Compare every major UK alarm system side by side by price, contract, monitoring type, installation, and core features.
Last updated: March 2026
This comparison covers the 10 most widely available home alarm systems in the UK. All prices are approximate and based on publicly available data as of March 2026. Prices and features may change - always verify current terms directly with the provider.
10 systems compared
Filter by monitoring type, installation model, and contract length.
Showing 10 of 10 systems
| Brand | Monthly Price | Setup Cost | Contract | Monitoring | Installation | App Control | Pet-immune PIR | Smoke Detector | Smart Home | Camera Included | Best For | Full Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Verisure 4.7/5 | From £29/month | £299 equipment | 24 months | 24/7 Professional | ✓ Professional | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Managed professional | Read Review → |
Ajax Systems 4.6/5 | From £15/month (via ARC partner) | From £350 (professional install) | Flexible (installer dependent) | 24/7 Professional via ARC partners | ✓ Professional | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | No-contract professional | Read Review → |
ADT 4.4/5 | From £24.99/month | Quote dependent | 24 months | 24/7 Professional | ✓ Professional | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Managed professional | Read Review → |
Honeywell Home 4.4/5 | Quote dependent (via installer) | Quote dependent (via installer) | 12-24 months (installer dependent) | 24/7 via NSI-approved ARC partners | ✓ Professional | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | Managed professional | Read Review → |
Ring Alarm 4.3/5 | From £0 (self-monitor) or £8/month | Starter kits from ~£219 | No lock-in | Self-monitor or assisted plans | DIY | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | DIY flexible | Read Review → |
Yale Smart Home Alarm 4.2/5 | From £5.99/month | Starter kits from ~£199 | No lock-in | Self-monitor + optional services | DIY | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | DIY flexible | Read Review → |
SimpliSafe 4.1/5 | From £9.99/month | Kits from ~£249 | No lock-in | Optional professional plans | DIY | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | No-contract professional | Read Review → |
Abode 4.1/5 | From £0 (self-monitor) | Smart Security Kit from ~£185 | No lock-in | Optional professional monitoring (no contract) | DIY | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | No-contract professional | Read Review → |
Hive 3.9/5 | From £5.99/month (Hive Plus) | Sensors from £39 each | No lock-in | Self-monitor via app (no professional monitoring) | DIY | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | No-contract professional | Read Review → |
Arlo 3.8/5 | From £2.99/month | From £169.99 (single camera) | No lock-in | Self-monitor via app (no UK professional monitoring) | DIY | ✓ | - | - | ✓ | ✓ | No-contract professional | Read Review → |
Recommended: Verisure, ADT, Honeywell Home
If you want a company to install, monitor, and maintain your alarm without any input from you, choose a professionally monitored system. Verisure and ADT provide all-inclusive contracts with 24/7 monitoring. Honeywell Home via an NSI Gold installer gives the highest certification grades.
Recommended: SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe is the only UK alarm brand offering professional ARC monitoring with no lock-in contract. Monitoring can be cancelled anytime. DIY installation and clear pricing make it easy to evaluate.
Recommended: Yale, Ring
Yale Smart Home Alarm can run with no monthly subscription and app self-monitoring. Ring Alarm also offers a free self-monitoring tier with strong Alexa integration. Both are best for cost-first DIY setups.
Recommended: Ajax Systems, Honeywell Home
Ajax Systems (Grade 2 certified, long battery life) and Honeywell Home (up to Grade 3) can be configured with professional installation while preserving hardware ownership and monitoring choice.
ARC (Alarm Receiving Centre)
A 24/7 staffed facility that receives alarm signals and coordinates response. Required for professional monitoring.
Grade 2 Certification
EN50131 standard level for moderate-risk residential properties, often referenced by UK insurers.
NSI Gold
Highest installer accreditation awarded by the National Security Inspectorate after independent audit.
SSAIB
Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board. Widely accepted UK accreditation body equivalent to NSI in many contexts.
URN (Unique Reference Number)
Police-issued reference enabling direct response to confirmed alarm activations for qualifying monitored systems.
Self-monitoring
You receive and act on app alerts yourself. No professional ARC responder handles events for you.
Read our detailed provider reviews for pricing context, contract details, and who each system fits best.
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