Compare alarm systems, side by side
Not all monitored alarms are equal. Before choosing a home or business alarm system, it pays to understand exactly what you're getting - especially when it comes to the type of monitoring on offer. Here's how AMCO's LiveTalk audio-response system compares.
AMCO at a glance
The 3 key things to compare
Monitored or non-monitored
Whether a trained operator responds to an alert, or you rely on neighbours hearing a siren.
Wired or wireless
Wired systems are typically more tamper-resistant; wireless is faster and less disruptive to install.
Contract length
Some providers tie you into multi-year contracts - check the small print before signing.
How AMCO stacks up
An in-depth comparison of AMCO's LiveTalk-monitored alarms against the three most common alternatives on the market today - 15 features compared, side by side.
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| Recommended | Other companies | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
AMCO Audio-response monitoring | Standard “Call-back” monitoring | £99 Wireless Basic wireless system | Auto Dialler Auto dialler alarm | |
| Equipment | ||||
| Ownership | Owned | Either | Rented | Either |
| Control panel included | ||||
| Secure mains connection | ||||
| Back-up battery | Large 7Ah | Large 7Ah | Small 1.2Ah | Varies |
| Code-entry keypad | Varies | Varies | Varies | |
| Internal sounder | ||||
| External “silent” bell box | ||||
| Response & monitoring | ||||
| Immediate 2-way audio response | ||||
| Break-in confirmed & intruder deterred instantly | ||||
| Who gets alerted | Key holder & police | Key holder & police | Key holder only1 | Key holder only1 |
| Speaks to the intruder | Real person | Varies | Automated message | Automated message |
| Real crime confirmation | ||||
| Emergency button (police / fire / ambulance) | ||||
| Immediate precautionary assistance | ||||
| Reliability | ||||
| False alarm rate | 3.4% | 89–92%2 | 98.8%3 | 98.8%3 |
1Only a key holder is called - leaving acute worry during the time it takes to reach the property, which can range from minutes to days while it remains vulnerable.
2Figures provided by the Metropolitan Police and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).
3Figures provided by independent Daily Express research.
Costs and contracts vary by alarm company - always get a detailed quote that includes all costs before signing, and check independent product review sites too.
Get a free quoteHow AMCO's monitored alarms work
AMCO's monitored alarm systems are special because they come with LiveTalk monitoring - our 24/7 trained staff can immediately listen, talk to and challenge intruders in your property, scaring them away and calling emergency services if necessary.
What happens when an AMCO alarm is activated
From break-in to police alert in as little as 35 seconds - LiveTalk keeps intruders talking, not stealing.
AMCO listens via microphone
An intruder breaks in and activates LiveTalk monitoring - we listen into the property immediately.
AMCO challenges via speaker
The intruder is startled as AMCO staff verbally challenge them via a speaker in the property.
AMCO alerts emergency services
AMCO alerts the police. The intruder runs away quickly - empty handed.
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