Monitored vs. Self-Monitored Security Systems
Whether you're worried about porch pirates or are hoping to keep your home as safe as possible from intruders, it can be hard to know what you need when it comes to home secuirty. Between classic video doorbells, motion sensors, activated lights and comprehensive monitored home security systems, how do you know what to choose? Below, we'll explore whether you should choose a self-monitoring security system or a monitored security system—and the difference between the two.
What's a Self-Monitoring Security System?
A self-monitoring security system allows you to monitor your security system yourself. Instead of relying on a professional service, you take on the task of watching for alerts on your smartphone, tablet or other devices—and you're the one to take action if something seems fishy. Self-monitoring security systems are popular and aren't difficult to use for the tech-savvy. Individual products are nearly always Wi-Fi-based, too. Products you can find in a classic self-monitoring security system include (but aren't limited to):
- Doorbell Camera
- Outdoor Lights
- Indoor Sensors/Motion Detectors
- Security Cameras with Motion Detection
- Door and Window Sensors
- Alarms and Sirens
- Keypad
What's a Monitored Home Security System?
A monitored home security system integrates help from a professional security service like Alarm at Abt. These professional monitors help assess whatever tripped the alarm or appeared on camera. Instead of having to pull out your phone, open the app and make that judgement call, a professional service is already on it and calls the police when necessary. We mentioned that self-monitoring security systems rely on Wi-Fi, and it's true. If your Wi-Fi is down and something would normally trigger a sensor, that information never makes it to your smartphone.
With a monitored home security system, that info is still sent right to your monitoring service, like Alarm at Abt. We analyze the threat and handle it quickly and carefully. The best part is that you don't have to lift a finger, but you're still involved: you can see all of your cameras and sensors through your phone anytime you want. Some of the services and products you can integrate into custom security services from Abt include:
- Fully Monitored Alarm Systems with App Connectivity
- Integrated Devices (Video Doorbell, Smart Locks, Garage Doors, Thermostats, Auto Shutoff Valves)
- Camera Systems
- Intercom Systems
What are the Pros and Cons?
So, which system is best for your needs? That depends on a few different factors, including your home, your lifestyle, how often you want to check your cameras on your phone, and whether or not you like the backup of a monitored home security system. Let's dive in.
Self-Monitoring Security System: The Pros and Cons
- Pro: No contract required with most products. Instead, choose a subscription-based model. Without a subscription, most products won't save video, and you can only view it live
- Pro: They can be as budget-friendly as you want
- Pro: Extremely customizable: you buy only the products you want
- Pro: You don't have to do it alone. You can often add trusted family members and friends to get the same alerts you do
- Pro: Everything is easy to move and install, making this a great option for renters
- Pro: You're in charge of everything and there's no middleman
- Con: Not all products work together seamlessly
- Con: You're in charge of everything and there's no middleman
- Con: You handle installation yourself
- Con: You monitor everything yourself
- Con: No professional monitoring with operators that dispatch police, fire or other professional response
- Con: False alarms can have you on high alert for every raccoon or delivery that walks by your front door
Monitored Home Security System: The Pros and Cons
- Pro: Professionals easily install cameras, sensors and alarms for you
- Pro: Dedicated emergency response specialists react and respond to alerts quickly, dispatching police, fire and others if necessary
- Pro: There's no reliance on Wi-Fi. If the Wi-Fi cuts out, your system will still record video and send cellular alerts to security specialists
- Pro: All the hard work is managed by your security experts, like Alarm.com from Abt
- Pro: 24/7 monitoring
- Pro: Integrates with other smart home products and systems like smart lights, smart locks and more
- Con: You often need to choose a contract-based service, but you're getting the most out of what you pay for
- Con: Once things are installed they can be tough to move (but you can call your experts to adjust your setup, add more cameras and sensors or more)
- Con: The cost. While some self-monitored services are free, you'll be paying for professional services with a monitored home security system
So, Which Wins?
You'll notice there are far fewer cons for monitored home security systems than there are for self-monitored home security systems. We'll boil it down for you: if you want peace of mind, a monitored system is going to be better for you, and if you need something that's more budget-friendly, choose your own self-monitored system. Both will cost you in different ways. If you monitor it yourself, you're the only one in charge of making sure your home is safe. And if you choose a monitored system like Alarm from Abt, you're paying for professional service from start to finish. Which is right for your lifestyle is up to you.
What is Alarm? What Are Abt's Security Services?
While Abt sells self-monitoring security system devices like Ring doorbells, we also offer completely curated home security systems. Alarm by Abt is our in-house monitored home security system. When you choose Alarm at Abt, you can reach out to us when you run into any and every issue. We have our own team of dedicated specialists that can organize and install the perfect security products for your home. And the best part is you're still a part of the process. You can help organize what you want, and with the app you can keep an eye on the video feed, get alerts when someone's at the door and more. The best thing that we can offer at Abt is peace of mind, for both residential homes and commercial businesses. If you're ready to equip your home with top-tier security, reach out to Abt at 800-860-3577 or fill out our contact form below.
