How Much Does a Home Security System Cost? The 4 Best Systems to Invest In (2023 Updated!)

Picking the right home security system for you

We’ve covered our top picks for home security systems, but the decision is up to you. Which one fits your needs the best? If you’re not sure yet, don’t worry! We’re going to run through some of the basics of home security solutions and best practices for making your decision. 

Before anything, let’s go through some general expectations when it comes to price. The average cost of security equipment ranges from $199 to $399, and you can expect to pay more if you’re purchasing a comprehensive package. The average cost of installation and activation is anywhere from free to $199. As for monthly monitoring costs, these can range from $25 to $50 on average. These are estimates, but they should give you a good window for when you’re choosing between services. It’s up to you to decide the home security systems worth.

With that out of the way, let’s go through the different types of home security systems, including monitored or unmonitored and wired or wireless. 

Monitored security systems

When you opt for a monitored security system, it means that there’s someone on one end watching the system and responding to threats on your behalf. If they observe any threat to your safety, they’ll notify you instantly and contact emergency services. If they can’t reach you, they’ll usually reach out to an appointed contact. It can be a little creepy having someone watch your house, but they can catch things you otherwise wouldn’t.

This is the most popular form of security system. Monitored systems come in two types: self-monitored and company-monitored. 

Company monitoring is the more traditional approach, with a team of personnel controlling and operating your cameras, sensors, and alarms. Most of the time, they’ll contact your designated contact center when they observe any suspicious activity. You’ll also usually receive a phone call to verify that the system wasn’t set off by mistake. 

As the name suggests, self-monitoring allows you to control the cameras, sensors, and alarms of your system. Most of these systems nowadays have a mobile app accompanying them that allows you to observe camera feeds wherever you are. When the alarms are triggered, you receive notifications, and you can choose to call authorities based on what you observe. 

Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. A company-monitored system has fewer blind spots and allows for more immediate calls to authorities, but you need to be immediately available to confirm and it can be a lot less private. Self-monitored systems give you more control and provide you with evidence to back up claims, but you could miss an alert and they require a WiFi connection.

Unmonitored systems

An unmonitored security system is the other side of the spectrum. Here, no one monitors your home, but some sensors trigger in and around your home which activates a loud siren to ward off intruders. These include products like a control panel, motion sensors, glass-break sensors, door and window sensors, an alarm system, and smoke detectors. Some even come with a smartphone app.

These kinds of systems offer a bunch of advantages over monitored systems. They’re less comprehensive, which means they’re far easier to install and operate, and they still provide a good sense of security. They’re way more cost-effective, as you don’t have to purchase and install cameras all over your home. They’re self-run, too, making them especially easy to operate for novices. 

However, there are some disadvantages to keep in mind. First off, they’re far less secure than monitored systems, as they don’t pick up footage. This means that those that don’t trigger the sensors can get away with breaking into your home. They’re dependent on the homeowner being around, which makes them less effective if you’re at work or on vacation. Also, they’re not automated, and contacting emergency services during a stressful situation can be difficult. 

If you’re not comfortable with having cameras picking up your every move day-to-day, an unmonitored system may be right for you. Plus, these systems are a good first step into home security, as they’re affordable and intuitive. 

Wireless security system

Now that we’ve covered how systems are monitored, we should talk about how security systems are installed. First, let’s discuss wireless systems. These are home security systems that don’t require the need for hardwiring to the control panel, with everything working off a WiFi connection or Bluetooth. Components usually include sensors, cameras, alarms, and the main control panel. 

These systems have three processes: detection, annunciation, and monitoring. The detection stage is when the system picks up any changes in security risk, like when someone breaks a window or breaks into a door, a fire alarm picks up the presence of a fire, and more. Annunciation is when the owner is alerted of that danger through the use of alarms, notifications, phone calls, lights, and more. Monitoring is when emergency services are notified of the presence of danger in your home.

Wireless systems have plenty of benefits. Because you don’t have to worry about wiring, they’re usually very easy to install in the home with the use of DIY kits without the need for much handiwork. Plus, they’re a lot easier to move and adjust as needed. They’re easier to upgrade, as it usually just comes down to an update or switching out the device. They’re more difficult to disarm by intruders, who’d otherwise just cut a cord. Last, they’re really easy to control remotely. 

However, they have drawbacks, too. Interference is easy with these systems, as they require a network connection to function properly. They’re also vulnerable to hacking, especially if you’re using a cheap system that doesn’t encrypt its signals. You’re also going to go through a lot of batteries, and you can be insecure if a battery runs out when you’re away. Some even need wires! Monitoring services sometimes need a landline connected to function properly. 

Wired security systems

Wired security systems require hardwiring to function properly. Typically, all the security devices around the home are connected to the central control hub with low-voltage wires, including sensors, keypads, and cameras. The control panel will know the status of every device in the home, and it can notify you if there are any problems. These are usually more expensive, but they have their advantages.

The first advantage is that they’re extremely reliable when hard lines are running properly, offering a far more trustworthy connection than wireless systems can. Once they’re installed, they’re easy to maintain, only requiring batteries to operate. They’re especially useful for larger homes, as more devices can be connected to the central system. These systems are hard to hack because they require a manual connection, a reason many professionals favor them. Plus, they usually have a lot of features and offer much higher-resolution video. 

Disadvantages with these systems exist, though. As mentioned, wired systems are usually far more expensive than their wireless counterparts. Because they require a professional to install, installation is also a considerable cost. While they can’t be hacked as easily, an intruder just needs to find the right wire and cut it to disable the system. These systems are difficult to uninstall, and some companies even refuse to move this equipment to a new location. Plus, they offer almost no remote capabilities.

Protect your home with the right tools 

We hope this guide was helpful with your home security decision. This is a very serious decision to make, and you should do your own research when landing on the solution for you. But remember that in the end, whatever you choose, you’ll have a more secure home for you and your family. 

Agent Advice does the research so you don’t have to. We have the experience and know-how for everything real estate related, and we post articles and reviews all the time for products and services. We want you to land on the right tools for you!