The best home security alarm system in the UK depends on who you want to respond when it goes off. A simple audible alarm scares off intruders and alerts neighbours; a smart DIY system sends alerts to your phone; a professionally monitored system has an alarm receiving centre check every alert and call keyholders or, if the system qualifies, the police. This guide compares those types, explains the standards and accreditations that matter, and gives a checklist for choosing, so you can judge any brand on its merits rather than its advertising.
One principle comes before all of them. Avon and Somerset Police advise: “Sort out your physical security first and put the alarm in afterwards.” An alarm tells you a break-in is happening; good doors and locks help stop it.
The main types of home alarm system
1. Audible-only (bells-only) alarms
When triggered, the alarm sounds a loud siren designed to scare off an intruder and alert neighbours. There is no monitoring, so it relies on someone hearing it and acting. Police are less likely to respond to an unmonitored alarm.
Good for: deterrence on a budget, homes where neighbours are close by.
2. Smart DIY alarms (self-monitored)
Wireless kits with a hub, door and window contacts, motion sensors and a siren, controlled by an app. When the alarm triggers you get a phone notification and decide what to do. Many offer optional paid plans with extra features or professional monitoring. They are quick to fit, easy to expand and can move house with you, which suits renters.
Good for: renters, smaller homes, people who are comfortable reacting to alerts themselves.
3. Auto-dialler alarms
The system automatically calls or texts stored phone numbers when triggered. Avon and Somerset Police warn not to programme 999 into an auto-dialler, because police are unlikely to respond to automated calls. Put trusted keyholders’ numbers in instead.
Good for: people who want alerts without a monitoring contract, with reliable keyholders nearby.
4. Professionally monitored alarms (keyholder response)
Signals go to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC), staffed around the clock, which checks whether an alert is genuine and contacts you or your keyholders. These are usually installed by the provider and come with a monthly fee and a contract.
Good for: people who travel, live alone, or cannot always respond to a phone alert.
5. Monitored alarms with police response
The top tier. Crimestoppers explains that police attend a monitored alarm signal only if the system complies with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) Security Systems Requirements; for a non-compliant system the keyholder is informed instead. A compliant system needs an installer approved by one of the two inspectorates, NSI or SSAIB, and registration with your police force, which issues a Unique Reference Number (URN). The NSI notes that police response is withdrawn after three false alarm calls in a rolling twelve-month period, so a reliable, well-maintained system matters.
Good for: higher-value homes, or where your insurer asks for it.
Alarm types compared
| Type | Who responds | Police response? | Ongoing cost | Installation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audible-only | Neighbours, passers-by | Unlikely | None to low (maintenance) | DIY or installer |
| Smart DIY, self-monitored | You, via the app | Unlikely | Optional app plan | DIY |
| Auto-dialler | Your keyholders | Not for automated 999 calls | Low | DIY or installer |
| Monitored, keyholder response | ARC, then keyholders | Only if compliant | Monthly fee, contract | Professional |
| Monitored, police response | ARC, then police | Yes, if NPCC compliant with a URN | Monthly fee, contract, maintenance | NSI or SSAIB approved installer |
Costs vary widely between providers, so get written quotes that show equipment, installation, monthly fees, contract length and cancellation terms side by side.
What to look for in any alarm system
A recognised grade
Professional intruder alarms are graded 1 to 4 under the European standard EN 50131. Grade 2, designed to resist intruders with some knowledge of alarms, is the usual grade for homes; grades 3 and 4 are for commercial and high-risk premises. Many DIY smart kits are not graded at all. That does not make them useless, but it is worth knowing, especially if your insurer asks.
An accredited installer
For professionally installed systems, check that the company is approved by NSI or SSAIB. Crimestoppers advises checking installers on the inspectorates’ own websites.
Visible external sounders
Police advice is that two visible alarm boxes are better than one: mount them at the front and rear, high up to resist tampering. Signage helps too, but only with an active system behind it.
The right sensors in the right places
- Door contacts on every external door, including the back door and any door from an integral garage.
- Motion sensors covering the hallway and main routes through the house. Pet-tolerant sensors reduce false alarms if you have animals.
- Window contacts on easily reached windows.
- Coverage for any extension. Police specifically remind people to extend their alarm when they extend the house.
- Optional sensors on sheds and garages if they are in wireless range.
Reliability
Look for battery backup for the hub and siren, low-battery warnings, tamper alerts and, for app-based systems, a mobile data backup if your broadband drops. False alarms annoy neighbours and, on police-response systems, can cost you that response.
App and account security
For smart systems, use a strong unique password and turn on two-factor authentication if it is offered. Check who can arm and disarm the system and remove old users.
Contract terms
Read the minimum term, what happens if you move, who owns the equipment and the cost of leaving early. Some providers lease the equipment, so it goes back when you cancel.
Adding cameras and doorbells
Many alarm systems integrate cameras and video doorbells. If a camera records beyond your property boundary, the Information Commissioner’s Office says data protection law applies: aim cameras at your own property where possible, display a sign saying CCTV is in use, delete footage regularly and respond to requests for footage from people you record. Lighting helps too; police suggest dusk-till-dawn lighting as an alternative to motion-sensor lights that animals and visitors can set off.
Physical security: the part an alarm cannot do
An alarm reacts after someone tries to get in. Strong doors and locks make that harder in the first place, and they matter most when you are at home and the alarm may not be set downstairs. Start with:
- A rated euro cylinder (TS 007 3-star or Sold Secure Diamond). Our guide to anti lock snapping explains what to look for.
- Locking uPVC doors properly: lift the handle and turn the key every time.
- A door security bar or handle guard for when you are in.
- Window locks on accessible windows.
For a full plan, see our guide on how to secure your home.
Which alarm is right for you?
- Renting or on a tight budget: a smart DIY kit, plus a physical door device that needs no drilling. Our renters’ guide to securing a door without drilling covers options.
- Homeowner who wants alerts but no contract: a smart DIY kit with external siren, or an auto-dialler with good keyholders.
- Away often, live alone or vulnerable: a professionally monitored system.
- Insurer requires it, or higher-value home: a police-response system from an NSI or SSAIB approved installer. Ask your insurer exactly what they need before buying.
FAQs
Will the police respond to my burglar alarm?
Only if it is a monitored system that complies with the NPCC Security Systems Requirements, installed by an approved company and registered with your force. Police are less likely to respond to unmonitored alarms and are unlikely to respond to automated 999 calls.
Are DIY smart alarms any good?
They can be a sensible choice, especially for renters and smaller homes. The trade-off is that you have to respond to alerts yourself unless you pay for monitoring, and many are not graded under EN 50131.
What does NSI or SSAIB approval mean?
They are the two independent inspectorates for UK security companies. An approved installer is regularly inspected and can install systems that meet the standards police and insurers require.
Does a burglar alarm lower home insurance?
Some insurers offer a discount or require a particular type of alarm, but terms vary. Ask your insurer before you buy, and make sure you set the alarm as your policy requires.
Next steps
Whichever alarm you choose, make the doors hard to open first. For uPVC doors, the Door Jammer – HOLDOOR hooks under the inside handle and braces the door against the floor, so it stays shut even if the lock is snapped, bumped or picked. It is Sold Secure Bronze rated and Secured by Design accredited, fits most UK single-handle uPVC doors in about a minute with no drilling, and is made in Britain from British steel. It is £90 with free UK delivery and a 2-year warranty. It is not for sliding, French/double or patio doors; for those, look for a product designed for that door type.
In a fire: find the key, lift the Door Jammer off (or unlock and remove the Door Handle Guard), unlock the door and leave the building.
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