So you’re ready to add a home security system to your house—congratulations!
As you research and consider all of the home security providers on the market, your head might be swimming with all the possibilities.
In this blog, we’ll break down the major costs involved with security systems, as well as the amounts you can expect to pay. Use this information to narrow down your options and find the best home security solution for your budget.
How much does a home security system cost?
Home security system costs vary greatly. Some may cost as little as $100 while others can cost over $1,000. The amount you will pay depends on several variables, including:
- The provider you choose
- The type and amount of equipment
- Additional security services
Additionally, you will likely have both upfront costs and monthly fees that you will cover.
Before looking over your options, you should decide how much you want to spend on your system. You can then use that number to choose the provider, equipment, and services that fit your needs best.
Equipment costs
Most of your security costs will come from your equipment. You can choose to add products such as:
- Door/window sensors
- Motion sensors
- Security cameras
- Smart locks
- Safety alarms
- And more
Some devices, such as door/window sensors, will only cost a few dollars, but others can cost several hundred dollars. Generally, the more features a device offers, the more you can expect to pay.
Most security providers offer equipment packages with pre-selected devices for a set price. You can add more products to the package you choose or build a custom package from scratch. These customized bundles are great for your security, but they do make pricing murky. For an accurate price, get in touch with the companies you’re considering.
If you want to get a wired system, you will also need to get in touch with security companies to see if they offer that option. The equipment and set-up requirements are different from a wireless system, so the costs will be too. You will need to factor in the cost of a landline to connect the system to as well.
Professional monitoring costs
If someone breaks into your home, you need to get help fast. A professional monitoring service ensures someone is always available to respond to your alarm. The team will keep an eye on your system and dispatch emergency services if the alarm goes off.
Professional monitoring gives you extra peace of mind about your safety, but it requires an additional monthly fee. Depending on the company, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $60 per month.
Some companies, like Frontpoint, have a single monitoring plan that covers every system. Others offer multiple plans with different levels of service. Typically, these options include basic monitoring, smart home monitoring, and video monitoring.
If you prefer to avoid the monitoring fee, you can also choose a company that doesn’t require a monthly plan.
Professional installation costs
Similarly, some security providers require professional installation. Though it’s nice to let the company handle the labor, this service does require an additional fee. Simple systems with a small number of devices may cost as little as $99 to install. More complex systems or those with a large number of products may require several hundred dollars in installation costs.
That said, you may not have to pay for this service. A few providers, such as Vivint, offer free professional installation.
Installation fees are a one-time cost that you will pay when you purchase your system. You may also have to pay to professionally remove and reinstall your equipment if you move.
You can avoid this cost by choosing a do-it-yourself (DIY) security system. These solutions are designed to be installed by the user. As soon as your equipment is delivered, you can set it up without paying a cent.
Home security system costs: Contracts, financing, and cancellation
For decades, the only way to get home security was to sign a long-term contract with your provider. Today, however, you find several companies that don’t require a contract for your service.
To avoid a service agreement, you will need to pay your full equipment costs upfront. If the company offers self-monitoring, you won’t even have to sign up for monthly monitoring. Some companies do require a professional monitoring plan to use the equipment, but you won’t be locked into the service. You can cancel without extra charges at any time.
If you choose a provider that does require a contract, your agreement may last anywhere from 24 to 60 months. You will make a monthly payment to cover your equipment costs, as well as any monitoring fees. To cancel your contract, you will typically have to pay a portion or all of the remaining costs on your contract.
You may also have the ability to finance your security costs. You can get your security system for as little as $0 down, but you will likely have to sign a long-term contract with the provider.
Is a home security system worth the cost?
A home security system is a significant investment. Though these numbers can be daunting, it’s hard to put a price on your family’s safety. When your security system scares away a burglar or alerts you to an intruder, it will be worth all of the money you spent.
More importantly, you don’t have to go over your budget to design a system that will keep your family safe. You can start with a basic system and add on to it as you are able. Or, choose a provider that offers financing to minimize the size of your payments.
At the end of the day, something is better than nothing. Get in touch with security experts to understand which options are best for your home and needs. You can then use this information to find a solution that will keep your home and family safe.
