What Type of Contract Length Can I Expect from Security Providers?

Why you can trust SafeWise
products considered
250+
research hours in 25+ in-home tests
10k+
years of combined experience
176+
homes and people protected
10M+

For over 12 years, SafeWise has conducted independent research and testing to write unbiased, human reviews (not robots). Read our methodology.

Cathy, a Safe Sleep Ambassador, specializes in family safety, simplifying complex topics for trusted sites like Safety.com with 8+ years of writing experience.

Alarm monitoring contracts can last from anywhere from 12 months to 60 months, but the industry standard is about 36 months. The length of the contract can often dictate the amount of your monthly payments, to an extent. The longer you are in the contract for, the lower your monthly fees should be. This is usually because you are spreading out the security system's costs and paying them over time.

Pros and cons of longer security contracts

In addition to a smaller monthly payment, a longer security system contract (usually) offers the following perks:

But here's the trade-off:

  • You'll face cancellation penalties if you back out of the contract early.
  • You can't keep the equipment if you move. 
  • You have to pay for the equipment if you fail to return it once the contract ends.
  • You usually have to be a homeowner and pass a credit check.

Make sure you understand what you're getting out of a security contract before you sign. 

hand with pen signing contract

Month-to-month (no contract) security

Ever since SimpliSafe burst onto the scene in 2006, it's been easy to find month-to-month or no-contract security systems.

You pay for the monitoring service on a month-to-month basis, so you're never on the hook for hundreds of dollars if you cancel. Some companies, such as Abode, let you buy monitoring in 3-day or 7-day bundles.

But you can't lease security equipment for free without a long-term contract. Instead, you'll have to pay for all of the equipment upfront, finance the equipment with a loan (usually through a third-party lender), or already have some equipment that the security company can connect to and monitor. 

Check out the highest rated security systems for renters to see our recommended month-to-month security systems.


Compare the best home security systems

Brand
Self-monitoring option
Monthly cost Icon Tooltip  Dark
Starter equipment price
Break-in deterrent(s) Icon Tooltip  Dark
Smart home compatibility Icon Tooltip  Dark
Learn more
Icon Yes  LightYes
$249.96Active Guard, AI detection, Live agent intervention, SirenAmazon,
Google
Icon No  LightNo
$599.00Smart Deter lurker detection, Lights, Sounds Amazon,
Google,
Z-Wave
Icon No  LightNo
$0.00Smart AI detection, 2-way talk, Yard sign/window decalGoogle,
Z-Wave
Icon No  LightNo
Quote required
Online quiz
Motion sensors/cameras, Glass break sensor, SirenAmazon, Google
Icon Yes  LightYes
$149.99Acoustic/vibration sensors, AI-powered alerts, Smart security integrationAmazon, Google, Apple, Z-Wave, Zigbee

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer. *ADT $28.99 for landline system only. Full ADT disclaimer

Cathy Habas
Written by
With over eight years of experience as a content writer, Cathy has a knack for untangling complex information. Her natural curiosity and ability to empathize help Cathy offer insightful, friendly advice. She believes in empowering readers who may not feel confident about a purchase, project, or topic. Cathy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Indiana University Southeast and began her professional writing career immediately after graduation. She is a certified Safe Sleep Ambassador and has contributed to sites like Safety.com, Reviews.com, Hunker, and Thumbtack. Cathy’s pride and joy is her Appaloosa “Chacos.” She also likes to crochet while watching stand-up comedy specials on Netflix.

Recent Articles

Pinwheel Watch Review
There’s a new kids smartwatch in town, and it’s a great option for curious kids...
ADT security sign closeup
Best ADT Competitor Alternatives for 2025
Our 4k+ hours of testing 25+ security systems shows that Vivint, SimpliSafe, and Frontpoint are...
A photo of our testing of the SimpliSafe home security system.
Top 7 Best Home Security Systems and Alarm Companies of 2025
Looking for the best home security systems of 2025? Our expert test and rank SimpliSafe...
Bark Watch Review
A kids smartwatch can be a safe way to introduce kids to texting. The Bark...