New Alarms vs. Classic Alarms

What is new Alarms and classic Alarms, and which SKUs fall under each?

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.

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Hardware compatibility list

Because of the different architectures, new Alarms hardware is not compatible with classic Alarms hardware. Only some 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	✔️
WH32	Wireless Repeater	✔️
WH52	Wireless Hub	✔️
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	✔️	✔️
BZ32	Wireless Siren Strobe	✔️
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.

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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	✔️	✔️

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