What Is the Cheapest Home Alarm System?

Motion Sensors

• The cheapest home alarm system, without considering features or effectiveness, is a basic motion sensor. These sensors, which include optical sensors that detect movement when they are turned on and speakers that produce an alarm sound, cost less than $20 in some cases. More sophisticated motion sensors cost between $20 and $100. In each case, the motion sensor will alert you to motion in an area of your yard where you have a sensor installed. Multiple sensors can cover your home's perimeter and make it impossible for anyone to approach a window or door unknown to you.

Front Door Systems

• Full-feature home alarm systems cover a wide range of prices. The cheapest are those that only monitor a single point of entry, usually your front door. These alarms, which use wall-mounted control consoles, typically cost several hundred dollars. Unlike motion sensors, they are full alarm systems, including the ability to arm and disarm the alarm from the console. Home alarm systems become more expensive once you add coverage for additional doors, windows and integrated motion sensors.

Systems Without Contracts

• Some of the cheapest home alarm systems, over long periods of time, are those that come without service contracts. In some cases alarm installation companies offer free alarm systems, free installation and other perks in exchange for signing a long-term contract. These contracts can last for several years and require you to pay a monthly monitoring fee for the system to remain active. This means that you actually pay for the alleged free alarm over the course of many months, which usually results in a higher total cost. Contract-free systems, including those that don't have monthly fees or monitoring services, are much less expensive in the long run.

Cost Considerations

• When you compare prices on home alarm systems, the first number you encounter may not be useful for making a decision. Some alarm systems require professional installation, which can be expensive if the alarms connect to your home's electrical wiring or telephone system. In other cases, a home alarm system will make you eligible for a discount on your homeowners insurance, which may make a more expensive alarm affordable. Speak to your insurance provider and ask about installation costs and monitoring fees before you select an alarm on a budget.