So here's the thing. When I first set up my home security system, I went full DIY. Self-monitoring, no monthly fees, alerts straight to my phone. I felt like a genius. Then I went on vacation, my phone died on the plane, and I realized maybe having a backup plan isn't the worst idea. I admit it. I was being cheap.
This is one of the biggest decisions you'll make with your security setup. Do you watch things yourself, or pay someone to watch 24/7? Both have real advantages and real trade-offs. Let me break it down honestly.
What Is Self-Monitoring (DIY)?
With self-monitoring, your security system sends alerts directly to your smartphone when a sensor triggers. You see the notification, check the camera feed (hopefully), and decide what to do. Call 911, check in with a family member, or dismiss it as a false alarm. You're the monitoring center. That's it.
Popular DIY-friendly systems include Ring, SimpliSafe (without the monitoring add-on), Wyze, and Abode. They're designed for easy self-installation and typically don't require contracts. I LOVE that part.
What Is Professional Monitoring?
Professional monitoring means a staffed center receives your alarm signals 24/7. When a sensor triggers, trained operators try to verify the alarm (usually by calling your home or checking camera feeds) and then dispatch police, fire, or EMS as needed. If they can't reach you, they send help anyway. That last part is kind of the whole point.
Major providers like ADT, Vivint, SimpliSafe (with monitoring plan), and Cove Smart all offer this. Monthly fees typically run $15 to $45 depending on what's included.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | DIY / Self-Monitoring | Professional Monitoring |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $0 to $10 | $15 to $45 |
| Response time | Depends on you | 30 seconds to 2 minutes |
| 24/7 coverage | Only when you're awake/available | Yes, always |
| Police dispatch | You call 911 | Center dispatches for you |
| False alarm handling | You assess yourself | Center verifies before dispatching |
| Insurance discount | Usually not eligible | 5 to 20% homeowner's discount |
| Contract required | Rarely | Sometimes (varies by provider) |
When DIY Monitoring Makes Sense
- You're on a tight budget and can't justify $20+ per month for monitoring. Totally fair.
- You're tech-savvy and comfortable managing alerts, checking cameras, and calling authorities yourself.
- You live in a low-crime area where the risk of a serious break-in is minimal. (Check your local crime stats to verify.)
- You're home most of the time and can respond to alerts quickly.
- You want no contracts and maximum flexibility. I get it.
When Professional Monitoring Makes Sense
- You live in a higher-crime area. Cities like Salt Lake City (crime rate 62 per 1,000) have property crime rates that make professional response genuinely valuable.
- You travel frequently or are away from home during the day.
- You want insurance discounts. Many homeowner's insurance policies offer 5 to 20% discounts for professionally monitored systems. This alone can offset much of the monthly cost (imho).
- You have a family and want the peace of mind that someone is always watching, even at 3 AM.
- You want fire and CO monitoring in addition to intrusion detection. Smoke and carbon monoxide alerts through professional monitoring means faster emergency response. That's a big deal.
The Hybrid Approach
And here's where it gets interesting. Some providers now offer on-demand or part-time professional monitoring. With services like SimpliSafe's plan structure, you can self-monitor most of the time and activate professional monitoring only when you go on vacation or leave town. Best of both worlds? Pretty close.
The Bottom Line
There's no universally "right" answer here. If you're in a safe neighborhood and always have your phone handy, DIY monitoring works great. If you live somewhere with higher crime rates, travel often, or just want a guaranteed safety net, professional monitoring is worth the investment. Many people start with self-monitoring and upgrade later. That's totally fine.
Whatever you choose, having any security system (monitored or not) is significantly better than having none. Start with the basics covered in our Home Security Basics guide, and build from there. You've got this.