Home Security: The Complete UK Guide 2026
Alarm systems, smart cameras, video doorbells, and monitored security – protect your home with the right system.
What home security costs in the UK
There are two pricing models, and they behave differently once you look past year one. A DIY kit is bought outright, and monitoring, if you want it, is a separate optional fee you can stop at any time. A professionally installed system usually bundles the hardware into a monthly charge with a minimum term, so the equipment looks free at the door and is paid for over three or four years. The table is a cost reference across the providers UK households ask about most.
| System | Type | Equipment cost | Monthly monitoring | Minimum contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ring Alarm | DIY, optional monitoring | £220–£400 | £0–£10 | None |
| SimpliSafe | DIY, optional monitoring | £250–£500 | £0–£25 | None |
| Verisure (Yale Smart) | Professional install and monitoring | £0, rented | £33–£49 | 36–48 months |
| ADT | Professional install and monitoring | Included in the fee | £28–£48 | 24–36 months |
| Eufy Security | DIY, self-monitored | £200–£500 | £0 | None |
| Arlo | DIY cameras | £100–£400 | £0–£13 | None |
Which of these is the better buy is a separate question, and it is answered on its own page. Best home security systems in the UK reviews all six in detail, with what each one gets right and where it falls short.
Monitored vs Unmonitored Security
| Feature | Self-Monitored (DIY) | Professionally Monitored |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Alerts sent to your phone; you decide what to do | Monitoring centre contacts you, dispatches response |
| Monthly cost | £0–£10/month | £20–£50/month |
| Response time | Depends on you seeing the alert | Under 60 seconds (centre contacts you) |
| Police response | You call 999 yourself | Some include keyholder/police dispatch |
| When you’re away | May miss alerts if busy or asleep | 24/7 coverage regardless |
| Best for | Budget-conscious, tech-savvy homeowners | Families, frequent travellers, high-value homes |
| Installation | DIY (1–2 hours) | Professional (2–4 hours) |
| Contract | Usually none | 12–48 months typical |
Home Security Equipment Guide
| Device | What It Does | Cost Range | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video doorbell | See and speak to visitors; records motion at front door | £50–£200 | Important |
| Outdoor camera | Records/deters activity around your property | £60–£250 | Important |
| Door/window sensors | Alerts when doors or windows are opened | £15–£30 each | Important |
| Motion sensor | Detects movement inside your home | £20–£50 each | Important |
| Indoor camera | Monitors inside rooms; two-way talk | £30–£150 | Useful |
| Smart lock | Keyless entry, remote access, auto-lock | £150–£350 | Convenient |
| Siren/alarm | Loud deterrent when triggered | £30–£80 | Important |
| Smoke/CO detector | Fire and carbon monoxide alerts | £30–£100 | Safety important |
| Smart lights | Simulate occupancy; motion-triggered | £10–£50 per bulb | Good deterrent |
What a video doorbell costs, with and without a subscription
The purchase price is the smaller half of the decision. Most doorbells store their footage in the maker’s cloud and charge a monthly fee for it, and a few keep the recordings on a card or a base station in your house at no ongoing cost. Over five years the subscription can outrun the hardware.
| Doorbell | Resolution | Power | Subscription | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ring Battery Doorbell Plus | 1536p HD | Battery or wired | £3.49/mo, optional | £130 |
| Google Nest Doorbell | 960p HDR | Battery or wired | £0–£5/mo | £180 |
| Eufy Doorbell Dual | 2K | Battery or wired | Free, local storage | £180 |
| Ring Video Doorbell | 1080p | Battery | £3.49/mo, optional | £60 |
| Arlo Essential | 1080p | Wired | £0–£4.49/mo | £80 |
For the models that carry no monthly fee at all, see the best video doorbells with no subscription. If the camera will point anywhere near a pavement or a neighbour’s property, the GDPR rules on video doorbells explain what you are obliged to do.
Pros and Cons
Benefits of Home Security
- Visible cameras deter 60%+ of burglars
- Get instant alerts for suspicious activity
- Monitor your home from anywhere via smartphone
- Can reduce home insurance premiums (10–20%)
- DIY systems easy to install – no drilling needed
- Smart home integration (Alexa, Google, HomeKit)
- Video evidence helps police investigations
- Reassurance when away or sleeping
Considerations
- Ongoing subscription costs for cloud storage/monitoring
- Wi-Fi dependent – poor signal means poor performance
- Battery cameras need recharging every 2–6 months
- False alerts from pets, weather, or passing traffic
- Privacy considerations with neighbours (camera placement)
- Professional systems require long contracts
- Police response not guaranteed for unverified alarms
- Cloud storage raises data privacy questions
UK Burglary Statistics
| Statistic | Figure |
|---|---|
| Burglaries in England & Wales (2023/24) | 267,000+ |
| Average cost of a burglary to the victim | £3,030 |
| Most common entry point | Back door (38%), windows (26%) |
| Peak burglary time | October–January, between 10am–3pm |
| Homes without security are… | 3x more likely to be burgled |
| Burglar deterrence rate for visible cameras | 60%+ would avoid a property with cameras |
| Average police response time for burglary | Often no attendance for low-priority calls |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to tell neighbours about my security cameras?
If your cameras capture footage beyond your property boundary (including neighbours’ gardens, paths, or the public pavement), you’re subject to UK GDPR and data protection laws. Best practice: point cameras only at your property, use privacy zones to mask neighbour areas, and put up a small sign saying CCTV is in operation.
Do home security systems reduce insurance premiums?
Many insurers offer 10–20% discounts for homes with monitored alarm systems. NSI or SSAIB-approved systems carry the most weight. Always tell your insurer about your security setup and ask for a re-quote. DIY systems may not qualify for the full discount.
What’s the best security system with no monthly fees?
Eufy is the standout option – their cameras store footage locally on a base station with no cloud subscription needed. Ring and Arlo have limited free tiers, but you lose features like video history without a subscription. For a full alarm system, Eufy’s HomeBase setup gives you sensors, cameras, and a siren with zero ongoing costs.
Can I install a security system in a rented property?
Yes – wireless, battery-powered systems like Ring Alarm and SimpliSafe require no drilling and can move with you. Stick-up cameras and doorbell cameras can use adhesive mounts. Always check your tenancy agreement and inform your landlord. Wired systems typically need landlord permission.
How reliable is Wi-Fi-based security?
Very reliable if you have strong Wi-Fi coverage. Use a mesh Wi-Fi system if signal is weak near cameras. Battery cameras use low-bandwidth connections and handle brief dropouts well. For maximum reliability, consider a system with a cellular backup (SimpliSafe and Ring offer this) or local storage that works offline.
Home Security Buyer’s Checklist
- Assess your home’s vulnerable points: doors, windows, rear access
- Decide between DIY (flexible, no contract) or professional (full coverage)
- Choose video doorbell + outdoor cameras as your minimum setup
- Check your Wi-Fi coverage reaches all camera locations
- Compare subscription costs – they add up over years
- Consider local storage options to avoid ongoing cloud fees
- Check smart home compatibility (Alexa, Google, HomeKit)
- Make sure cameras comply with UK GDPR and don’t film neighbours
- Ask your insurer about premium discounts for security systems
- Test your system regularly and keep firmware updated
Secure Your Home Today
Compare home security systems and find the right level of protection for your home and budget.