I recently set up a Ring home system, consisting of a hardwired front doorbell and a single battery cam for the back door, for a friend who lives in a busy neighborhood. It’s a relatively safe place to live, and she wanted to keep costs down, so she opted for a no-subscription home security system that allows her to monitor both doors using the free Ring app. She chose this inexpensive setup because her main purpose was to identify callers before opening the door.
That’s not all a security system can do, of course. A fully tricked-out subscription service can monitor all parts of a property and alert authorities in case of an intruder, a fire or some other emergency. But not everyone needs that level of protection or wants to pay the monthly fee to get it. Besides that, a professionally monitored system can send false alarms, which can get you in trouble with first responders and neighbors.
We spoke with Hooman Shahidi of SimpliSafe to get an idea of the benefits and drawbacks of a no subscription home security system. If you’re considering installing a new security system and aren’t sure whether to go with the subscription package or monitor the system yourself, this post is for you.
Why Do Most Home Security Systems Have Subscription Services?
The subscription service brings your security hardware to the next level, says Shahidi. If one of your sensors trips whether a smoke alarm or burglary sensor a professional monitoring service will jump into action and ensure appropriate help is sent to mitigate any damage. Without a subscription, you’re on your own, “which can be challenging during a scary situation or impossible if you’re away from your phone and don’t see the alarm notification on your home security app.”
Most subscription services include cloud storage of video footage, which is an additional feature that helps investigators determine the causes of damage and identify intruders.
According to Ackerman Security Systems of Atlanta, you should expect to pay between $30 to $60 monthly for a subscription, although some companies offer plans for as little as $20 while other plans can cost as much as $100 per month.
Are There Home Security Systems Without Subscriptions?
“Professional monitoring subscriptions are often optional when purchasing a home security system,” says Shahidi.
When you buy security hardware, such as doorbells, cameras and sensors, you can usually download a free app that allows you to self-monitor without a subscription. Shahidi affirms this is true for SimpliSafe, and my friend is now happily monitoring her Ring system from her mobile device.
Besides SimpliSafe and Ring, the following brands offer free apps that allow you to use their equipment without a subscription:
- Safewise
- Vivint
- Cove
- Brinks Home
- ADT
No-Subcription Home Security System Benefits
Shahidi says he always recommends subscribing to a professional monitoring plan, but that doesn’t mean going it alone is without benefits. Here are some of them:
- No fees: This may be the only motivation budget-conscious homeowners need.
- No false alarm penalties: False alarms waste emergency response resources and can lead to fines in some communities.
- Put equipment where you want it: You can move cameras and sensors around at will in response to changing security needs.
- Portability: Moving to another property? Pack up your security equipment and take it with you.
No-Subscription Home Security System Drawbacks
Without a subscription, you won’t get the full protection a security company offers, and you’ll miss out on many available perks. Skipping the subscription means:
- No help with equipment or installation: If you don’t understand how a piece of equipment works or where to put it, well… you’re on your own. Maybe you can find help on YouTube.
- No backup protection and more stress: Without professional monitoring, you have to check your device to find out if something is happening that you need to know about. Who needs more device time?
- Limited connection to emergency services: If something does happen that calls for a response, it’s up to you to make the appropriate calls. “Professional support,” says Shahidi, “ensures that the right emergency help will be sent to the home quickly to address the problem at hand.”
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Is a Subscription or No-Subscription Home Security System Right for Me?
This depends on several factors, including your ability to set up a security system yourself and your willingness to commit to a monthly payment. Not the least important factor is the level of protection you want, based on the neighborhood in which you live.
You don’t need professional monitoring if, like the friend for whom I just set up a system, you live in a safe neighborhood, and you just want to know who’s at the door. While you do need some skill to install security hardware for such minimal protection, you don’t need much, and you can probably do it yourself. What’s more, self-monitoring software is free and easy to use.
If, on the other hand, you live in a neighborhood where crime is a concern, professional monitoring can make the difference between suffering major damage or having responders arrive in time to prevent the worst from happening. Case in point: My brother-in-law used to live in a dangerous neighborhood, and he was asleep when arsonists set fire to his garage. Even though camera footage helped police catch the perpetrators, significant damage was done, and remote monitoring could have prevented it.
FAQ
Is no-subcription home security system equipment cheaper?
No-subscription security system equipment is not necessarily cheaper, says Shahidi. “Today, a wide variety of home security systems are available depending on your specific budget and home security needs.” The main difference between a subscription and no-subscription home security system is the monthly cost of professional monitoring.
About the Expert
- Hooman Shahidi is the Chief Product Officer at SimpliSafe.
Source
- Ackerman Security Systems: How Much Do Home Security Systems Cost Per Month?; 2024.
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