Should Alarm Relay be your Home Security Choice?
Monitoring Your Home every hour, every day. Arguably the cheapest home alarm system monitoring service around starting at $8.95 monthly with one of the shortest contract plans of 12 months. Alarm Relay is a security company that focuses on monitoring existing home alarm systems. They do not have their own security equipment but endorses a couple of DIY Security Companies. Alarm Relay also offers home automation equipment monitoring. These include remote camera viewing, thermostat, lights etc.
Pros
- Low cost monitoring fee starting at $8.95*
- Monitors most Z- wave compatible alarm system
- 12 months monitoring plan
- Compatible with several apps
- CSAA 5 Diamond Central Station
- Available to renters
- Up to 20% savings on your homeowner insurance
- UL Certified Central monitoring Station
Cons
- Doesn’t offer its own equipment
- Added Charges is confusing
- Auto renewal is for an extra 12 months
Quick facts
| Founded | 1972 |
| Headquarters | California |
| Sales Line | (800) 624-6866 |
| Z-Wave Technology | yes |
| Monthly | $8.95+ |
| Installation | $0 |
| Activation | $34 |
| 24/7 monitoring | yes |
| Smoke, C02 & Flood | Included |
| Customer Reviews | 4 of 5 |
| Support | 4 of 5 |
| Smart app control | Available |
| BBB | A+ |
A look into Alarm Relay’s prices and packages options
Alarm Relay is solely a monitoring company and as such their packages reflect that. They offer a price range dependent on what you intend monitoring and the means of monitoring, either wireless, VoIP and cellular. Although cellular is the best choice.
Installation cost: Alarm Relay monitors already existing systems. Although not all systems may be compatible so it’s advisable to call them about your system before purchasing or getting signed up for a plan. They would send a technician to connect your Alarm system for a fee.
Activation charge: Alarm Relay charges a onetime activation/administration fee of $35.00
Monitoring price: the monitoring prices of Alarm Relay is one of the cheapest available. They offer home security monitoring services from $8.95 monthly on a 12 month monitoring contract which auto-renews for another 12 months on expiration. This is only available for wired systems and only a basic monitoring service with no advanced feature.
If you intend using cellular or VoIP, the charges change. Call their customer care for a personalized free quote depending on your available system.
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Alarm Relay’s Security System
Alarm Relay supports a range of systems especially DIY systems including the Helix alarm system, a DIY System which they strongly recommend. They support all security cameras and would easily integrate your home automation systems.
Installation
Getting your monitoring service by Alarm Relay set up is not difficult.
- Get a free quote of what you would likely pay for your service base on your monitoring protocol and also to check if your alarm system is compatible.
- Setup time they would have a technician send over to help you set it up or you can do it over the phone.
- Having issues? – call their customer care service and sort it out.
What makes this company stand out from others?
Alarm Relay differs from most security providers. Here’s what makes them unique
- Cheap monitoring fee: starting at just $8.95, they offer one of the cheapest monitoring fees (along with Protect America) among home security providers.
- Short contract length: they do not weigh you down with a lengthy contract length as their contract length runs for 12 months as against the regular 36 months.
- UL listed: Their central monitoring station is underwriter listed.
- 30-day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with their service, they offer a 30-days money back guarantee.
Do they care about their customers?
Yes, but not much. Contacting Alarm Relay customer service support is hassle-free. They offer a variety of media to get in touch.
Chat support: Not Available
Tech support: They have their own line available for setup support. Reach them at (619) 599-0146
Online videos: They have several tutorial videos on their support page
FAQ: A very detailed FAQ is available on their support page.
Support hours: Their hours are 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. (M-F) and 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sat. they also offer a 24 hours Emergency service.
Conclusion
Alarm Relay is mainly a monitoring company, you can get a low-cost monitoring service for your alarm system depending on your monitoring choice. Find out if your alarm system is supported by giving them a call or confirm which system they support if you intend using them as your monitoring service.
>> Compare Alarm Relay to the TOP 5 here <<
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Last update on 2025-12-12 at 15:40 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
John Bloodworth says
A friend of mine nearly had me sold on this one, because of their ultra-cheap rates. However, after a couple of months, he told me that the extra fees were sneaking in and getting bigger. I’m glad I didn’t jump right in with him. This plan can benefit some I’m sure, but if you’ve got to watch every penny you spend, like me, you might want to think twice.
Lance S. says
I’m looking into getting an alarm system that has minimal costs. I think this one is attractive for only $8.95 per month. The only thing is that you have to get your own equipment. Do you have any recommendation which equipment would pair well with this companies monitoring service?
johnny says
Honestly, this company is good. When I found out that my alarm system is supported, I wasted no time in employing their monitoring service. They know the best way to handle these things and they ensure that they do it to your satisfaction. Trust me, you’ll love them.
scott manifold says
Their customer service is definitely lacking, I have a door monitor that failed. I bought an exact replacement and contacted customer service walk me thru the replacement. They sent me the system guide which made little sense to me. So they offered a phone technician to take me thru the sequence on the touch pad. For a ten minute job they wanted to charge $53. The way I see it that’s $300/hr. I have been a loyal customer for many years, paying over $20/mo… easy money right? Still they can’t seem to find my account worth keeping me happy for ten minutes of their time. I have emailed repeatedly and asked to be put in contact with someone in charge. They have refused to respond to my requests. I have my own business and would never consider charging a client for ten minutes on the phone. I am seeking a replacement company now
Mike A. says
I spent a good 2 months trying to find a security option for my house and holy cow how I wish I had found your site sooner!. THANK YOU for all this information. I am really loving these reviews. I am looking at Alarm Relay here as well as two other companies you have done reviews on. Excellent work.
Sasha Silver says
If you go with Alarm Relay please let me know and what area you are in. I am debating as well and I have read such a mixed amount of reviews on this company that I am utterly confused! I like how they sound on paper but the stories I read.. Not so pleasant!
Casey Ann says
While I did sign up with Alarm Relay and the customer service was good, I will be switching once my contract is up. The hidden fees and charges seem to be getting bigger and bigger and I am on a tight budget. I only just moved to California in 2015 and it is a huge change in terms of what things cost here. I am glad I found this site I will look at other reviews you did to find someone better suited for me.
Matty B. says
I ran into the same issues myself. The prices kept going up! I am not sure how companies are able to lock you i like this but I guess it is in the fine print. Happy to know I am not alone. I am going to have to wait until my contract expires but I will be switching ASAP!
Conrad says
The short contract length is what I like about this product. I really don’t want to be tied down to 5 years with other similar products. For the cheap price, Alarm Relay is ideal for those who just want the basics. I had to check with my existing home alarm system if it’s compatible with this monitoring system. They are compatible with most alarm systems, but it would be wise to check for compatibility especially with unknown or new brands. It will save you tons of problems in the future.