A good one with a decent lumen output can be found for $30-$50.
8. Smart light bulbs for indoor/outdoor use
Similar to smart plugs, smart bulbs offer next-level control. Put one in a porch light or a living room lamp and you can control it from anywhere. Forgot to turn the porch light on before leaving for the weekend? No problem, just tap your phone. You can also set vacation modes that mimic your usual coming-and-going behavior. A two-pack of name-brand Wi-Fi bulbs often dips below $20 on sale.
The power of perception
Sometimes, security is about what they think you have.
9. Fake security cameras & yard signs
This one is controversial, but hear me out. A realistic-looking dummy camera with a blinking LED light, placed prominently under an eave, can be a persuasive deterrent for a casual thief. Pair it with a security system yard sign and window decals (which you can often buy online for a few bucks from actual security companies, oddly enough). The goal isn’t to fool a professional, but to convince the vast majority of opportunistic criminals that your house is more trouble than it’s worth. Just be honest with yourself—it’s a bluff. But a convincing bluff works more often than you’d think.
Putting it all together: A layered defense
The real magic happens when you combine a few of these. Think of it like layers of Swiss cheese—each layer has a hole, but when you stack them together, the holes get covered.
| Your Goal | Budget-Friendly Solution ($100 or less) |
| Reinforce a weak front door | Heavy-duty strike plate & long screws ($10) |
| Deter after-dark approaches | Solar motion-sensor light ($40) |
| Make it look like someone’s home | Smart plug for lamps ($15) |
| Scare off someone trying a window | Standalone window alarm sensor ($20 for 2) |
| Total | $85 |
See? For well under $100, you’ve created a robust, multi-layered security strategy that addresses multiple vulnerabilities.
Security isn’t about building an impenetrable fortress. It’s about making your home a less appealing target than the next one. It’s about adding time, noise, and light to the equation—three things every burglar hates. You don’t need to break the bank to sleep soundly. You just need to be smarter with your money, and a little bit proactive. Start with the door they’re most likely to use. Then, maybe a light. One step at a time. Because a secure home isn’t a purchase, it’s a process.
