What Is the Cost of Home Security Systems

The cost of home security systems is not just the figure you see on the price tag.

So, what are the other expenses that add up to the final cost of security systems for the home? Are you paying for the devices and features that you desire the most? And, are such security systems worth the price?

To help you choose cost-effective security systems for your home, we will walk you through the major fees that add up to the total cost of a home security system and the top factors to consider when selecting one.

The cost of home security systems is not just about the equipment price but also includes the expenses of installation, professional monitoring, and other additional services.

Generally speaking, the average cost of a home security system is around $100 to $2000 with additional fees for installation ($49.99 -$199.99/each security device), professional monitoring ($14.99 – $34.99/month), and subscription plans ($10 – $20/month) combined.

#1. Equipment Price

A home security system consists of security cameras, NVRs, motion sensors, automatic lights, motion alarms, control panels, smart locks, and so on.

The total prices of these equipment combined make up the basic cost of a home security system.

#2. Installation Fees

The second major part that adds up the cost of a home security system is installation fees, ranging from $0 to over $3000.

Believe it or not, the average installation cost for a home security system is $1511 based on 1531 reported files.

In some cases, the installers may also ask you to pay the activation fees to turn your equipment on. So, to reduce the cost of home security systems, it is best to consult the technicians if the activation fees are included in the installation cost or not when you schedule the installation appointment.

#3. Monitoring Costs

The expenses on professional monitoring services are also counted as a significant part of the total cost of a monitored security system for the home.

Normally, monitoring service providers require you to sign a monitoring contract that lasts 1 to 3 years and charge you $15 to $30 per month as monitoring fees.

The good side of such professional monitoring is that once the motion sensors are triggered, these companies send you instant alerts and contact local police when you are away from home.

However, if you want to terminate the contract early, they may charge you an expensive cancellation fee. So, think twice before you sign a contract to obtain 24/7 monitoring services.

#4. Subscription Fees

The cost of home security systems also includes the price of additional services like cloud storage, paid third-party software to control your home security system, and smart home automation plans.

Also, note that it depends on your security needs whether to subscribe to the additional service plans or not. If the basic offers meet your needs, then you don’t have to use the extra services and save the subscription cost of home security systems as well.