How Much Does a Home Security System Cost?

Home Security System Cost Breakdown

The total cost of security systems breaks down into the costs for needed material components and the cost to have the system professionally installed.

Materials

A basic home security system costs about $700 and consists of a central control panel, window and door sensors, motion detectors, a remote keychain fob, and an audible siren. Prices increase as you add extra components for more security. Additions include:

• Extra door and window sensor costs: $25–$300

• Extra keychain remote costs: $24

• Motion detector costs: $20–$200

• Glass break sensor costs: $5–$250

• Fire, Smoke, and CO2 detector costs: $30–$50

• CCTV or IP camera costs: $100–$300

• Smart home upgrades (remotely controlled light, heat, and locks) cost: $30–$300

With so many options available, contacting a qualified professional for a free consultation is your best bet in determining what components fit your home and needs.

Installation

Though the typical price range to install a home security system is about $120 to $600, that cost can reach as high as $800 to $1,600, depending on the size and complexities of the system you choose. For example, choosing a wired system over a wireless one will increase installation costs but decrease the cost of material components.

Your home’s layout is the largest factor in the cost of a home alarm system. Since a basic system comes with two to three window and door sensors, you may need to have additional sensors installed at a cost of $25 to $300 each, depending on the type. Add-on smart home features, like heat and light controls, and equipment and installation costs rise.

Activation Fees

Monitored home security systems usually have an activation fee in addition to other expenses. These fees range from $0 to $230 or more, depending on the service company and plan you choose. Though some services do offer no activation fee and reduced costs on installation or equipment, they often charge more per month or have other hidden fees written into the contract.

Read contracts carefully before signing. It's also a good idea to compare different security monitoring service agreements before selecting one. One term to consider is whether the contract spells out the cost to repair your security system if needed.

Monthly Fees

Depending on the home security system you choose, you may pay a monthly fee for additional services. For example, the cost to install an alarm monitoring system with 24-hour surveillance by a professional security service for a fee of $10 to $50 per month.

Security System Cost Factors

The type of system you choose and the equipment you purchase for it factor into the final cost you pay for home security. Consider the following cost factors.

Hardwired vs. Wireless Systems

If you choose a hardwired home security system, prepare to pay a professional installer $800 to $1,600 to drill holes and run wires to get it operational. The components for these systems are less expensive and unhackable, and they generally require less maintenance over time. Wireless systems require more maintenance, but homeowners can install them as a DIY project at no cost.

Monitored vs. Unmonitored

Whether or not a professional security service monitors your home security system will impact your ongoing costs. An unmonitored DIY system that isn’t backed by pro surveillance and instead sends you alerts through a smartphone app comes at no monthly cost. A monitored system with 24-hour professional surveillance will typically cost you $10 to $65 per month.

Landline vs. GSM Monitoring

Security systems have long offered monitoring services via existing telephone landlines. These still exist and cost about $20 to $35 per month. However, as homeowners have switched from landlines to cellular phones, the home security industry has followed suit by offering wireless monitoring over cellular networks via a GSM chip in the security system’s central control panel.

Cellular services are easier to install and can cost anywhere from $10 to $65 per month. Since simply cutting the home’s phone line compromises landline systems, most offer cellular GSM monitoring as a backup. One downside to consider for wireless monitoring is their susceptibility to hacking and signal interference from other devices.

Home Insurance Discounts

Installing a home security system can earn you savings on your home insurance, though these probably won’t pay for your component and installation expenses in full. You can save up to 20% off your home insurance policy. Some insurance companies even offer discounts on the services themselves or may steer you towards services and upgrades that offer the best savings.

Contact your insurance company for details. Remember to read all contracts and fully investigate security services and products before purchasing or signing anything. Check with your local and state authorities for licensing requirements. It's not a bad idea to read home security service reviews online of any service or component you’re considering.

Home Security System Costs by Brand

You’ll find many options when searching for professional home security system installers near you. Several of the most popular brands offer services across the country, each varying in cost and what they can do for you. Below is an overview of typical setup costs and monthly fees for some of the country’s largest names in home security.

Home Security System Add-Ons and Other Features

It's worth repeating: read your contract in detail. Most home security companies follow basic advertising principles, offering their least expensive package to grab buyers' attention. However, the basic setup may not cover your needs.

Be sure to look at the upgrades and add-ons and weigh costs compared to safety. With additional equipment and services come higher fees, which are not always immediately visible. Below are some common add-ons to consider.

Duress Signals

Basic home security pricing plans often include duress signals, but if not, they tend to cost between $20 and $150 as an add-on feature. This feature helps in the case of a break-in while you're in the home. A duress signal is a secondary deactivation code for your system which silently alerts the monitoring service that an intruder is forcing you to turn the system off.

Surveillance Monitoring

Many security agencies offer video surveillance monitoring with higher-tier monthly packages, usually in the $40 to $65 per month range. Some even include the camera as part of the service, while others require separate purchases for anywhere from $50 to $300.

Smart Locks and Other Smart Home Features

Smart locks, thermostats, lighting, smoke, fire, CO2, and even freeze warnings are smart home security service upgrades. While there are many useful and affordable upgrades for a modern smart home, only a couple are essential for home security. And, remember: smart home security systems costs range quite a bit.

• Smart locks cost: $150. These electromechanical locks allow authorized devices to wirelessly lock and unlock doors using cryptographic keys.

• Smart lighting cost: $15–$90. Installers usually include these upgrades in the higher-tier packages for monitoring services or as a separate upgrade. Most criminals will simply skip a seemingly occupied home. With smart lighting, you can put lights on timers when you're on vacation or adjust the lights through a smartphone app from anywhere in the world.

• Smoke, fire, and CO2 alarms cost: $35–$100. Burglaries aren't the only threat to your safety. Catching a fire before it gets out of control can mean the difference between a little damage and a complete disaster.

Panic Button

It’s a simple button to push when you can't get to the control panel that immediately alerts the police or security company of a potential threat. Panic buttons usually cost an additional $30. You can purchase wired or wireless and place them anywhere in the home. Typical spots are bedrooms and kitchens, where people spend the most time.

FAQs

Is it worth paying for a security system?

Many homeowners find that it’s worth paying for a security system. According to the FBI, Americans report nearly seven million property crimes each year. These often occur during broad daylight. Whether you choose a basic monitoring camera and alarm, motion detectors, or remote monitoring, a security system is a preventative measure for peace of mind.

Can you install a security system in an old house?

You can install a security system in any dwelling, including an old house. Modern systems don’t require extensive wiring, and many are completely wireless if you have cellular phone coverage on your property. If you feel your home is not suited to a security system, consider the cost to install a security door or other analog security features.

Do alarm systems really deter burglars?

Alarm systems can deter some burglars. Not only does a security system cause some would-be intruders to think more carefully about trespassing or burglarizing a property, but a security system can alert the police more quickly than you might be able to, making it difficult for criminals to enter your home or to get away.

How much does ADT cost?

Depending on which package/services and add-ons you choose ADT security costs around $599, or $9.98 for 60 months. Expect to pay $45.99 per month for monitoring.