Is Professional Monitoring Worth It for My Home Security System?

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.

» MORE: Our top home security system picks

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.

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.

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.

» Learn more: How much a home security system costs

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.

» Learn more: How to prevent burglaries with a home security system

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.

1. SimpliSafe

Read NerdWallet's full review of Simplisafe.

2. Abode

3. Ring

Read NerdWallet's full review of Ring.

4. Arlo

Read NerdWallet's full review of Arlo.

5. Vivint

Read NerdWallet's full review of Vivint.

6. ADT