Monitored vs Unmonitored Security Systems

With crime increasing due to faltering economic conditions around the globe, it is no secret that residential and commercial property owners are looking towards more comprehensive security solutions.

When it comes to security systems, you have the choice to either go for unmonitored or monitored systems. Both setups work to reduce threats such as crime, but there is a fundamental difference in how much security and safety these systems provide.

Monitored systems employ the use of professional security operators who can remotely monitor your property 24/7/365, while unmonitored setups are ideal for fewer or simpler security requirements.

Read below to learn more about monitored vs unmonitored security systems, how they compare, and which one you should choose for your property:

WHAT IS SECURITY SYSTEM MONITORING?

Modern security system monitoring uses data from specialised sensors/alarms that are connected to a central monitoring station. This data is processed in real-time by professionals to determine threats in a property.

All data is monitored by a physical off-site location called an Alarm Receiving Centre or ARC. When the station detects any untoward incident, such as a break-in, fire, or vandalism, it notifies the security team and, in some cases, emergency responders such as the police and fire and rescue services.

Monitoring adds a layer of security that enables property owners to keep their investment and assets safe, even if they aren’t around to keep an eye.

Monitoring setups also significantly cut down on false alarms, and the fact that every event is first verified enables monitored systems to be highly efficient and effective.

MONITORED VS UNMONITORED SECURITY SYSTEMS COMPARED

Unmonitored security systems, also called self-monitored security systems, offer a straightforward approach to security for homeowners and businesses.

Since these systems are not monitored by a third party, they rely on the owners or other people in charge of the property to take action as soon as the security systems detect any suspicious activity. An alert is sent to the relevant individual(s) via an audible/visual alarm, message, or notification on their mobile device, after which they can take relevant action based on the information on hand.

Monitored systems, on the other hand, offer a high level of security from the get-go and are quickly becoming the gold standard for property owners. These systems work exactly like unmonitored security systems, with the additional feature of being monitored 24/7 by a professional monitoring service.

In the event of the security system being triggered, the professional monitoring station contacts the property owners/managers, nominated individuals, keyholders, or sometimes even the police in case of a break-in. These systems are a great choice for larger properties with more complex security requirements or properties that are in high-risk or secluded areas.

Here is a comparison between monitored and unmonitored security systems:

WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

Your choice will come down to the individual requirements and expectations that you have for the security system on your property.

Generally, we recommend going with a monitored setup if you travel frequently or leave your property unattended for long periods.

You should also consider going for monitored services if you own a high-value home or business. Monitored services give you a higher peace of mind and offer hands-off security with a guaranteed response.

As for unmonitored setups, you should go with these simpler systems if you are on a tight budget and if someone is usually at the property. This can be a loved one for residential properties or employees/workers for commercial properties.

Unmonitored setups are great if you can manage control of the security system in your property. With this setup, you can enjoy no monthly fees while fulfilling the basic insurance requirement for your property.

However, keep in mind that insurance companies can dictate different terms and can set requirements which may only give you a little freedom when choosing the type of security system for your property.

Make sure that you consult with a security company like Calder Security to get a better idea of the type and level of security required for your property. Professional consultation can also help you decide if you need monitored or unmonitored services for your security system.

IMPORTANT SUBTYPES OF SECURITY SYSTEMS

Smart security systems are a great choice if you want modern security with advanced features. These systems are usually unmonitored, but they use intelligent features to give you more utility than unmonitored systems.

Smart systems continuously scan the area for threats and automatically take photos and videos when the system detects a break-in. These systems can also send out a notification to the users with video proof so that you can take quick action.

Smart security systems can also be integrated with other systems in your property. For instance, the smart alarm system can be integrated with smart lights, which can automatically turn on to intimidate intruders in the event of an alarm trigger.

With smart security, you can also keep an eye on your property from anywhere in the world, so long as you have a good internet connection and access to the security dashboard of your system on your phone or laptop.

All of these systems are available in both wired and wireless versions.

Wired security systems have historically been prized for their reliability and robustness. They generally have a higher installation cost due to high labour costs, but they provide crisp and lag-free surveillance.

Wireless systems, on the other hand, use Wi-Fi or radio frequency to connect to the sensors. They are the default choice for people who want monitored services and are easier to install due to the absence of cables and wires, which results in low labour costs and, therefore, low installation costs.

Due to their flexibility, convenience, and ease of use, wireless security systems have become increasingly popular for business use. Since there are no wires to cut, they are considered more secure and much harder to bypass and tamper with.

These systems do, however, have a higher maintenance cost since they work on batteries that need to be replaced every couple of years.

TYPES OF MONITORING

Yes, there are different types of monitoring as well! Here are the two primary types that you can choose from when going with monitored setups:

Keyholder monitoring

In simple terms, keyholders are trustworthy people, such as family and friends, who have keys to your property and are nominated to be notified by the monitoring service in the event of an alarm trigger.

Key holder monitoring is great because it keeps everyone in the loop and allows for a greater level of security. Please keep in mind that you must carefully choose your keyholders.

Ideally, keyholders should be responsible family members who live within 20 minutes of your monitored property. There are professional keyholding services available as well, where a professional SIA guard is sent to your property to check the situation.

You may want to use a key holding service if your property is unoccupied or when you’re away on holiday. This option will give you the peace of mind of having all alerts checked out by a professional.

Outsourcing keyholding services means hiring a trained professional to take over the keyholding responsibilities in the event of a security breach or safety incident. They are experts in the field who know and understand proper security procedures and protocols, have the required technical knowledge to troubleshoot any issues on site, and offer guaranteed availability and response.

Police monitoring

Police monitoring removes the keyholders from the equation and directly notifies the police for prompt action. When an alarm is verified, the authorities are contacted automatically, and the police arrive at the premises and take control of everything from there.

Police monitoring setups require very accurate verification. In the UK, if you accumulate three or more false alarm activations within a year, the police will withdraw their response for your security system, as per policy. To reinstate your privileges, you will have to fix the issue or upgrade your system.

As mentioned above, a professional monitoring service, such as the one offered by Calder Security, ensures that the risk is eliminated and the police are called only for verified alarm activations.

MONITORED SECURITY SYSTEM COSTS

So, with all these benefits, how much do monitored security systems cost?

Monitored services have become more affordable, but the total cost will depend on several factors, such as the size and complexity of your property and security system.

However, the cost alone should never deter you from opting for professional monitoring. We’ve explained the benefits of this service throughout this guide, and while it may warrant additional charges, these costs are well worth it in the long run.

With crime on the rise, there is no doubt that you should have a pair of extra eyes and ears on your commercial or residential property.

Here are some of the most important monitored security system cost factors that you should keep in mind in 2026:

Size of the property

The bigger your property is and the more its security needs are, the more complex the security system will be. This translates to higher associated costs, including professional installation, maintenance, and monitoring services.

A smaller residential property in a relatively safer area would require less extensive security measures, compared to a large business setup in a high-risk area. The latter would most likely need non-stop surveillance and professional emergency response services to reduce the likelihood of security risks.

The complexity of the system

A security system is made up of several individual security devices, some of which include alarm systems, CCTV cameras, and access control systems. These devices work in tandem with each other to form a unified security system that offers protection from all kinds of security and safety risks.

The cost of a monitored security system is directly proportional to the number of security devices in the system and their level of complexity. A simple system with a singular alarm and CCTV camera would require much less in terms of monitoring operatives, compared to a system with several alarms, CCTVs, and advanced access control.

Monitoring type and fee

There are different types of professional monitoring services: keyholder monitoring and police monitoring. Some services only alert the property owners. The cost for the monitored security system will depend on the type of monitoring you opt for.

Most professional monitoring services offer different monthly or annual packages/plans for their customers based on the type of monitoring and any extra features, such as emergency keyholding and rapid response. The average monthly charges may start from £18 to £25 and go up depending on the monitoring plan you go with.

Since there are several factors that go into the total cost of monitored security systems, the best way to get a more precise breakdown is to consult with your security company.

A professional security company like Calder Security will help you design a monitored security system perfect for your property’s needs. This includes all aspects of installation as well as monitoring, maintenance, and repair.

The scope of the work will be decided during the initial contract stage, where the costs will be shared, and the scope will be locked. Once the system is installed, professionals can link the system through a network and assign a monitoring team within a few hours.

WHY CHOOSE CALDER SECURITY FOR YOUR SECURITY SYSTEM NEEDS?

At Calder Security, we provide a comprehensive range of security solutions that include not just professional installation but also monitoring, maintenance, and repair services.

We are members of the Master Locksmith Association (MLA), approved members of the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB), and also conform to all the relevant British and EU Standards. We follow all the best practices in the industry and install only high-quality, state-of-the-art security systems.

We offer various levels of monitoring via a 24-hour monitoring centre manned by security professionals who perform checks to confirm the alarm, notify the keyholder(s) and, if appropriate, alert the police.

We understand the importance of regularly maintaining security systems since the inability to do so might result in serious faults and consequent vulnerabilities in your property’s security.

We provide professional maintenance checks and reminders for when the checks are due to help you stay compliant with the law, and work fast to restore your security systems to excellent condition.

We offer a 24-hour call-out service for customers and can also repair systems not installed by us. Our engineers are highly skilled and can restore faulty systems to full working order in one visit.

Contact us here or call us at 0800 612 9799 to talk to our experts for more information on monitored and unmonitored security systems, how they compare, and how to choose the right one for your property.

Photo by Joylynn Goh on Unsplash