Protect your home or business. Get matched, free, with a licensed pro.
Decide what to protect, see honest cost ranges for alarms, cameras, monitoring, access control, and guards, then get matched with licensed, insured security companies near you.
KeepWatchly is a free matching service, not a security or alarm company. You compare quotes and choose who to hire.
- You get
- Written quotes
- Cost to you
- $0 — no obligation
- You stay
- In control
What do you want to protect?
Pick what matters most to learn how it works, the safe options, and a typical cost range — then get matched with a licensed pro.
What security typically costs
Real prices depend on the system, the size and layout of your property, professional monitoring, installation, and your area. These are typical US ranges — estimates, not quotes.
| Item | Typical range | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Alarm system (equipment) | $200 – $600+ | Sensors, control panel, and keypad — DIY kits at the low end, professional installs higher. |
| Professional monitoring (per month) | $15 – $60 / mo | A 24/7 center that verifies alarms and can dispatch. Watch the contract length. |
| Security cameras (per camera) | $50 – $300 | Indoor, outdoor, or doorbell cameras, plus any cloud storage fee. |
| Professional installation | $100 – $400 | One-time labor for a professionally installed system. DIY avoids this. |
| Smart lock / access control | $120 – $500 / door | Per door for keypads, smart locks, or fobs that control who gets in. |
| Security guard (per hour) | $20 – $50 / hr | Unarmed on-site or mobile-patrol officers. Armed and event rates are higher. |
Estimates only — confirm the price, the monitoring terms, and the cancellation terms in writing before you sign.
See the full cost breakdown →Security work the licensed pros we match you with handle
From a single doorbell camera to a fully monitored alarm and access system, with honest advice on what you actually need.
What happens when the alarm trips
A monitored system means a 24/7 center is watching for you. Here is the honest version of what happens next — in plain language.
The alarm signals the center
When a sensor trips, the panel sends a signal to a 24/7 monitoring center in seconds.
They verify it's real
The center tries to confirm the alarm — by camera, by calling you, or by your code word — to cut down on false alarms.
They contact your call list
They call you and the people on your list. If no one cancels it, they follow the dispatch steps in your plan.
They can request dispatch
If it can't be cancelled, the center can request police, fire, or medical help. False-alarm fees and permits may apply in your area.
Self-monitoring is cheaper but it's all on you — your phone gets the alert, and you decide whether to call for help.
How KeepWatchly works
Four clear steps — and you stay in control of the whole thing, including the contract.
Tell us what to protect
Your property, what you want to protect, and how to reach you. Contact and property details only — never financial account numbers.
Get matched, free
We connect you with licensed, insured, properly registered security companies near you, at no cost to you.
Compare written quotes
Ask each company for the price, the equipment, the monthly monitoring fee, the contract length, and the cancellation terms in writing.
You choose & hire
You decide who to hire. Read the full contract and confirm the monitoring and cancellation terms before you sign anything.
Know before you sign
How to plan your security, read an alarm contract, avoid high-pressure sales, and pick a company you can trust.
Companies pay a flat fee
Participating security companies pay KeepWatchly a flat fee to be matched. Matching is always free for homeowners and small businesses — we never take a cut of your price.
Honesty over hype
We tell you to hire licensed, insured, registered companies, verify the license yourself, read the full contract, and confirm the cancellation terms. We never promise a system will keep you safe — no security measure can.
Ready to protect your home or business?
Get matched, free, with licensed, insured security companies near you. You compare quotes and choose who to hire — and you read the full contract and confirm the cancellation terms before you sign.
Get matched with a security pro — free