There are two main types of alarm systems: wired and wireless.

Wired alarm systems have been around for many years, while wireless alarm systems are a relatively new technology. So which type of alarm system is better?

In this blog post, we will compare the pros and cons of each one.

Table of Contents:

  1. Defining ‘Wired’ vs ‘Wireless’
  2. What is a wired burglar alarm?
  3. What is a wireless burglar alarm?
  4. Installation
  5. Flexibility
  6. Price
  7. Maintenance
  8. Variety (wide availability of sensors for all my needs)
  9. Reliability
  10. Monitoring & Police Response
  11. Aesthetics
  12. The Winner is…
  13. Why You Should Trust/Choose MCR Burglar Alarms
  14. Download our “Home Security Guide”

Defining ‘Wired’ vs ‘Wireless’ Alarm Systems

Typically there are 3 parts to an alarm that could be considered “wireless”.

  1. How the sensors communicate with the control panel
  2. How the control panel communicates with the monitoring station
  3. How the devices are powered

How the sensors communicate with the control panel

A wireless security system generally includes sensors that send data to the control panel using radio frequency technology.

A hardwired alarm system uses a network of wires hidden within the walls and floors of your house to connect the sensors to the control panel.

How the control panel communicates with the monitoring station

A wireless alarm system will use a cellular connection or an internet connection to communicate with the monitoring station.

A wired alarm system will use a landline phone connection to communicate with the monitoring station.

(Learn more about Monitoring Stations & Police Response)

How the devices are powered

Wireless security devices are battery-powered, however, it is worth noting that almost all ‘wireless’ control panels will still require a wired connection to mains power.

Wired security systems plug into a standard wall outlet and distribute power to all of their sensors using a network of cables installed around your home.

What is a wired burglar alarm?

Wired alarm systems are the older version of the two, and they’re still popular. Wired burglar alarms connect the sensors and power to the control panel via cables. These were once considered the most dependable option, however recent wireless systems are much more reliable making the choice much harder.

What is a wireless burglar alarm?

Wireless burglar alarms work in a similar way but instead of connecting the control panel to the detectors via wires, they use wireless technology instead (like radio waves). Wireless burglar alarms are becoming more popular because they are easier to install and maintain than wired systems, and they offer more flexibility in terms of where they can be placed.

Although the name implies a wireless burglar alarm system is entirely wire-free, the control panel is still usually connected to a power source via a plug. Instead, it is the sensors that communicate wirelessly to the control panel, eliminating the need for cables to run throughout your home.

These days, wireless alarm systems are very popular because, compared to a wired system the perception is that:

The install time is shorter.

Modern wireless systems are now sufficiently reliable to be practical.

They offer more flexibility when moving home or premises. You can, in theory take the system with you…

And now for the wired vs wireless comparison. We keep score as we go, to help decide your winner!

Let’s start the wired vs wireless burglar alarm comparison!

Installation

Starting with the biggest difference, wireless alarms are installed totally differently to wired alarms.

Wireless alarms are usually much quicker and easier to install. Once they have been paired to the control panel, they are typically just screwed to their final location with no thought required about how to run cables to each device.

Wired alarm systems require lots more labour to run cables throughout your house, which can be a difficult and skilful process to do neatly.

An experienced security engineer should be able to hide 90% of the alarm cables from view, however, this takes a lot of time. There are many stories of poor quality installations where cables can be seen stapled everywhere.

In most cases, wireless alarms are the cheaper, quicker and best-looking option for both homes and small business properties.

Wired 0 – 1 Wireless

Price

While the components involved with a wireless burglar alarm system are generally more expensive, the time it takes to install one is far less than that needed for a wired system. This means that a wireless security system is quicker to set up, causes less interruption to your home life & requires less labour to complete.

Some wireless alarms can be fitted in less than an hour, whereas wired alarms almost always need a full day minimum.

On the other hand, wired alarms could be cheaper when installed into a larger property with easy access to cabling routes. (e.g. if all the carpet was being replaced in a home, it is relatively quick to route cables through the floor).

The sheer number of detectors required to get good coverage in a larger property, coupled with the cheaper costs of wired devices, can ultimately tip the scales in favour of a wired alarm system in some situations.

Wired 0 – 2 Wireless

Flexibility

One of the best things about wireless burglar alarms is their flexibility. It is very easy to add additional detectors and they can be installed in any room of the house.

Wireless alarms are also perfect for protecting any outbuildings like sheds, log cabins & garages.

Wired alarm systems are not as flexible, as they need to be installed in specific locations in the home based on where it is possible to wire to. This typically makes outbuildings cost prohibitive to protect.

Wired 0 – 3 Wireless

Maintenance

Wired alarms are typically easier to maintain than wireless alarms. With a wired alarm system, all detectors are wired to a power source, suffer from virtually no interference and are easily testable from 1 location, the control panel.

Wireless alarms generally require more maintenance, however, the exact amount of time and money they require can vary by brand, usage and type of detectors installed.

Wireless devices are powered by batteries which will need replacing every 6-12 months for some brands, whereas other brands can last as long as 7 years. This can quickly add up if your alarm system has lots of devices. (Learn more about how our wireless burglar alarms can last up to 7 years on a single battery)

Either way, both alarm systems should be serviced annually to ensure it is still working effectively, just like you need to service your car every year to keep it working effectively.

Wired 1 – 3 Wireless

Variety (wide availability of sensors for all my needs)

Modern alarm systems have a huge range of different detectors to help keep your home safe.

There is almost no difference in the variety of detectors available to wired or wireless alarm systems.

The biggest factor that limits the detectors you can use is which brand of alarm system you choose. (Learn more about our top 5 recommended Alarm System Brands)

Wired 1 – 3 Wireless (Draw!)

Reliability

Wired alarms used to be considered far more reliable than wireless alarm systems, however with recent advancements in modern wireless home security systems, the playing field is very even on both sides.

Newer wireless detectors can have ranges of nearly 1 mile and work entirely independently of each other, so if any device goes down, the system alerts you whilst staying fully operational.

However, any wireless technology can be affected by interference. A large new mirror placed on the wall between a wireless detector and the control panel could interfere with the wireless signal and take the detector offline.

Wired alarms are typically very reliable once fitted, as long as none of the cables are damaged.

Wired 2 – 3 Wireless

Monitoring & Police Response

Another thing to consider is whether you want an alarm that is monitored by a security company or one that is self-monitored.

Monitored alarms are more expensive, but they offer peace of mind knowing that if you were to be burgled, the police would be called to the scene almost immediately.

Self-monitored alarms are less expensive, but will only notify you of any alarms or faults, so it will be up to you to take any necessary action.

Either way, if you want your alarm to be able to communicate with you or a monitoring company, it will usually require access to your WiFi and a backup SIM card in the event there is no power/WiFi.

(Did you know: Smart alarms can be controlled from your smartphone and instantly send you alerts when you are not home. Combined with motion activated cameras, this can be a very effective way of knowing whether your home is secure when you are not there to check it yourself)

Wired 2 – 3 Wireless (Draw!)

Aesthetics

The Winner is…

Good quality wireless alarms! Read our “best wireless alarms comparison”.

Why You Should Trust/Choose MCR Burglar Alarms

After years of watching homeowners pay top price for mediocre alarm systems that are complicated to use and ineffective, we set out to change the industry standard.

We looked for the best alarm systems available on the market that had zero compromises on quality, features, ease of use & value. And we found it!

Our prices are fully transparent and our sales tactics are straight talking advice with no pressure or ‘limited time deals’.

Now we exclusively install our next-generation wireless burglar alarm system in residential homes around Manchester.

Download our “Home Security Guide”

We have compiled all of our ‘insider industry knowledge’ into our eBook “The Homeowners Guide To Home Security” to help homeowners like you feel confident in your decisions when protecting your home.

It includes:

When it comes to burglar alarms, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best system for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.