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Nerdy takeaways
- Home security systems can start at $130 for a basic DIY alarm kit and can cost as much as $2,000 or more for a comprehensive, professionally installed system.
- Some systems can be self-monitored for free or you can pay about $4 to $20 per month for added features such as video recording and smart notifications.
- Professional monitoring usually costs about $20 to as high as $80 per month.
- Professional installation often starts at about $99 and is included with some professionally monitored systems.
A home security system costs a little over $200 on average for a starter kit of equipment. You can monitor some systems yourself for free, pay around $10 a month for added features such as smart notifications and video recording, or pay about $25 a month on average for professional monitoring.
Some home security systems, such as Vivint, only sell comprehensive systems with built-in monthly monitoring fees; they can cost $350 to $2,000 or more. Others are more build-your-own, offering individual cameras and alarm sensors and bundled alarm kits with optional add-on monitoring fees.
Starter kits typically come with two to six pieces of equipment, including a base hub, one or more door/window sensors and sometimes a motion sensor, keyfob or other accessory. They also come with access to the provider’s phone app and often a 30-day free trial of professional monitoring.
Top home security system base pricing
The chart below shows the price of a starter kit from our top home security provider picks, from low to high. Starter kits can include as few as one to as many as six devices, so the bang for your buck can look different across providers.
| Provider | Starter kit price | Items |
|---|---|---|
| Abode | $130 | Hub, door sensor and keyfob. |
| Blink | $179.97 | Outdoor camera, indoor camera, video doorbell and sync module. |
| Arlo | $199.99 | Hub, two door sensors. |
| Ring | $199.99 | Hub, door sensor, motion sensor, keypad and range extender. |
| Vivint | $199.99 | Hub, 3 door sensors, motion sensor and keypad (Requires three-year professional monitoring contract starting at $24.99 per month; without a contract, this package costs $349.99 plus $199.99 for installation). |
| Nest | $229 | Hub with built-in camera. |
| SimpliSafe | $250.96 | Hub, door sensor, motion sensor and keypad. |
| ADT | $269 | Hub, sensor (minimum one month pro monitoring required starting at $24.99). |
4 ways to cut the cost of a home security system
1. Take advantage of bundle discounts
You can purchase individual devices if you’re looking for a specific combination, such as two cameras and a motion sensor, but many home security providers offer equipment bundles at a discounted price.
For example, a five-piece bundle from Ring that includes a hub, keypad, door sensor, motion sensor and video doorbell costs $199.99, which is $45 cheaper than if you separately purchase the individual items.
2. Monitor the system yourself
You can monitor most home security systems yourself for free, meaning that it’s up to you to notice and respond to security breaches. Many home security systems will also charge for access to additional features or for professional monitoring. Access to additional features starts at $4 per month. Professional monitoring can run as high as around $80 per month.
Most free plans won’t include video recordings or send smart notifications for people and packages, for example, but you’ll still be able to arm and disarm your system.
However, keep in mind that self-monitoring your system offers less protection, especially when traveling. A no-contract (month-to-month) monitoring plan, on the other hand, can offer temporary protection without an expensive several-year commitment.
3. Install the equipment yourself
Professional installation contributes significantly to the up-front costs of many home security systems. But many home security systems can be self-setup with walkthrough instructions on the provider’s app or in an included booklet. Most providers also have an online library with articles to help you troubleshoot.
If any of your devices need to be hardwired, such as a wired video doorbell, you can hire a professional to set up just that device instead of the entire system. Several DIY equipment providers, such as Ring and Arlo, offer professional installs starting at $99.
Installation is included with white-glove systems from providers Vivint and ADT, but typically requires a multi-year professional monitoring contract.
4. Call your homeowners insurance provider
Installing a home security system might get you a discount on your homeowners insurance. Savings can vary depending on your insurer, but you may be able to receive discounts if you have an alarm and door/window sensors installed, motion sensors, video surveillance cameras or monitored smoke and CO detectors.
However, some systems only qualify for a discount if they’re professionally monitored, which may come at a monthly cost that offsets your insurance discount. For example, SimpliSafe’s “Core” monitoring plan at $32.99 per month gives you access to a certificate you can email to your insurance agent to receive a “possible 5%-20% discount” on your insurance.
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