How Much Does Alarm Monitoring Cost?
- Laura Baker
- Dec 4, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 8
Alarm monitoring costs in the UK typically range from £8 to £60 per month, depending on whether you choose self-monitoring or a traditional third-party monitoring service.
In this guide, we break down alarm monitoring costs in 2025, compare popular providers, and explain what you actually get for your money 0 so you can decide which option makes sense for your home and budget.
Key Facts – Alarm Monitoring Costs in the UK (2025)
Typical third-party monitoring costs: **£30–£60 per month**
Self-monitoring options: **£8–£15 per month**
Midland Alarm Services SecureComm monitoring: **from £12.95 per month**
Third-party monitoring usually involves contracts
Self-monitoring gives direct app alerts without a central station
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 2025
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 | Monitoring Type | Typical Monthly Cost |
ADT | Third-party | £30 - £50 |
SimpliSafe | Third-party | £12 - £20 |
Ring | Self-monitoring | £8 |
Midland Alarms (SecureComm) | Self-monitoring | £12.95 (Basic) £21.95 (Premium) |
What Do These Alarm Monitoring Costs Really Mean?
Third-party monitoring is usually more expensive because it involves a staffed monitoring centre that receives alerts and decides whether to contact you or the emergency services. This ongoing service is reflected in higher monthly fees and long-term contracts.
Self-monitoring works differently. Alerts are sent directly to your phone via an app, allowing you to see what’s happening and decide what action to take. With fewer overheads and no central station involved, monthly costs are typically much lower.
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 much do I want to spend each month on monitoring?
Do I want to be tied into a long-term contract?
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 |
SimpliSafe | Central | Add on | Self | Yes | No | Add on |
Yell | None | Yes | Professional | No | No | Yes |
Ring | Self-monitoring | Add on | Self | Yes | Yes | Add on |
Midland Alarms (SecureComm) | Self- monitoring | Yes | Professional | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Is Third-Party Monitoring Worth the Extra Cost?
With decades of experience in the alarm business, we don't think so!
Third-party monitoring can feel reassuring, but it often comes at a significantly higher monthly price. Alerts are routed through a central station before reaching you, which increases ongoing costs and adds an extra step to the process, potentially impacting police response times (the NPCC state they aim for a response time of around 20 minutes after an alarm is verified).
Many homeowners now prefer self-monitoring because it offers direct alerts, fewer false alarms, and full visibility of what’s happening in their home — without paying for a middleman.
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.
FAQ – Alarm Monitoring Costs 2025
1. How much does alarm monitoring cost in 2025?
Alarm monitoring typically costs between £8 and £60 per month, depending on whether you choose self-monitoring or a third-party monitoring service.
2. What’s the difference between self-monitoring and third-party monitoring?
Self-monitoring sends alerts directly to your phone, while third-party monitoring routes alerts through a monitoring centre that then contacts you or emergency services.
3. Is professional monitoring always better?
Not necessarily. Many homeowners prefer self-monitoring for its lower cost, direct alerts, and greater control.
4. Can I switch from third-party to self-monitoring?
Yes, you can. MAS systems like HKC with SecureComm can be configured for self-monitoring, saving you money and keeping full control in your hands.
5. How much does SecureComm monitoring cost?
SecureComm self-monitoring with Midland Alarm Services starts from £12.95 per month, with no long-term contract.
Contact us today for a free consultation to find the right setup for your home security!
The cost of alarm monitoring varies depending on the provider, features, and level of security required. Basic plans start at around $20 per month, while advanced services with video surveillance, mobile alerts, and 24/7 monitoring can cost $50 or more. Investing in alarm monitoring enhances home and business security, deterring intruders and ensuring quick emergency response. For added protection, a professional locksmith can reinforce doors and install high-security locks, creating a comprehensive security system alongside monitored alarms.