When people ask us "should I get cameras or an alarm first?" the honest answer is: it depends on what you're trying to protect and how.
What alarms do best
Alarms are about deterrence and response. The visible keypad, yard sign and siren tell intruders this property is protected — and that someone will be notified the moment entry happens. With 24/7 professional monitoring, an alarm triggers an immediate dispatch, even when you're asleep or away.
What cameras do best
Cameras are about evidence and awareness. They record what happened, let you check in live from anywhere, and help identify who was involved. Modern systems with AI can even tell you the difference between a person, a car and a package delivery.
The truth: you usually need both
An alarm without cameras can't tell you what happened. Cameras without an alarm can't stop an intruder in the moment. That's why most of our customers start with one and add the other within a year.
Expert tip: Start with cameras if theft has already happened and you need evidence. Start with an alarm if you want to stop break-ins from happening in the first place.
Our recommendation
For most homes, a complete package with 4 cameras + an alarm system with monitoring is the sweet spot — full deterrence, full evidence, one app to control everything.