alarm.com

November 15, 2025

What Alarm.com Is and What It Does

Alarm.com is an American technology company that builds a cloud-based platform for security, monitoring, automation, and remote control for homes and businesses. It’s not simply an alarm panel or a brand of physical hardware — it’s the network, software, and service glue that connects security systems, cameras, sensors, smart devices, and professional monitoring into one cohesive solution you can interact with from anywhere.

Founded in 2000 and based in Tysons, Virginia, Alarm.com started as remote security system control that let you arm and disarm alarms over the internet. Over time it added smart home and automation features, integrating video, energy management, access control, and more under a single platform.

You won’t generally buy Alarm.com straight from the company’s website like a self-install gadget. Instead, systems and subscriptions are sold and supported by a network of licensed professional service providers and dealers.

How the Platform Works

At its core Alarm.com is about remote interaction and central coordination:

A security panel, cameras, sensors, and other smart devices are installed in a property.
These are connected to Alarm.com’s cloud network through cellular or internet communication.
Once connected, you can control these devices from a mobile app or web dashboard — arm/disarm alarms, view live video, lock or unlock doors, adjust thermostat settings, and monitor alarms in real time.

Alarm.com does not normally manufacture the physical hardware itself. It partners with hardware makers like Qolsys, 2GIG, Honeywell and others, and its service layer integrates those devices.

You can manage everything from your phone or a browser, and many integrations support voice and smart-assistant platforms like Alexa and Google Home, expanding remote control capabilities beyond the Alarm.com app.

Security and Safety Features

Alarm.com’s platform isn’t just about letting you see what’s going on — it’s meant to be proactive and responsive:

Real-time alerts for unusual activities or system triggers.
Crash & Smash protection, which is designed to keep the system communicating even if a burglar tries to disable it.
Professional monitoring can be added so that when alarms go off, trained operators can escalate to emergency responders.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detection integration means safety alerts go beyond intrusions.

That means Alarm.com functions both as a notification system for you and as part of a monitored safety net through partner companies.

Smart Home Automation

Security isn’t the only thing tied into Alarm.com. Once devices are connected to the platform, you can automate and control many aspects of your home or business:

Lights, locks, and garage doors can be turned on or off remotely.
Thermostats and temperature controls let you adjust heating/cooling and even implement energy-saving routines.
Scenes and Smart Arming let you bundle routines together, like locking all doors, arming the alarm, and turning off lights with one command.
Sensors for water leaks, environmental conditions, or inactivity alerts add layers of automation that help respond to non-security situations as well.

The integration of all these pieces into a unified app experience adds convenience but also efficiency, because you don’t need separate apps and dashboards for each type of device.

Video Surveillance and Monitoring

Alarm.com offers a full suite of video monitoring solutions:

Indoor and outdoor cameras with high-definition video, motion detection, night vision, and two-way audio.
Wi-Fi and wired cameras, doorbell cameras, and specialized wellness cameras.
Motion and analytics features that can help filter alerts and track meaningful events in footage.
Cloud storage for clips and recordings accessible through the app or web interface.

Video isn’t just about watching live — recordings, analytics, and alerts can be configured so footage is meaningful without overwhelming you. That’s especially helpful for business owners who want to tie surveillance directly into operational awareness.

Business Security and Access Control

Alarm.com isn’t just residential-focused. Its platform scales to commercial security needs, including:

Remote arm/disarm and access control tailored for business environments.
Video surveillance and real-time alerts integrated with employee access management.
Business-oriented dashboards that show activity across multiple locations.
Energy management tools that help control heating, cooling, and power use across facilities.

Small businesses can use Alarm.com to simplify security, reduce operational burden and improve awareness, all within a single platform.

Subscription and Cost Structure

Using Alarm.com almost always involves a subscription plan because it’s a cloud-based service:

Monthly service fees give you access to features like app control, alerts, and monitoring.
Plans vary widely depending on how much functionality you want — basic alarm connectivity, full automation, video, or business-focused packages.
Some providers offer month-to-month plans with no long-term contracts, and some bundle professional monitoring in the price.

Because Alarm.com ecosystems are sold through authorized dealers, actual prices and equipment costs depend on the provider you work with. That means installation costs, activation fees, and monthly rates aren’t standard across all customers.

Key Takeaways

Alarm.com is a cloud-based security and automation platform used for homes and businesses.
It connects alarms, cameras, sensors, and smart devices into a unified remote-control system.
Users can access live video feeds, arm/disarm remotely, and receive real-time alerts.
Automation features cover lights, locks, thermostats, water sensors, and more.
The platform integrates professional monitoring through service providers.
Business solutions extend to access control, multi-location dashboards, and commercial surveillance.
Subscriptions vary, and costs depend on the chosen provider and package.

FAQ

Do you need a subscription to use Alarm.com?
Yes. Alarm.com operates as a subscription-based service, and you usually pay monthly for access to app control, monitoring, and automation features.

Can I use Alarm.com with my existing security system?
Often you can, if your current equipment is compatible with Alarm.com’s platform and you activate it through a supporting provider.

Is Alarm.com just for homes?
No. Alarm.com has residential and business solutions, including surveillance, access control, and multi-site management tools.

Does Alarm.com include professional monitoring?
Yes — through partner providers. Professional monitoring means alarm triggers can be forwarded to emergency services when needed.

Can I control smart devices like lights and locks?
Yes. Alarm.com integrates with widely used smart locks, lighting systems, thermostats, and other IoT devices so you can automate or control them remotely.