Package tiers explained
Most providers bundle equipment and monitoring into Basic, Standard and Premium tiers. Here's what each one typically includes — so you can compare quotes with confidence.
Compare tiers
| Features | Best Value Basic from $299 + $20/mo |
Most Popular Standard from $699 + $35/mo |
Best for Large Homes Premium from $1,199 + $50/mo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video doorbell | |||
| Outdoor cameras | 1 | 3 | 6+ |
| Door & window sensors | 4 | 10 | Unlimited |
| Motion sensors (pet-immune) | 1 | 3 | 6 |
| Smart lock & keypad | |||
| 24/7 professional monitoring | |||
| Environmental sensors (smoke/flood) | |||
| No long-term contract | |||
| Get Free Quote | Get Free Quote | Get Free Quote |
Pricing and contents are illustrative of typical provider tiers — not our own offer. Your actual quote comes from the provider. Last updated July 12, 2026.
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Indoor and outdoor cameras placed by a licensed installer to cover every entry point and eliminate blind spots. Wired for continuous recording or wireless for flexibility — often a mix of both. See our guide to the best places to install cameras.
The single most common mistake I see is a beautiful camera aimed at the wrong height. Eight to ten feet, angled slightly down, captures a usable face. Higher than that and you get the top of a hat.
Smart alarm systems with door, window and motion sensors you arm from your phone in one tap. Pet-immune sensors keep the dog from setting off false alarms, and everything ties into 24/7 monitoring. New to alarms? Our 7 signs guide helps you gauge urgency.
Some U.S. municipalities charge false-alarm fines after repeat trips. We configure entry delays and pet-immune sensors specifically to keep you out of that territory.
See, hear and speak to anyone at your door from your phone — and put an end to package theft. The easiest, most cost-effective first step for most homes, and fully renter-friendly. Renting? Read what U.S. tenants should know.
A doorbell plus one interior camera covering the main entry is the setup I recommend to almost every renter. It answers the two questions that matter: who's at the door, and did anyone get in.
A professional monitoring center watches your system around the clock and dispatches police, fire or medical when an alarm trips — even when you're asleep or away. No long-term contract, ever. Weighing the monthly cost? See our 2026 cost guide.
"Self-monitoring" sounds free, but it only works if you see the alert and act on it in time. For anyone who sleeps, travels, or silences their phone, that's a real gap.
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