The Best Types of Home Security Systems for Protecting Your Property
Here are your options when it comes to shielding your home from unwanted visitors
Equipping your home with a comprehensive security system is the first step towards feeling safer on your property. But with numerous arrangements to choose from, it can be hard to know which provides the best benefits for your particular set-up.
This guide outlines the features you can expect from common types of home security systems—like motion sensors and automatic alarms—plus the average costs for each. Knowing these details will help you pick the right system based on your needs.
Standard Home Security Features
A handful of features are included in home security systems of all kinds.
Door and window sensors: All security systems have sensors connected to your primary doors and windows, though you’ll need to pay extra for additional door or window alarm sensors.
Motion detectors: If someone manages to enter your home while you’re not there, basic security systems include motion detectors that will activate the alarm when movement is detected inside.
Remote keychain fob: Although an outsider will need a code to enter your home, one remotely controlled keychain is typically provided to the primary inhabitant free of charge.
Alarm system: This feature is the main component of all security systems and is used to alert you or the authorities to trespassers.
6 Types of Home Security Systems
The following list details the different types of security systems available to you. Keep in mind that the categories below often overlap. For example, one system could be both hardwired and monitored or wireless and unmonitored, among other possible combinations.
1. Hardwired
Hardwired security systems are hooked up directly to the central electricity unit of a property. Unlike wireless or battery-powered options, they won’t stop working unless the power to your home is completely cut off, either because of an external force like a storm or because of a tripped breaker.
Cost of a Hardwired Security System
Hiring a professional installer near you to hook up a hardwired security system ranges from $800 to $1,600 on average. The system itself ranges from $80 to $425, so you can save up to 90% percent on the costs involved by installing it yourself. However, DIYing a project like this is not recommended because of the hazardous electrical work involved, so it’s better to spend a little extra to stay safe and let a pro do the work instead.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Won’t run out of batteries like wireless options | More costly and labor-intensive to install |
| More difficult to hack than wireless systems | May not be allowed by your lease or home contract |
2. Wireless
Wireless home security systems are battery-powered units that can easily be attached to various parts of a property—no prior installment knowledge is required. These systems are as easy to pack up as they are to set up, so they’re ideal for those with short-term housing agreements. But they’re also more susceptible to hacking or signal interference—one of the main causes of false alarms on home security systems.
Cost of a Wireless Security System
The average cost to install a security system of this kind varies depending on whether you DIY or hire a pro. The system itself typically costs from $100 to $300, and most options are easy to set up on your own and won’t typically require professional assistance. If you do choose to have a pro do it for you, expect to pay between $200 and $2,000 for everything involved.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to install | More susceptible to hacking or disruption |
| Less expensive than hardwired systems | Recharging or battery replacements are required |
3. Monitored
These home security systems are either monitored by a professional team of people or computers—often at an extra charge. With a pro behind the camera, you can rest assured that someone will always watch your property and alert the authorities when necessary.
Cost of a Monitored Security System
The cost to add a monitoring feature to your system ranges from $10 to $65 extra per month. The prices of the systems themselves will stay the same and depend on whether you choose a hardwired or wireless arrangement. While automated computer monitoring comes at no extra cost with these systems, you will pay a monthly fee to have your home monitored by real people.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Guaranteed digital or professional monitoring at all hours of the day | Additional monthly costs |
| Authorities will be immediately alerted at the first sign of intruders | Accidentally triggering the alarm could result in the authorities being called |
4. Unmonitored
These systems leave all the work of monitoring your property up to you. In most cases, you’ll need to invest in additional security features, like surveillance cameras, to keep a better eye on your home. And when a threat does occur, you or a neighbor will have to alert the authorities.
Cost of an Unmonitored Security System
An unmonitored security system comes at no extra cost, so you can expect to pay only the costs for material and installation—which will mainly depend on whether it’s hardwired or wireless. The average price for a hardwired system ranges from $800 to $1,600 for materials and installation, and a wireless system between $200 to $2,000 for everything involved.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More privacy | Requires self-monitoring |
| No recurring fees | Authorities won’t be automatically alerted |
5. Landline Monitoring
Landline monitoring and hardwired security systems go hand in hand because they’re both connected to a main electrical breaker. The former is an additional monthly charge on top of what you’ll pay upfront for installation. Unlike cell monitoring, it isn’t as easy to access by outsiders. But as landlines have fallen out of popular use, such options are becoming less and less widely available.
Cost of a Landline Security System
On average, you’ll pay an extra $25 to $30 per month for landline monitoring on top of your existing home security system.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers more privacy and security from hackers | Difficult to install if a pre-existing landline doesn’t exist |
| More stable and won’t experience unexpected disconnections from faulty Wi-Fi connections | Landline technology becoming obsolete |
6. Cell Monitoring
This system is completely wireless, making it easy to set up and use. Depending on the provider, it can also be a lower monthly rate than landline monitoring and is a more common option in today’s home security market.
Cost of a Cell Monitoring Security System
This monitoring set-up will cost an extra $10 to $65 per month on top of the cost of the system and installation as a whole—which will be between $800 and $1,600 for a hardwired setup, or between $200 and $2,000 for one that’s wireless.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lower monthly cost | Widely available |
| Easier set up | Easier to hack |
Optional Security System Add-Ons
Although not included with the purchase of a security system, these additional features are available for an extra cost.
Smart locks: Allow you to lock or unlock your home from a distance.
Smart lighting: Enables you to turn your porch lights on or off from afar to dissuade trespassers.
Surveillance monitoring: Lets you or a team of professionals keep watch over your property at all hours.