When it comes to protecting your home or business, one of the most important decisions you’ll make isn’t which alarm system to buy. It’s how that system will respond when something goes wrong.

There are three main types of alarm monitoring in Australia: professionally monitored alarms, unmonitored alarms, and self-monitored alarms. Each works differently, costs differently, and suits different situations. This guide explains what each one means in plain terms, so you can make the right choice for your property and budget.

What Is a Monitored Alarm?

A monitored alarm is connected to a professional monitoring centre. A staffed facility that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When your alarm is triggered, a signal is sent immediately to that centre. Trained operators then assess the situation and take action, which may include contacting you, notifying emergency services, or both.

How it works:

• Your alarm is triggered (by motion, a door sensor, glass break, etc.)
• A signal is sent to the monitoring centre via the internet, phone line, or cellular network
• An operator contacts you using a pre-agreed verification process
• If required, police or a security guard is dispatched to your property

This is the most comprehensive level of protection available. It’s particularly valuable when you’re away from home, asleep, or unable to respond to an alert yourself.

Pros of Monitored Alarms

• 24/7 response even when you’re unavailable
• Police or guard dispatch without you having to make the call
• Can reduce your home insurance premium (many insurers offer 5–15% discounts for monitored systems)
• Provides peace of mind for elderly residents, frequent travellers, or anyone who may not always be reachable

Cons of Monitored Alarms

• Ongoing monthly cost
• Requires a contract with a monitoring company
• False alarms may incur fees if police are dispatched unnecessarily

What Is an Unmonitored Alarm?

An unmonitored alarm is exactly what it sounds like. When triggered, it sounds a loud siren. That’s it. There is no automatic notification to anyone. The theory is that the noise itself will deter an intruder and alert nearby neighbours or passers-by.

Unmonitored alarms are the most basic form of security and are still widely used in Australia, particularly for lower-risk properties or as a supplementary deterrent alongside other measures.

Pros of Unmonitored Alarms

• No ongoing monthly fees
• Simple to install and maintain
• Loud sirens can still deter opportunistic intruders

Cons of Unmonitored Alarms

• No response is guaranteed, if no one nearby hears it or takes action, nothing happens
• Experienced burglars know many bells-only alarms go unresponded to
• You won’t be notified unless you’re already on-site
• May not satisfy home insurance requirements for a monitored alarm discount

What Is a Self-Monitored Alarm?

Self-monitored alarms are a newer option made possible by smartphone technology. When triggered, the system sends a push notification, SMS, or app alert directly to your phone and to any other nominated contacts. You then decide what to do: check the camera feed, call a neighbour, contact police, or dismiss it as a false alarm.

These systems are popular with tech-savvy homeowners who want more visibility and control without paying a monthly monitoring fee.

Pros of Self-Monitored Alarms

• No (or low) monthly fees
• You stay in control and can review camera footage in real time
• Modern systems can be highly sophisticated with HD cameras, motion detection zones, and two-way audio
• Immediate alerts mean you can act quickly if you’re available

Cons of Self-Monitored Alarms

• Entirely dependent on you being available and responsive
• If your phone is off, flat, or you’re in a meeting, the alert goes unanswered
• No professional verification or dispatch. You’re responsible for calling police yourself
• Alert fatigue is real. Frequent false alerts can cause people to start ignoring notifications

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Monitored	Unmonitored	Self-Monitored
24/7 response	Yes, by professionals	No	Only if you respond
Monthly cost	$25–$60/month	None	None or minimal
Police dispatch	Automatic	Not included	You must call
App/phone alerts	Often included	No	Yes
Insurance discount	Typically yes	Sometimes	Rarely
Best for	Families, businesses, frequent travellers	Low-risk or rental properties	Tech-savvy owners who are always reachable

Which Option Is Right for You?

The right choice depends on your circumstances, risk level, and how hands-on you want to be.

Choose a monitored alarm if:

• You travel frequently or spend long periods away from home
• You run a business and need after-hours protection
• You have elderly family members at home
• You want to maximise your insurance discount and peace of mind

Choose a self-monitored alarm if:

• You’re almost always reachable on your phone
• You want visibility and control without a monthly contract
• Your property is lower risk and you want a cost-effective starting point

Choose an unmonitored alarm if:

• You’re on a very tight budget
• The property is low-risk and you want a basic deterrent
• You’re supplementing other security measures already in place

Jim’s Security Recommendation

For most Australian homeowners and small business owners, we recommend a professionally monitored alarm system. Here’s why: a monitored system is the only option that guarantees a response, regardless of whether you’re available, awake, or nearby. When seconds count, having trained professionals act on your behalf makes a real difference.

Self-monitored systems are a reasonable middle ground for the right person, but they rely entirely on you being reachable and responsive. Unmonitored alarms, while better than nothing, offer limited real-world protection against a determined intruder.

The monthly cost of professional monitoring is often offset by reduced insurance premiums and the value of what’s being protected

Ready to find the right alarm for your property?

Get a free, no-obligation quote from Jim’s Security. Our local technicians will assess your property and recommend the right solution for your budget and lifestyle.

Call 131 546 or book a free quote online today.