How to Choose the Right Setup for Your Home
If you’re shopping for a home security system, you’ll hit this fork in the road fast:
Do you want professional monitoring, or do you want to monitor alerts yourself?
Both can protect your home. The real difference is what happens after an alarm goes off and how much responsibility you want on your shoulders in the moment.
Our experts are breaking down pros, cons, cost considerations, must-have features, and real-life scenarios so you can choose with confidence.
So What Are the Two Options Exactly?
Monitored home security system
A professionally monitored system is connected to a monitoring center. When a sensor trips (door, motion, glass break) or a safety device triggers (smoke/CO), the monitoring center receives the signal and can contact you and dispatch emergency services when needed.
Self-monitored or unmonitored home security system
A self-monitored system sends notifications directly to your phone. You’re responsible for checking the alert and calling for help if it’s a real emergency.
Professionally monitored systems
Pros and cons
| Pros of monitored systems | Cons of monitored systems |
|---|---|
| 24/7 response, even if your phone is on silent, dead, or you’re asleep. | Monthly monitoring fee (cost varies by setup and services). |
| Faster emergency response because professionals can dispatch help. | Some providers require contracts (not always, but it’s common). |
| Coverage during travel, meetings, school pickup, or spotty cell service. | You’ll want to confirm what’s included (burglary only vs burglary + fire/CO). |
| Peace of mind for families, older adults, or anyone who doesn’t want to “manage alerts.” | Not every provider offers the same response process or customer support. |
| Often qualifies for homeowner’s insurance discounts. |
Best for: families, frequent travelers, second homes, higher-risk properties, and anyone who wants the “someone always has eyes on it” version of security.
Self-monitored systems
Pros and cons
| Pros of self-monitored systems | Cons of self-monitored systems |
|---|---|
| No monitoring fee in many cases (some have optional paid tiers). | If you miss the alert, no one else is notified. |
| You stay in full control of notifications and response. | You’re the dispatcher — you have to confirm and call for help. |
| Great for tech-comfortable homeowners who keep their phone close. | Delays can happen if you’re driving, in a meeting, sleeping, or out of service. |
| Often faster to get started (DIY install). | More false-alarm fatigue if settings aren’t dialed in. |
| Can still include wireless home security camera systems and smart home features. | Some systems don’t include professional setup, placement guidance, or ongoing support. |
Best for: homeowners who are usually reachable, want lower ongoing costs, and are comfortable managing alerts and settings.
Cost: what you’re really paying for
Pricing depends on equipment, camera count, storage needs, and installation — but here’s the practical difference:
Self-monitored costs often include
- Equipment cost (cameras, sensors, smart locks, etc.)
- Optional cloud storage fees for video
- Optional “premium app” subscription tiers
Monitored costs often include
- Equipment cost (same types of devices)
- Professional installation and configuration (depending on provider)
- Monthly monitoring fee for 24/7 response and dispatch support
If you’re comparing quotes, ask whether the monitoring includes fire and carbon monoxide alarms, or only burglary. That one detail changes the value significantly.
Real-world scenarios: what should you choose?
If you travel often or have a second home
Monitored systems usually make more sense because you can’t guarantee you’ll catch every alert quickly.
If you have kids, older family members, or want emergency coverage beyond break-ins
Professional monitoring is typically a better fit, especially when fire/CO is part of the plan.
If you work from home and keep your phone close
Self monitoring can work well if you’re comfortable being the decision-maker and calling for help when needed.
If you’ve had “notification fatigue” before
A monitored setup can reduce stress because you’re not expected to verify every situation yourself.
The truth about home security systems
Most people don’t regret buying security. They regret buying a system that doesn’t match their life.
If you want the simplest way to decide, use this:
- Choose self-monitored if you want lower ongoing costs and you’re confident you’ll respond fast.
- Choose monitored if you want coverage when you’re unavailable and prefer automatic help in an emergency.
Talk it through with Advantage Security
If you’re not sure which direction to go, we’ll help you compare options based on your home, your routine, and what you want the system to do for you, not just what looks good on a product page.
Want a simple recommendation? We can walk you through the trade-offs and recommend a setup that fits your home and budget. Talk with our experts today.