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Rethinking Protection: The Rise of Subscription-Based Security Systems

  • Writer: Wayne Jarrett
    Wayne Jarrett
  • May 11
  • 2 min read

Updated: Sep 21

A man on a ladder uses a power drill to create a wire penetration in the brick wall of a building.

Why Renting Your Security System Is Gaining Ground

Subscription models are everywhere from music, software, even cars and now commercial security is following suit.

For Denver businesses and homeowners, renting a security system can be a smart alternative to a large up-front purchase. It provides predictable costs, automatic upgrades, and access to the latest technology without the hassle of ownership.


From Big Up-Front Costs to “Security-as-a-Service”

Traditional installations required thousands of dollars for cameras, alarms, and long-term service contracts. Today, Security-as-a-Service bundles equipment, installation, cloud storage, and ongoing support into one monthly fee. This pay-as-you-go approach eliminates capital expenditures and keeps your system current.


Key Advantages of a Security Subscription Model

1. Unlimited Functionality Warranty

When you rent, you’re not just leasing equipment you’re gaining peace of mind. Most rental agreements include a full equipment warranty for the duration of the agreement. If a camera fails, a door controller malfunctions, or a panel glitches out, it’s replaced at no cost.

2. Free Upgrades Over Time

Technology ages fast. One of the biggest perks of a rental plan is automatic hardware refreshes. As your cameras, recorders, or access control systems become outdated, you’ll be eligible for upgraded gear often at no additional charge ensuring your system stays modern and effective.

3. Cloud Connectivity

Most rental systems are cloud-based by default. This means you get remote access, real-time alerts, off-site backups, and seamless integration with mobile apps. No more worrying about hard drive failures or on-site software management.


Pros and Cons of Renting vs. Owning

Renting Security

Owning Security

Lower upfront costs

Higher initial investment

Full-service support & warranty

You handle repairs/replacements

Automatic upgrades

Must manually upgrade at cost

Monthly fee

No monthly fee (beyond monitoring)

Cloud-native

Often requires upgrades to access cloud

Equipment returns if canceled

Equipment is yours to keep

So, Which is Better?

Owning your equipment is always a solid long-term strategy especially if you’re tech-savvy and prefer to avoid recurring fees. However, for many homeowners and business owners, the advantages of renting especially the reduced installation costs, guaranteed system uptime, and hassle-free upgrades outweigh the drawbacks.

Renting can also be ideal for growing businesses, landlords, or anyone expecting to scale or relocate. It offers a way to stay ahead of the curve without being locked into outdated technology or large upfront expenses.


The Bottom Line

Security-as-a-Service is here, and it’s not going anywhere. As more companies shift their models to offer rental-based solutions, the future of home and business security is looking increasingly cloud-connected, affordable, and maintenance-free. Whether you're outfitting a single-family home or a multi-site enterprise, renting your security system might just be the smartest way to stay protected without being stuck.


 
 
 

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