In 2025, commercial and residential security personnel face monumental challenges when it comes to keeping buildings and the people in them safe. With advances in security technology, a glut of misinformation, and the hype around artificial intelligence, it’s difficult to truly know how to find the best security for you. In short, the proverbial waters are as muddy as ever. However, a great place to start your security hunt is by comparing the benefits and drawbacks of manned security and virtual security guard services.
Security guards have existed for a long time. Historically, they have operated on-site, providing a fairly reliable way to monitor and patrol buildings. On the other hand, virtual security guards have combined advanced technology, like HD video surveillance, access control solutions, and motion sensors, with human guards who oversee security from an off-site monitoring center. So, which is better?
In this article, we’ll look at the top five benefits of both virtual security guard services and manned guarding, the drawbacks, and how you can start your journey to better security.
In this article:
- The Cost of Manned and Virtual Security Guards
- Why Virtual Guard Security Gives Better Coverage
- Are Emergency Response Times Significantly Different
- Virtual Security is Superior for Logging Events
- Which Method is Better for Deterring Crime?
- Cost
Cost is often the most significant variable when deciding between virtual guards and manned security. Industry names, like BOS Security, OHZ Remote Guarding, and RadiusVision, estimate that virtual security guard services save organizations around 60% of what they’d otherwise spend on manned security.
While these manufacturers stand to benefit by using higher-than-average figures, virtual security guards have proven to be less expensive than paying the salaries of multiple security guards.
Cost Benefits: On-site Security vs. Virtual Guard Security
| Feature | Manned Security | Virtual Guard Security |
| Annual Cost | High– Annual salaries of security guards range from $50k to over $150k per year | Varies- Services fees and structures vary among providers |
| Upfront/Installation Cost | Low– Usually only training, uniforms, and basic equipment is needed | High- Installation, equipment, and service fees must be considered |
| Long-term Savings | Moderate– Security will save you money from damage, theft, and high tenant turnover (if applicable) | High– In addition to the savings of manned security, virtual guards allow you to save on personnel. |
- Coverage
Despite the cost savings, the idea of paying a human security guard may still appeal to some property owners and managers. It’s understandable to stick with security that’s tried and true. However, you may also want to consider the differences in coverage between virtual guards and manned security.
In many situations, the effectiveness of virtual security guards is greater than that of traditional security guards as they allow you to monitor more than one location at a time. These systems are much more effective at eliminating blind spots.
For example, property manager Griswold Behr is looking to strengthen the security of his gated community, The Hilltop Dens. Recently, a string of break-ins resulted in vandalized chairs and stolen porridge, leaving many in the community terrified. Gris has decided to have 24/7 security at the front, back, and side gates, as well as at the door for pedestrians. To accomplish this, he can either hire security guards or use a virtual guard security service.
To make sure all entrances are accounted for at all times, Gris Behr would need three or four security guards on staff at all times. This is out of budget. So, he would have to scale down, making compromises on which entrances are guarded and when. Consequently, this will leave blind spots.
On the other hand, virtual security guards allow for the placement of video feeds and two-way intercoms at each entrance. These cameras will record and stream surveillance footage 24/7 to monitoring agents positioned off site. If the thief returns, these agents will know it and respond quickly.
Coverage Benefits: On-site Security vs. Virtual Guard Security
| Feature | Manned Security | Virtual Security Guard Services |
| Blind Spot Risk | High (if not supplemented)- Gaps in security appear when guards are patrolling elsewhere | Low- Cameras, two-way intercoms, and sensors can be placed in various locations to minimize blind spots |
| Coverage Area | Limited– Guardscan only patrol one area at a time | Broad– AI-enhanced cameras and video management systems (VMS) can be used to oversee all entrances |
| Threat Detection | Guards can miss certain dangers in subtle or fast-moving situations | Highly precise- AI surveillance solutions flag anomalies and trained agents can verify |
- Emergency Response
The effectiveness of your security system depends on more than its coverage. Emergency response is also important, especially when it comes to planning and execution. During an emergency, each extra minute of confusion or indecisiveness will impact the outcome. Horrific tragedies like the mass shooting at Robb Middle School in Uvalde, TX, demonstrate the importance of effective monitoring and fast response time.
Emergency Response Benefits: On-site Security vs. Virtual Security Guards
| Feature | Manned Security | Virtual Guard Security |
| Alert Response | Varies– Can confront threats and intervene physically, but is dependent on training | Fast– Guards monitor and alert authorities quickly, but cannot intervene themselves |
| Assessment Level | Human Judgement– Easy to detect nuance in ambiguous situations | May struggle to assess situations when video is limited |
| Safety of Security Personnel | May be exposed to dangerous incidences | Remote teams are not at risk, allowing them to stay focused on making decisions |
| Coordinating with First Responders | Slow– Guards must contact first responders | Fast– SafeTouch and other service providers have a direct line to first responders |
| Guard Qualifications | Varies– In-house security guards may have varying levels of skill | Certified- Virtual security guards are often certified and attended training courses |
- Logs and Recordings
Griswold Behr (the property manager from the “coverage” section of this article) decided to keep his honeypot to himself. He chose to save money upfront (and give himself a bonus) by using manned security instead of a virtual security guards. Luckily, the guards managed to catch the golden-haired thief, and she was brought to court. However, during the trial, the guards forgot important details and the thief got off scot free.
One of the major benefits of virtual guard systems is that they record everything. Had Behr chosen this technology, he could have used the recordings in court. Additionally, virtual guard systems generate automated, time-stamped digital logs from camera footage and access control events. These logs can be played back, slowed down, and enhanced – so when a crime happens, you have the facts.
Physical security guards rely on manually written logs to record incidents, patrol rounds, and observations. While these logs can be valuable for accountability, they are subject to human error: details may be forgotten, misrecorded, or overlooked during stressful events.
- Crime Deterrence
When it comes to deterring crime, on-site manned security offers a uniquely powerful advantage. The presence of a uniformed guard is one of the most effective ways to discourage criminal activity, especially in areas with high foot traffic such as apartment complexes, shopping centers, or gated communities. Guards can also engage with suspicious individuals before any crime happens.
But don’t count virtual security guard systems out either. Though they’re less visibly imposing, virtual guards can prevent crime from happening if thoughtfully implemented. Prominent signage, visible cameras, and audible warnings let intruders know they are being watched. These systems are especially effective when monitoring multiple entrances or large perimeters.
Staying Safe 24/7
You know your security needs better than anyone – so don’t settle for a virtual security guard service that isn’t tailored to your goals. Safetouch experts can help you assess, purchase, install, and monitor your security. With over 30 years of industry experience, we’ve got the knowledge to guide you through cloud platforms, mobile credentials, AI-based monitoring, and more. We’ll help you find a system that won’t become obsolete in a few years. Give us a call at 888.895.SAFE (7233) to speak with a SafeTouch expert today!