The question comes up systematically, and for good reason: many consumer alarm systems become unusable without a subscription. This is not the case with Ajax. Here's precisely where the line is drawn.
What's included, free of charge
The Ajax Security System application (iOS, Android, Windows, macOS) is free and fully featured. It provides you with:
- Remote arming and disarming, from anywhere
- Instant push notifications for alarms, tampering, connection loss, or low battery
- Photo verification: images from MotionCam detectors arrive in the app, free of charge
- Event history — up to 1,000 entries on Hub 2, showing who armed what and when
- Management of users and permissions, each with their own code
- Automation scenarios — 32 on Hub 2, 64 on Hub 2 Plus
- Firmware updates, for life
In other words: everything that makes the alarm system work daily. No function is placed behind a paywall, no notification limits, no paid history retention.
What it still costs
Two items, and they have nothing to do with Ajax.
The SIM card. If you equip the Hub with one or two SIM cards — and you should — you need a mobile subscription. The data volume is negligible: an M2M card or a minimal data plan is sufficient, often a few euros per month. This is an operator cost, not an Ajax cost.
Electricity and batteries. Anecdotal. Jeweller detectors last several years on their original batteries.
What a subscription actually provides
The subscription we're talking about is not an Ajax subscription: it's a remote monitoring contract with an approved company. Ajax connects to it via standard SIA (DC-09), SurGard (Contact ID), and ADEMCO 685 protocols.
What it adds:
- 24/7 human monitoring. Someone looks at your photo verification images and decides, even if you're asleep, in a meeting, or abroad
- Doubt verification and calling emergency services according to an agreed procedure
- On-site intervention by an agent, depending on the contract
- Traceability that can be used in case of dispute with an insurer
The decisive point is the first. Without remote monitoring, an alarm that triggers while you are unreachable will only result in an unread notification and a screaming siren.
So, with or without?
Without a subscription is suitable if you are generally reachable, if you have responsive neighbors, and if the main goal is deterrence. A visible outdoor siren and photo verification that reaches you in nine seconds already cover a lot.
With a subscription becomes recommended as soon as there is a stake in value or continuity: business, office, warehouse, stock, secondary residence, or simply an isolated house without close neighbors. It is also often an insurance condition for professional assets — check your policy before deciding.
An important nuance about video
Photo verification from MotionCam detectors is included. However, if you integrate video surveillance cameras into the application, recordings are stored on your own equipment — NVR recorder and hard drive — and not in a cloud billed monthly. This is a significant economic model difference compared to consumer systems that charge for archiving.
Frequently asked questions
If I stop paying for my SIM, does the alarm still work?
Yes, as long as the Hub is connected via Ethernet. You simply lose the backup channel — meaning protection against fixed line interruption.
Can Ajax remotely disable my system?
No. The system operates locally; the cloud only serves to relay notifications and for remote access. Sirens and alarm logic remain operational even without internet.
Is there a limit to the number of notifications?
No.
Can I add remote monitoring later?
Yes, without changing hardware. The connection is configured in the Hub; the remote monitoring center provides you with the login credentials.
How long is the history kept?
Hub 2 stores up to 1,000 events in memory, viewable in the application.
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