Home security monitoring can mean very different things depending on the company and plan you choose. Understanding what you’re actually paying for each month is the key to getting good protection without overpaying. This guide walks through typical monitoring fees, what’s included, and how to compare DIY and professionally installed systems on equal footing.
Key takeaways
- Most monitoring plans run about $15–$60 per month depending on whether you have DIY or pro installation, smart home features, and video recording.
- “24/7 monitoring” doesn’t always mean the same thing – some plans only cover intrusion alarms, while others include fire, carbon monoxide, medical alerts, and more.
- Equipment and monitoring are separate costs – you’ll usually pay upfront (or finance) the equipment, then a monthly fee for monitoring and cloud services.
- Contracts can lock you in for 1–5 years with early termination fees; month‑to‑month plans cost a bit more but are more flexible.
- DIY systems can be cheaper and more flexible, but you’re responsible for setup, maintenance, and sometimes dealing directly with emergency services.
- Professional systems may come with better support and reliability, but watch for hidden fees, auto-renewals, and required upgrades.
- The best deal is the one that fits your home and habits, not just the lowest advertised monthly price.
Typical costs / fees
Home security monitoring pricing varies widely, but most US households will see:
Monthly monitoring fees
Typical ranges (approximate):
- Basic self-monitoring (no call center):
- About $0–$15/month
- Usually includes: app access, push alerts, basic cloud storage
- Professional monitoring (no video):
- About $20–$40/month
- Usually includes: 24/7 monitoring center, intrusion and sometimes fire/CO
- Professional monitoring with video and smart home features:
- About $35–$60+/month
- Usually includes: video recording, smart locks/lights integration, advanced alerts
What pushes costs up:
- Video surveillance and cloud recording (multiple cameras, long storage history)
- Smart home integration (locks, thermostats, garage doors, lighting)
- Cellular backup so your system works if internet or power goes out
- Environmental sensors (smoke, CO, water leak, temperature)
- Large homes with many doors/windows and cameras
What keeps costs down:
- Smaller systems (a few sensors and maybe one camera)
- Self-monitoring instead of a professional monitoring center
- Shorter cloud storage (e.g., 1–3 days vs. 30+ days)
- Buying equipment upfront instead of financing through the provider
Equipment costs
Monitoring fees don’t include the hardware itself. Typical ballpark ranges:
- Basic DIY kit (hub, keypad, a few sensors): about $150–$400
- DIY kit with cameras and smart devices: about $300–$800+
- Professionally installed whole‑home system: often $800–$2,500+ depending on:
- Size of home and number of doors/windows
- Number and quality of cameras
- Extra devices: smart locks, glass‑break sensors, sirens, etc.
Some companies advertise “free equipment,” but:
- The cost is usually built into a multi‑year contract
- You may owe the remaining balance if you cancel early
Other common fees to watch for
- Installation fee (pro systems): about $100–$400+ depending on complexity
- Activation/setup fee: about $0–$100
- Service/maintenance visit: about $75–$150+ per visit
- Permit fees for alarm systems: varies by local rules; some areas require:
- A one‑time registration fee
- Annual renewal to reduce false alarm fines
- False alarm fees: set by local authorities; can increase with repeated incidents
- Early termination fees: often a few hundred dollars or the remaining contract value
What to expect (process overview)
1. Decide what you want to protect
Before talking to anyone, clarify your priorities:
- Main goals: deter break‑ins, protect packages, monitor kids/pets, fire/CO alerts, etc.
- Areas to cover: front door, back door, first‑floor windows, garage, yard, driveway
- Preferred style: low‑profile and simple, or fully integrated smart home
Tip: Make a quick list of doors, key windows, and areas you want cameras. It helps you compare quotes fairly.
2. Research options and short‑list providers
Look at:
- DIY systems: you buy and install equipment, may choose self or pro monitoring
- Professional systems: a technician designs and installs everything
Check for:
- Monitoring types offered: intrusion, fire, CO, panic, medical, environmental
- Contract terms: month‑to‑month vs. 1–5 years
- App quality and features: alerts, remote arm/disarm, video playback
Watch‑out: Don’t choose only by the advertised “starting at $X/month”. That price often assumes minimal equipment and long contracts.
3. Get quotes and system designs
For professional systems, you’ll usually:
- Schedule a consultation: in‑home or virtual
- Walk through your home (or floor plan):
- Entry points
- Existing wiring
- Wi‑Fi coverage
- Discuss your habits: pets, kids, work hours, travel frequency
For DIY:
- Use online tools or chat to:
- Select a starter kit
- Add sensors/cameras based on your list
- Choose monitoring level (self vs. pro)
Tip: Ask for a written breakdown of:
- Equipment cost (itemized)
- Monitoring fee
- Installation/activation fees
- Contract length and cancellation terms
4. Installation and setup
Professional installation
Typically includes:
- Mounting sensors and cameras
- Connecting to your network (Wi‑Fi or wired)
- Testing each device and the monitoring link
- Showing you how to use the app and keypad
Watch‑outs:
- Ask about drilling and wiring before work starts, especially in finished spaces
- Confirm where cameras point to avoid privacy issues with neighbors or public areas
- Verify local permit requirements for monitored alarms (the installer should guide you, but you’re responsible for compliance)
DIY installation
You’ll usually:
- Unbox and power the hub/base station
- Download the app and create an account
- Pair sensors and cameras following on‑screen steps
- Mount devices using screws or adhesive
- Test alarms and notifications
Tips:
- Test Wi‑Fi signal where you plan to put cameras before mounting
- Name each device clearly (e.g., “Front Door,” “Kitchen Window”) for easier alerts
- Do a full system test including sirens and a test call (if pro monitoring)
5. Monitoring activation and testing
Once installed:
- Pro monitoring:
- The installer or app will activate the monitoring account
- You’ll set up emergency contact list and passcodes
- Do a live test: trigger an alarm and confirm how the monitoring center responds
- Self-monitoring:
- Confirm you receive push notifications, texts, and/or emails
- Test remote arm/disarm from your phone
Watch‑out: Ask how “verified” alarms work (e.g., audio/video verification) and how that affects police or fire dispatch in your area.
6. Ongoing use and maintenance
Plan for:
- Battery changes on sensors and keypads (often every 1–3 years)
- Occasional camera cleaning and positioning checks
- Updating emergency contacts if numbers or household members change
- Software/app updates to keep features and security current
If you have pro monitoring:
- Notify the monitoring center before major work (remodeling, new internet provider, etc.) and test the system afterward.
DIY vs. hire a pro
When DIY monitoring or self-installed systems make sense
Consider DIY if:
- You’re comfortable with basic tech setup (Wi‑Fi, apps, Bluetooth pairing)
- You want flexibility to add or move devices over time
- You prefer month‑to‑month or short contracts
- Your home is smaller or simpler, like an apartment or single‑story home
- You’re okay being the first line of response when alerts come in
Pros:
- Lower upfront and monthly costs in many cases
- Easier to move if you change homes
- More control over privacy and data (depending on provider)
Cons:
- You handle troubleshooting and maintenance
- Self-monitoring means no one calls 911 for you; you must respond to alerts
- Camera placement and sensor coverage are up to your judgment
When professional installation and monitoring is better
Consider a pro system if:
- Your home is large or has multiple floors/outbuildings
- You want integrated fire, CO, and possibly medical alerts
- You’re not comfortable drilling, wiring, or climbing ladders
- You travel frequently and want a monitoring center to manage alarms
- You need guidance on coverage, blind spots, and local permit rules
Pros:
- Expert system design tailored to your home
- Professional troubleshooting and service visits
- Monitoring center handles alarm verification and dispatch
Cons:
- Higher monthly fees and often long-term contracts
- Less flexibility to change providers without replacing equipment
- Possible upselling of add‑ons you may not need
Safety and compliance considerations
- Wiring, electrical work, and anything involving your main panel should be left to licensed professionals.
- Outdoor camera mounting on high walls or near roofs can be risky; consider a pro to avoid ladder falls.
- Monitored fire and CO systems may have specific code or permit requirements; a licensed installer can help ensure compliance.
- Local alarm permits and false alarm rules vary; check your local government site or ask the provider to walk you through requirements.
If you’re unsure, a professional consultation plus some DIY add‑ons (like extra cameras) can be a good middle ground.
Questions to ask before you commit
Use these with any provider, DIY or pro:
- What exactly is included in the monthly monitoring fee? (intrusion, fire, CO, medical, video verification, smart home features)
- Is monitoring contract-based or month‑to‑month? If there’s a contract, how long is it and what are the early termination fees?
- Who owns the equipment? Do I own it outright, lease it, or pay it off over time?
- What happens if I move? Can I take the equipment with me, and are there relocation fees?
- How does the monitoring center handle alarms?
- Do they call me first?
- How many numbers do they try?
- When do they dispatch emergency services?
- What connection types does the system use? (broadband, cellular backup, landline) and what happens if power or internet goes out?
- Are there any required permits or local registration fees? Will you help me with the paperwork?
- What are the total upfront costs? Include equipment, installation, activation, and first month’s monitoring.
- What routine maintenance is my responsibility? (batteries, firmware updates, cleaning cameras)
- How is my video and personal data stored and protected? How long is footage kept, and can I delete it?
- What happens if I cancel monitoring but keep the equipment? Can I still self-monitor or use the app?
Quick FAQ
Is professional monitoring really necessary?
Not always. Professional monitoring is most valuable if you travel often, live alone, or want fire/CO alerts handled by a monitoring center. If you’re usually home, comfortable responding to alerts, and mainly want cameras and notifications, self-monitoring might be enough.
Will my home insurance give me a discount for monitoring?
Many insurers offer a small discount (often in the single‑digit percentage range) for professionally monitored systems, especially with fire alarms. You’ll usually need proof of installation and monitoring from your provider. The discount rarely covers your full monitoring cost, but it can offset part of it.
Can I mix DIY equipment with professional monitoring?
Sometimes. Some monitoring companies support certain third‑party devices, while others require all‑in‑one proprietary systems. If you already own cameras or sensors, ask up front whether they can be integrated or if you’ll need new hardware.
What if my alarm goes off by accident?
For pro monitoring:
- The center typically calls you or your listed contacts first.
- If you confirm it’s a false alarm, they usually cancel dispatch.
- Repeated false alarms can lead to local fines, so it’s worth:
- Training family members on how to arm/disarm
- Setting reasonable entry/exit delays
For self-monitoring:
- You’ll handle it yourself and decide whether to call authorities.
Wrap-up / next steps
Choosing home security monitoring isn’t just about the lowest monthly price. Focus on what you actually get for the fee: coverage types, response process, contract terms, and how well the system fits your home and habits.
Next steps:
- List your must‑have features (e.g., door sensors, one camera, fire monitoring).
- Get at least 2–3 quotes or package comparisons, including:
- Equipment list and cost
- Monitoring level and monthly fee
- Contract length and cancellation terms
- Compare DIY and professionally installed options side by side using the same priorities and coverage needs.
If you want to speed this up, you can use Home Services Scout to compare local security providers and monitoring options in one place, then talk to a few that fit your budget and comfort level before you commit.