Let’s clear up a common myth: a great security system doesn’t have to be expensive. Many people put off getting one because they assume the costs are too high or that they’ll be locked into a rigid, long-term contract. The truth is, the security industry has changed. You have more control than ever to build a system that fits your needs and your wallet. The average cost of security system per month is often much lower than people expect, especially when you factor in potential insurance discounts. This guide will bust the biggest myths about security costs and give you practical, straightforward advice on finding an affordable solution that keeps you safe.

Key Takeaways

Decide on Your Monitoring Style First: The biggest factor in your monthly bill is whether you want a 24/7 professional team on standby or prefer to manage alerts yourself. This choice sets the foundation for your recurring costs.
Build a Plan That Fits Your Wallet: Your final price is flexible. You can lower costs by buying equipment upfront, opting for a DIY installation, or choosing a longer contract term for a reduced monthly rate.
Look Beyond the Sticker Price: Professional monitoring provides a rapid emergency response when you can’t, which is a value you can’t measure. Plus, it can often lead to homeowner’s insurance discounts that help offset the monthly fee.

How Much Does a Home Security System Cost Per Month?

When you’re looking into a home security system, one of the first questions that pops up is, “What’s this going to cost me every month?” The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, as your monthly bill depends on the level of protection and the features you choose. The biggest factor is whether you want a team of professionals watching over your home or if you prefer to handle alerts yourself. From there, you can add extra features like cameras and smart home controls that can also affect the price. Let’s break down the typical costs so you can find a solution that fits your home and your budget.

Professional Monitoring Fees

Professional monitoring is what most people think of when they imagine a security system. It means a dedicated team is on standby 24/7, ready to respond if one of your alarms is triggered. If there’s a break-in, fire, or other emergency, they’ll verify the situation and dispatch the right help immediately. The average monthly cost for these monitoring services usually falls between $30 and $60. Some basic plans can start as low as $29, while more comprehensive packages with extra features might go over $100 per month. This fee gives you the peace of mind that someone is always watching out for you, even when you’re asleep or away from home.

Self-Monitoring Prices

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly route, self-monitoring is a great option. With this setup, you are responsible for responding to any alerts you receive on your smartphone. Instead of a monitoring center getting the signal, you do. This option is often free, though some companies charge a small fee—typically from $4 to $20 per month—for services like cloud storage for video clips. The trade-off for the lower cost is that the responsibility to check on the alert and contact the police or fire department falls entirely on you. It’s a hands-on approach that works well for people who are confident they can manage their own system alerts promptly.

Premium Service Add-Ons

Want to add video cameras, smart locks, or automatic lighting to your system? These premium add-ons can make your home safer and more convenient, but they will influence your monthly bill. Services that include video surveillance and smart home integrations typically range from $60 to over $100 per month. You can also add specific features, like the ability to store and review video recordings from your cameras, which might add an extra $4 to $20 to your monthly fee. These systems and products allow you to build a truly customized setup that fits your lifestyle, whether you want to check on a package delivery or let a family member in remotely.

What Factors Affect Your Monthly Bill?

Figuring out the monthly cost of a security system can feel like trying to hit a moving target. That’s because there isn’t one single price tag. Your final bill depends entirely on the choices you make to protect your home or business. Think of it like building a custom plan—you pick the features and services that fit your needs and budget.

Several key elements come together to determine your monthly payment. From the hardware you install to the level of professional oversight you want, each decision plays a role. Understanding these factors will help you see exactly where your money is going and allow you to build a system that gives you peace of mind without breaking the bank. Let’s walk through the main components that shape your security system costs.

Your Equipment and Add-Ons

The foundation of your security system is the hardware itself. The upfront cost for equipment can range from a couple hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on how comprehensive your setup is. This includes basics like door and window sensors, motion detectors, and a central keypad. If you decide to add devices like security cameras or smart locks, your initial cost will go up. Many companies offer financing options that roll the equipment cost into your monthly payment, which might add $20 to $50 per month. The specific systems and products you choose are the biggest initial factor in your overall investment.

The Level of Monitoring You Choose

This is one of the most significant parts of your recurring bill. Professional monitoring is the service where a team of experts is ready to respond to an alarm 24/7. This service typically costs between $29 and $60 per month. The price can vary based on the type of monitoring you select—whether it’s for burglary, fire, or medical alerts. Some plans also bundle in other features, like continuous video recording and cloud storage for your cameras. Opting for a comprehensive monitoring service ensures a rapid response when you need it most, which is a value many Atlanta homeowners find essential.

Professional vs. DIY Installation

How your system gets set up also affects the price. You can choose a DIY system to save on installation fees, but you’ll be responsible for making sure everything is placed and connected correctly. Professional installation can cost anywhere from $100 to over $500, depending on the complexity of your system. While it’s an added upfront cost, having an expert handle the setup guarantees that every sensor and camera is optimized for performance. This one-time fee ensures your system works flawlessly from day one, giving you a strong sense of security and saving you the headache of troubleshooting.

Your Contract Length

The length of your service agreement often influences your monthly rate. Security companies frequently offer lower monthly payments in exchange for a longer commitment, typically between 24 and 36 months. A shorter-term or month-to-month contract might provide more flexibility, but you’ll likely pay a higher monthly fee for it. It’s a trade-off between a lower payment and a longer-term plan. It’s always a good idea to look for any special offers that might provide a great rate for a contract length you’re comfortable with.

The Size of Your Home

It makes sense that a larger home or business requires more equipment to secure it properly. A four-bedroom house will need more door and window sensors than a one-bedroom apartment. The number of entry points, the layout of your property, and the number of rooms you want to cover all play a part in determining how many devices you need. This directly impacts both your upfront equipment cost and potentially your monthly monitoring fee if you have a large, complex system. Getting a custom quote for your property is the best way to understand how its size and layout will affect your total cost.

Comparing Monitoring Costs: What Are Your Options?

When you invest in a security system, a big part of your monthly cost comes down to one question: Who’s keeping an eye on things? Your answer will place you into one of three main categories. You can handle it yourself, have a dedicated team of professionals on standby, or find a solution that blends the two. Each path offers a different level of involvement, protection, and, of course, a different price point.

Understanding these monitoring styles is the key to finding a system that fits your budget and gives you the right amount of security. Let’s break down what you can expect from each option so you can decide which one makes the most sense for your home or business.

Self-Monitored Systems

If you like being in the driver’s seat, a self-monitored system might be for you. With this DIY approach, you are the monitoring center. When a sensor is tripped, you get a notification directly on your smartphone. From there, it’s up to you to assess the situation and contact the authorities if necessary. The monthly fees are typically low, often ranging from $4 to $20. This cost usually covers services like cloud storage for video cameras. This option is great for budget-conscious individuals who want to stay informed and are comfortable taking on the responsibility of responding to alerts themselves.

Professionally Monitored Services

For those who want the assurance that someone is always watching over their property, professionally monitored services are the standard. A team of trained professionals keeps an eye on your system 24/7. If an alarm is triggered, they’ll quickly try to verify the emergency and dispatch police, fire, or medical services on your behalf. This hands-off approach provides incredible peace of mind. Basic plans usually run between $20 and $30 per month, while more comprehensive security system monitoring that includes fire and carbon monoxide detection can range from $30 to $60.

Hybrid Solutions

Can’t decide between DIY control and professional oversight? Hybrid solutions offer a blend of both. These premium plans combine 24/7 professional monitoring with advanced features you can manage yourself, like live video surveillance and smart home integration. They often include cellular backup, ensuring your system stays online even if your internet goes down. This option gives you robust, professional protection with the added convenience of smart technology. Monthly costs for these comprehensive security systems typically start around $60 and can go up to $100 or more, depending on the features you choose.

How Monthly Rates Compare Across Providers

When you’re budgeting for a security system, the monthly monitoring fee is one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle. This recurring cost can vary quite a bit from one company to the next, depending on the features and level of service you choose. To give you a clear picture of what to expect, let’s break down the typical monthly rates from some of the top names in home and business security, including us here in Atlanta.

American Alarm

As a local Atlanta company, we focus on providing reliable and affordable protection for our neighbors. Our monitoring plans typically start around $30 per month for essential services that keep your home or business connected to our 24/7 monitoring center. This ensures a rapid response when an alarm is triggered. For those wanting extra layers of security, like video surveillance or smart home features, we offer customized packages to fit your specific needs. We believe in straightforward pricing without surprises, so you always know you’re getting great value and dedicated local support from a team that truly cares about the community.

SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe is known for its flexible, no-contract approach to home security. Their monitoring plans begin at $22.99 per month, offering a versatile choice for different budgets and needs. One of their main selling points is the option to choose between professional monitoring or self-monitoring. If you prefer to keep an eye on things yourself through their app, you can do so without a monthly fee for monitoring, though you’ll miss out on emergency dispatch. For those who want the peace of mind that comes with 24/7 professional oversight, their paid plans provide a solid and affordable option.

ADT

ADT is one of the most recognized names in the security industry, and their pricing reflects a wide range of service levels. Their professional monitoring services typically fall between $24.99 and $49.99 per month. The final cost depends heavily on the package you select, with more advanced systems that include video and smart home automation landing at the higher end of that spectrum. ADT caters to a broad audience by offering both professionally installed systems and DIY options, allowing you to choose the setup process that works best for you and your home.

Ring

Ring, widely known for its video doorbells, offers some of the lowest-priced monitoring plans on the market. Their basic subscription starts at just $3 per month per camera, which primarily covers video recording and storage. For comprehensive professional monitoring that includes 24/7 emergency dispatch for your Ring Alarm system, you’ll need their Protect Pro plan, which is still competitively priced. This makes Ring an accessible entry point for those who want to start with basic video security and potentially add more robust monitoring services later on.

Vivint

Vivint positions itself as a premium smart home security provider, and its monthly rates reflect that comprehensive approach. Monitoring services with Vivint generally start around $29.99 per month. Their packages are designed to be all-in-one solutions, often bundling advanced security features with extensive smart home integration right from the start. This is a great fit for homeowners who want a seamlessly connected home where their security system, lights, locks, and thermostats all work together. The higher price point covers this deep integration and the advanced technology that powers it.

How Equipment Choices Impact Your Monthly Cost

The hardware you choose for your security system is one of the biggest factors determining your monthly bill. Think of it like building a custom package—the more features and devices you add, the more the final price will reflect that. A simple setup with just a few sensors will naturally cost less per month than a sprawling system with multiple cameras, smart locks, and environmental detectors. The great thing is that you’re in control. You can start with a foundational system that covers the basics and then add more systems and products over time as your needs and budget change. This approach lets you build a security plan that feels right for your home or business without overcommitting financially from the start. Let’s break down how different types of equipment can affect your monthly costs.

Starting with a Basic Sensor Package

The most straightforward and budget-friendly way to secure your property is with a basic sensor package. This typically includes door and window sensors, along with a motion detector or two. It’s the essential toolkit for detecting an intrusion. A simple DIY kit might have a low upfront cost, while a professionally installed system provides more robust hardware and support. This foundational layer is designed to alert you and your monitoring center the moment a door is opened or movement is detected when the system is armed. It’s an effective and affordable starting point for anyone new to home or business security.

Adding Security Cameras

Security cameras are incredibly popular for a reason—they provide visual confirmation of what’s happening at your property. In fact, over half of households with security systems have at least one camera. Adding cameras, especially those that offer live streaming and cloud video storage, will usually increase your monthly monitoring fee. This is because the service needs to support video data, which requires more bandwidth and storage. Whether you need a single camera to watch your front door or a full commercial camera system for your business, the peace of mind that comes with visual verification is often well worth the added cost.

Integrating Smart Home Devices

Connecting your security system to other smart devices creates a seamless, automated environment. Imagine your doors locking automatically when you arm your system or your lights turning on when motion is detected. Users love the flexibility to expand their protection beyond traditional alarms by connecting smart cameras, locks, and thermostats. While this integration adds a ton of convenience, it can also influence your monthly bill. More complex systems with numerous connected devices may require a higher-tier monitoring plan to manage all the moving parts. The key is to decide which integrations offer you the most value and build your system from there.

Including Environmental Monitors

A truly comprehensive security plan protects against more than just break-ins. Environmental monitors, like smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide detectors, are vital for safeguarding your property and the people in it from other dangers. Adding these monitored devices to your system ensures that emergency services are dispatched even when you’re not home. Many insurance companies recognize the value of this protection and offer discounts on homeowner’s policies for homes with monitored fire alarm services. This potential insurance savings can help offset the monthly monitoring cost, making it a smart and affordable investment in total home safety.

What About Hidden Fees?

When you’re budgeting for a security system, the monthly monitoring fee is usually top of mind. But what about other costs? It’s smart to be aware of potential one-time charges or contract clauses that can catch you by surprise. Understanding these from the start helps you get a clear picture of the total investment and find a provider that’s transparent about their pricing.

The main areas where you might encounter unexpected costs are installation and activation, equipment purchasing models, and contract termination policies. Knowing what questions to ask about each of these can save you a lot of headaches—and money—down the road. Let’s break down what you need to look for so you can make a confident decision without worrying about hidden charges.

Installation and Activation Charges

The first thing to clarify with any potential provider is how much it costs to get your system up and running. Many companies offer professional installation, which ensures everything is set up correctly but often comes with a fee. This cost can range from around $100 to over $500, depending on the complexity of your system. While DIY systems let you sidestep this expense, a professional setup can provide peace of mind. Some companies also charge a one-time activation fee to connect your system to their monitoring center. Always ask for a full breakdown of any upfront costs before you commit. You can check out our current specials to see how we handle setup for our customers.

Renting vs. Buying Your Equipment

Your security hardware is a key part of your investment, and companies handle it in two main ways: you either buy it or you lease it. Buying your systems and products outright means a higher initial cost, but you own the equipment from day one. This often leads to a lower monthly bill since you aren’t paying for the hardware over time. The alternative is leasing, where the cost of the equipment is bundled into your monthly payment. This lowers your upfront expense, with some plans starting as low as $10 per month for hardware, but you don’t own the devices and may pay more in the long run. Make sure you understand which model a company uses and which one fits your budget best.

Early Termination Penalties

Signing a contract for security monitoring is a common practice, but it’s crucial to understand the terms before you agree. One of the most important clauses to review is the cancellation policy. If you need to end your service early, some companies will charge a steep early termination fee, which can be as high as 75% of your remaining contract balance. Life happens, and you might move or find the service isn’t right for you, so you don’t want to be locked into an expensive exit. Before signing anything, read the fine print on cancellation, find out the contract length, and ask about the company’s policy for customers who move. If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to contact us and ask questions.

How to Lower Your Monthly Security Bill

Keeping your home or business safe is a top priority, but it shouldn’t break the bank. While a security system is a valuable investment, there are plenty of practical ways to manage the monthly cost without sacrificing protection. It’s all about knowing where to look for savings and making smart choices that fit your budget. From how you purchase your equipment to the payment plan you choose, a few simple adjustments can make a big difference in your recurring bill. Let’s walk through some of the best strategies to get effective security that feels good for your wallet, too.

Save Money with DIY Installation

If you’re comfortable with a little hands-on work, a DIY installation can be a great way to cut down on initial costs. Many modern systems are designed for user-friendly setup, allowing you to place sensors and connect cameras yourself. Because you handle the installation, you avoid the one-time fee for a professional technician. This approach often comes with more flexibility, as many DIY systems don’t require long-term contracts. However, it’s worth remembering that a professional installation guarantees every component is placed optimally for maximum coverage and performance, giving you an extra layer of confidence that everything is working correctly from day one.

Look for Annual Payment Discounts

One of the easiest ways to save on your monthly monitoring bill is to not pay it monthly. Many security companies offer a discount if you pay for a full year of service upfront. It’s a win-win: the company gets a year-long commitment, and you get a lower overall rate. If your budget allows for the one-time expense, this simple switch can add up to significant savings over time. When you’re getting quotes, always ask if an annual payment option is available. It’s a straightforward question that could easily trim your security expenses without changing your service at all.

Buy Your Equipment Outright

When you sign up for a security service, you generally have two options for your hardware: pay for it all at once or finance it as part of your monthly bill. While rolling the cost into your monthly payment can feel more manageable initially, buying your security equipment outright can lead to a much lower recurring fee. By owning the hardware from the start, your monthly payment will only cover the monitoring service, not the cost of the devices. This can dramatically reduce your bill and save you money in the long run, as you won’t be paying any interest or financing fees.

Find Promotional Offers and Bundles

Keep an eye out for special deals, especially around holidays like Black Friday or the New Year. Security companies often run promotions that can include discounted equipment, free installation, or a reduced monthly rate for new customers. It’s always a good idea to check for any current specials before signing up. Another smart strategy is to bundle services. If you need both a security system and fire alarm monitoring, for example, getting them from the same provider is often more affordable than paying for two separate services. This streamlines your protection and your payments.

What Features Are Worth Paying For?

When you’re deciding on a security system, the list of available features can feel endless. The key is to focus on what will actually make your home or business safer and your life easier. Not every bell and whistle is a necessity, but some features provide so much value that they’re worth the investment. Think of it as building a custom safety net. You want to cover the essentials first and then add the layers that make sense for your specific property and lifestyle. Let’s break down the features that consistently deliver the most bang for your buck.

The Security Essentials

Before you get into high-tech extras, make sure your system has a strong foundation. The essentials are the non-negotiables that do the core job of detecting a threat. This typically includes a main control panel or hub, door and window sensors, and motion detectors. These components work together to create a perimeter around your property and alert you—and a monitoring center—the moment a boundary is breached. These are the foundational pieces of our security systems and products because they are the most reliable and direct way to detect an unauthorized entry.

Smart Home Integration

This is where security meets convenience. Integrating your alarm with smart home devices allows you to create a more responsive and automated environment. Imagine your lights turning on when a motion sensor is tripped, or your smart locks automatically securing when you arm the system. This level of control goes beyond simple alerts, making your property an active participant in its own protection. It offers flexibility to expand your system over time, adding cameras, smart thermostats, or other devices as your needs change, giving you a truly customized setup.

Mobile App Access

In a connected world, being able to manage your security from your phone is a must-have. A mobile app gives you the power to arm or disarm your system, check the status of your sensors, and receive instant notifications no matter where you are. If a sensor is triggered, you’ll know immediately. This feature provides incredible peace of mind, allowing you to check in on your property with a quick tap. It’s the modern equivalent of peeking through the blinds, but you can do it from across town or across the country.

Video Surveillance

There’s a reason cameras are one of the most popular security features. Video surveillance acts as a powerful deterrent to potential intruders and gives you visual confirmation of what’s happening at your property. Whether you want to keep an eye on package deliveries, check on your kids after school, or monitor your business after hours, cameras provide invaluable insight. Our commercial camera systems are especially crucial for business owners who need to protect assets and ensure employee safety. Having that visual record is priceless for both security and liability.

Busting Common Myths About Security Costs

When you start thinking about a security system, it’s easy to get hung up on the cost. A lot of what we think we know about security expenses is actually outdated. Let’s clear the air and tackle some of the most common myths head-on, so you can make a decision based on facts, not fears. The truth is, securing your home or business is more accessible and flexible than ever before.

Myth: It’s Too Expensive

The idea that a reliable security system will break the bank is one of the biggest misconceptions out there. While it’s true that some high-end systems come with a hefty price tag, there is a huge range of affordable options designed to fit different budgets. You don’t have to choose between feeling safe and staying on budget. Many modern security systems are customizable, allowing you to start with the essentials and add on later. Plus, companies often run promotions that make getting started even more affordable.

Myth: You’re Locked into a Long Contract

No one likes the feeling of being trapped in a long-term commitment. The good news is that the security industry has changed. The days of being forced into a rigid, three-year contract are largely behind us. Many security providers now offer much more flexible arrangements, including month-to-month plans that give you control. This flexibility means you can find a solution that works for your life right now, without worrying about being tied down for years to come. You can always contact us to talk through the different agreement options available.

Myth: Professional Monitoring Isn’t Necessary

With so many DIY gadgets on the market, it’s tempting to think you can just monitor your own system from your smartphone. While self-monitoring is better than nothing, it can’t compare to the reliability of professional monitoring. What happens if an alarm goes off while you’re on a plane, in a meeting, or asleep? A professional monitoring service ensures that a trained expert is watching over your property 24/7. The moment a threat is detected, they can verify the emergency and dispatch the police or fire department immediately—a level of response that provides true peace of mind.

Is Professional Monitoring Worth the Extra Cost?

When you’re looking at security systems, one of the biggest decisions is whether to pay a monthly fee for professional monitoring. It’s easy to see the appeal of self-monitoring—you buy the equipment, set it up, and avoid another subscription. But what do you get for that monthly investment in a professional service? It’s more than just an alarm; it’s a direct connection to a team of trained professionals who are ready to respond 24/7.

A professionally monitored system means that when a sensor is tripped, a signal is sent to a dedicated monitoring center. Someone is always there to verify the alarm and dispatch the right emergency services, whether it’s the police, fire department, or medical personnel. This immediate, expert response can make all the difference in a real emergency. Beyond a faster response, professional monitoring can also lead to tangible savings on your homeowner’s insurance and provide a level of security that a standalone alarm simply can’t match. Let’s break down exactly what you’re paying for.

Faster Emergency Response

With a self-monitored system, you are the monitoring center. If your alarm goes off while you’re on a flight, in a movie theater, or just in a deep sleep, you might miss the notification. Professional security system monitoring eliminates that risk. The moment an alarm is triggered, a trained professional at a monitoring station is alerted. They’ll quickly try to contact you to verify the emergency, and if they can’t reach you or you confirm there’s a problem, they immediately dispatch the authorities. This process is much faster and more reliable than relying on yourself or a neighbor to call 911, which is critical when every second counts.

Potential Insurance Discounts

Your insurance company wants to protect your home just as much as you do. That’s why many providers offer significant discounts—often between 5% and 20%—on homeowner’s insurance premiums for properties with professionally monitored security systems. Insurers see these systems as a major deterrent to theft and a way to minimize damage from fires or floods, which reduces their risk. Features like monitored smoke detectors and security cameras can increase your savings even more. These discounts can often offset a good portion of your monthly monitoring fee, making it a smart financial decision. Be sure to call your insurance agent to see what specials and discounts you qualify for.

The Value of Peace of Mind

You can’t put a price on feeling safe in your own home. Professional monitoring provides a profound sense of security, knowing that your property and loved ones are protected around the clock, whether you’re there or not. It’s the confidence that comes from having a dedicated team watching over your home, ready to act on any threat, from a break-in to a carbon monoxide leak. This isn’t just about protecting your belongings; it’s an investment in your well-being. Knowing that a reliable company is on the job lets you relax on vacation or focus at work without constantly checking your phone for security alerts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most budget-friendly way to get started with a security system? If you’re looking to keep initial costs low, starting with a basic package of door and window sensors is a great first step. This creates a solid foundation for your home’s protection. You can also opt for a self-monitored plan, where you handle alerts yourself, which often has a very low or even no monthly fee. Just remember that professional monitoring provides a much faster, more reliable response in an actual emergency, and many plans are more affordable than you might think.

Am I going to be locked into a long-term contract? That’s a common concern, but the industry has become much more flexible. While some companies still require a multi-year agreement, many now offer month-to-month options. Often, you can get a lower monthly rate by agreeing to a longer term, so it’s a trade-off between a lower payment and more flexibility. We always recommend asking about the contract length and cancellation policy upfront so you can find a plan that you’re comfortable with.

Can I upgrade my system or add more cameras later on? Absolutely. Most modern security systems are designed to be modular, meaning you can easily expand them over time. You can start with the essentials and then add more devices like security cameras, smart locks, or environmental sensors as your needs change or your budget allows. This approach lets you build a custom system at your own pace without having to invest in everything all at once.

What happens to my security system if the power or internet goes out? This is a great question. A reliable, professionally monitored system is designed for these situations. Most systems come with a battery backup that keeps the alarm powered for several hours during a power outage. They also typically use a cellular connection as a backup, so if your Wi-Fi goes down, the system can still communicate with the monitoring center. This ensures you stay protected even when your home’s primary connections are down.

Will having security cameras slow down my internet? Security cameras do use your internet’s bandwidth, but usually only when they are actively recording an event or when you are streaming live video to your phone. When they are just on standby, their impact on your network is minimal. For most households with a standard internet plan, a few cameras won’t cause any noticeable slowdowns. If you plan on installing a large number of high-definition cameras, you might want to check that your internet speed can support them.