Security panels & sensors

Q: Can I keep my existing security panel?

In many cases, yes. Alarm.com supports compatible IQ, DSC, and 2GIG panels, making it easy to upgrade your system without starting over. Your security professional can recommend the best path based on your existing equipment and your home's needs.

Q: How do I know which sensors I need?

That depends on your home and what you want to protect. Most systems start with door and window sensors, then add motion detection for interior spaces. Water, glass break, smoke, and outdoor sensors can provide additional protection based on your home's layout and lifestyle.

Q: Can I add more sensors later?

Yes. Your system can grow with your home. Whether you're finishing a basement, adding a detached garage, or simply expanding coverage over time, compatible sensors can be added as your needs change.

Q: What's the difference between door, motion, and glass break sensors?

Each sensor protects your home differently. Door and window sensors detect when an entry point opens. Motion sensors watch over interior spaces. Glass break sensors listen for the sound of breaking glass, helping protect rooms where a window could be breached without being opened.

Q: What happens if a sensor stops working?

Your system continuously monitors the health of connected devices. If a sensor reports a low battery, loses communication, or detects a problem, you'll receive a notification so the issue can be addressed before it affects your home's protection.

Complete protection starts with the right foundation.

Find a Pro

WHY ALARM.COM

Serious security is never separate

Panels and sensors are more powerful when they're part of a fully orchestrated home.

One panel for every connection

Panels coordinate sensors, cameras, locks, and alarms in real time.

Built around your home

Choose the right sensors for your home and manage them all from a single app.

Resilient when it matters

Cellular backup keeps your system online, even if the power goes out or an intruder cuts the connection.1

Supported by experts

Your system is installed and monitored by real pros.

Kids forgot to disarm the system

No worries! Smart Arming recognizes everyday sensor activity to help prevent false alarms.

Shed accessed out back

Get alerted when someone enters the detached spaces where you keep your most valuable gear.

Out-the-door routine

With one tap, arm your system, lock doors, turn off lights, and more before you leave.

Busy school mornings

Get a reminder if you drive away without arming your system.

Back door opened at night

If a door or window opens unexpectedly, a trained operator can take action while you're asleep or away.

The sound of a break-in

Know when glass is shattered, not just when a door or window opens.

Window left open in summer

You're notified and your thermostat automatically adjusts to save energy.

Sensors that detect it all

Doors and windows

Know the moment a protected door or window is opened unexpectedly.

Shattered glass

Recognizes the sound of breaking glass, even when a window never opens.

Motion

Detect unexpected movement inside your home when your system is armed.

Outdoor access points

Flex IO™ protects outdoor spaces, reaching where traditional sensors can't.

Room-by-room temperature

Monitor specific room temperatures and optimize comfort throughout your home.

Doors and windows

Know the moment a protected door or window is opened unexpectedly.
Shattered glass

Recognizes the sound of breaking glass, even when a window never opens.
Motion

Detect unexpected movement inside your home when your system is armed.
Outdoor access points

Flex IO™ protects outdoor spaces, reaching where traditional sensors can't.
Room-by-room temperature

Monitor specific room temperatures and optimize comfort throughout your home.

Panels that know what to do next

Adaptive security

Arms and disarms automatically based on your preferred schedule or specific sensor activity.

Crash and smash technology

Even if someone tries to disable the panel, an alarm still gets through and help will be dispatched.

Power outage protection

Stays connected with battery backup and reliable cellular communication.

Adaptive security

Arms and disarms automatically based on your preferred schedule or specific sensor activity.
Crash and smash technology

Even if someone tries to disable the panel, an alarm still gets through and help will be dispatched.
Power outage protection

Stays connected with battery backup and reliable cellular communication.

Panels

Compatibility comes standard

Already have an IQ, DSC, or 2GIG panel? Integrate what you already own into the Alarm.com platform.

BEYOND THE BASICS

Protection where other sensors can't go

Flex IO™ brings intelligent detection to gates, sheds, mailboxes, detached garages, outdoor equipment, and more.

0ac6c8bb6fce5fe14e98a22aaa6fa65a4b939eda

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep my existing security panel?

How do I know which sensors I need?

Can I add more sensors later?

How many security sensors do I need?

That depends on your home's layout and what you want to protect. Most systems start with door and window sensors at key entry points, then add motion detection for interior spaces. You can also protect detached garages, sheds, gates, cabinets, safes, mailboxes, and more with additional sensors. Your security professional will recommend the right combination of sensors based on your home's layout and the areas you want to protect.

Learn more about creative ways to use contact sensors.

What's the difference between door, motion, and glass break sensors?

What happens if a sensor stops working?

What happens if someone destroys my security panel?

If someone tampers with or destroys your security panel, Alarm.com's Crash and Smash protection makes sure both you and your monitoring center receive an alert, even if the panel is damaged or disabled. With built-in cellular communication, the signal doesn't rely on your home's internet connection, helping the system communicate when it matters most.