Close Menu
  • News
  • Stocks
  • Bonds
  • Commodities
  • Collectables
    • Art
    • Classic Cars
    • Whiskey
    • Wine
  • Trading
  • Alternative Investment
  • Markets
  • More
    • Economy
    • Money
    • Business
    • Personal Finance
    • Investing
    • Financial Planning
    • ETFs
    • Equities
    • Funds

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest markets and assets news and updates directly to your inbox.

Trending Now

Bank of America now sees $65 silver, as price spike reduces London market to a ‘state of seizure.’

October 13, 2025

How Grace Jones and Ming Smith Met as Models and Became Artistic Allies

October 13, 2025

What to expect from Fondation Cartier’s new Parisian home – The Art Newspaper

October 13, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
The Asset ObserverThe Asset Observer
Newsletter
LIVE MARKET DATA
  • News
  • Stocks
  • Bonds
  • Commodities
  • Collectables
    • Art
    • Classic Cars
    • Whiskey
    • Wine
  • Trading
  • Alternative Investment
  • Markets
  • More
    • Economy
    • Money
    • Business
    • Personal Finance
    • Investing
    • Financial Planning
    • ETFs
    • Equities
    • Funds
The Asset ObserverThe Asset Observer
Home»Personal Finance
Personal Finance

Is Professional Monitoring Worth It for My Home Security System?

News RoomBy News RoomSeptember 24, 2024
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

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.

Pros and cons of professional monitoring

Hands-off system management.

Potential long-term contract required.

Potential homeowners insurance discounts.

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.

Is professional monitoring worth it?

Here are three factors to consider.

1. Lifestyle and absence

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.

2. Insurance discounts

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

1. SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe Security System

NerdWallet rating

 

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 rating

 

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.

Professional monitoring monthly cost

$21.99

Self monitoring available for $9.99 per month. You can also access basic features with no 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.

2. Abode

NerdWallet rating

 

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 rating

 

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.

Professional monitoring monthly cost

$24.99

Self monitoring with extra features is $7.99 per month, but you can also use basic features for free.

Key facts

Abode’s security system is compatible with the widest range of smart home products including Amazon Echo, Google Home and Nest.

Pros

Can be self-monitored for free.No record of security breaches.The alarm system can be connected directly to an ethernet cable or work wirelessly with your Wi-Fi network.

Cons

Smart detection requires a paid subscription starting at $6.99 per month.Doesn’t offer an actual smoke alarm, just a smoke alarm monitor.

3. Ring

Ring Security System

NerdWallet rating

 

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.

on Money.com and Amazon.com

NerdWallet rating

 

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.

Professional monitoring monthly cost

$20

Other features/self monitoring available with plans starting at $4.99 per month. You’ll need at least the basic plan to arm and disarm your system remotely.

Key facts

Ring offers affordable professional monitoring and a DIY system with high-quality cameras.

Pros

Lowest-priced professional monitoring service among competitors.Offers a self-monitoring option with rich video features.Pro system includes a Wi-Fi router that can replace or extend your existing coverage

Cons

Has had a security breach.Can only integrate with Alexa, not Google, unless you use a third-party app.Requires a paid monthly subscription starting at $4.99 if you want to arm and disarm the alarm system from your phone.

on Money.com and Amazon.com

4. Arlo

Arlo Security System

NerdWallet rating

 

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 rating

 

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.

Professional monitoring monthly cost

$24.99

Some sensor features not available without subscription. Self monitoring for cameras starts at $7.99 per month.

Key facts

Arlo provides a flexible system for a variety of safety needs with 8-in-1 sensors.

Pros

Customizable system with versatile sensors. No record of security breaches.Integrates with Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung, Apple HomeKit and IFTTT.

Cons

Cellular and battery backup requires an extra device and a paid monthly monitoring plan.Cameras differentiate between people and other motion only if you buy a monitoring subscription starting at $7.99 for a single camera.

5. Vivint

Vivint Security System

NerdWallet rating

 

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 rating

 

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.

Professional monitoring monthly cost

$41

Professional monitoring plan is required with equipment purchase; $46 per month if you have cameras.

Key facts

Vivint offers best-in-class video and alarm features, including theft deterrent protection, with white-glove service.

Pros

Offers top-tier professional installation and features.Highly rated for security and privacy with no history of breaches.

Cons

Starter package relatively expensive.Required monthly professional monitoring fee.No self-monitoring option.

6. ADT

ADT Security System

NerdWallet rating

 

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 rating

 

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.

Professional monitoring monthly cost

$29.99 and up

Monthly monitoring rises to $44.99 with cameras and $34.99 with other smart home devices. A one-month minimum monitoring plan is required with self-install equipment purchase; a several-year contract is required with a professionally installed system. ADT also works with third-party dealers whose monitoring and installation fees may differ.

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.ADT uses authorized dealers for setup and installation, which means prices, equipment and experiences may vary.

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

Keep Reading

SLF Luxury Towel Warmer only $59 shipped!

Why December is the Best Time to Get the AmEx Platinum

We want to buy your groceries! (Instacart Gift Card Giveaway — 2 Winners!)

Smart Money Podcast — Travel Smart, Give Smart: Southwest Companion Pass and Charitable Giving Strategies

*SUPER HOT* Athleta Black Friday Sale: Extra 30% Off Sale Prices = Leggings as low as $27.98 (Reg. $89)!

*RARE* Oura Ring Gen3 Horizon only $235.10 shipped!

SiriusXM Streaming Black Friday Deal: $1/Week for 1 Year!

*HOT* FINISH Quantum Infinity Shine Dishwasher Pods (70 count) only $11.96 shipped!

FREE 8×10 Walgreens Photo Print (with free in-store pickup!)

Recent Posts
  • Bank of America now sees $65 silver, as price spike reduces London market to a ‘state of seizure.’
  • How Grace Jones and Ming Smith Met as Models and Became Artistic Allies
  • What to expect from Fondation Cartier’s new Parisian home – The Art Newspaper
  • The Director of the Toledo Museum of Art Talks Digital Art, AI, and Future-Proofing the Museum
  • Real estate tycoon Barbara Corcoran sells her palatial $13.5 million New York penthouse in one day

Subscribe to Newsletter

Get the latest markets and assets news and updates directly to your inbox.

Editors Picks

How Grace Jones and Ming Smith Met as Models and Became Artistic Allies

October 13, 2025

What to expect from Fondation Cartier’s new Parisian home – The Art Newspaper

October 13, 2025

The Director of the Toledo Museum of Art Talks Digital Art, AI, and Future-Proofing the Museum

October 13, 2025

Real estate tycoon Barbara Corcoran sells her palatial $13.5 million New York penthouse in one day

October 13, 2025

With Ruth Asawa, MoMA is set to open its biggest show ever by a woman artist – The Art Newspaper

October 13, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
© 2025 The Asset Observer. All Rights Reserved.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms
  • Press Release
  • Advertise
  • Contact

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.