Cox Homelife
Is This Your Business?2.1
4.6
Overall Score
Author: Kalicia Bateman
In 2011, Cox Homelife was launched by Cox Communications, a cable provider for television and telecommunications. The company provides two security/home automation packages with a monthly monitoring fee ranging from $29.99 to $54.99, depending on the security package you choose. There is also a $99 installation fee and a 24-month contract. Cox Homelife provides basic professionally installed security and home automation services in 16 states. Read Cox Homelife reviews below to see what consumers have to say about the home security provider.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Free Starter Equipment
- Bundle Convenience and Discounted Pricing
- Sold in Retail Stores
- Cox Homelife App
- Variety of Security Packages
Free Starter Equipment
New subscribers to Cox home security are eligible to receive free starter equipment for their home security packages and automation service. The security company's website also claims that security systems are customizable to meet your home security needs. Professional monitoring and free equipment for Cox Homelife's plans are listed below as well as optional add ons (e.g., touchscreen control panel, motion sensor, smart lock, etc.) at additional charges and equipment a la carte:
Cox Homelife Automation Starter Equipment — Monthly Plan: $29.99; Equipment: Free
- 1 HD camera
- 1 Door or window sensor
- 1 smart LED light bulb
Homelife Security & Automation Starter Equipment — Monthly Plan: $54.99; Equipment: Free
- 1 HD camera
- 2 Window or door sensors
- 1 Indoor motion sensor
Digital Home Starter Kit — Monthly Plan: $54.99; Equipment: $200
- 2 HD cameras
- 2 Door or window sensors
- 1 Indoor motion sensor
- 3 Smart LED light bulbs
Optional Add on: Homelife Equipment Value Pack — Equipment: $160
- 1 Indoor or outdoor HD camera
- 1 Door or window sensor
Homelife Equipment A La Carte
- HD camera — $180
- Smart door lock — $230
- Smart LED light bulb — $25
- Smart plug — $60
- Smart thermostat — $200
- Homelife wireless keypad — $100
- Monitored smoke/heat detector — $125
- Monitored carbon monoxide detector — $125
- Water/flood sensor — $85
- Door/window sensor — $60
- Indoor motion sensor — $100
- Glass break sensor — $150
Bundle Convenience and Discounted Pricing
Current Cox residential customers who already subscribe to Cox services for video, Cox internet, and/or phone services receive a $10 per month promotional service on home automation services. This is an added convenience for those who want to use the same provider for internet service, telephone service, and other communication needs.
Sold in Retail Stores
Cox security equipment is available in one of Cox's hundreds of retail stores, which is convenient for customers who like to see equipment before purchasing. However, Cox Homelife stores are not available in every state. See "The Bad" section below to see where Cox Homelife is available.
Cox Homelife App
Cox homelife security features the Cox Homelife mobile app, which allows you to turn on and off lights and appliances, arm and disarm your security system, lock and unlock doors, view live video of your home, and control your smart thermostat from your mobile device wherever you are. You also get live security camera streaming as well, allowing you to capture 15-second video clips. The app can be used by everyone in your family.
Variety of Security Packages
Customers have a variety of Cox Homelife security system packages to more fully satisfy a wider audience of consumers. This can provide peace of mind to potential customers that there are several options to pick from that might fit their unique situation.
The Bad
- Two-Year Contract
- $99 Moving Fee
- Early Termination Fees
- Cox Homelife Cost
- High-Speed Internet Connection and Touchscreen Equipment Required
- Services Not Offered in Every State
Two-Year Contract
All new subscribers to Cox Homelife are required to enter a two-year customer agreement, and while two years isn't as long as most professionally installed security providers, it's still a contract, and you are still responsible for termination fees if you want to get out of that alarm contract early. There are also security providers that offer month-to-month options for consumers that don't wish to sign a long-term contract.
$99 Moving Fee
Cox Homelife security requires a $99 moving fee if you want one of the company's technicians to uninstall the equipment for you when you are moving locations. There is also an additional charge for outdoor installation of cameras, and Cox Homelife will not transfer any additional home security equipment that is not a Cox Homelife product. Cox Homelife also doesn't specify on its website whether or not the $99 charge covers the uninstallation as well as the reinstallation in your new location. You'll have to reach out to a Cox Homelife specialist to uncover this information.
Many home security providers offer free moving services, so if you plan to move while using Cox Homelife's security services, you may want to consider looking into other home security providers.
Early Termination Fees
Cox Homelife doesn't list specifics about early termination fees, but many customers have complained that fees can be $800 or more. Hefty fees like this typically account for a poor customer experience and a taxing cancellation process.
Cox Homelife Cost
Cox Homelife has high monthly monitoring fees ranging from $29.99 to $54.99 with a $99 installation fee. Cox Homelife also requires a 24-month contract and charges for early termination. The monthly monitoring costs are fairly high compared to top companies in the industry, especially since Cox Homelife also has a hefty installation fee. Many home security providers don't require installation fees and still offer a lower monthly monitoring price.
High-Speed Internet Connection and Touchscreen Equipment Required
Cox Homelife requires that customers have a high-speed Internet connection. Meanwhile, the touchscreen isn't included in the free starter equipment; rather, customers are required to pay a $3.00 per month rental fee for Cox's touchscreen panel, and at the end of the contract, Cox still owns this equipment. Many home security providers allow you to own the equipment after you pay the full amount. If you're looking to own the automation and security devices, we suggest looking into other home security providers.
Services Not Offered in Every State
In addition, Cox Homelife isn't available everywhere. The company currently holds a license to sell home automation and home security equipment in the following states:
Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Kansas, and Virginia.
Customers have complained about a variety of grievances with Cox Homelife, including high cancellation fees, terrible equipment quality, bad customer service, and sudden increases in monthly fees.
The Bottom Line
The main reason to use Cox Homelife as your security provider is if you are an existing Cox customer who has had a positive experience and likes the convenience of bundling services. Other than that, it seems like Cox Homelife might not be the best security solution, especially if you are looking for low-monitoring prices, free moving services, and no installation fees. Reviews indicate poor customer service, a costly service, and hefty cancellation charges. When considering the number of top home security companies in the industry, we cannot confidently recommend Cox Homelife's security systems. If you want to learn more about the customer experience, read Cox Homelife reviews below.
