Monitored vs unmonitored home alarms in Spain: a long-term cost comparison
Protecting your home is a significant investment, and in Spain you essentially have two routes: monitored alarms with a monthly fee (professionally monitored systems) and unmonitored alarms with no monthly fee (self-managed security systems). At first glance, fee-free alarms involve a larger upfront outlay, while monitored alarms spread the cost across monthly payments. However, which works out better value over the long run (3 to 5 years) depends on several factors: the total cost over that period, the services included with each option, and what you actually need given your type of property (flat, detached house or second home). Below we analyse both categories using well-known brands (Securitas Direct, Movistar Prosegur, ADT, Ajax, Somfy, Ring, and others), setting out the costs and what each one offers, to help you work out which option makes more sense for your home.
Monitored alarms with a monthly fee (professional monitoring)
Monitored alarms are security systems provided by specialist companies that install the equipment in your home and provide a 24/7 monitoring service in exchange for a recurring fee. These companies watch the alarm signals from an Alarm Receiving Centre (in Spain, a Central Receptora de Alarmas or CRA) and alert the police or dispatch security guards once an intrusion has been verified.
Upfront cost and contract: Generally, the upfront cost of installation and equipment on monitored alarms is low or even free, since these companies are interested in acquiring long-term customers. They frequently run free installation promotions, and the equipment may be subsidised or loaned to you, tied to a minimum contract term (in Spain this is called permanencia, typically 12, 24 or 36 months). If you cancel the contract early, you may face penalties or be charged for the outstanding value of the equipment. Sometimes the customer pays a token amount for the devices (for example, anything from €0 up to around €100) by taking advantage of an offer, when the real price would be far higher — but the company recoups the cost through the monthly payments.
Monthly fee: The monthly fee for these services varies according to the provider and the size of the property being protected. It typically starts at around €30 a month for small homes with introductory offers, rising to a range of €40 to €60 a month for medium or large households. This fee covers permanent monitoring, response to alarm activations, maintenance and certain extras depending on the company. Providers sometimes run welcome promotions (for example, ADT has offered fees of around €19.90/month for the first few months, and Movistar Prosegur has advertised fees from around €19.90/month for a limited period), but once the promotional period ends the standard rate sits at roughly €45–50/month depending on the service contracted.
What’s included: The price of a monitored alarm usually covers:
- Professional installation of the system, with advice on the optimal placement of sensors and sirens.
- Use of the equipment on a rental or loan basis: control panel, motion detectors, door/window opening sensors, sirens, cameras or photo-detectors, remote controls, and so on, according to the kit contracted.
- 24/7 connection to the Alarm Receiving Centre (CRA): the alarm is permanently connected to the company’s control centre. When an alarm is triggered, professional operators verify the incident (via images, audio or by contacting the customer) to rule out false alarms.
- Alerting the police and emergency services: if a genuine intrusion or emergency is confirmed, the control centre notifies the authorities promptly (in Spain, this is typically coordinated in under a minute after verification — some providers advertise around 30 seconds).
- Security guard callout (depending on the provider): for example, Securitas Direct includes a guard service that attends the property when the alarm goes off, to check the premises and assist the police where necessary, with no cap on the number of callouts. Other companies may offer this as standard or as an add-on.
- Maintenance and warranties: for as long as the contract is active, the company handles equipment maintenance. This covers everything from replacing sensor batteries to repairing or replacing faulty devices, normally at no extra cost. The aim is to keep the system working properly at all times.
- 24-hour customer and technical support: for any issue or question, the customer can call the company for assistance.
- Additional features: many include a mobile app to control the alarm (arm/disarm remotely, phone alerts, camera viewing where available), a panic or SOS button connected to the control centre, and even personal protection services away from the home (for example, some offer a “guardian”-style location feature via mobile).
In short, with a monthly-fee alarm you aren’t just buying a piece of security equipment — you’re buying a complete service. That brings peace of mind and convenience, since professionals handle the monitoring and response, in exchange for a recurring cost. Let’s look at specific examples from leading providers in Spain, their typical prices and what they offer over a 3 to 5 year period.
Securitas Direct (Verisure)
Profile: Securitas Direct (part of the Verisure group) is one of the best-known monitored alarm providers in Spain. It offers solutions for flats, detached houses and businesses alike, with proprietary technology (detectors with built-in cameras, anti-jamming sensors, and so on).
Upfront cost: Securitas Direct usually promotes free installation. The initial equipment is sometimes advertised as “from €0” or at a low price. In recent offers, for example, they have charged around €99–100 for the basic equipment pack, although in other cases the customer pays nothing upfront. Without an offer, the sign-up and installation cost could be substantial (there have been cases of initial quotes running into several hundred euros if you don’t negotiate), but there is nearly always a discount available if you push for one. Either way, signing up means committing to a minimum term (usually 24 or 36 months). Breaking it may mean paying off the outstanding equipment balance or a penalty.
Monthly fee: The monthly fee with Securitas Direct depends on the level of protection and the size of the property. They advertise prices “from €29.90 a month” for small homes on a minimal configuration, although in practice many standard installations (a mid-sized flat with several detectors, say, or a house with perimeter cover) land at around €40–50 a month. There aren’t usually large increases after the first year (beyond the annual inflation adjustment) — the agreed fee holds for the duration of the contract. For the sake of illustration, let’s take €45/month as a reference for a typical household after negotiating on the equipment.
- Cost over 3 years: At ~€45 per month, the total instalments over 36 months would amount to approximately €1,620 (plus any small initial payment, if applicable). If the monthly instalment were lower – say, €30 per month – the total would be around €1,080 over three years; and at €50 per month, it would be €1,800. We can therefore estimate a total of between €1,000 and €1,800 over three years, depending on the negotiated rate.
- Cost over 5 years: If the service is maintained, at 60 months at €45 per month, the total would be around €2,700. With instalments of €50 per month, that would be €3,000 over five years. Even with a low offer of €30 per month, it would amount to around €1,800 over five years. This illustrates that, in the long term, the investment in instalments far exceeds any reduced initial payment.
Services included: With Securitas Direct, customers receive the full professional security package: installation, equipment on loan, ongoing maintenance, a permanent connection to their Verisure Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC), video/photo verification of any alarm, immediate notification to the police in the event of an actual intrusion, and the aforementioned Securitas security guard service, who can attend the property. In addition, via the app, users have remote control and receive instant notifications. They also offer accessories such as the panic button or the ‘Guardian’ feature on your mobile for personal emergencies. All these services are already included in the monthly fee.
Benefits: Securitas Direct stands out for its rapid response times and nationwide presence across Spain. Its deterrent signage (the famous red plaque on the façade) is instantly recognisable, which can deter intruders before they even attempt to break in. The inclusion of security guards and anti-jammer protection (they use their own mobile network to ensure the alarm continues to transmit even in the presence of frequency jammers) provides an extra layer of technical security. Furthermore, the company takes care of all maintenance and updates, so the user does not have to worry about technical issues.
Limitations: The main drawback is the long-term cost: peace of mind comes at a high price when you factor in years of service. Furthermore, as the customer does not own the equipment, if they decide to cancel their contract at the end of the minimum contract period, the devices may become unusable or must be returned, preventing them from being reused for personal use. The experience may also depend on the quality of local customer service, and some users have reported aggressive sales tactics or difficulties in cancelling their contracts, so it is advisable to read the contract carefully.
Movistar Prosegur Alarmas
Profile: Movistar Prosegur Alarmas is a joint venture between Telefónica (Movistar) and Prosegur offering residential alarms. In essence it is Prosegur’s alarm service (a long-established traditional security firm) marketed to private customers, often bundled with Movistar services. It’s heavily geared towards households, with pre-defined packages by property type.
Upfront cost: Installation is free and the equipment is loaned to the customer at no initial cost in exchange for the minimum term (as with Securitas, normally a 24-month minimum). They don’t usually charge anything for the standard residential kit, unless the customer requests unusual add-ons. The entire outlay sits in the monthly payments.
Monthly fee: Movistar Prosegur structures its residential pricing around three main packages:
- Alarma Avanzada (Advanced Alarm): aimed at a standard main residence (a flat or small house without exterior surveillance, for example). The fee is around €44.90 a month.
- Alarma Exterior (Exterior Alarm): designed for homes with vulnerable outdoor space (detached houses, ground-floor flats with a garden, or penthouses). The fee is around €49.90 a month.
- Alarma Exterior + Familiar (Exterior + Family Alarm): built for larger houses or detached properties and families, with more comprehensive protection. The fee is around €54.90 a month.
These prices include VAT (IVA) and are normally fixed for the duration of the contract. Movistar occasionally runs promotions for customers on its fibre + mobile bundles — for instance, offering the first few months at a reduced price (advertising such as “protect your home from €19.90/month” has been seen for limited periods) — but over the long run the fee settles at the levels above.
- Cost over 3 years: If we take the mid-range tariff of ~€50 per month, 36 months would amount to around €1,800 in instalments. With the most basic tariff (€44.90), this would be ~€1,617 over 3 years; with the highest tariff (~€55), around €1,980 over 3 years.
- Cost over 5 years: Assuming the service continues, the total cost over 60 months would range from approximately €2,700 (at €45 per month) to €3,300 (at €55 per month) over five years.
What’s included: As with its competitors, Movistar Prosegur provides 24-hour monitoring and immediate response. This covers connection to its own receiving centre, notification of police, fire brigade or ambulance depending on the emergency, and full maintenance of the alarm. Through the Smart Alarm Pro mobile app, the customer can arm/disarm the alarm, receive notifications and view cameras. Typical kits include motion detectors with cameras (to verify alarms visually), opening sensors for doors and windows, a control panel with dual communication (mobile network and internet), remote controls or smart key fobs, and a siren. Everything is professionally configured.
Prosegur has traditionally also offered a guard callout service on request. With Movistar Prosegur, this can be added on (branded “Servicio Acuda” in some literature) if it isn’t included as standard: a Prosegur guard attends the property when the alarm is triggered to assess the situation, which is particularly useful for second homes. It’s worth checking whether it’s included in your offer, as it is sometimes optional.
Advantages: Movistar Prosegur combines Prosegur’s security expertise (a company with a long track record in alarms and guarding) with Movistar’s commercial reach. That means reliable technology and nationwide coverage. Their camera-equipped detectors allow intrusions to be confirmed with images, which improves outcomes when calling the police (the authorities only attend where there is verification). The user has the convenience of dealing with neither installation nor maintenance. And because it’s part of Movistar, they sometimes bundle combined offers (discounts if you’re already a Movistar customer on another service, or the convenience of a single bill). The flexibility of packages by property type helps tailor the cover: a detached house gets perimeter or exterior sensors, while a flat might prioritise interior sensors, matching the price to what you actually need.
Drawbacks: Again, the cumulative cost is significant: after several years you’ll have paid a considerable sum without ever owning a single component. If you terminate after the minimum term, the equipment is usually left inoperable (physically still in your home, but it needs the connection to the control centre to function fully). Another consideration is that, being a Movistar-linked service, some admin may be tied to your telecoms bill — practical for some, cumbersome for others. Either way, the commitment and monthly fee are much the same as other paid services.
ADT (Tyco/Johnson Controls)
Profile: ADT is another well-known security company, part of Johnson Controls (previously trading as Tyco in Spain). It offers home alarms with capabilities on a par with Securitas or Prosegur: alarm receiving centre, video verification, and so on. It competes aggressively on entry-level pricing.
Upfront cost: ADT typically installs with no upfront equipment or installation cost, in exchange for the usual contractual minimum term. To attract customers, ADT frequently charges nothing for the basic devices, absorbing the cost in return for the minimum contract. That means the customer’s initial outlay is normally €0, unless they request a special extra. Installation is carried out by certified engineers, and a standard kit (panel, detectors, siren, camera) is typically included with nothing to pay upfront.
Monthly fee: ADT’s pricing is in line with its competitors, but it’s known for multi-month introductory promotions. It may offer the alarm at €19.90 a month for the first four or six months, then move to the regular fee of around €40–50/month depending on the service level. So the customer pays less at the start but then moves onto the normal rate. The final monthly price depends on the number of detectors and services (much as with the other providers). Let’s assume that after promotions the fee settles at around €45/month as well.
- Cost over 3 years: With an average instalment of ~€45 per month, the total over 36 months would be around €1,620. However, thanks to the reduced rates in the first few months, the total could be slightly lower (for example, if the first 6 months were at €20 and the remaining 30 months at €45, the total would be ~€1,350 + VAT over 3 years). This shows that ADT may be slightly cheaper in the short term compared to Securitas/Prosegur due to the initial promotions.
- Cost over 5 years: Over 60 months, even with initial discounts, the total cost ends up being around €2,500–2,800 (assuming the bulk of the period is paid at the full monthly instalment). The difference resulting from a few months of promotional rates is diluted over the long term, resulting in a cost comparable to the others: around €2,700 over five years (if the standard instalment is €45 per month).
What’s included: ADT likewise provides 24-hour professional monitoring, connection to its ADT Alert receiving centre in Spain, alarm verification via photo or video (they typically install cameras or camera-equipped detectors to confirm intrusions), and notification of police and emergency services. Full equipment maintenance is included for the life of the contract. The contract also covers device warranties and any replacements needed. ADT offers a mobile app (MyADT) to manage the system remotely, receive notifications and view live video or recordings of alarm events. The usual components of an ADT home kit are similar to the others: a central unit with GSM/GPRS and internet communication, motion sensors (possibly with integrated cameras), magnetic door sensors, a remote control or keypad, deterrent stickers, and so on. Everything is integrated and configured by the engineer.
Advantages: ADT has the backing of an international security company, which means professional procedures and up-to-date technology. It often scores well on customer service and response speed. A particular strength is that they tend to be flexible about customising the system, adding or removing sensors to suit the customer and adjusting the fee accordingly. The introductory promotions mean savings in the first year that can make getting started with a professional alarm more manageable. They also offer advanced solutions such as integration with Johnson Controls home automation and connected fire alarms, which may appeal to users wanting something more comprehensive than burglary protection alone.
Drawbacks: As with the other fee-based options, the minimum term commitment and ongoing monthly payments are the biggest long-term downside. However much ADT discounts the early months, from year two the spend matches the competition. Over five years, you’ll have spent the same or more than you would buying a fee-free system outright. What’s more, once installed, a customer wanting to switch provider or cancel can’t easily repurpose the ADT equipment themselves. It’s also worth noting that ADT is a less familiar brand than Securitas in Spain, so its deterrent signage may not intimidate an opportunist burglar quite as much (though it’s still obvious there’s an alarm). That’s a minor point, but perception sometimes matters. Beyond that, it has no significant disadvantages beyond those already noted for monitored systems.
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Alarms with no monthly fee (self-install or self-managed systems)
Fee-free alarms are security systems that you buy and own outright, without tying yourself permanently to a paid receiving centre. These systems — also known as self-install or DIY (Do It Yourself) — have come a long way in recent years. They comprise kits of wireless sensors, cameras and sirens that the user installs at home themselves (or has fitted by an installer on a one-off basis, if preferred), and which send alerts directly to the owner via a mobile app, text messages or phone calls, with no monthly middleman.
Upfront cost: The initial investment in a fee-free alarm is higher than a monitored one, because here you’re paying 100% of the equipment cost from the outset. Prices vary by brand and number of devices. Basic kits start at around €100–200 (enough for a small flat with a couple of sensors), rising to advanced systems of over €1,000 for a large detached house with multiple detectors and cameras. It’s a one-off payment at the point of purchase. Worth stressing: as the owner, the equipment is yours and there’s no mandatory minimum term — you can add or remove components at will, or even resell it if you switch systems.
Monthly fee: There is no mandatory monthly fee with these systems. Monitoring is down to the user. When the alarm detects something, it typically sets off the siren in the property and sends a notification to the owner’s phone (and to designated contacts such as family or neighbours). From there, it’s up to the user to check what’s happening (many systems let you connect to a camera to verify visually) and decide whether to call the police or ask someone to attend. There is no professional receiving centre in the loop, unless you choose to contract one separately. Some of these alarms offer optional subscription services — a backup SIM card, cloud video storage, or even optional external monitoring. The key point is that these are optional and generally have no minimum term. The user can take them or leave them as needed.
Long-term cost: Since there are no fees, the total cost over 3–5 years is usually just the upfront outlay, plus perhaps small maintenance costs (sensor batteries from time to time, the odd extra component you decide to add). In purely financial terms, that means a fee-free system works out considerably cheaper long term than paying €40–50 every month. Even if you contract the odd extra service (say, €10 in one particular month for a backup service), the five-year total will barely come close to what five years of fees with a security company would cost.
Installation and maintenance: These kits are normally designed to be easy to install yourself, with no deep technical knowledge required: many are plug-and-play, with self-adhesive wireless sensors and step-by-step guides in the app. That said, if you’d rather, you can pay an engineer or local firm for a one-off installation, which would be a single cost (depending on complexity, perhaps €50 to €200 in labour). After installation, maintenance is down to the user: changing detector batteries every so many months or years (most warn you when they’re low; batteries typically last one to three years depending on the device), periodically checking the connection works, and updating the app or firmware when the manufacturer releases improvements. That said, this maintenance is relatively straightforward and cheap.
What’s included: When you buy a fee-free alarm, what you get is essentially the hardware and software to manage your own security. That includes:
- Control panel or hub: the brain of the alarm, which connects to the internet (Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable) and sometimes accepts a mobile SIM card to send alerts even if the main network fails.
- Opening sensors (doors/windows) and motion sensors: detectors covering entry points and rooms. Many modern models build cameras or photo-sensors into the motion detectors so they can send images when the alarm triggers.
- Siren (indoor and/or outdoor): a powerful audible warning that sounds when the alarm goes off, to scare off intruders and alert neighbours.
- Remote control, keypad or RFID fob: convenient ways to arm/disarm the alarm as you come and go.
- Security camera: some kits include CCTV cameras alongside the sensors, or allow you to add them. They aren’t strictly necessary to detect intrusions (the sensors handle motion), but cameras give you visual verification — you can connect live to see what’s happening at home when the alarm triggers.
- Mobile app: virtually every fee-free alarm comes with a free app (Android/iOS) that lets you configure the system, arm/disarm remotely, receive instant event notifications and, in many cases, view live video. This partly replaces the role of a control centre: the centre is your own phone receiving the alerts.
When you buy the kit, there’s generally a two-year warranty under EU law on any device, covering manufacturing defects. Beyond that, there’s no permanent service included because you’re not paying a monthly fee; however, many brands have an active user community and online support for questions, plus free software updates that improve the system over time.
Advantages: The main advantage is financial: within a couple of years, a fee-free alarm will already have cost less than paying for a subscription service. Beyond that point, keeping the system running is effectively free. Another benefit is flexibility and full control: the owner decides how to configure the system and can expand it with more sensors or cameras from the same brand without negotiating new fees. You can also place them wherever you prefer (rather than being limited to what an installer wants to fit) and integrate the alarm with other smart home devices (some work with Alexa, Google Home and so on, allowing automations). There are no contracts or lock-ins: if a brand doesn’t convince you, you can switch by selling or repurposing the components; if you don’t want to use the alarm for a while, you simply switch it off. For users wary of false alarms, not having police attend every activation avoids potential fines for unverified alarms (with no receiving centre, only you decide whether to call the police — which you’ll do once you’re sure, via the camera). In short, it delivers savings and autonomy.
Drawbacks: The main trade-off is the absence of professional monitoring. If the alarm goes off, responsibility for reacting rests entirely with the owner or their designated contacts. If you’re away from your phone or somewhere with no signal when an alert comes through, you may be slow to find out. If a genuine intrusion occurs, you’ll have to call the police yourself with whatever information you have (from the camera, for instance) rather than having a dedicated operator do it instantly. That can mean a few extra minutes of delay. What’s more, although the siren will sound, there’s no guarantee a neighbour will call the police (that depends on goodwill and whether they’re in). Another limitation is that you take on the maintenance: if a sensor stops working and you don’t notice, nobody else will check the system for you. There are technical factors to weigh too, such as connectivity: many fee-free systems depend on the home’s internet connection; if a sophisticated burglar cuts the power (knocking out the router’s Wi-Fi) and your alarm has no mobile data backup, the alert won’t reach your phone. Some systems solve this with GSM modules (requiring a SIM and a prepaid or basic mobile plan), but that’s something the user must sort out (buying an M2M SIM costing a few euros a month for emergencies, say, if you want that extra layer). Having no professional safety net means certain tricks (such as frequency jammers) could interfere more easily if the system isn’t set up with dual communication paths. Ultimately, how well it works depends on the user’s own diligence and the technical capabilities of the kit purchased.
Below we review leading fee-free alarm brands and their features, with cost examples and what they offer, so you can understand the investment required and the benefits of each.
Ajax Systems
Overview: Ajax is regarded as one of the most complete premium fee-free alarms on the market. It’s a Ukrainian-origin system highly regarded across Europe for its reliability and professional-grade capabilities. In fact, many security companies offer Ajax equipment to customers who’d rather not pay monthly fees, since it can be optionally connected to a receiving centre without being tied to any one company.
Upfront cost: high but variable by configuration. Ajax offers pre-defined kits as well as the option to design a bespoke system component by component. Its prices reflect professional quality:
- For a flat (apartment), a complete Ajax kit with several detectors can cost around €1,200 to €1,700. For example, a standard flat kit including the hub, four or five opening sensors, three or four camera-equipped motion detectors (photo-detectors), a siren and remotes would land in that bracket.
- For a large house or detached property, with indoor and outdoor protection, the cost can rise above €2,000. An advanced detached-house kit might include the hub, opening sensors for main doors, several indoor camera-equipped motion detectors, an outdoor motion detector (for the garden or patio), a powerful external siren and perhaps additional detectors (glass break, smoke, flood). A pack like that can easily reach €2,200–2,500.
- Ajax also has more basic kits (just one motion detector, one door sensor and the hub, for instance) at lower prices, but its real strength is protecting entire homes in a scalable way.
It’s clearly a high upfront investment compared with other fee-free alarms, but it positions itself as a complete alternative to a security company system.
Fees and recurring costs: there is no mandatory monthly fee. The system notifies the owner and configured contacts free of charge via push notifications, emails and even SMS. Ajax has three communication paths: Ethernet, Wi-Fi and mobile network (requires inserting a SIM). The user can choose to keep a SIM card in the hub as backup (in case the home internet goes down). The cost of that SIM is separate (it depends on the mobile operator; you could use a prepaid card that only draws credit when sending alert SMS, or an M2M data plan for a few euros a month). This is optional but recommended for added security. Some users decide to connect Ajax to an Alarm Receiving Centre by contracting a third-party monitoring service (Ajax is compatible with standard alarm protocols). That would mean paying a fee to a company receiving the Ajax signals, just as with Securitas or another provider. However, that turns Ajax into a monitored alarm in practice (albeit with the advantage that you choose the centre). Here we focus on using it without paying for monitoring, which is entirely viable given Ajax alerts the owner directly.
- Cost over 3 years: Assuming an outlay of ~€1,500 on equipment (an average case for a home), over 3 years the cost remains at ~€1,500, no more. We could perhaps add around €5–10 a month if we use a SIM with data as a backup, which over three years would amount to an additional ~€180–360 spread over 36 months. Even so, the total would be around €1,800 over three years, comparable to just a couple of years’ worth of Securitas instalments. If we don’t use a SIM or only use Wi-Fi, it would simply be the initial €1,500.
- Cost over 5 years: On the same basis, after 5 years you would have spent the same ~€1,500 (plus perhaps ~€300–600 on total mobile data, if used). In any case, the 5-year cost is unlikely to exceed €2,000, which is considerably less than the ~€3,000 that a paid alarm service would cost over the same period.
Features and services: Ajax stands out for its professional-grade technology:
- Smart hub (Ajax Hub): coordinates every device, with a long-life backup battery and triple connectivity. It supports fast, secure notifications (using a proprietary long-range, high-reliability wireless protocol to communicate with the sensors).
- Range of sensors: from standard opening and motion detectors through to camera-equipped sensors (which send a sequence of photos when the alarm triggers so you can verify what’s happening), glass break detectors, vibration and tilt sensors (to protect safes or windows), smoke detectors, CO (carbon monoxide) sensors, flood detectors for water leaks, and so on. That covers not just burglary but fire and domestic accidents too, all integrated.
- Indoor and outdoor sirens: Ajax offers powerful sirens for indoors and outdoors, with high volume (over 100 dB) and a deterrent design.
- Remote control: besides the mobile app, it comes with remotes featuring a panic button and wireless keypads for entry/exit.
- Receiving centre integration: if you want it later, the Ajax hub can be configured to send events to a security company (many Spanish receiving centres will monitor Ajax systems for a lower fee than their full packages, since they’re only providing the control centre service).
- Updates: Ajax regularly updates its hub firmware and app, adding functionality — night modes, voice assistant compatibility, and so on.
- Scalability: you can start with a small kit and add sensors over time as you extend the house or identify areas needing more protection. There are no extra fees for adding devices (just the cost of buying them).
Advantages: Ajax offers the closest thing to professional security without fees. Its reliability is very high: wireless range of several hundred metres (useful in large properties), encrypted communication, early jammer detection (if someone tries to block the signal, the system detects it and can alert you via the GSM alternative). The depth of configuration is valued: you can choose where each sensor goes and define rules (arming only perimeter sensors at night while you sleep, for example). Build quality is high and the design modern (many users find them better looking than traditional security company hardware). It also saves a lot of money long term: after the initial investment, you never pay more than minimal maintenance costs. Over five years, even an expensive Ajax kit can end up costing half of five years of a monthly-fee alarm. And you’re left with equipment that keeps working for as long as you look after it.
Drawbacks: The main obstacle is the high upfront cost, which may be prohibitive on some budgets. Not everyone is willing to lay out one or two thousand euros in one go, however well it pays off in the end. What’s more, to get the most from Ajax you need to take the time to configure it properly: basic installation is straightforward, but fine-tuning the parameters (sensor sensitivity, angles, defining who receives which alert) takes commitment and some knowledge or professional help. On the other hand, being a fee-free system, Ajax doesn’t include an immediate response service: the notification reaches the owner, but if they’re far away they’ll have to rely on the siren scaring off the burglar, ask someone nearby to check, or eventually contract a receiving centre. It’s a premium system built for demanding users who want independence, but those users must accept that monitoring responsibility. Finally, though rare, if a component becomes obsolete or breaks outside warranty, replacement is at the owner’s expense (the upside being that, since it’s modular, replacing a single part is far cheaper than the whole system).
In summary: Ajax is ideal for detached houses or higher-risk properties where you want maximum security without monthly payments, provided you can meet the upfront investment and are committed to managing the system yourself.
Somfy Home Alarm
Overview: Somfy is a French manufacturer known for home automation (motors for blinds, shutters and so on) and also for domestic alarm systems. The Somfy Home Alarm is a fee-free option aimed at residential users looking for a complete, easy-to-use kit with the option to integrate with other smart home devices.
Upfront cost: Somfy alarm kits sit in the mid price range. For example:
- Somfy Home Alarm standard: around €450, including a set of basic sensors (door/window detectors, motion sensor, indoor siren) and controls.
- Somfy Home Alarm with indoor camera: around €470–500, adding an indoor security camera to the above kit.
- Somfy sells various packages and components separately. A typical kit at around €500 might include: one hub (Somfy One/Link), three door/window opening sensors, one motion sensor (usually “pet-friendly”, immune to small pets), one indoor siren (around 105–110 dB), and two key fobs or remotes. Some bundles include a Somfy Protect IP camera which doubles as a motion sensor with video.
Compared with Ajax, Somfy is more affordable, though a little dearer than budget options on the market. It positions itself as mid-to-high quality with home automation features.
Fees and extras: Somfy requires no monthly fee to function. The system uses the home’s internet connection (via a device called Somfy Link that connects all the sensors and relays them to Somfy’s cloud). It has no built-in GSM module as standard, so it relies on home internet for alerts. Somfy offers an optional cloud video recording service for its cameras on subscription (if you want to store footage of detections, you can pay a monthly plan, though live viewing and alerts are free). There’s also a service called Somfy Around in some countries: a community network where, if your alarm sounds, it can alert neighbouring Somfy users to keep an eye out (this is more active in France; in Spain it’s limited). That said, they don’t offer professional monitoring as such. It might be possible to integrate with a third-party receiving centre through bespoke solutions, but that isn’t the norm.
- Cost over 3 years: With an initial investment of ~€500, the total cost after 3 years remains at €500. We could add, if taken out, a cloud video service, for example at €5 per month (this is not compulsory, only for those who want camera recordings); over 36 months, that would amount to an extra €180. Even so, the total would come to around €680 over 3 years, which is well below the cost of any system with recurring fees.
- Cost over 5 years: Similarly, this would amount to the initial ~€500, plus perhaps ~€300 if we were to keep any premium camera services for those 5 years. A total of ~€800 in the worst-case scenario over 60 months. Anyone using only the free features would pay just 500.
Features and services:
- Simple installation: Somfy devices are wireless and configured via the Somfy Protect app. Many customers report that a full installation takes an hour or less, since no cabling is needed.
- Smart motion sensor: the included motion detector is usually pet-immune, meaning it distinguishes small pets (up to around 25 kg) to avoid false alarms if you have a dog or cat at home.
- IntelliTAG on doors/windows: Somfy’s opening sensors (called IntelliTAG) detect not only opening but vibration and impact, so they can warn you before an intrusion actually happens (if someone is forcing the door, for instance, the sensor picks up the vibrations and triggers the alarm before they even get it open).
- Powerful indoor siren: included in the kit, it sounds when an intrusion is detected. Somfy also lets you add extra outdoor sirens (bought separately) if you want more audible reach.
- Remote control: the smart key fobs let you arm/disarm the alarm at the touch of a button as you come and go, and also have a panic button. You can do the same through the app and manage users (giving access to other family members, for example).
- Integración domótica: Este es un punto diferenciador de Somfy. Sus alarmas pueden integrarse en ecosistemas más amplios de hogar inteligente. Por ejemplo, Somfy es compatible con asistentes de voz y con su propia plataforma TaHoma, de modo que puedes crear escenarios (que al activar la alarma se bajen persianas Somfy automáticamente, encender luces simulando presencia, etc.). La alarma puede formar parte de un smart home completo.
- Phone notifications: every event (alarm, disarm, sensor opened, etc.) generates real-time push notifications. In the event of an intrusion, it also sends an email and can send SMS to designated contacts (though the latter may require credit on your Somfy account or a plan, depending on current policy).
- Autonomy: the Somfy Link hub has a backup battery (a few hours of operation if the power cuts). The sensors run on long-life batteries (typically one to two years) and flag up in the app when they’re low.
Advantages: Somfy strikes a balance between price and capability. It offers more than budget kits (early intrusion detection via IntelliTAG, integration with other systems, good sensor quality) without reaching Ajax pricing. It’s a trusted brand with technical support and an active user community, which is reassuring on the support front. For flats or mid-sized houses, a Somfy kit is normally enough to cover the main doors and a key room or two. Getting modern features without paying fees is very appealing. And because it integrates with other devices (additional Somfy cameras, smart plugs, etc.), the security system can grow and adapt. Ease of use is high: the app is friendly, and the absence of false alarms from pets or other noises is well regarded in reviews. In short, Somfy delivers solid basic security with a dose of home automation in a single package, paying only at the start.
Drawbacks: Compared with a monitored system, response capability depends on the user. Somfy doesn’t provide human verification, so if the alarm goes off you’ll have to check the camera (if you have one) and call the police if you confirm an intrusion. It also has no anti-jamming network of its own; relying on Wi-Fi, it’s vulnerable to local internet outages. If an intruder sabotages your router or there’s a prolonged power cut, notifications may not reach you (though the siren will still sound locally). The lack of GSM communication is worth weighing: some users get round this by connecting the hub to a backup 4G router or a UPS, but that takes initiative on your part. On range, Somfy may fall short for very large houses, as it’s designed for standard properties; if the property has many floors or distant areas, it may need repeaters or multiple systems. Finally, although Somfy is well known, its deterrent signage may not carry the weight of Securitas; some owners supplement it with generic “alarm connected” stickers, since Somfy itself isn’t a name that strikes fear into burglars — though this is a minor point. In summary, Somfy is ideal for flats and moderately sized houses, for owners wanting reliability at low cost plus some home automation, accepting the limitations inherent in self-management.
Ring Alarm
Overview: Ring is Amazon’s home security brand, famous for its video doorbells and smart cameras. Its Ring Alarm is a fee-free alarm system that has grown popular for its ease of use, competitive price and integrated ecosystem with Alexa. It’s a DIY solution competing with Somfy and others, with the distinctive option of optional assisted monitoring for a small fee and no minimum term, which makes it very flexible.
Upfront cost: Ring Alarm is sold in modular kits. For example:
- 8-piece kit (basic Ring Alarm): around €270. Includes one base station (hub), one control keypad, two contact sensors (doors/windows), two motion detectors, one range extender (signal repeater) and one outdoor siren. They sometimes throw in a Ring indoor camera with that pack.
- 13-piece kit (large Ring Alarm): around €390. Contains one base, one keypad, six contact sensors, three motion detectors, one extender, one outdoor siren and one indoor camera.
- There are also mid-range kits (5-piece, 10-piece, and so on) and the option to buy additional sensors separately. The prices quoted can vary slightly during promotions, but they give you the idea: between €300 and €400 gets you a complete system for a large flat or small detached house.
Compared with Somfy, Ring tends to offer more sensors for less money, which makes it very attractive on value. And being an Amazon brand, there are frequently discounts or special bundles in its online store.
Optional fees and subscriptions: Ring’s philosophy is no mandatory fee, but with the option to subscribe to Ring Protect for advanced features:
- Free of charge, Ring Alarm sends notifications to your phone, lets you control everything from the app, and — if you have cameras — lets you view live video. The alarm sounds locally and alerts you and any family members you’ve configured.
- With the Ring Protect Plus subscription (approx. €10 a month): you get assisted monitoring and 4G mobile backup. That means the Ring Alarm has a backup SIM to keep sending alerts if your internet drops, plus an automated monitoring service that can call your emergency contacts when the alarm triggers. In some countries Ring even offers professional monitoring with calls to police or fire services; in Spain, for now, the €10/month service does not connect directly to the police, but it does notify you via multiple channels and can even ring your phone in an emergency. It also includes unlimited cloud video storage for all your Ring cameras (recording events and allowing later review).
- The interesting part is that there’s no minimum term: you can subscribe one month and cancel the next with no penalty. If you’re going away for the summer and want that extra layer of security for the month, you can activate it for €10 and cancel on your return.
In short, the €10/month fee is optional. Many users run Ring Alarm without the subscription and find the instant alerts to themselves sufficient. Others activate the subscription only during critical periods. Although €10 is a cost, it’s far below the €40–50 of monitored alarms and its on/off flexibility sets it apart.
- Cost over 3 years: Let’s assume the purchase of a kit costing ~€300. Without a subscription, the cost remains at €300 over 3 years. If you decided to maintain the subscription for the entire period for maximum security, that would be €10 × 36 = €360 extra, bringing the total to ~€660 over 3 years. It is worth noting that maintaining a continuous subscription is not compulsory; one could spend less by alternating it at certain times. But even in the worst-case scenario (a continuous subscription), the cost is €660 plus the equipment, which is well below the ~€1,500 for a service with a three-year contract.
- Cost over 5 years: For the equipment alone, €300 remains the main expense. With a continuous subscription, €10 × 60 = €600, plus the equipment = ~€900 over 5 years. Again, this is an order of magnitude lower than the ~€3,000 over 5 years for a traditional alarm system. In practice, many users may only pay for the subscription when they are away for long periods, meaning the actual cost over 5 years could be as little as €300 plus perhaps €100–200 for the occasional months when the service is used, totalling around €500.
Features and services:
- Installation and setup: extremely simple. Ring devices come pre-paired in the kit. You just plug the base into the mains (and into the router via Ethernet or Wi-Fi), place each sensor in position (adhesive or screws included), and follow a few steps in the Ring app to activate and name each sensor. The alarm can be up and running in under an hour.
- App and voice control: the Ring app is very intuitive. It lets you arm in full or perimeter-only mode (“Home” vs “Away”), disarm with a code, receive clear notifications naming whichever sensor triggered, and so on. Being an Amazon product, it integrates very well with Alexa: you can arm the alarm by voice command, get alerts through your Echo speakers when the alarm sounds, and even use Ring Alarm as a trigger for routines (if the front door opens while you’re out, Alexa sends you an alert). It also has some Google Assistant compatibility, though more limited.
- Sensors and siren: Ring’s sensors are wireless with long battery life (up to three years on standby). The siren included in the kits is an outdoor one, which is a real plus: mounting a siren outside the property alerts neighbours and acts as a visible deterrent. Few DIY alarms include an outdoor siren as standard (most only supply an indoor one). Ring does, and you can buy additional sirens if you want more than one.
- Expansion with cameras and doorbells: a key strength of the Ring ecosystem is that you can integrate Ring security cameras (indoor or outdoor) and Ring video doorbells into the system. All are controlled from the same app. So if the alarm sounds, you not only get the alert but can quickly check your Ring cameras to see what’s happening. With a subscription, those cameras record clips you can review. Even without one, you can view live. This integration adds visual verification easily.
- Assisted mode with subscription: if you take the plan, Ring Alarm gains automatic calling: essentially, if you don’t respond to notifications, Ring has a system that rings your contact numbers to warn them about the alarm. And the base activates its mobile channel to guarantee communication. It isn’t quite a human operator, but it automates that function. (In the US, Ring does offer operators who call the police if the owner doesn’t answer, but Spanish legislation differs; for now, it alerts you and your contacts, and you’d call the police yourselves if appropriate.)
- Updates and new features: Amazon continually improves the Ring platform. They’ve added geofencing mode (an automatic reminder to arm the alarm when it detects you’ve left home with your phone), integration with neighbourhood services (Ring Neighbors, US-focused for now), and so on. That means your alarm can gain improvements over time at no cost.
Advantages: Ring offers great value for money. For a relatively small investment, you cover your home with enough sensors and can add cameras if you want. The flexibility of assisted monitoring is a key differentiator: you can have periods of near-professional surveillance without committing to a long contract, paying only when you want to. That’s especially useful for second homes or holidays (activating the service only when you’re leaving the house empty for a long stretch). The integration with Alexa and other devices makes for a very convenient experience for smart home users. Another benefit is that, being popular, spares and accessories are easy to find on Amazon, along with plenty of information from other users on optimising the setup. It’s also multinational, so the app and support are well maintained across languages.
Drawbacks: Although Ring narrows the gap with paid systems, it has its limits. Without the subscription, it’s still a self-managed system — meaning it’s down to you or your contacts to respond to the alarm. The €10 subscription helps, but it doesn’t mean physical attendance or third-party police notification, so it doesn’t fully match a Securitas Direct on response. It simply makes it less likely you’ll miss an important alert. For now, in Spain, calling the police is down to you (or a contact). Another point: Ring, like Somfy, depends on the internet for notifications unless you pay for the SIM. If a burglar cuts the power and your router has no battery backup, the Ring base has a battery but won’t be able to communicate out without internet, unless you have the subscription active (which includes the SIM). So for maximum security it’s worth using the subscription or providing your own 4G router. Some critical users also raise privacy: being Amazon-owned and cloud-based, they trust the data is secure, but past events involving Ring (police collaborations in other countries) lead some to prefer not to put Ring cameras indoors out of privacy concerns. That said, this is a personal judgement. On deterrence, mounting the external siren and “Ring” stickers can put people off, although Ring isn’t as familiar to traditional burglars in Spain; even so, the visible presence of any alarm tends to scare them away. In summary, Ring is extremely convenient for flats and modern homes, with the best cost/benefit balance, but ultimate security still depends on the user or on paying for its modest assisted service.
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Rafa Loza es experto en el sector energético, fundador y CEO de Quecomparo.es, un comparador de tarifas independiente y gratuito, donde ayudan a miles de usuarios a reducir su factura de luz, gas o telefonia.
Con más de 20 años de experiencia en el sector, Rafa Loza y se equipo, monitorean y comparan entre todas las tarifas del mercado para ofrecer a cada usuario la más conveniente para él.
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