Alarm Relay Review 2026: The Cheapest Monitoring for Existing Panels — Full Breakdown
Alarm Relay occupies a unique niche in home security: they don’t sell equipment, don’t install anything, and don’t lock you into multi-year contracts. They do one thing — provide professional 24/7 monitoring for your existing alarm panel starting at $8.95/month. That’s less than a single month of ADT’s cheapest plan.
If you inherited a wired alarm panel when you bought your house, or you’re escaping a contract with ADT/Vivint/Brinks and want to keep using your existing hardware, Alarm Relay is one of your best options. But there are important limitations to understand before signing up.
Company Overview
| Detail | Alarm Relay |
|---|---|
| Type | Monitoring-only service (no equipment) |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Monthly cost | $8.95-$12.95/mo |
| Contract | 12 months (shorter than industry standard) |
| Monitoring center | CSAA Five Diamond, UL-listed |
| Connection types | Landline, cellular (CDMA/LTE), IP |
| Compatible panels | Honeywell/Resideo, DSC, GE/Interlogix, 2GIG, Qolsys, most legacy systems |
| Smart home/app | None — monitoring only |
| Cameras | Not supported |
| BBB rating | A+ |
How Alarm Relay Works
The process is simple but requires some technical knowledge:
| Step | What Happens | Who Does It |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Check compatibility | Verify your panel model works with Alarm Relay | You (call or email Alarm Relay) |
| 2. Sign up | Choose plan, provide panel info and emergency contacts | You (online or phone) |
| 3. Program panel | Change your panel’s reporting phone number to Alarm Relay’s receiver | You (may need installer code) |
| 4. Add cellular (optional) | Install a cellular communicator if you don’t have a landline | You or a local tech ($150-250 one-time) |
| 5. Test signal | Trip a sensor and verify Alarm Relay receives the signal | You + Alarm Relay support |
The Installer Code Problem
The biggest hurdle: you need your panel’s installer code to reprogram it. If a previous security company installed your system, they may have changed the installer code and won’t give it to you. Options:
- Default codes: Many panels have factory default installer codes (Honeywell VISTA: 4112, DSC: 5555) — try these first
- Master reset: Most panels can be factory reset, but you’ll lose all zone programming
- Local technician: Hire an independent alarm tech ($100-200) to reprogram your panel
- Alarm Grid offers remote programming assistance for some panels
Monitoring Plans & Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Connection | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landline | $8.95/mo | Traditional phone line | Homes with existing landline (cheapest option) |
| IP/Internet | $10.95/mo | Broadband connection | Homes without landline but with reliable internet |
| Cellular | $12.95/mo | LTE cellular | Most reliable — works during power/internet outages |
| Dual-path | $14.95/mo | IP + Cellular backup | Maximum reliability |
3-Year Cost Comparison: Alarm Relay vs. The Competition
| Service | Equipment Cost | Monthly | 3-Year Total | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alarm Relay (cellular) | $0 (use existing) + $150-250 communicator | $12.95 | $616-$716 | 12 months |
| Alarm Grid | $0 + communicator | $15-35 | $690-$1,410 | Month-to-month |
| Abode (new system) | $199-450 | $0-20 | $199-$1,170 | None |
| SimpliSafe | $299-499 | $0-28 | $299-$1,507 | None |
| Ring | $199-329 | $0-20 | $199-$1,049 | None |
| Brinks Home | “Free” (bundled) | $30-46 | $1,080-$1,656 | 36-60 months |
| ADT | $0-400 | $29-59 | $1,044-$2,524 | 36 months |
Alarm Relay is the cheapest option if you already have a working panel and sensors. But if you’re starting from scratch, a modern DIY system like Abode often costs less over 3 years while giving you vastly more features.
Strengths
| Strength | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Lowest monitoring cost in the industry | $8.95-$14.95/mo vs. $30-60 for traditional providers |
| CSAA Five Diamond monitoring | Same quality standard as ADT and Vivint’s monitoring centers |
| 12-month contract (not 36-60) | Much less commitment than ADT (36mo) or Vivint (42-60mo) |
| Works with almost any panel | Honeywell VISTA, DSC PowerSeries, GE/Interlogix, 2GIG, Qolsys, etc. |
| A+ BBB rating | Rare in the alarm industry — most competitors have complaints about contracts |
| No equipment upselling | They genuinely just provide monitoring — no sales pressure |
Weaknesses
| Weakness | Impact | Alternative Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No smartphone app | Can’t arm/disarm remotely, no push notifications | Abode or Ring for full app control |
| No camera integration | Can’t add video verification or live viewing | Modern DIY systems include cameras |
| No smart home features | No geofencing, automations, or voice control | Abode for HomeKit/Alexa/Google |
| Setup requires technical knowledge | Panel programming, installer codes, communicator installation | Alarm Grid offers remote support |
| Legacy equipment dependency | Old sensors may fail, replacement parts getting scarce | Switch to modern wireless system when equipment fails |
| No crash & smash protection | If intruder destroys panel before signal, no alert sent | Modern cloud-based systems (Abode, Ring) have crash & smash |
| Landline dependency (cheapest plan) | Phone lines are being phased out nationally | Pay extra for cellular ($12.95/mo) |
Who Should Use Alarm Relay
| Scenario | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Just bought a house with existing wired panel | ✅ Good fit | Save $1,000+ over 3 years vs. new system with monitoring |
| Escaping ADT/Vivint/Brinks contract | ✅ Good fit | Keep your equipment, drop to $12.95/mo immediately |
| Want cheapest possible professional monitoring | ✅ Good fit | Nothing beats $8.95/mo in the industry |
| Want smartphone control and cameras | ❌ Wrong choice | Get Abode or Ring instead |
| Starting from scratch (no existing panel) | ❌ Wrong choice | Modern DIY systems cost similar over 3 years with far more features |
| Want smart home integration | ❌ Wrong choice | Alarm Relay is monitoring-only, no automation |
| Panel is 15+ years old | ⚠️ Consider upgrading | Old sensors fail, parts scarce — may be time for modern system |
Alarm Relay vs. Alarm Grid: Cheap Monitoring Showdown
These are the two main options for monitoring existing panels. Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | Alarm Relay | Alarm Grid |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $8.95-$14.95 | $15-$35 |
| Contract | 12 months | Month-to-month |
| Monitoring center | Own CSAA Five Diamond | Uses COPS Monitoring |
| App control | No | Yes (via Alarm.com, extra cost) |
| Remote programming help | Limited | Yes — strong DIY support |
| Equipment sales | No | Yes (sells panels, sensors, communicators) |
| Alarm.com support | No | Yes (on higher plans) |
| Best for | Cheapest monitoring, minimal needs | Want app + existing panel support |
Bottom line: Alarm Relay is cheaper; Alarm Grid offers more features (especially Alarm.com app control). If you just want monitoring and nothing else, Alarm Relay wins. If you want some smart features with your existing panel, Alarm Grid is worth the premium.
When to Upgrade to a Modern System Instead
Alarm Relay makes sense for working panels, but there comes a point where keeping old equipment costs more than replacing it:
| Sign | What’s Happening | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Sensors triggering false alarms | Old magnetic contacts and PIR sensors degrade | If 3+ sensors need replacing, switch to modern system |
| Panel shows errors frequently | Aging electronics, backup battery failure | New battery is $25 — but if panel itself is failing, upgrade |
| Using landline connection | Phone companies phasing out copper lines | Add cellular communicator ($150-250) or switch to wireless system |
| Want cameras/app/smart home | Alarm Relay can’t provide these | Abode gives you everything for $199 + $0-20/mo |
| Panel is 15+ years old | No security updates, 2G/3G sunset killed many communicators | Time for a modern system — see our buyer’s guide |
Our Verdict: 3.5/5
Alarm Relay does exactly what it promises — affordable, reliable monitoring for existing alarm panels. The Five Diamond monitoring center, A+ BBB rating, and sub-$15/month pricing make it the best value in pure monitoring. But the lack of an app, cameras, smart home features, and modern amenities means it’s a bridge solution, not a long-term answer. Use it to save money while your existing panel still works, then upgrade to a modern DIY system like Abode when it’s time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Alarm Relay monitor my existing ADT/Vivint panel?
Usually yes. Most panels installed by ADT, Vivint, and Brinks use standard Honeywell, DSC, or 2GIG hardware. You’ll need the installer code to reprogram the panel’s reporting number. If the previous company changed the installer code, you may need to do a factory reset or hire a local tech. See our contract cancellation guide for help escaping your current provider first.
Does Alarm Relay have an app?
No. Alarm Relay is monitoring-only — there’s no smartphone app for arming, disarming, or viewing activity. If app control is important to you, consider Alarm Grid (with Alarm.com) for your existing panel, or switch to a modern system like Abode that includes full app control.
What happens if my panel loses power?
Your panel’s backup battery should keep it running for 4-24 hours during a power outage. If you’re using landline monitoring, the phone line is powered separately. Cellular monitoring continues working as long as the panel has battery power. IP monitoring will fail if your router loses power (unless you have a UPS on your router).
Is Alarm Relay’s monitoring actually reliable?
Yes. Their monitoring center holds CSAA Five Diamond certification — the highest industry standard, shared with ADT and Vivint’s centers. UL listing means it meets strict response time requirements. You’re getting the same quality monitoring as customers paying $50+/month elsewhere.
Can I use Alarm Relay for a business?
Yes. Alarm Relay monitors commercial panels and can provide the monitoring certificate that many insurance companies and landlords require. Their commercial plans start around $15/month.
What’s the cancellation process?
After your initial 12-month contract, you can cancel with 30 days’ written notice. No early termination fees after the initial term — a major advantage over ADT’s 75% remaining balance ETF or Vivint’s loan obligations.
Growing up with Law and Order and CSI shows taught Isabelle Landau one thing: if people back then had high-quality home security systems, those series would have been way shorter. In our modern world, technology helps us keep burglars away easily, and this is what Izzy studies and writes about: alarm systems, home security, protection systems, and more.
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.