Self-monitored home security puts you in control. Instead of paying $30-$50/month for a monitoring center to watch your system, you get instant alerts on your phone and decide how to respond. It’s cheaper, more flexible, and — with the right system — just as effective.
This guide covers everything you need to know about self-monitoring: how it works, when it makes sense, what to look for in a system, and why thousands of homeowners are ditching expensive monitoring contracts.
Self-monitored home security means you receive alerts when sensors are triggered — not a call center. Your system still has sensors, cameras, sirens, and a hub, but instead of paying for 24/7 professional monitoring, you monitor everything through a smartphone app.
The key difference from professional monitoring: no one calls the police on your behalf. You’re the monitoring center.
| Feature | Self-Monitored | Professionally Monitored |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $0 (free) | $20-$50/month |
| Who Responds | You | Monitoring center → police/fire |
| Response Time | Instant notification | 30-60 seconds for center to verify |
| False Alarm Handling | You dismiss instantly | Center calls you, then may dispatch |
| Contract Required | No | Often yes (1-3 years) |
| Police Dispatch | You call 911 | Center dispatches automatically |
| Works When You’re Asleep | Depends on phone volume | ✅ Center monitors 24/7 |
| Insurance Discount | Some providers | Most providers (5-20% off) |
Self-monitoring is ideal if you:
Consider adding professional monitoring if you’re away from your phone for long periods, have a large property, or want the insurance discount that some insurers only give for monitored systems.
Pro tip: The best systems let you switch between self-monitoring and professional monitoring month to month — no contract required. That way you can self-monitor normally and add professional monitoring when you’re on vacation. Abode offers exactly this flexibility →
Abode’s Smart Security Kit was designed with self-monitoring as a first-class feature, not an afterthought. The free plan includes:
Why Abode wins: It’s the only major system with Apple HomeKit support, works with both Z-Wave and Zigbee smart home devices, and gives you a genuinely full-featured free tier — not a crippled version that nags you to upgrade.
Equipment cost: Smart Security Kit starts at $199
Ring’s system offers self-monitoring through the Ring app. Basic features are free, but camera recording requires Ring Protect ($3.99/mo per camera or $20/mo for all). No HomeKit support, and you’re locked into Amazon’s ecosystem.
SimpliSafe offers self-monitoring, but camera features, smart home integrations, and secret alerts are locked behind their $29.99/mo plan. The free tier is bare-bones compared to Abode.
The best self-monitored systems let you create if/then rules that act as your automated monitoring center:
Abode’s CUE automation engine supports all of these scenarios — essentially giving you automated response without paying for monitoring.
| System | Equipment | Monthly (Self-Monitor) | Year 1 Total | 3-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abode | $199 | $0 | $199 | $199 |
| Ring Alarm | $199 | $0 (no cam recording) | $199 | $199 |
| SimpliSafe | $199 | $0 (very limited) | $199 | $199 |
| Pro monitoring comparison | $199 | $20-$50 | $439-$799 | $919-$1,999 |
Over 3 years, self-monitoring saves you $720 to $1,800 compared to professionally monitored plans. That’s money you can put toward additional cameras, sensors, or smart locks.
Set your security notifications as critical alerts (iPhone) or override Do Not Disturb (Android). The built-in siren (95dB on Abode systems) will also wake you up. You can also set automations to turn on all lights when the alarm triggers.
Yes. You call 911 just like any other emergency. Some jurisdictions actually respond faster to direct calls than to alarm company dispatches, since alarm companies have high false-alarm rates.
Many insurers offer discounts for any security system — monitored or not. Ask your provider. If they require professional monitoring, remember that Abode lets you add it for just $20/month with no contract.
Quality systems have cellular backup that keeps your system connected even without Wi-Fi. Abode’s monitoring plans include cellular backup, and the siren works locally regardless of connectivity.
Ready to take control of your home security without monthly fees? Here’s the quickest path:
No contracts. No monthly fees. Full control from your phone. That’s self-monitored security done right.
