Wireless: 90% of DIY Buyers Should Start Here
Ring, SimpliSafe, and abode are all wireless systems. Sensors stick to doors and windows with adhesive. The hub plugs into a wall outlet. Setup takes 30-60 minutes with no tools.
The sensors communicate with the hub via radio frequency (usually 433 MHz or proprietary protocols). Range is typically 100-200 feet through walls. In a normal-sized house, every sensor reaches the hub without issues. In a very large house (3,000+ sq ft) or one with brick interior walls, you might need a range extender.
- Pros: easy install, renter-friendly, no holes in walls, portable if you move.
- Cons: batteries need replacing (every 1-3 years), RF interference possible (rare), someone could theoretically jam the signal (extremely rare, requires specialized equipment).
Hardwired: New Construction or Serious Upgrades
Hardwired sensors connect to the alarm panel with low-voltage wire run through the walls. No batteries, no wireless signal to interfere with. Once installed, they work reliably for decades with zero maintenance.
The installation is the problem. Running wire through finished walls means drilling, fishing wire, patching drywall. A professional install for a full house (10-15 sensors) runs $500-1,500 for labor alone. If you are building a new house or doing a major renovation, hardwired is absolutely the right call because the walls are open anyway.
The Hybrid Approach
Some people wire the door and window contacts (which are the most critical sensors and the ones you least want to fail) and use wireless for motion sensors, cameras, and keypads. This gives you the reliability of hardwired on the perimeter with the flexibility of wireless inside.
If your house already has alarm wiring from a previous system (ADT, Brinks, etc.), you can often reuse it. The Konnected alarm panel converts old hardwired sensors to work with modern smart home platforms. $90 for the board plus your time to connect the existing wires.