Studies have shown that properties with a security alarm are far less likely to be broken into, so it is well worth having one installed. The trick is choosing the best one. When it comes to choosing a home security system, there are a number of different things you need to take into consideration and it can all get a little overwhelming.


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One of the most commonly asked questions is whether it is best to choose a wired or a wireless alarm system to protect your home. Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of each type of system.

Comparing The Costs of Wired vs Wireless

One of the key considerations when it comes to choosing your home security system is of course the cost involved. There are two distinct costs to take into consideration – the cost of installation and the running costs of the system.

With a wireless system, the parts are a little bit more expensive, but the installation requires far less time and labour. In most situations it is less expensive to install a wireless alarm than it is to install a wired one. However, when you look at the ongoing running costs you will find that not only will you need to replace batteries every 2 years, but you will also find that replacement parts and maintenance are far more expensive. In larger properties with several detectors the battery costs alone can really start to mount up. This means that the running costs on a wireless system can be a little bit more expensive. However, taken as an overall figure the two types of home security systems are fairly evenly matched.

System Reliability

When wireless alarms first came on the market they were often known for false alarms. However, now that they have been around for just over a decade and thanks to major advances in technology they are now every bit as reliable as wired systems. Providers such as ADT Home Security offer both types of alarms and are confident in the performance of both types of systems making it a tie in terms of system reliability.

Overall Aesthetic Appeal

One area in which the wireless alarm system is definitely superior is the overall aesthetic appeal. A wireless system will not have any unsightly wires running through the home. This also means that there will be less mess and disruption when it comes to the actual installation process itself. There will be no need to drill holes in your walls to accommodate the wiring and the overall installation should run a little more smoothly since your installer will not have any wiring issues to contend with.

System Flexibility

Another area where the wireless system comes out on top is the amount of flexibility in the system. If you ever have the need to extend your home security system, for example to cover your garage or an extension to your property then it is simply a case of installing the new detection units and programming them into the system. On the other hand, if you have a wired system then you will need to wire new units into the system which is more complex and will cause some disruption. Wireless systems also allow your detectors to be placed anywhere in the room whereas wired systems must make compromises for the limitations of the cabling.

Overall, there is little difference between wired and wireless security systems when it comes to cost or reliability. However, if flexibility or aesthetic appeal is important to you then a wireless system will be a little more superior.