Verkada Alarms was redesigned in 2024 for greater ease of install, reliability, and user experience. The new Verkada Alarms consists of new hardware and software, which operate independently from the classic version of Alarms.
The key difference between new and classic Alarms is the system architecture. Classic Alarms uses a multi-hub design where each device independently communicates with the cloud. New Alarms employs a single-brain architecture, centralizing cloud communication through the alarm panel and connecting all devices locally via low-voltage wiring.
This setup minimizes device offline risks, improves system uptime, supports offline arm/disarm, and simplifies the reuse of existing sensors and wiring, avoiding a full system overhaul.
Hardware compatibility list
Because of the different architectures, new Alarms hardware is not compatible with classic Alarms hardware. Only intrusion sensors and the BZ11 horn are compatible with both new and classic Alarms. See the full hardware compatibility list below:
Hardware Model | Description | Compatible with New Alarms | Compatible with Classic Alarms |
BP52 | Alarm Panel | ✔️ |
|
BK22 | Alarm Keypad | ✔️ |
|
BE32 | Alarm Expander | ✔️ |
|
ACC-CEL-LTE-2 | Cellular Backup Communicator for BP52 | ✔️ |
|
ACC-VBX-200WH | Backup Battery for BP52 | ✔️ |
|
ACC-VBX-ENC | Dual Battery Enclosure for BP52 | ✔️ |
|
BR11 | Wired Motion Sensor | ✔️ | ✔️ |
BR12 | Wired Surface Mount Door Sensor | ✔️ | ✔️ |
BR13 | Wired Recessed Door Sensor | ✔️ | ✔️ |
BR31 | Wireless Door Sensor | ✔️ | ✔️ |
BR32 | Wireless Motion Sensor | ✔️ | ✔️ |
BR33 | Mounted Panic Button | ✔️ | ✔️ |
BR34 | Wireless Glass Break Sensor (Classic) |
| ✔️ |
BR35 | Wireless Water leak Sensor | ✔️ | ✔️ |
BZ11 | Horn Speaker | ✔️ | ✔️ |
BP41 | Alarm Panel (Classic) |
| ✔️ |
BK11 | Alarm Keypad (Classic) |
| ✔️ |
BK21 | Alarm Keypad (Classic) |
| ✔️ |
BC51 | Alarm Console (Classic) |
| ✔️ |
BC82 | Alarm Console (Classic) |
| ✔️ |
BH61 | Wireless Hub (Classic) |
| ✔️ |
BX21 | Wireless Relay (Classic) |
| ✔️ |
ACC-CEL-LTE | Cellular Backup Communicator (Classic) |
| ✔️ |
ACC-CON-STD-1 | Alarm Console Stand (Classic) |
| ✔️ |
See Supported Cameras for Video Alarms for a list of camera models compatible as triggers for new and classic Alarms.
License compatibility list
New and classic Alarms also have different licenses. Only the BZ11 horn license is compatible with both new and classic Alarms.
License | Description | Compatible with New Alarms | Compatible with Classic Alarms |
LIC-BX-MB | Basic Alarms License for 1 Site | ✔️ |
|
LIC-BX-MA | Advanced Video Alarms License for 1 Site | ✔️ |
|
LIC-BX-CEL | Cellular Backup License for ACC-CEL-LTE-2 | ✔️ |
|
LIC-BB | Basic Alarms License for 1 Address |
| ✔️ |
LIC-BA | Standard Alarms License for 1 Address |
| ✔️ |
LIC-BV | Premium Alarms License for 1 Address |
| ✔️ |
LIC-CEL | Cellular Backup License for ACC-CEL-LTE |
| ✔️ |
LIC-BZ | Horn License for BZ11 | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Need more help? Contact Verkada Support.