When it comes to protecting your home, choosing the right alarm monitoring system is key. But with so many options, knowing the difference between self-monitoring and third-party monitoring is important—not just for control but also to help save some of your well earned pennies. Let's explore the types of alarm monitoring available, find out about the benefits of alarm monitoring and the monthly costs across providers to help you decide which option is best for you.
What Exactly is Alarm Monitoring?
Alarm monitoring is the service that keeps you informed about what’s happening with your home security system. When the alarm is triggered, a monitoring system will alert you or, in the case of third-party monitoring, a central station that can notify emergency services. In a nutshell...
Self-Monitoring: With self-monitoring, like Midland Alarm’s SecureComm app, you’re in control, getting real-time alerts directly to your phone.
Third-Party Monitoring: A traditional service where a monitoring station handles alerts and dispatches emergency responders if necessary.
Alarm Monitoring Costs Across Different Providers
Now, we are assuming you already have your alarm installed but that you want more for your home security. So how much does each provider charge for monitoring your home?
Provider | Initial Setup Cost (average) | Monthly Monitoring Cost | 5-Year Total |
ADT | £99 - £299 | £30 - £50 | £1,899 - £3,299 |
Verisure | Varies with Quote | £45 - £60 | £2,799 - £3,899 |
SimpliSafe | £200 | £12 - £20 | £920 - £1,400 |
Yell (Bell-Only) | £0 (DIY) | £0 (Bell-only) | £0 |
Ring | £89 | £8 | £569 |
Midland Alarms (SecureComm) | £0 (if purchased) or £120 setup | £12.95 (Basic) £21.95 (Premium) | £600 - £1,320 |
Related: How Much Does a House Alarm Cost?
How to Decide Which Alarm Monitoring Option is Right for You
Choosing a monitoring service depends on your security needs. Start by asking yourself questions like:
Who should be notified first in an emergency? Me, or a monitoring station?
How comprehensive do I want my system to be?
What’s my ideal monthly budget for monitoring?
We have taken the features our clients ask questions about the most when it comes to alarm monitoring and created a table to help you to identify your home monitoring needs.
Provider | Monitoring Type | Visible Bell Box | Self or professional Install | Mobile App Control | Image Verification | External Siren |
ADT | Central | Yes | Professional | No | No | Yes |
Verisure | Central | No | Self | Yes | Yes | Yes |
SimpliSafe | Central | Add on | Self | Yes | No | Add on |
Yell | None | Yes | Professional | No | No | Yes |
Ring | Self-monitor | Add on | Self | Yes | Yes | Add on |
Midland Alarms (SecureComm) | Self- monitor | Yes | Professional | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Comparing the Costs: Is Third-Party Monitoring Worth It?
With decades of experience in the alarm business, we don't think so! If you’re weighing costs, third-party monitoring can be two to three times the price of self-monitoring! While the perception of added security from a central station feels like a plus, keep in mind that police response times can vary, with the NPCC aiming for a response averaging around 20 minutes after an alarm is verified.
Now, that leaves self-monitoring...For many homeowners, self-monitoring offers greater flexibility, instant alerts, and direct control at a much lower monthly cost. Imagine, your alarm goes off, a notification comes straight to your phone and you can detect what has happened instantly.
Related: Central Monitoring Stations for Home Security
Benefits of Choosing Self-Monitoring with Midland Alarm Services
There are plenty of reasons people appreciate self-monitoring. For one, it’s cost-effective, plus you get real-time notifications directly to your phone, putting the control entirely in your hands. Here’s what our HKC self-monitoring system offers:
Direct Control & Instant Alerts: The moment your alarm is triggered, you’ll receive a direct notification on your phone, keeping you immediately informed about what’s going on. These real-time notifications let you check on your property immediately and prevent unnecessary call-outs.
Live Access & Image Verification: If you have our PIR cameras, you’ll even receive a snapshot of what’s happening. This image verification is incredibly valuable, allowing you to verify an intruder instantly and call the police if needed.
Customisable Security: At Midland Alarm Services, we set up your alarm system to meet the unique needs of your home. You’re in full control of the settings, so your system can be as flexible and responsive as you need it to be.
Cost Savings: Self-monitoring with SecureComm starts at just £12.95 a month, a fraction of traditional monitoring fees.
Advanced Security: Image verification with camera sensors lets you confirm events quickly, so you only contact authorities when needed.
Making the Right Choice for Long-Term Security
Choosing a home security system is a big decision. It’s about more than just the lowest price—it’s about finding an affordable, reliable solution that meets your needs. At Midland Alarm Services, we’re here to provide control, flexibility, and a system that delivers peace of mind without the hidden expenses. For many, our SecureComm app strikes the perfect balance, giving direct control at an affordable rate.
Contact us today for a free consultation to find the right setup for your home security!
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