Every other PriceScanner guide compares hardware — cameras, locks, doorbells you buy once. Monitored security is different: it's a recurring service, usually equipment plus a monthly fee, where a professional team responds if something trips. If you're weighing whether that's worth it, here's how the major providers stack up.
Quick comparison
| Provider | Equipment | Monthly monitoring | Contract | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADT | Professionally installed kits | Mid-to-high tier | Typically multi-year | Hands-off setup, established brand |
| SimpliSafe | DIY self-install kits | Budget-to-mid tier | No contract required | Renters, no-commitment monitoring |
| Vivint | Professionally installed, smart-home focused | Higher tier | Typically multi-year | Full smart-home integration |
Pricing and contract terms change often — treat this as a starting comparison and confirm current numbers on each provider's site before signing up.
ADT
Largest professional network in the US
- Professional installation included
- 24/7 monitoring with fast dispatch reputation
- Higher monthly cost than DIY alternatives
SimpliSafe
Best if you don't want a long contract
- Self-install in under an hour
- Month-to-month monitoring available
- Take it with you if you move / rent
Vivint
Deepest smart-home integration
- Professional installation and equipment financing options
- Works well alongside smart locks/thermostats
- Premium pricing tier
Monitored vs. self-monitored: which do you actually need?
If your main goal is checking in on a package or pet, the self-monitored cameras and locks compared elsewhere on this site are enough — you get an alert, you look at your phone. Monitored security earns its monthly fee when it matters most: break-ins, fire, and medical emergencies, situations where you might not see the alert in time. If that's the risk you're covering, the monthly cost is the price of someone else always watching.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need professional monitoring, or is a self-monitored camera enough?
Self-monitored cameras send alerts to your phone, but nobody dispatches help if you don't see it. Professional monitoring adds a 24/7 team that calls you and contacts police or fire services automatically.
What does monitored home security typically cost?
Expect separate equipment and monthly monitoring costs — monitoring commonly runs from about $20 to $60 per month depending on the provider and plan tier.
Are long contracts required?
It depends on the provider — some offer month-to-month monitoring, others require a 1–3 year commitment, often in exchange for discounted equipment. Confirm current terms directly with the provider.
Once you've picked a plan, check whether it also lowers your home insurance premium — most monitored systems qualify for a discount.