Wired vs. Wireless Home Security Systems, You want to do everything you can to keep your home, your family, and yourself safe. A great home security system can help you deter unwanted visitors, keep an eye on your loved ones, and call for help in case of an emergency.

A home security alarm system can either be wired or wireless. A wired system is tied into your home’s electrical system. It uses a coaxial cable to send video footage to a central storage machine. A wireless system uses a Wi-Fi internet connection, Z-Wave technology, or Zigbee mechanics to allow communication between devices.

This guide aims to help you pick the right type of system for your home. We explain the pros and cons of each type of home alarm system and discuss the key differences between them.

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Pros and cons of wired home security systems

A wired home security system consists of a series of cameras, motion sensors, and other security devices that need to be manually connected to your home’s wiring system. Attaching a device to your home’s electrical wiring can be difficult unless you have some electrical expertise. That’s why wired systems generally require professional installation.

Here are a few benefits of having a wired security system.

• Wired systems are very hard to hack because they can’t be accessed through a wireless connection. For instance, a hacker would have to physically interact with your recording device or microSD card to see footage from your home security camera.

• Wired systems can send strong signals over a large space, like a big house or office building. Signals that travel over a wired connection can also be faster and more secure than information that runs through Wi-Fi.

• You won’t have to watch your system’s battery life. Wired systems rely on your home’s electrical system for power rather than batteries.

• Wired systems can record video if your internet goes out. Because wired systems don’t rely on wireless internet, they can still operate if your internet signal is interrupted.

Here are some disadvantages of having a wired security system.

• Installation for a wired system can be intrusive and expensive. An installer will usually have to drill into your walls to connect the security system to your electrical wiring.

• You normally can’t take a wired system with you if you move. A wired system is very hard to transport. It’s generally a permanent fixture for a house.

• You can’t control a wired system remotely. A wired system will normally have a stationary control panel somewhere in your home, but it won’t have a mobile app that lets you control it remotely.

• Exposed wires can be an eyesore. Sometimes, it can be hard to conceal all the wires that connect the sensors and cameras in a wired system.

• Wired systems depend on telephone lines. An intruder can deactivate a wired system by snipping the phone line.

Pros and cons of wireless home security systems

Devices in a wireless home security system use Wi-Fi internet to communicate with one another. If you want your security system to be part of a wider smart home setup, then a wireless home security system is your best bet.

Here are some benefits of having a wireless home security kit.

• Wireless systems are much simpler than wired ones to DIY because you don’t have to drill into your walls or connect wires. However, a professional will be able to help you mount your equipment for maximum effectiveness.

• A wireless system can be accessed remotely using a mobile app on your smartphone. You can control your system and watch security video clips from wherever you are. A wireless system can send you notifications when there’s suspicious activity, like when someone activates your floodlight.

• You can take your wireless system with you anywhere. If your living situation changes, it’s easy to transport your wireless security system to a new place.

• A wireless system can be controlled in numerous ways. You can access it from a touch-screen base station, a keypad, a mobile device, or even a program like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.

• Wireless systems normally use cloud storage, so footage is automatically backed up. Cloud storage also means you can access your footage online.

• It’s easier to add new devices to a wireless system. You can conveniently add cameras, sensors, or other equipment to your wireless system without connecting them through your home’s internal wiring system.

• Devices in a wireless system can have compatibility with other smart home devices. This gives you a whole home automation experience. For instance, you could program your smart locks to lock, your motion detection sensors to activate, and your thermostat to automatically bring the temperature to 68 degrees at 10:30 p.m.

Here are some disadvantages of using a wireless system.

• It’s possible to hack a wireless system. You can greatly reduce this risk if you have a strong password to protect your Wi-Fi.

• Wireless signals have a higher risk of getting lost and travel somewhat slower than signals in wired systems.

• Many wireless systems are battery-powered. You’ll have to replace batteries to keep your system working.

• A wireless system may not work if your Wi-Fi router is down. However, some systems can use a cellular connection to operate during a power outage.

Wired vs. wireless home security systems: Key differences

Now that you know some of the pros and cons of wired and wireless systems, let’s recap some of the main differences between them.

Wireless systems are simple to install. Wired systems need to be manually connected to your home’s electrical wiring and almost always need to be installed by an expert. You might be able to DIY your wireless system installation.

Wireless systems can be monitored and managed remotely, while wired systems can’t. This is because wired systems send information through coaxial cables inside your home, while wireless systems use a Wi-Fi internet connection to communicate. Wired systems, however, can send information faster and more securely.

A wired system will typically store a video recording on a local storage device, like a digital video recorder (DVR). This allows the system to record video even when the internet isn’t working. You can connect the DVR to your internet using an ethernet cable if you want to store a clip online.

A wireless system will generally store a video clip directly to cloud storage. Footage stored on a cloud server can easily be viewed and shared online. Security companies typically charge a monthly fee for cloud storage.

A wireless security camera system can be part of a larger smart home setup while a wired system can’t. Wireless systems have functionality that lets them connect to and operate with various smart devices.

What’s the best home security system?

Everyone has unique needs when it comes to home security. Your ideal system might look completely different than somebody else’s. The best home security system for you will depend on a number of personal factors.

• Where you live: Not everywhere has quality Wi-Fi internet. A wired system might be a solid option if you live in a rural area where a reliable wireless internet connection is difficult to find.

• Your living situation: If you live in a rental property, your landlord may not be happy if you drill into the walls to install a wired security system.

• Remote access: You’ll need to have a wireless system with a reliable mobile app if you want to check in on your home, family, or pets while you’re at work or on vacation.

• The features and add-ons you need: Do you want weatherproof outdoor cameras or an indoor camera with color night vision? Maybe you need a video doorbell with two-way audio to talk to delivery drivers. Security systems have a variety of features.

• How you want your system installed: DIY home security systems can lower installation costs, but a professional installer will have the skills to connect your system so it gives you the maximum amount of protection possible.

• How much you’re willing to spend: Wireless system devices are typically more expensive than those in a wired one. However, installation for a wired system often costs more than installation for a wireless system. Take both factors into account when budgeting. A system with an extended warranty may also be able to save you money over time.

• Your smart devices: If you have an interconnected smart home, you’ll need wireless security devices that can interact with it. Finding devices that share connectivity can require some research.

Discover leading home security system solutions from

If you’re looking for motion detectors, entry sensors, window sensors, security cameras, or any other smart home security system tools, Vivint has you covered. Our experts will help you build the best wireless security system to meet your home protection needs and give you peace of mind.

Monitored vs. Self-Monitored Home Security Systems: What You Should Know

If you worry about your home’s security, you’re not alone. A home security system is an extremely common investment among homeowners. Having an effective system in place can go a long way toward keeping the people in your life and your valuables safe.

There are many things to decide when getting home security system. One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is whether you need professional monitoring from a security company.

This guide aims to make it easier for you to choose between a monitored or self-monitored home security system. We’ll tell you how each type of system works and provide helpful information so you can make an informed choice.

How does a monitored home security system work?

When you have a professionally monitored system, you pay a monthly fee for a security company to respond to potential emergencies. The security company will try to contact you whenever a safety or security device is triggered. If you can’t be reached, they’ll automatically call emergency services, like the police or fire department, to visit your home.

Monitored systems are fully automated. They keep an eye on your home so you have peace of mind around the clock. A monitored system can protect your home in a number of different emergencies, from break-ins to fires to carbon monoxide leaks.

Here’s an example of how the system works: An intruder shatters your window, activating your glass-break sensors. Your home alarm system is activated and sends an alert to your security company’s call center. After a short waiting period, your provider contacts you to see if you’re OK. If you don’t answer, the company automatically calls the police department so they can investigate your home.

But what happens if there’s not a break-in? Let’s say your dog is running around your living room at night and triggers your motion sensors. When your monitoring team calls to make sure you’re alright, you give them your security code to stop them from calling the authorities. You disarm your alarm and go back to bed.

Sometimes, however, you may not be able to answer your phone. Let’s say your kids set off your smoke detector while they’re trying to cook French toast for your birthday breakfast. By the time the smoke alarm wakes you up, your monitoring service has already called the fire department.

While monitored systems offer the most dependable and convenient protection available, they may increase the likelihood that false alarms will cause emergency services to be dispatched to your home. But your monitored system will be there for you and your home at all times, keeping you safe and giving you peace of mind while you go about your everyday life.

How does a self-monitored home security system work?

When you have a self-monitored system, it’s up to you to call emergency services if there’s ever a crisis in your home. Generally, your security system will alert you of any activity by sending notifications to your smartphone or through a central hub.

You need a wireless home security system to receive notifications. With a wireless security system, smart home devices use Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, or Zigbee technology to communicate with each other. This type of system will also use a wireless connection to send alerts to your phone.

Some self-monitored systems are wired. A wired system consists of a series of security cameras and motion detectors that are connected to a central recording device through coaxial cables. These systems can’t send alerts to your cellphone. If a break-in occurs while you’re away and you have a self-monitored wired system, you may not know anything has happened until you come home.

Even the best self-monitored home security systems require your attention and effort to keep your home safe. The upside to a self-monitored system is that it can save you money in professional monitoring fees.

Monitored vs. self-monitored security system: choosing the best for you

If you’re still on the fence about which system will work best for your needs, we break down some of the main differences between the two in the next few sections.

Price

Monitored and self-monitored systems can come at various price points. The upfront cost for any security system depends on the security devices in that system, the size of your home, and what you need the system to monitor.

For example, a large house may need multiple outdoor cameras, indoor cameras, video doorbells, carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, and various door and window sensors. On the other hand, a small condo may only need one or two security cameras.

In addition to device costs, security companies generally charge a monthly fee for monitoring. Some providers may also make you sign short- or long-term contracts for a professional monitoring plan. Consider monitoring costs and any other service costs when budgeting for your security system.

Features

While professional monitoring is the main feature that separates monitored and self-monitored systems, security systems can come with an assortment of high-tech features. Here are a few of the top features your security equipment might have.

• Motion detection: Home security cameras and sensors use heat detection, light, or ultrasonic sound waves to detect motion on your property. Some devices even use AI to distinguish between human movement and movement from an animal or a random object.

• Night vision: Some camera options can shoot ultra-clear black and white video at night. Other cameras might rely on an add-on, like a floodlight or spotlight, that illuminates the space when motion is detected. This lets the camera record clearly.

• Two-way audio: This feature is common in doorbell cameras. It lets you speak to and view whoever is on the other end of your camera.

• Cloud storage: When you save video clips from your security cameras to an external server on the cloud, you can access and share them from anywhere.

• Cellular backup: Your system won’t be able to use Wi-Fi to function if your internet goes down during a power outage. Some systems can use a cellular network to operate when there’s no wireless internet available.

• Smart home integration: A smart security system can be programmed to operate with the other smart devices in your home. For example, you could program your smart lights to turn off and your smart locks to lock automatically when you leave for work.

• Central control panel: A central control panel lets you monitor all your smart devices, like your security cameras, smart thermostat, and smart locks, from a touch-screen base station.

• Remote control: Many providers give you the option to access and control your smart security system using your smartphone or another mobile device through a mobile app.

• Voice control: Some security systems have compatibility with systems like Amazon Alexa and Google Home that let you control your system using voice commands.

• Extended warranty: Some quality security systems offer an extended warranty so you’re covered if your system ever stops working.

• Client support: A great support team from a reliable security company can help you troubleshoot your system if it ever malfunctions.

Installation

Some home security systems are designed for professional installation, while others are designed for DIY installation. It’s generally easier to DIY install a wireless system because installing a wired system involves drilling into your walls and accessing your home’s existing electrical network.

Monitored systems are always wireless. A monitoring center needs a wireless connection to keep tabs on your security system.

Self-monitored systems can be wireless or wired. If your self-monitored system is wireless, you’ll be able to monitor it remotely using your smartphone.

While DIY home security systems can be viable options for some people (like renters), professional installation can help you get the best functionality from any system. A professional installer will know the best places to mount your sensors and how to connect your smart security equipment.

Discover the best Vivint home security solution for you

If you want ultimate, worry-free protection from a security package, you should go with a monitored system. With professional monitoring, your home is taken care of whether you’re working, watching your kid’s softball game, or visiting family during the holidays.

On the other hand, if you feel comfortable doing your own surveillance and sacrificing the peace of mind that comes from having someone watching out for your home even while you are away, you can save a few bucks a month by getting a self-monitored system.

Wired vs. Wireless Home Security Systems