Ensuring the safety of your home involves more than just locking the doors at night. A reliable home security system can offer peace of mind with 24/7 monitoring, smart cameras, and other features. But how much will it really cost you? Upfront equipment costs range from $99 for a basic package to $1,790 for a full setup. Plus, installation fees typically fall between $99 and $199, and professional monitoring can run $15–$60 per month.
Between equipment, installation, activation fees, and monitoring, the total can quickly add up. We’ve created a comprehensive guide to help you understand these costs, using insights from our research into the best home security systems. Knowing what to expect can help you find a security system that offers the right balance of features and affordability.
Important Costs to Consider
There are several home security costs that you should consider to understand the potential cost of your system, including monitoring and equipment costs.
Monitoring costs
You can expect to pay a monthly fee if you want your home to be professionally monitored by trained security experts.
Keep in mind that cellular monitoring—which keeps your system connected even if your Wi-Fi or power goes out—comes with an added monthly service fee on top of base monitoring costs. As discussed on This Old House, central station monitoring is yet another optional fee layer, where trained operators watch your system around the clock and can dispatch emergency services automatically. These recurring costs can add up, so it’s important to understand exactly which tiers of service you’re signing up for.
Equipment costs
This is the total amount your home security equipment will cost you. Most providers charge for equipment upfront, but some will let you finance your devices. Some equipment costs are also bundled with your contract. Equipment costs will account for most of your upfront charges. Unfortunately, the price can vary dramatically based on the security package you select.
Installation fees
Getting your home security system professionally installed—instead of doing do-it-yourself (DIY) setup—comes with a cost. Some home security companies will give you the choice between professional installation by a vetted security expert or DIY installation. While DIY installation is free, you won’t benefit from a security technician’s expertise, which can come in handy if you have limited home security knowledge.
Activation fees
Many providers charge a one-time fee once you activate your system, which may be hidden in the fine print. Occasionally, this fee is bundled with the installation fee. These fees can reach as high as $199.
Is Professional Monitoring Worth It?
Professional monitoring comes at a cost, but it also has its perks. If you opt for professional monitoring, security experts watch over your home 24/7. If a sensor is triggered, your professional monitor will contact you first before alerting emergency services. Instead of being responsible for reaching out to the proper emergency services, the monitoring center will do it on your behalf. This can be especially helpful if you miss an alert or notification while you’re away from home.
How It Works
When a sensor is triggered, the system sends a signal to the central station, where a computer identifies the problem and the address. Central station operators are trained to respond by calling the police, notifying you at work, or dispatching help for fire, smoke, panic alarms, or even medical emergencies. As featured on a This Old House project, the system’s flexibility means it can handle far more than just break-ins.
Equipment Costs in Detail
Security equipment encompasses everything from the base pad to security cameras, motion–detecting security lights, and more. Upfront equipment costs can be pricey, ranging from $100 to over $1,000. Luckily, some providers offer regular discounts or even give you the option to lease your equipment instead of purchasing it upfront.
Most providers will offer a range of packages with preset equipment. Some providers will even offer you a discount on extra devices if you want to purchase additional equipment to round out your package.
Pro Tip
- Before you purchase any extra equipment, confirm that the system can support additional devices and be sure that you don’t need to purchase extra storage or camera footage.
- If you only need to monitor a small area — such as a sliding patio door, a front entryway, or part of the backyard — you don’t necessarily need a full equipment package. Stand-alone à la carte options like individual motion sensors and simple indoor/outdoor cameras can be purchased separately for considerably less. Also, be sure any camera installed outside is rated for outdoor use; check the IP (ingress protection) rating, which indicates how well it will stand up to the elements, including water. Look for IP55 or higher.
Value vs. Costs
While the price of a home security system varies, it’s important to understand the difference between value and cost. Higher-priced systems can have better value, but not always. Here are some features to consider when choosing a home security system.
Comprehensiveness
You’ll want a package that includes a wide range of equipment that fits your priorities and needs. It can be good to cover all of your bases, from entryway sensors to motion sensors, indoor security cameras to doorbell cameras, and carbon monoxide detectors to flood and freeze detectors.
Technology
It could be a worthwhile investment to purchase cutting-edge equipment that can give you more bang for your buck. You also want to make sure that your equipment is functional and doesn’t break down frequently.
Customer Service
It’s best to work with a company that has a sound reputation in case you end up needing customer support or additional help.
Our Top Recommendations for Home Security Systems With Costs
Our top three recommendations for security systems are ADT, Vivint, and Alder. Each provider offers sophisticated equipment and professional 24/7 monitoring, along with their own unique perks.
*Requires 36-month monitoring contract. 24-month monitoring contract for residents of California with total fees from $839.76. Early termination and installation fees apply. New customers only. Reward card issued by Pathward, N.A., Member FDIC. Card terms and expiration apply. Read full terms and conditions.
ADT Home Security
ADT is our top home security recommendation, offering more than 140 years of industry experience, a six-month money-back guarantee, and the largest network of professional monitoring centers in the country. Below is a look at the cost of their available home security packages.
ADT Pricing
| Pricing | Secure | Smart | Complete |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Upfront |
$599–$899 |
$919–$1,219 |
$1,049–$1,449 |
|
Monthly (for 60 months) |
$55.97–$60.97 |
$65.31–$70.31 |
$75.47–$82.14 |
|
Professional monitoring |
$29.99 per month |
$34.99 per month |
$44.99 per month |
Learn more: ADT Home Security Review
Vivint Smart Home Security
Vivint is highly sophisticated, and its systems can be seamlessly integrated with smartphones as well as third-party smart home devices like the Kwikset smart lock, Nest thermostat, and Philips Hue smart light. The table below shows the cost of both of their available packages.
Vivint Pricing
| Pricing | “Vivint Smart Hub Starter Kit” Package | “Home Security System” Package | “Smart Home Control” Package | “Video Security” Package | “Smart Complete” Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Equipment cost |
$599 |
$709.98 |
$1,049.95 |
$1,379.95 |
$1,789.92 |
|
Monthly monitoring cost |
$9.98 per month |
$11.83 per month |
$17.50 per month |
$23.00 per month |
$29.83 per month |
Learn more: Vivint Smart Home Security Review
Alder Home Security
Alder is a unique home security provider. Instead of providing a range of premade packages, Alder allows customers to select the exact equipment they want and create their own customized package.
Alder Home Security Pricing
Because you can mix and match Alder’s devices, there is no preset package cost. However, you can talk to a customer service representative over the phone to receive guidance on the best package for you. We spoke to Alder and received a quote for an $89 activation fee and a $44.99 monthly monitoring fee for the following equipment:
- 1 touchscreen panel
- 1 motion sensor
- 2 door sensors
- 1 monitored fire sensor
- 1 outdoor wireless camera with two-way audio
Learn more: Alder Home Security Review
FAQs About Home Security System Costs
Is a security system worth it?
It depends on your priorities and factors like how often you leave your home unattended. For many households, security systems are worth it because they offer peace of mind that your home is protected.
Is Ring better than ADT?
We believe Ring is a solid choice, offering easy DIY installation and affordable pricing. However, it lacks the industry experience and breadth of equipment that’s offered by ADT.
What is the best home security system without a monthly fee?
If you opt for DIY monitoring, you will not be charged a monthly monitoring fee. We recommend SimpliSafe for a home security system that doesn’t charge a monthly fee.
Our Rating Methodology
We back up our home security recommendations with a detailed rating methodology that we use to objectively score each provider. Our research includes analyzing product specifications, reviewing service and plan information, speaking with customer service representatives, and analyzing customer reviews. We then score the provider against our review standards for system options, special features, installation options, connectivity and smart-home automation features, pricing, contract terms, warranty, usability, availability of a trial period, and trustworthiness to arrive at a final score out of 5 points.