Comparing No-Contract Security Systems
Why do some companies require long-term security contracts? How can others operate contract-free? We’ll help you understand your different options.
About Security Pricing
Home security ads emphasize monthly monitoring fees. Do other expenses apply? Sometimes. Several of the industry’s best security systems require professional installation and/or activation. When companies have long-term contracts, they can build equipment expenses into monthly monitoring fees. (These companies advertise free or cheap equipment, but in truth, the equipment costs are subsidized with the revenue from long-term monitoring.) For comparison, when companies have month-to-month monitoring plans, they might charge more upfront for the use of security equipment.
>> Related: Is It Better to Buy Your Own Security System?
No-Contract Security Benefits
The most obvious benefit of adding a home security system without long-term contracts is flexibility. If you aren’t pleased with your security plan, or if your needs change, you can terminate service without having financial obligations. This includes avoiding the “small print” risks of some long-term contracts, which can allow for periodic rate hikes and automatic renewals.
Another big benefit is ownership of the security equipment. With long-term security companies, a customer might not own any of the equipment until their monitoring contract is up … but with certain month-to-month plans, customers keep the equipment. The alarm system can keep functioning too, albeit without professional monitoring.
How to Cancel a Home Security Contract
When signing up for their service, traditional home security companies usually require you to sign at least a three-year contract. Though they’re certainly not our favorite step in the home security journey, they’ve become a sort of necessary inconvenience for certain systems.
We’ve been seeing a huge jump in demand for no-contract systems from the likes of SimpliSafe, Cove, Ring, Frontpoint, and the rest of the industry’s best DIY security systems. These tend to be the best systems for renters, too. These have become a huge pull for modern homeowners and renters alike, namely for their convenience and mobility.
With those companies, you’re not going to get much haranguing about contracts beyond the monthly alarm fee. Of course, experiences are always going to vary; if you’re dealing with a major alarm provider like ADT, for instance, we suggest thoroughly reading ADT’s contract terms and cancellation policy before signing up.
Alternately, if you signed up with a third-party contractor or independent retailer, you’ll find that most installers will routinely switch out systems for users who, for one reason or another, want to change providers rather than cancel altogether.
The bottom line, in any case, is that most companies we’ve tested and reviewed are willing to be flexible if you want to cancel your home security contract. You just have to ask!
Features of the Best No-Contract Home Security Systems
No-contract home security plans share many features with long-term plans.
Here are some basics to help you choose the best setup.