There were 847,522 burglaries reported to the FBI in 2022, with losses averaging more than $1,500 per incident. When it comes to ensuring the safety of yourself and your family, having a home security system can be one of the best investments.
Here’s how to determine the cost of the ideal home security system for you and your needs.
Key takeaways
The average cost of a home security system is $490.?
Home security can cost as low as $99 for a basic, self-installed kit and upwards of $2,000 for professionally installed systems.
Some home security companies charge $99 for installation, while others do it for free or have you do it yourself.
Monthly monitoring costs range from $0 to $10 per month for self-monitoring and $10 to $60 per month for professional monitoring.
Average cost of a home security system
On average, a security system will cost $490, ranging from around $200 for a self-installed bare essentials kit to $2,000 for a high-quality, professionally installed system.
Below, see the costs for some of the most popular systems on the market.
System costs*
|
Low end
|
High end
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Abode | $139.99 |
$399.99 |
| Ring | $179.99 |
$419.99 |
| Frontpoint | $99 |
$419 |
| ADT | $146 |
$560 |
| SimpliSafe | $149.98 |
$425.94 |
| Scout | $229 |
$319 |
| Brinks | $360 |
$799 |
| Vivint | $599 |
$999 |
* Prices collected in March 2024 and may include discounts.
The main components of a typical home security system are:
- Base station/control panel
- Cameras
- Contact sensors
- Environmental sensors
- Glass break sensor
- Key fob
- Motion sensors
- Siren
A larger home will need more equipment and increase your overall costs. Your final price depends on your chosen brand and the additional equipment and features you decide to install.
Installation costs
While many newer home security companies leave it up to the homeowner to install wireless sensors and security cameras as a do-it-yourself project, some customers prefer professional installation by a technician. These customers want to ensure that all the equipment is installed correctly and that the system continues to be maintained. According to Angi, you should expect to spend $280 to $1,150 for installation.
“Many legacy players require you to pay costly installation fees in order to install your system and likewise require expensive fees any time the system requires servicing,” said Hooman Shahidi, senior vice president and head of product for SimpliSafe. Be mindful and ask questions about this pricing when shopping around for systems.
Installation costs*
|
Installation cost
|
|
|---|---|
| Abode? | $99 |
| Ring | Self-installed |
| Frontpoint | Self-installed |
| ADT | $99 |
| SimpliSafe? | $124.99 - $254.97 |
| Scout | Self-installed |
| Brinks | Free |
| Vivint | Free |
* Prices collected in March 2024 and may include discounts.
? Abode and SimpliSafe offer installation for a fee through third-party provider HelloTech.
Monthly monitoring costs
Many home security systems also include a monthly monitoring fee — for self- or professional monitoring — that will vary depending on the provider. Self-monitored systems cost around $10 per month; on average, professional monitoring costs between $22 and $35 per month.
“Most, but not all, providers allow customers to self-monitor on their own, should they not want to pay for monthly monitoring fees,” Shahidi said. It is worth weighing the pros and cons, as the cost saving may come at the expense of safety, with Shahidi noting that opting out of monitoring will limit your level of protection.
Monthly monitoring costs*?
|
Self-monitored
|
Professionally monitored
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Abode | $6.99 |
$24.99 |
| Ring | $4.99 |
$10–$20 |
| Frontpoint | N/A |
$49.99 |
| ADT | $0 |
$20 |
| SimpliSafe | $9.99 |
$19.80 - $29.70 |
| Scout | $9.99 |
$19.99 |
| Brinks | $0 |
$29.99 |
| Vivint | N/A |
$40 - $60 |
* Prices collected in January 2024 and may include discounts.
Additional equipment cost
If you are in the market for specific features, here are some of the most common and their associated costs:
- Indoor cameras: $131.85 per camera
- Outdoor cameras: $187.05 per camera
- Smart lighting: $10.74 - $90.11
- Smart locks: $212.50
- Smart smoke alarms: $36 - $136
- Smart thermostats: $153 - $500
Types of home security systems and their costs
There are numerous factors and styles of home security, but some of the fundamental differentiators are the following:
Wired vs. wireless
Wired options provide a choice for people who don’t want to rely on Wi-Fi or a battery life. Conversely, Shahidi notes that wireless options are easier to install and are a good choice for renters.
Wired options are generally more expensive as they require hiding wires behind the wall. These are more labor-intensive and will cost somewhere between $800 and $1600, on average. Wireless options cost somewhere between $200 and $2,000, on average.
Self-monitored vs. professionally monitored
Not everyone will be interested in professional monitoring and the other features accompanying premium home security options. DIY options enable you to set up the system independently, but the responsibility of monitoring and alerting authorities will also fall on you.
If a DIY option seems too much work or pressure, higher-end security systems will take the bulk of the responsibility off you. Shahidi warned, “Without professional monitoring, users are responsible for keeping track of their system and home themselves, as emergency services are not dispatched during an alarm event.”
DIY vs. professional home security systems
When deciding between DIY and professional installation for home security, there are a few factors to consider.
DIY options
If you want to save money, some of the most affordable brands include Ring and Wyze. What you can expect from these brands in their most basic packages include elements such as:
- Being alerted to windows and doors opening
- Being alerted to motion detection
- Receiving push notifications to your mobile device
Pros and cons of DIY security systems
Pros
- Generally don’t have wires which makes installation easier
- Usually have no contracts, or at least an option to opt out of a service that will require monthly monitoring fees
Cons
- May have a larger upfront cost because the manufacturer won’t receive monthly payments from monitoring
- Are better for smaller properties because they will usually have less equipment in the package.
- Leaves responsibility for alerting authorities of an incident to the system’s owner
Fortunately, many home security brands, including SimpliSafe and Arlo, offer DIY setup options with optional professional monitoring.
Premium options
If you are looking for additional features to keep you protected, brands like Vivint, ADT, and Frontpoint fall into the premium range and offer features such as:
- 24/7 professional surveillance: Many systems will alert you to motion around your home. Some sound an alarm to warn intruders that they are being recorded to deter forced entry.
- Carbon monoxide and smoke detection: Security that provides protection goes beyond preventing break-ins. Some systems offer smoke and carbon monoxide detection and will alert the proper authorities for dispatch.
- Doorbell cameras: These enable you to see who is at your door before answering or let them know remotely that you aren’t home and to come back later.
- Electrical management: Some systems, such as the Smart Home from Vivint, enable users to control lights or adjust temperatures from their mobile devices.
- Indoor and outdoor camera options: These allow you to keep tabs on children, older adults and pets. Some indoor cameras will include features to enable children who don’t have cell phones to contact parents who are away.
- Smart locks: These can be connected to your mobile device to open and close doors remotely.
Pros and cons of professionally installed and monitored systems
Pros
- Usually offer a lengthier warranty to cover issues that arise
- Provide higher quality products with access to more advanced technology
- Provides an expert to explain all system features to you
Cons
- Professional installation may cost extra due to installation fees
- Professional installation may require a contract that will incur additional costs
Tips to save money on your home security system
Shahidi said that “just because one system is more expensive than another does not necessitate that it provides more comprehensive protection.” However, he added, “When it comes to professional monitoring, investing in a higher-priced monitoring plan does offer added value and, ultimately, more comprehensive protection — though it can still be affordable and within reach.”
To drive down the cost of home security systems, try the following:
- Compare quotes from multiple providers, paying close attention to the ones that offer the features you need.
- Consider a wireless system, which will cost less because of the simpler installation process.
- Avoid subscriptions. Many brands offer systems without monthly charges for monitoring, which can save you a lot of money over time.
- Capitalize on the savings on home insurance if your provider offers it. If you install a system, many home and renters insurance policies will offer lower rates (potentially as high as 15%).
