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Is Professional Monitoring Worth It for My Home Security System?
The monthly monitoring fee is an investment but can be worth the peace of mind and hands-off control.
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Dalia Ramirez writes about home services for NerdWallet. She has previously written about estate planning, cryptocurrencies, small business software and other personal finance topics. Dalia has a B.A. in bioethics and critical theory from Wesleyan University. Her work has appeared in publications including The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, Bloomberg and The Associated Press. She is based in Los Angeles.
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Professional monitoring for home security systems can have a hefty monthly cost but can be worth it if you have valuable assets, live in a high-risk area, travel or just want a hands-off experience. Professional monitoring often has added features such as medical alerts, home automation or insurance discounts.
How you monitor your home security system can also make a significant difference in its effectiveness. Self-monitoring and professional monitoring both have benefits and drawbacks, and the right choice depends on your home and safety needs.
Some home security systems, such as Blink and Nest, don’t offer professional monitoring, so they may not be options for those looking for hands-off protection.
Giving a monitoring center access to your cameras may feel less private.
What does professional monitoring do?
Professional monitoring for a home security system provides 24/7 oversight for your home. When an alarm is triggered, it alerts the monitoring center immediately, which may call you to verify the alarm and see if you’re OK by asking you to provide a safeword.
If you don’t or can’t respond, the monitoring center can contact emergency services for you. Depending on the type of emergency, the monitoring company can send fire, police or medical responders to your home to handle the crisis.
Some professional monitoring services give the monitoring center live access to your cameras and even allow the staff to speak and listen through your devices. This can help them see if there’s actually a fire, for example, or tell an intruder directly that police are on the way. It can also reduce the risk of false alarms.
Professional monitoring vs. self-monitoring
The main differences between self-monitoring and professional monitoring are cost and who deals with things when the alarm goes off. Self-monitoring is usually free, but you are responsible for noticing that your alarm has gone off, and you have to alert the authorities yourself if you need help. Professional monitoring, on the other hand, usually costs money, but the monitoring company’s job is to notice when your alarm is going off and to get help in case you can’t do it yourself.
How much does professional monitoring cost?
Monthly professional monitoring fees start at around $20 and can cost as much as around $80. Some home security providers offer several professional monitoring plans with different features, such as video and life- safety monitoring.
Some providers offer professional monitoring month-to-month, and you can cancel, upgrade or downgrade your plan at any time. Others, like ADT, require customers to enter into a multiyear contract to access professional monitoring if their system is professionally installed. Vivint allows month-to-month payment unless you’re financing equipment.
If you’re usually home to respond to alerts, professional monitoring may not be worth the cost. However, if you travel frequently or are often away from home for work, professional monitoring ensures that someone will notice an emergency situation in your home, even if you’re not nearby or able to see alerts on your phone.
Many homeowners’ insurance companies offer discounts if you have a professionally monitored home security system because the added level of protection makes your home a lower risk for claims.
Typically, discounts can range from 5% to 20% off your annual premium, depending on your insurer and the specific features of your security system. To qualify for discounts, your system typically needs to include burglary, fire and carbon monoxide alarms, but specific requirements can vary based on your location and the insurance company’s policies.
3. Budget and contract
Professional monitoring may not be a fit for everyone’s budget. Consider the cost of a potential break-in against the cost of monthly fees. As an alternative, some providers offer paid self-monitoring plans that offer added features such as familiar-face detection and intelligent alerts at a lower cost, typically around $3 to $13 per month.
If you do choose professional monitoring, make sure to review the terms of the contract, including additional fees and the cancellation policy if there is one.
Best home security systems with professional monitoring
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Base kit includes one base station, one keypad, one entry sensor and one motion sensor. Sometimes you can get a free Smart Alarm wireless indoor security camera and a free trial of professional monitoring if they're running a promotion.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$22.99
Self monitoring available for $9.99 per month. You can also access basic features with no plan.
Add-on smoke/CO detector, water and temperature sensor.
$250.96
Base kit includes one base station, one keypad, one entry sensor and one motion sensor. Sometimes you can get a free Smart Alarm wireless indoor security camera and a free trial of professional monitoring if they're running a promotion.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$22.99
Self monitoring available for $9.99 per month. You can also access basic features with no plan.
Add-on smoke/CO detector, water and temperature sensor.
Key facts
SimpliSafe offers comprehensive packages at affordable prices with both self- and pro-monitoring subscription options.
Pros
Offers affordable packages with add-ons and a build-your-own-system option.
No record of security breaches.
Can be self-monitored for free.
Cons
Only integrates with Alexa, Google and Apple Watch, while other providers have more extensive smart home integration.
Smart home automation and scheduled arming require a paid monthly plan.
Key facts
SimpliSafe offers comprehensive packages at affordable prices with both self- and pro-monitoring subscription options.
Pros
Offers affordable packages with add-ons and a build-your-own-system option.
No record of security breaches.
Can be self-monitored for free.
Cons
Only integrates with Alexa, Google and Apple Watch, while other providers have more extensive smart home integration.
Smart home automation and scheduled arming require a paid monthly plan.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Base kit includes one ADT base and one door/window sensor.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$24.99 and up
$39.99 with cameras and $29.99 with other smart home devices. Monitoring costs are $10 more per month with professional installation. A monitoring plan is required with equipment purchase (1 month minimum for DIY and a several-year contract with professional installation), but you can arm and disarm a DIY system for free after the first month.
Add-on CO detector, smoke detector and water/temperature sensor.
$269.00
Base kit includes one ADT base and one door/window sensor.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$24.99 and up
$39.99 with cameras and $29.99 with other smart home devices. Monitoring costs are $10 more per month with professional installation. A monitoring plan is required with equipment purchase (1 month minimum for DIY and a several-year contract with professional installation), but you can arm and disarm a DIY system for free after the first month.
Add-on CO detector, smoke detector and water/temperature sensor.
Key facts
ADT is the most established home security provider, with well-reviewed professional monitoring services.
Pros
Owns 6 U.S.-based professional monitoring centers.
Integrates with Google Nest cameras.
Has been operating for over 150 years.
Cons
Has had a security breach.
Required monthly monitoring fees for all plans, ranging from one month to 3-5 years. Monitoring fees are high compared to other providers.
Key facts
ADT is the most established home security provider, with well-reviewed professional monitoring services.
Pros
Owns 6 U.S.-based professional monitoring centers.
Integrates with Google Nest cameras.
Has been operating for over 150 years.
Cons
Has had a security breach.
Required monthly monitoring fees for all plans, ranging from one month to 3-5 years. Monitoring fees are high compared to other providers.
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