On-Demand Monitoring: The 2025 Alarm System Feature You Need

Home security isn’t just about having an alarm—it’s about control, flexibility, and making sure you’re protected when it matters most. In 2025, burglary and property crime remain significant concerns, with an estimated 2.5 million burglaries occurring annually in the U.S. and nearly 66% of them being home break-ins. Even more alarming, homes without security systems are 300% more likely to be targeted, yet many homeowners hesitate to commit to full-time professional monitoring due to high costs and long-term contracts.

That’s where on-demand monitoring changes the game. Instead of choosing between full-time professional monitoring or handling everything yourself, this feature allows you to switch between self-monitoring and professional coverage as needed. Whether you’re traveling for work, going on vacation, or simply want extra peace of mind for a few days, on-demand monitoring ensures your home is watched without locking you into a long-term financial commitment.

Despite its benefits, only one security company currently offers this feature—Abode. Their flexible plans let you activate three days of professional monitoring for $8 or seven days for $15, making it a cost-effective solution for those who want security on their terms. Given that 60% of burglars will avoid a home if they see a security system, having the ability to activate professional monitoring when needed is a powerful advantage.

If you’re tired of overpriced, rigid security plans or worried that self-monitoring might not always be enough, on-demand monitoring is the middle ground you’ve been looking for. Let’s break down exactly how it works, who benefits the most, and whether it’s the right solution for your home.

Key Takeaways

• On-demand monitoring lets you switch between self-monitoring and professional monitoring without committing to a long-term contract.
• Homes with monitored security systems experience 60% fewer break-ins, making flexible monitoring a valuable security option.
• Abode is the only company currently offering on-demand monitoring, making it a unique choice for homeowners.
• Pricing starts at $8 for three days or $15 for seven days per month, making it an affordable option compared to full-time monitoring.
• It’s perfect for travelers, remote workers, or those who only need monitoring on occasion, ensuring their home is protected when they aren’t available to monitor it themselves.
• Unlike traditional monitoring, there’s no long-term commitment, allowing you to turn professional monitoring on and off as needed.

What Is On-Demand Monitoring?

It’s the best of both worlds. Want to be in charge of your notifications most of the time, but have a professional watch your home while you travel and check alerts for water leaks, fire, and burglary? On-demand monitoring lets you switch between modes.

It’s so smart that it’s a wonder only one company offers this service. Unique to Abode’s system, on-demand monitoring means you can activate 24/7 monitoring when you need it.

On-demand monitoring extends professional monitoring but on a flexible plan. You can opt for professional monitoring month-to-month. You can also sign up for three or seven-day monitoring with Abode, then return to self-monitoring. Abode security monitoring has options that make it the best choice for families.

The Benefits of On-Demand Monitoring

On-demand monitoring offers a level of flexibility, control, and affordability that traditional alarm monitoring simply can’t match. For homeowners who want professional security only when needed, this option bridges the gap between full-time monitoring and self-monitoring. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:

1. Cost-Effective Security Without Long-Term Contracts

Traditional professional monitoring requires monthly or annual contracts, whether you need it 24/7 or not. On-demand monitoring, on the other hand, lets you pay only for the days you need it. For example:

• $8 for three days of monitoring per month
• $15 for seven days of monitoring per month

This structure allows you to avoid unnecessary expenses while still having access to professional security when it matters most.

2. Ideal for Travel and Temporary Absences

If you’re heading out for a vacation, work trip, or an extended holiday, on-demand monitoring provides peace of mind without ongoing costs. Instead of relying on neighbors or worrying about self-monitoring while away, you can temporarily activate professional monitoring and let security experts handle any alerts.

Example scenarios where on-demand monitoring is useful:

• Going on a week-long family vacation? Turn on professional monitoring for those seven days.
• Traveling for a business trip but don’t need monitoring all month? Activate it for just three days.
• Visiting relatives for a holiday weekend? Enable monitoring for added security.

3. Easy Activation and Deactivation

Unlike traditional monitoring services that require advanced scheduling or customer service calls, on-demand monitoring can be activated instantly through an app. If you realize you need professional monitoring at the last minute, you can turn it on within seconds without any hassle.

• No scheduling required – activate on-demand monitoring anytime.
• No cancellation fees or contracts – use it when needed and turn it off when you return.
• No commitment to a fixed plan – flexible options for changing security needs.

4. A Perfect Blend of Self-Monitoring and Professional Support

Many people prefer self-monitoring because it gives them full control over alerts and security settings. However, there are times when professional monitoring is more effective—especially when you’re unavailable to check notifications.

With on-demand monitoring, you get the best of both worlds:

• Monitor your home yourself most of the time to stay in control.
• Activate professional monitoring when you need backup, such as when traveling, during medical emergencies, or when you simply don’t want to be responsible for checking every alert.

5. Protection Against False Alarms and Missed Alerts

One of the biggest concerns with self-monitoring is the risk of missing an important alert. If you’re asleep, busy, or in an area with poor reception, you might not see a notification in time.

Professional monitoring ensures that:

• False alarms are properly filtered – trained security personnel assess alerts before dispatching authorities.
• Emergency responders are contacted immediately – in case of break-ins, fire, or other critical incidents.
• You don’t have to manually check alerts – professionals monitor your system when you’re unavailable.

6. Great for Renters and Short-Term Homeowners

Traditional security monitoring is designed for long-term homeowners, but on-demand monitoring is perfect for those in temporary living situations. Renters, short-term homeowners, and those planning to move soon can benefit from professional monitoring without being locked into a contract.

• Ideal for apartment dwellers who want security when traveling but don’t need it year-round.
• Great for short-term rentals – homeowners can turn on monitoring when guests are staying.
• Perfect for military families or those relocating frequently – no need for long-term commitments.

7. Reliable Security Without Extra Hardware

Some monitoring services require specific hardware, extra sensors, or additional fees to access professional monitoring. With on-demand monitoring from Abode, you don’t need to purchase extra devices or commit to full-time service—it works with the existing system.

Pros and Cons of On-Deman Monitoring

Pros

• You can pay for what you use. There’s no need to have constant monitoring when you’re home and doing the job yourself.
• You can use it for travel, business trips, long weekends, and holidays. For example, are you heading to your parents’ for Thanksgiving? It’s a perfect time to let professionals handle the monitoring while you focus on the people who matter.
• It’s simple to turn on from your app. There’s no need to plan and schedule your time away. Need monitoring now? Just turn it on.
• Change your mind. You can self-monitor or professional monitor with Abode.

Cons

• Costs can be higher. You won’t get a homeowner’s insurance discount for professional monitoring on-demand.
• Flexibility can be deceiving. If you want on-demand monitoring, you’ll need to use Abode’s system.
• You can’t jump in and out whenever you want. You’re constrained to 3 or 7 days per month.

Who Is On-Demand Monitoring Best For?

Younger people who are home most of the time or on a tighter budget. They want to upgrade protection when they travel for work or go away for the weekend.

Scenarios When On-Demand Monitoring Makes Sense

• You’re usually home but need to take a lengthy vacation and fear your unoccupied house is a break-in target. So you want it monitored while you’re away.
• You’re happy self-monitoring but have a situation where you won’t be able to.
• You’re unsure if you need professional monitoring and want a flexible system. Your needs may change, but you don’t want to buy a new system and change companies when they do.

Abode: The Best On-Demand Monitoring System

Abode ($329; $8 for three days per month of on-demand monitoring, $15 for seven days per month) is the only alarm offering this unique hybrid monitoring. We also love Abode’s iota system for self-monitoring. 

Use “Go Abode” self-monitoring, and then check out their on-demand professional monitoring to try it out. Set up is straightforward. The app user experience is flawless, but it is easier to set up on the desktop app (instead of the mobile version).

Over Thanksgiving, we did on-demand monitoring. It took seven seconds to set up, and the house was protected when we needed it. It’s a hand-off service that lets you stay in charge of your notifications and settings.

Purchase the Abode iota system through the Batten Marketplace. All of our products are expert-vetted user recommended, so you’re getting only the best security options for your home.

On-Demand Monitoring System Costs

On-demand monitoring costs $8 for three days per month or $15 for seven days per month. If you love your professional monitoring experience, Abode has flexible contracting. You can monitor the system on a month-to-month basis, with on-demand packages taking the flexibility one step further without any contracts to worry about. 

Get the Best of Both Worlds

On-demand monitoring is a unique option for those who want both a self-monitoring and a professional monitoring option. It’s a model that works for anyone who wants to take security into their own hands when they are home and trust it’ll be taken care of when they are away. So if on-demand monitoring is the route for you, shop the Batten Marketplace for your next alarm system.

Final Thoughts

After using Abode’s on-demand monitoring firsthand, I can confidently say it’s one of the most practical and flexible security features available. Unlike traditional monitoring services that lock you into rigid contracts, this system lets you decide when you need professional oversight. When I tested it over a long holiday weekend, activating the service took less than a minute, and I received instant confirmation that my home was protected. The peace of mind was immediate, knowing that if anything triggered my alarm, a professional team would handle it—even while I was miles away.

The numbers back up the importance of having this kind of flexibility. Homes with monitored alarm systems experience 60% fewer break-ins, and yet nearly 40% of homeowners hesitate to invest in professional monitoring due to cost concerns. On-demand monitoring eliminates that barrier, offering an affordable way to protect your home when you need it most. Whether you’re leaving town for a week, have a packed work schedule, or simply want extra security for high-risk periods, this system adapts to your needs without forcing you into an unnecessary full-time expense.

The biggest takeaway? Security should work for you—not the other way around. With the ability to toggle between self-monitoring and professional support, Abode’s system proves that home security doesn’t have to be all or nothing. For anyone who wants to stay in control of their protection while keeping costs in check, on-demand monitoring is the smartest way to stay secure in 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is On-Demand Monitoring and How Does It Work?

On-demand monitoring allows you to switch between self-monitoring and professional monitoring whenever you need it. Unlike traditional services that require long-term contracts, this feature lets you activate professional monitoring for a set number of days each month.

How Much Does On-Demand Monitoring Cost?

Abode’s on-demand monitoring costs $8 for three days per month or $15 for seven days per month. If you decide you want full-time professional monitoring, Abode also offers month-to-month plans with no long-term contracts.

Is On-Demand Monitoring Better Than Traditional Monitoring?

It depends on your needs. If you prefer full-time professional monitoring for homeowner’s insurance discounts and constant protection, a traditional plan might be better. But if you mostly self-monitor and only need professional support occasionally, on-demand monitoring is a cost-effective alternative.

Can I Use On-Demand Monitoring While Traveling?

Yes, that’s one of its biggest advantages. If you’re leaving town for a vacation or work trip, you can activate professional monitoring for just those days, ensuring that your home is monitored while you’re away.

Does On-Demand Monitoring Work With Any Alarm System?

No, Abode is the only security provider currently offering on-demand monitoring. If you want this feature, you’ll need to use Abode’s alarm system.

Will I Still Receive Alerts When Self-Monitoring?

Yes, when self-monitoring, you’ll still receive app notifications for any triggered alarms, but emergency responders will not be dispatched unless you manually call them.

Does On-Demand Monitoring Qualify for Insurance Discounts?

Most insurance providers offer discounts only for full-time professional monitoring, so on-demand monitoring may not qualify. However, some insurers may offer partial discounts—check with your provider.