A question we get every week: "Do I need a camera or an alarm system?" The answer always starts with a counter-question: what do you actually want to achieve? Because while both fall under "security", they do fundamentally different things. Understanding that difference leads to a much better decision — and often saves you hundreds of euros on unnecessary features.
What does an alarm system do?
An alarm system detects an intrusion attempt and intervenes immediately. Sensors on doors, windows and inside rooms register movement or breakage. On unauthorized detection:
- A siren wails (deterrence)
- You get a push notification on your phone
- Optionally a monitoring centre is alerted and dispatches the police
The goal: prevent the burglary from continuing. Speed is everything.
What does a camera system do?
A camera system sees and records. It deters some burglars (visible camera = higher risk for them) but doesn't intervene itself. The added value:
- You can watch remotely (holiday, at work)
- You have footage as evidence afterwards
- Modern cameras detect people themselves and send alerts
- Monitor deliveries, emergency services and visitors
The crucial difference: reaction versus recording
An alarm reacts. A camera records. Burglars are often gone within 5 minutes with the loot — if you only look at the footage then, it's too late. So a camera system without an alarm gives you insight after the fact, not protection in the moment.
When do you pick just one?
Alarm only is enough if: you live there full-time, have no valuable inventory and mainly want to prevent break-ins. Many full-time residents in Spain go this route.
Camera only fits if: you want to monitor remotely (deliveries, kids, pet, terrace) but the home is rarely empty. Or if you own rental properties and want to oversee outdoor spaces without invading guest privacy.
Why the combination is usually smartest
For 80% of our Costa Blanca clients we recommend a combination. Reason: most burglary risk lies with holiday homes and second residences that sit empty for periods. With a camera but no alarm you see the break-in happening — but nothing happens. With an alarm but no camera you get an alert but don't know if it's cat or burglar.
The combination gives you: instant burglary detection via the alarm, plus visual verification and evidence via the camera. In the app you see what's happening in 5 seconds and decide what to do.
Our recommendation
Start with the question: "What do I want to happen at the moment of a burglary?" Want it to stop? Then an alarm. Want to see what happened? Then a camera. Want both? Combine them in one integrated system that runs through the same app. We're happy to put together a transparent proposal for you — no obligation and in English.