We understand how important it is to feel safe and secure in your own home. Homes and businesses across the UK face burglaries and fire incidents every day, and the right alarm system can act as both a deterrent and an early warning.
Whether you live in a flat, a terraced house, or run a business from your premises, there’s a security alarm system suited to your property.
Different Alarm Systems: What Are Your Options?
Depending on your specific concerns, there are several types of alarm system worth considering:
- Burglar alarms
- CCTV
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- Fire alarms
Carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms are vital, and fairly self-explanatory, so this comparison focuses on burglar alarms and CCTV as the primary security additions homeowners weigh up.
These can be personally monitored by you, via your phone or tablet, 24/7 or a security company can watch the alarm on your behalf and notify you and the police if it’s triggered.
Burglar Alarms
There are several options within burglar alarms: wired or wireless, bell-only or dialler systems, smart home security, or a professional monitoring contract. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
- Bell-only alarms: the bell-only alarm is a more traditional noise-making security system that will be triggered by an unwanted entry into your property. It acts as a visual and audible deterrent, but if intruders aren’t put off, you won’t be alerted directly.
- Simple, affordable, and often DIY to install;
- Acts as a visual and audible deterrent;
- Depends on others hearing, reacting, and alerting the police.
- Smart home security systems: for a more up-to-date option, a smart home security system sends an alert straight to your smartphone or tablet, so you can keep an eye on your property all day, wherever you are. Wi-Fi connectivity lets you control lights, cameras, and motion sensors from a central hub, though the system depends on a stable internet connection .
- Can usually be installed yourself;
- Lets you monitor your home from anywhere, 24/7;
- Relies on a stable wireless signal.
- Dialler burglar systems: a dialler system calls a phone number whenever an intruder triggers the alarm, either to you directly or to nominated contacts, and it can be programmed with multiple numbers, continuing to call until someone answers.
- Provides a direct line to people who can help;
- The nominee can usually just call others who can intervene;
- With multiple numbers set up, there’s still a chance nobody answers.
- Monitoring contracts: with a monitoring contract, a professional alarm company fits a wired or wireless alarm, and you pay for the initial installation plus a regular fee for them to monitor it. The company watches the system 24/7 and contacts the police or a nominated keyholder if it’s triggered.
- A private company monitors and responds to your alarm at any time;
- Adds a regular, ongoing cost on top of installation;
- You (or a keyholder) still need to live close by, even with professional monitoring.
CCTV
CCTV systems are a highly versatile security addition to your home or business property. They can be installed inside, outside, or both, and their presence alone often deters potential intruders.
CCTV has grown more popular as prices have fallen, making it more accessible than it once was.
- Recognisable design makes for an immediate deterrent
- Wireless options allow for a sleek, simple installation
- Affordable entry-level pricing for homeowners
Modern systems let you view footage on your smartphone, tablet, or PC, so you can check in on your property in real time from anywhere.
Compare Monitored Alarm Systems vs Self-Monitored Options
Here’s how the main options stack up against each other, so you can compare home security systems at a glance:
| Alarm Type | Monitoring | Typical Cost | Best For |
| Bell-only | None — visual and audible deterrent only | From around £169-£350 | Budget-conscious homeowners wanting a simple deterrent |
| Smart home security | Self-monitored via app | From around £259 | Homeowners who want visibility from anywhere, with a stable Wi-Fi connection |
| Dialler | Calls nominated contacts automatically | From around £290-£410 | Households who want a direct, personal alert |
| Professionally monitored | 24/7 professional monitoring | From around £100-£200, plus £15-45 a month | Anyone who wants the alarm company to respond on their behalf |
| CCTV | Self- or app-monitored | From around £20 for basic cameras | Added visual deterrent and evidence, alone or alongside an alarm |
Prices are a general guide and will vary by installer and specification, for a full, up-to-date breakdown by type, see our detailed alarm system cost comparison.
There’s no single “best” system across the board. It depends on your budget, your property, and how hands-on you want to be.
Bell-only alarms are cheap and simple but rely on others noticing.
Smart home security gives you 24/7 monitoring from your phone, provided your Wi-Fi is reliable.
Dialler systems offer a direct, personal response, with some risk that nobody answers the call.
Monitoring contracts hand the responsibility to professionals, at a higher ongoing cost.
CCTV is a versatile, recognisable deterrent that works well alone or alongside any of the above.
How Much Do Alarm Systems Cost?
Costs vary significantly depending on your needs and specification. Even the more sophisticated systems, with higher monthly monitoring fees, are typically a fraction of the cost of dealing with a burglary, which is why most homeowners see the investment as worthwhile.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you compare home alarm systems in the UK?
Start by comparing four things: how the system is monitored (self-monitored via app, professionally monitored, or unmonitored bell-only), whether it’s DIY or professionally installed, the total cost including any ongoing fees, and the features that matter to you.
What is the best home alarm system for the money?
It depends on what you value most. A bell-only alarm is the cheapest way to get a visible deterrent. A smart home security system tends to offer the best overall value for homeowners who want app-based monitoring without paying for a professional contract.
If you want maximum reassurance and don’t mind an ongoing cost, a professionally monitored system typically offers the most complete protection.
What is the difference between monitored and unmonitored alarm systems?
An unmonitored system, like a bell-only or self-monitored smart alarm, relies on you, your neighbours, or people passing by to notice the alarm and respond.
A monitored system is watched by a professional security company 24/7, which will contact you, a nominated keyholder, or the police directly if it’s triggered, some monitoring companies will even attend the scene.
What features should you compare when choosing a home alarm?
Look at the type of monitoring (self, dialler, or professional), whether it’s wired or wireless, how it’s installed, any ongoing monthly costs, smart app functionality, and whether it integrates with CCTV. It’s also worth checking whether the installer is accredited by a recognised trade body.
Are smart, app-controlled alarm systems better than traditional ones?
Not necessarily “better”, just different. Smart, app-controlled systems give you 24/7 visibility and control from anywhere, but they depend on a stable Wi-Fi connection, which can be a drawback in rural areas or homes with patchy signal.
A traditional bell-only alarm is simpler, cheaper, and doesn’t rely on connectivity, though it won’t alert you directly if it’s triggered.
Do you need professional monitoring or is self-monitoring enough?
For many homes, self-monitoring is enough, especially if you or a neighbour can respond quickly to an app alert. Professional monitoring is worth the extra cost if your property is often empty, you run a business from the premises, or you simply want the reassurance of a company watching around the clock and liaising with the police on your behalf.
