Neither type is better in every home. A wired burglar alarm is the most reliable choice when cables can be hidden, such as during a renovation or in a new build. A wireless alarm is quicker to install with almost no mess, and modern systems are very reliable, but detector batteries need replacing every few years. Installed costs are similar for a typical house, at around £600 to £1,500 for either type. A hybrid system lets you mix both.
Key Takeaways
- Wired alarms suit renovations and new builds where cables can be hidden
- Wireless alarms install in hours with no lifting floors or chasing walls
- Typical installed cost is similar: around £600-£1,500 for a house
- Wireless detectors need new batteries every 2-7 years depending on the brand
- Hybrid systems combine wired detectors with wireless ones where cables are difficult
Burglar alarms in London
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What Is the Difference Between Wired and Wireless Alarms?
In a wired alarm, every detector and door contact is connected to the control panel by a cable, which also powers it. In a wireless alarm, detectors communicate with the panel by radio and run on batteries. Both types use a mains-powered control panel with a backup battery, and both can be controlled from an app.
| Wired | Wireless | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical installed cost (house) | £600-£1,500 | £600-£1,500 |
| Installation time | 1-2 days | Half a day to 1 day |
| Mess and disruption | Cables in walls, floors or trunking | Minimal |
| Detector batteries | None | Replace every 2-7 years |
| Best time to fit | Renovation or new build | Any time, including occupied homes |
| Adding detectors later | Needs a new cable run | Quick and simple |
Is a Wired Alarm More Reliable?
A wired alarm has no radio link to interfere with and no detector batteries to fail, which is why it is often preferred for larger and higher-risk properties. That said, modern wireless systems such as Ajax and Texecom Ricochet use encrypted two-way radio, check every device regularly and report a fault or low battery to your phone long before it causes a problem. In practice, a well-installed wireless system is very reliable in most homes.
Which Costs Less to Install?
For a typical three or four bedroom house, the installed cost is similar. Wired equipment is cheaper to buy, but labour is higher because of cable runs. Wireless equipment costs more, but installation is faster. The balance shifts with the building:
- Wired is cheaper when floors are up, walls are being replastered, or there is good existing alarm cabling to reuse
- Wireless is cheaper in finished homes, period properties with solid walls, and flats where cable routes are difficult
Our burglar alarm cost guide has detailed price ranges for each type.
What Is a Hybrid Alarm?
A hybrid alarm uses a control panel that accepts both wired and wireless devices. It is a popular choice when upgrading an old wired alarm: the existing wired detectors are kept, and wireless detectors are added to a loft conversion, extension or outbuilding without running new cables. Texecom Premier Elite, Pyronix and Ajax hybrid hubs all support this approach.
How Long Do Wireless Alarm Batteries Last?
Battery life depends on the brand and the device. Manufacturers typically quote two to seven years for detectors, with external sirens and keypads sometimes needing replacements sooner. The system warns you in advance, and replacing all batteries at once during an annual service avoids repeated call-outs.
| Device | Typical battery life |
|---|---|
| Motion detector | 2-7 years |
| Door or window contact | 3-7 years |
| Wireless keypad | 1-4 years |
| Wireless external siren | 2-5 years |
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose wired if you are renovating, building new, or have reliable existing alarm cables.
- Choose wireless if the home is finished and decorated, you want minimal disruption, or you may add detectors later.
- Choose hybrid if you have an old wired system worth keeping, or a mix of easy and difficult areas.
Planning a refurbishment? Wired detectors can be cabled at first fix and connected at the end of the project. Our Ajax Fibra wired installation page explains how this works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a wired or wireless alarm better?
Wired alarms are best when cables can be hidden, such as during a renovation. Wireless alarms are best for finished homes because they install quickly with almost no mess. Modern wireless systems are very reliable.
Are wireless alarms cheaper than wired?
For a typical house the installed cost is similar, around £600 to £1,500. Wireless equipment costs more but installation is faster; wired equipment is cheaper but needs more labour.
Can wireless alarms be jammed?
Modern professional wireless systems use encrypted two-way radio and detect jamming attempts, reporting them to the app or monitoring centre as a fault or alarm.
How often do wireless alarm batteries need changing?
Usually every two to seven years depending on the brand and device. The system warns you in advance of a low battery.
Can I add wireless detectors to a wired alarm?
Often, yes. Many wired panels accept a wireless expander, or the panel can be upgraded to a hybrid one that keeps the existing wired detectors.
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