Compare Wired vs Wireless Security System Costs

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Wired Security Systems

Nothing is as important as protecting your family. A home security system helps ward off potential intruders and offers peace of mind that your loved ones are safe.

There are two types of security systems: wired and wireless. Wired systems are the more traditional of the two, and they’ve been around much longer. A wired system involves sensors that are placed on doors and windows and individually wired to the system’s control panel. Wired systems are powered by electricity.

How Much Do Wired Security Systems Cost?

Wired home security systems require an installation or setup fee and monthly monitoring fees. Installation costs anywhere from $100 to $1,500, depending on the complexity of the system, and the price usually includes basic equipment. Monitoring costs anywhere from $20 to $50 per month.

A basic package that includes up to 10 window and door sensors, a central control panel, a siren and a motion detector would cost about $500 to $750. If you require additional components, budget an extra $50 to $150 each.

Wired Security Systems Pros

• Difficult to disable - With wired systems, components such as the keypad, siren and control panel are placed in different locations throughout the home, making it more difficult for an intruder to disable the system before the alarm company is notified.
• No distance restrictions - Because signals are transmitted via wires, not radio signals, there are no limitations on how far apart system components can be placed. This makes wired systems ideal for larger homes.
• Less maintenance - There are fewer long-term maintenance issues to address with a system that runs on electricity instead of batteries.

Wired Security Systems Cons

• Harder to install - Installing a wired home security system is a complex process. The project is best tackled during a home’s construction; it is much more difficult, time consuming and costly after the fact.
• Not portable - If you move, you won’t be able to take a wired home security system with you to the next place.

Wireless Security System Overview

Wireless home security is a newer technology. Wireless systems use radio waves, not wires or cables, to transmit signals among the control panel, sensors, keypad, etc. They run on battery power instead of electricity. Often, wireless home security systems are sold as all-in-one units.

How Much Does a Wireless Security System Cost?

Wireless home security systems are similarly priced. The systems tend to be more expensive because the technology is newer, but installation is cheaper. Budget anywhere from $100 to $2,000 for equipment and installation, as well as $20 to $50 per month for monitoring.

Wireless Security System Pros

• Easier installation - Wireless home security systems are much easier to install. The process requires no major overhaul of the building’s structure. And wireless systems do not need to be connected to your home’s electrical system. Installation is far less expensive and can often be tackled as a do-it-yourself project.
• Portable - If you move, you can take a wireless home security system with you.
• Easier to change - With a wireless system, it’s much easier to make changes to the system or expand it.

Wireless Security System Cons

• More maintenance - Since wireless systems run on batteries, there’s more long-term maintenance involved. You’ll need to check the battery from time to time and replace it every so often.
• Less reliable - If the radio signal used to transmit information is disrupted, a wireless system can produce false alarms. The signal can be disrupted by other wireless devices such as baby monitors. Wireless systems are also easier to disable because all of the system components are in a single location.
• Distance restrictions - All of the components of a wireless system must be placed near the central control panel to function properly. In very large homes, this can be difficult or impossible.

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