Northstar Alarm
3.3
5.9
Overall Score
Author: Kalicia Bateman
Northstar Alarm is a home security and automation company with over 60,000 customers in more than 20 states. The company offers five monthly monitoring packages to choose from, but does not publicly disclose pricing information on its website. Northstar provides its customers with 24/7 professional monitoring and a lifetime warranty on equipment from Honeywell. Northstar Alarm is an upstanding member of both the National Fire Protection Association and the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association.
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The Good
- 24/7 Professional Monitoring & Lifetime Equipment Warranty
- No Landline Phone Connection Required
- Free Mobile App Remote Access
24/7 Professional Monitoring & Lifetime Equipment Warranty
Northstar Alarm offers five home security system packages that feature home automation, energy management, and video surveillance services. Depending on the package, a Northstar technician will also equip the house with motion sensor and doorbell camera technology. The wireless cellular communication systems feature 24/7 professional monitoring and each installation is protected by a lifetime service protection warranty on the equipment.
No Landline Phone Connection Required
No landline phone connection is required for a Northstar Alarm security system.
Free Mobile App Remote Access
The control panel features two-way voice technology so customers can communicate in real-time with dispatchers in the case of an emergency. The Northstar alarm system provides Rapid Response Monitoring which allows them to dispatch help from emergency service providers within seconds an alarm signal is received. Customers receive remote access control of all included features (including door lock) through a Total Connect mobile app from Honeywell that can be used on any device. Customers are able to control home lighting, temperature, and even small appliances from the app. The surveillance technology provides live video access in the home anytime from anywhere. Customers can record and playback video footage anytime as well.
The Bad
- 5 Year Contract
- No Pricing Disclosure
- Numerous Consumer Complaints
- Automatic Contract Renewal
5 Year Contract
Each homeowner is required to sign a 60 month contract to access the Northstar alarm service.
No Pricing Disclosure
The company does not publicly disclose pricing information, including monthly fees, for its home security plans on its corporate website. Customers will need to contact a Northstar employee for specific pricing details. Even though equipment repairs are free of charge under the lifetime warranty, customers are responsible for a minimum $35 trip charge per home visit.
Numerous Consumer Complaints
Per our Northstar Alarm reviews, many complaints involved alleged miscommunication from Northstar Alarm sales personnel to customers about contract lengths and monthly pricing on its home security plans. Customers also had problems with faulty equipment and trouble canceling service accounts.
Automatic Contract Renewal
Each Northstar security system's contract renews automatically, unless the customer provides written notice of cancellation at least 60 days prior to the end of the initial or renewal contract term.
The Bottom Line
Northstar Alarm offers several choices for home security solutions that feature 24/7 professional monitoring and lifetime equipment service protection; however, the company requires customers to be locked into a contract for five years and is not transparent upfront regarding pricing. The company also has received numerous complaints regarding its customer service.
