How Much Does Security System Installation Cost in 2025?
The average security system installation costs $747
The average cost of a home security system is $747, with prices ranging between $55 and $2,500.
The total cost depends on your chosen brand, the equipment included, add-ons, activation fees, and labor.
Most security companies offer free installation of security systems. Those without installation included may incur labor costs of between $120 and $600.
You can monitor the system yourself or hire a professional monitoring service, which costs $10 to $65 per month.
Hiring a professional security system installer ensures your system is set up correctly to effectively protect your home.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Protecting your home and loved ones is a top priority, and installing a home security system can give you peace of mind that your house is safe and secure. Most homeowners spend an $747 on security system installation, with average prices ranging from $300 to $1,238 depending on factors like system brand, equipment, add-ons, and labor. While many security companies offer free installation, systems like hardwired setups may have labor costs of up to $600.
Security System Cost Factors
Various factors influence the total cost of a security system, including the brand, equipment, activation fees, add-ons, ongoing fees, labor, insurance discounts, and permits.
Brand
With so many security system brands available, you can choose one that fits your needs and budget. Each brand offers different equipment, add-ons, and system types, which affect setup costs and monthly fees. Most companies offer various levels of monthly plans, so you can select the features that matter most to you.
Equipment
Basic security system equipment costs range from $200 to $400. Most brands offer a starter package that includes the base station, contact sensors, and motion sensors. However, you’ll often receive only a few contact and motion sensors and may require more to cover your home. Most homeowners pay an average of $700 to purchase a complete standard system.
Activation
Most home security systems require an activation fee to begin service. Activation fees can range from $0 to over $230, depending on the provider and contract.
Add-On Features
You can enhance your home security system with various add-ons. Popular upgrades include smart features, extra equipment, and professional monitoring services, all of which boost your home's protection.
| Add-On Feature | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Smart lock | $150 |
| Smart lighting | $15–$90 |
| Smart smoke alarm | $35–$100 |
| Smart thermostat | $130–$500 |
| Panic button | $30 |
| Glass break sensor | $100–$200 |
| Additional motion detector | $20–$200 |
| Window and door sensor | $25–$300 |
Ongoing Fees
Most security systems require a monthly fee that includes self- or provider-monitoring, app usage, video storage, and advanced notifications. Monthly costs range from $10 to $65, depending on the features and monitoring level you choose. Bundling your security system with other home services can often get you a discount on monthly fees from your provider.
Labor
Almost all national security companies offer free home security systems installation because they profit from monthly monitoring services. If you choose a system without included installation, you can expect to pay between $120 and $600 to hire a local home security installer. Your total labor cost will depend on the system type and the amount of equipment they need to install.
Insurance Discounts
A security system enhances home protection and deters crime, so many home insurance providers offer those who install one a discount of up to 20% on their home insurance policy. The discount you’re eligible for depends on your provider, the type of security system you install, and your location. Those with high-end, advanced systems often receive a higher discount than those with basic systems.
Permits
Depending on where you live, you may require a permit to install a home security system. The average cost of a permit ranges from $25 to $100.
Home Security System Cost by Type
There are various types of security systems available, including hardwired, wireless, monitored, unmonitored, landline, and GSM. These systems vary in price, how they connect to your security provider, and how they’re monitored.
Hardwired vs. Wireless
If you purchase a hardwired home security system, expect to pay an installation fee of $800 to $1,600. These systems are hardwired to your home and require a contractor to cut into your walls and perform electrical work.
On the other hand, a wireless system can be easily installed without the help of a contractor. Wireless home security systems cost $200 to $2,000, depending on the number of cameras included. However, they often have higher monthly fees for wireless connectivity.
Monitored vs. Unmonitored
You can choose to monitor your security system yourself or hire a professional monitoring service. Professional monitoring services cost between $10 and $65 per month and include 24/7 home surveillance. If there’s an emergency, they notify authorities and send them to your home.
Unmonitored systems don’t include third-party monitoring. Instead, they connect to an app where you can monitor the system for a lower monthly fee.
Landline vs. GSM Monitoring
Landline monitoring is a traditional method that alerts your security system of information through your home landline, costing between $20 and $30 per month. Cellular/GSM monitoring, which uses a cellular network to send signals to your security company, ranges from $10 to $65 monthly. GSM monitoring is becoming an increasingly popular option because it makes it more difficult to compromise the system and can be used when landlines are down.
Does a Security System Increase Home Value?
Installing a security system not only enhances your home's safety but can also increase its property value. Homes with security systems are more attractive to buyers and often sell for more than those without. Plus, features like remote access to smart devices and lower insurance rates make your home even more appealing on the market.
Budgeting for Installing a Security System
If you’re looking to keep the costs down for your home security system, consider the following budget-saving tips:
Purchase a system from a cost-effective brand, such as Scout or Cove.
Avoid add-ons and stick to the standard equipment package.
Find a security company that offers free installation to avoid labor costs.
Contact your home insurance provider to ask about discounts for installing a security system.
Monitor the system yourself rather than paying for a professional monitoring service.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you terminate your security system before your contract ends, you’ll likely have to pay a cancellation fee—often a percentage of the remaining contract balance. To avoid these fees, consider choosing a brand that offers contract-free plans, like SimpliSafe or Vivint. You can also negotiate with your provider to see if they provide pro-rated cancellation fees or special exceptions.
Paying for a security system is a valuable investment because it enhances your home’s safety and deters criminal activity. With millions of property crimes each year, having robust security measures helps protect your property and might even lower your insurance premiums. It's a worthwhile investment for lasting peace of mind.
The average cost to install security cameras ranges from $125 to $3,500, depending on the amount, type, and placement. To install a complete setup of four cameras, homeowners can expect to invest an average of $1,300 for labor and equipment. Installing multiple cameras gives you comprehensive coverage of vulnerable entry points and enhances overall property security.
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