Can I Monitor My Own Security System? The Complete Guide
In the past, home security was synonymous with long-term contracts and mandatory monthly fees for professional monitoring. But as technology has evolved, so has your ability to take control of your home's safety. This leads to one of the most common questions we hear: "Can I monitor my own security system?"
The short answer is: Yes, absolutely.
Modern DIY home security systems are designed to give you choice and flexibility. The ability to self-monitor your system from your smartphone is now a standard feature for many brands. But what does that really mean, and is it the right choice for you?
This guide will walk you through how self-monitoring works, how it compares to professional monitoring, and how you can get the best of both worlds.
What is Self-Monitoring?
Self-monitoring means that you are the one responsible for keeping an eye on your security system's alerts. When a sensor is triggered—like an entry sensor on a door or a motion detector in your living room—the system sends a notification directly to your smartphone via an app.
From there, it's up to you to:
Assess the situation: You can check your camera's live feed or review a recorded clip to see what caused the alert.
Decide on the next steps: If it's a false alarm (like your cat jumping on the counter), you can simply disarm the system. If there's a real threat, you are responsible for contacting the appropriate emergency services, such as the police or fire department.
The Pros and Cons of Monitoring Your Own System
Self-monitoring offers compelling benefits, but it's important to understand the trade-offs.
Pros of Self-Monitoring:
Significant Cost Savings: This is the biggest advantage. Most companies, including Kangaroo, offer self-monitoring for free with the purchase of their hardware. This means no mandatory monthly fees.
No Long-Term Contracts: Self-monitored plans are almost always contract-free, giving you the freedom to use the system as you see fit.
Total Control: You decide how to respond to every alert, reducing the chances of false alarm fees from local authorities that can sometimes occur with professionally monitored systems.
Cons of Self-Monitoring:
You Must Be Reachable: The system is only effective if you see the alert. If you're in a meeting, on a flight, or in an area with poor cell service, you could miss a critical notification.
The Responsibility is Yours: In a real emergency, every second counts. You are responsible for contacting the authorities, which adds a step and potential delay compared to a professional service that does it for you.
Potential for "Alert Fatigue": If you get frequent non-emergency notifications, you might become desensitized and accidentally ignore a real one.
A Practical Checklist
Are You a Good Candidate for Self-Monitoring?
Self-monitoring is powerful, but it requires a certain level of attentiveness. Ask yourself these questions to see if it fits your lifestyle:
1. Do I almost always have my smartphone with me and charged?
2. Am I in areas with reliable cell service for most of the day?
3. Do I feel comfortable being the first point of contact in an emergency?
4. Am I willing to check camera feeds to verify alarms myself?
5. Is saving money on monthly fees a top priority for me?
If you answered "Yes" to most of these, you're an excellent candidate for self-monitoring. If you answered "No" to one or two, you might be a perfect fit for a flexible plan like Kangaroo's, where you can self-monitor most of the time and activate professional monitoring when you need it.
Professional Monitoring: The Alternative
With professional monitoring, when a sensor is triggered, the alert goes to a 24/7 call center staffed by trained security professionals. They will first attempt to contact you to verify the alarm. If they can't reach you or you confirm it's an emergency, they dispatch emergency services to your home on your behalf.
This service provides an essential layer of protection for times when you can't be reached. As a leading consumer advice site, Wirecutter, notes, this rapid response is a key reason many people still opt for professional plans.
Kangaroo: The Flexibility to Choose Your Own Security Style
We believe security shouldn't be one-size-fits-all. Your needs can change, and your security system should be able to change with you. That's why Kangaroo is designed to offer the best of both worlds.
Start with Our Free Basic Plan: Every Kangaroo security device comes with our free self-monitoring plan. You get instant push notifications, real-time alerts, and the ability to view your camera's live feed from the Kangaroo app. You can monitor your own system for as long as you want, with no pressure to upgrade.
Upgrade When You Need To: What if you're going on vacation or just want extra peace of mind? With Kangaroo, you can easily upgrade to one of our professional monitoring plans right from the app. Our Complete Protect Plan provides 24/7 professional monitoring and even includes our signature Package Theft & Damage Reimbursement for an incredible value. Best of all, there are no annual contracts, so you can use the service for a month and then switch back to self-monitoring.
Kangaroo Plan Comparison
| Kangaroo Basic (Free) |
Complete Protect ($99/year) |
Camera Protect ($23.88/year) |
|---|---|---|
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The Verdict: You Can and Should Have a Choice
So, can you monitor your own security system? Yes, and for many, it’s a great way to stay connected to their home without monthly fees.
However, the most effective security strategy is one that adapts to your life. With Kangaroo, you don't have to make a permanent choice. Start with our robust self-monitoring for free, and know that the power of 24/7 professional monitoring is always just a tap away.
Ready to explore a security system that puts you in control? Discover Kangaroo's flexible security kits today.
