What You'll Actually Pay for Home Security

Home security costs range from $15 to $200+ per month, depending on whether you want professional monitoring, what equipment you buy upfront, and which company you choose

The total cost breaks into two parts: equipment and monitoring. A basic system with door and window sensors, a keypad, and a hub runs $200 to $500 to buy. Professional 24/7 monitoring typically costs $20 to $60 per month. Some companies bundle equipment into the monitoring fee, so you pay nothing upfront but more each month. Others sell you the equipment outright and charge less for monitoring. A few systems work without any monitoring at all — you get alerts on your phone when a sensor triggers, and you call the police yourself.

The company you pick matters more than the category. A basic monitored system from one provider might cost $30 per month, while a similar system from another costs $50. Installation also varies: some companies send a technician (usually $100 to $300), others ship you the equipment and you mount it yourself (free, but takes an hour or two). Contracts range from month-to-month to three years, and breaking an early contract can cost $200 to $400.

Key Takeaways

• Monthly monitoring fees range from $20 to $60, and equipment costs $200 to $500 upfront, though some companies roll equipment into a higher monthly fee instead.
• Professional monitoring means a company calls you and the police if a sensor triggers; self-monitoring means you get a phone alert and decide whether to call.
• Installation by a technician adds $100 to $300; DIY installation is free but requires you to mount sensors and run wiring yourself.
• Contract lengths vary from month-to-month to three years, and early termination fees can reach $200 to $400 depending on the company and how much time remains.
• The same features cost different amounts at different companies, so comparing quotes from three providers usually saves $100 to $300 per year.

What you pay upfront for equipment

Most systems start with a hub (the control panel), door and window sensors, a keypad, and a motion detector. This basic package costs $200 to $400 if you buy it outright. Some companies include it free or at a steep discount if you sign a three-year monitoring contract — you pay less money now but commit to paying their monthly fee for 36 months.

Adding cameras, glass-break sensors, or a smart lock increases the upfront cost. Each camera typically adds $100 to $300. A glass-break sensor adds $50 to $100. A smart lock that works with your system adds $150 to $400. If you want all of these, you could spend $1,000 to $1,500 before paying a single month of monitoring.

Some companies let you start small and add equipment later. Others require you to buy a full package upfront. A few offer a "no equipment cost" model where you pay nothing upfront but the monthly monitoring fee is higher — sometimes $50 to $80 instead of $30 to $40. Over three years, this can cost more or less depending on the company and how many sensors you need.

Monthly monitoring fees and what they cover

Professional monitoring means a company's dispatch center watches your system 24/7. When a sensor triggers, they receive an alert, call you to confirm there's actually an emergency, and then call the police if you confirm. This service costs $20 to $60 per month depending on the company and the level of service. Some companies charge less if you commit to a longer contract.

Self-monitoring is cheaper or free — you get a phone alert when a sensor triggers and you decide whether to call the police yourself. Some systems charge $10 to $15 per month for this, others include it free. The trade-off is that you have to be available to respond, and the police may respond more slowly if you're calling instead of a professional dispatch center.

Most monitoring plans include 24/7 monitoring, customer support during business hours, and access to a mobile app that shows you sensor status and lets you arm or disarm the system remotely. Some add video storage (usually 7 to 30 days of footage), emergency dispatch, or integration with smart home devices. Read what each company includes before comparing prices — a $30 plan from one company might include video storage while a $30 plan from another does not.

Installation costs and DIY versus professional setup

Professional installation means a technician comes to your home, mounts all sensors, runs wiring if needed, programs the system, and tests it. This typically costs $100 to $300 depending on how many sensors you have and how complex your home is. Some companies include installation free if you sign a contract; others charge it separately. If you break the contract early, you may owe the full installation cost even if the company discounted it upfront.

DIY installation means you receive the equipment and mount it yourself. Most modern systems use wireless sensors that stick to doors and windows with adhesive, so no drilling or wiring is required. Setup usually takes 30 minutes to two hours. The company provides instructions and phone support if you get stuck. DIY installation is free, but you have to be comfortable following instructions and troubleshooting if something doesn't work.

Some companies offer a middle ground: they send a technician to do the hard parts (running wiring, mounting the hub in the right location) and you mount the simple sensors yourself. This costs less than full installation but more than pure DIY. Ask what each company includes before you decide — a company that charges $200 for installation might save you money compared to one that charges $100 but requires you to run your own wiring.

Contract length and early termination fees

Most companies offer month-to-month contracts, one-year contracts, and three-year contracts. Month-to-month is the most flexible but usually costs the most per month — sometimes $10 to $20 more than a three-year rate. A three-year contract locks in a lower monthly rate but commits you to paying for 36 months. If you move or want to switch companies before the contract ends, you typically owe an early termination fee.

Early termination fees range from $100 to $400 depending on how much time is left on your contract. Some companies charge a flat fee; others charge a per-month fee for the remaining months (for example, $15 per month remaining). A few companies have no early termination fee, but they charge more per month to offset that flexibility. Calculate the total cost over your expected time in the home before choosing a contract length.

Read the contract carefully before signing. Some companies waive the early termination fee if you move and provide proof (like a lease or utility bill at your new address). Others do not. A few let you transfer the contract to a new owner if you sell your home, which can be valuable if you're planning to stay for several years.

How system size and features affect total cost

A small apartment with two doors and four windows might need only one hub, two door sensors, four window sensors, and a keypad — total equipment cost around $200 to $300. A large house with multiple entry points, a garage, and outdoor cameras could need $800 to $1,500 in equipment. The more sensors and cameras you add, the higher the upfront cost and sometimes the higher the monthly monitoring fee (some companies charge more to monitor a system with many sensors).

Smart home integration also affects cost. A system that works with your existing smart lock, thermostat, or lighting costs more upfront but may save money on separate subscriptions. A system that only monitors doors and windows costs less but doesn't control anything else. Decide what you actually need before paying for features you won't use.

Video storage and cloud backup add cost too. Some companies include 7 days of video storage in the monitoring fee; others charge $10 to $20 per month for it. If you want 30 days of storage or higher resolution, expect to pay more. A system with no video costs less but gives you no recording if something happens.

Comparing total cost across different companies and plans

The best way to understand what you'll pay is to get quotes from three companies. Tell each one your home size, number of entry points, and what features you want (monitoring, cameras, smart lock, etc.). Ask for the total cost of equipment, the monthly monitoring fee, the installation cost, and the early termination fee. Then calculate the total cost over one year and three years to see which is cheapest for your situation.

A company that charges $40 per month with $300 upfront equipment costs $780 in year one. Another company charging $30 per month with $500 upfront costs $860 in year one. Over three years, the first company costs $1,740 and the second costs $1,580 — so the cheaper monthly rate doesn't always mean the cheapest total. Add in installation costs, and the difference grows.

Some companies offer discounts if you bundle home security with other services like internet or home automation. Others offer discounts for paying annually instead of monthly. A few offer discounts if you refer friends. These can save $50 to $200 per year, so ask about them when you get quotes. Also ask whether the quoted price is the introductory rate or the rate after a promotional period ends — some companies charge less for the first year and more after.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a home security system without paying for monitoring?

Yes. Many systems let you self-monitor for free or a small monthly fee ($10 to $15). You get alerts on your phone when a sensor triggers and you call the police yourself. The trade-off is that you have to be available and the police may respond more slowly than if a professional dispatch center called them.

What happens if I move before my contract ends?

You typically owe an early termination fee, which ranges from $100 to $400 depending on how much time is left. Some companies waive the fee if you provide proof of moving. A few let you transfer the contract to your new home or to the new owner if you sell. Always ask about this before signing.

Do I have to buy the equipment or can I rent it?

Most companies sell equipment, but some let you rent it as part of the monitoring fee. Renting costs more over time but means you don't pay upfront and the company replaces broken equipment for free. Calculate the total cost over your expected time in the home to decide which is cheaper.

Are there hidden fees I should know about?

Common hidden costs include activation fees ($50 to $100), permit fees if your city requires a security system permit ($50 to $200), and higher monthly rates after an introductory period ends. Always ask the company to list every fee in writing before you sign.

How much does it cost to add cameras to an existing system?

Each camera typically costs $100 to $300 to buy and may add $5 to $15 per month to your monitoring fee if you want cloud storage. Some systems let you add cameras later; others require you to buy them upfront. Ask whether the company charges an installation fee for adding cameras after the initial setup.