Best VoIP for Home Security Systems

Does VoIP work with home security systems?

Yes, VoIP works with home security systems – to a certain extent. In the past, VoIP and home security systems didn’t work that well. Traditional alarm systems depend on standard phone lines to connect to the monitoring center, as they use copper wire to transmit emergency signals. Meanwhile, virtual phone systems operate on the cloud and only need an internet connection. Due to this difference, signals sent out by your VoIP system may not be recognized by your security system’s monitoring center.

However, as traditional security systems have proven to be slow and unreliable, technology has advanced to catch up. Nowadays, the most common home security systems don’t require a landline to work:

• Wireless security system: works by using wireless communication protocols like Zigbee, Z-Wave, or the company’s own radio protocol. Since they don’t require a hard-wired installation, the initial investment is lower and there’s no need for electrical expertise, explaining why they have become increasingly common in residential households.
• Cellular home security system: Sends signals via cellular towers. In addition to being faster, cellular security systems don’t have any wires to cut like traditional alarms. Plus, cellular monitoring can be completely independent of your VoIP system (as it uses a SIM card to establish a connection.
• Broadband security systems: Usually called DYI systems, you can build your own security system by buying the devices and connecting them to the internet. We don’t recommend this option as much because it can be unreliable. If there’s a power outage, the system won’t be able to send you a signal.

Landline vs VoIP vs cellular: Which one is better for home security systems?

While it’s clear you should ditch landlines entirely, there’s no clear answer regarding whether you should opt for a VoIP or cellular connection when setting up your home security system. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so it really depends on your needs.

As already mentioned, you should consider wired home security systems a thing of the past. In addition to being highly expensive, they aren’t as reliable as they were before. Moreover, cutting the wires to interrupt the emergency signal is one of the first things a professional burglar will do.

Meanwhile, VoIP is much cheaper but can also be unreliable. While some home security system providers are able to circumvent the issue of signals getting lost due to UDP by owning a managed facility voice network (MFVN), VoIP is still too susceptible to power outages.

Cellular home security systems come as the most reliable solution while remaining affordable. We recommend using a virtual phone system as your primary means of communication due to its low prices and comprehensive set of features, and getting a cheap cellular plan to connect to your home security system. Combining the two provides a reliable and cheap phone plan and home security system.