Cox Home Security Review (2022)

If you’ve been searching for a home security system, especially one that highlights and uses smart technologies, Cox Homelife Security has probably popped up in your search results. Known for its highly automated security systems, a Cox Communications security system can provide you with the ability to remotely control and monitor your home from anywhere.

If you’re already a Cox customer and utilize cable and internet service, you can add Cox Homelife automation for a reduced rate. Keep reading to learn about the pros and cons of Cox and determine if Cox is the best home security system for you.

Pros and Cons of Cox Home Security

Here are some pros and cons of a Cox home security system:

Cox Home Security Packages

To sign up for a Cox Homelife plan, you must be an existing residential customer with a current subscription to one or more Cox video, internet, or phone services. Here’s an overview of both plans.

Smart Home Automation

This package allows homeowners to build their own smart home and monitor their home from anywhere. Security cameras and motion sensors send notifications to the Cox Homelife mobile app, providing real-time alerts. The app also allows users to control lighting, view a live video feed, engage smart lock, control temperature, and control other devices plugged into the smart outlet.

Here’s what’s included in a Smart Home package:

• HD Video Security Camera and Smart LED Bulb
• Door/window sensor and motion sensor
• Smart door lock, smart outlet, and smart thermostat

Smart Home Automation packages start at $29.99 per month, plus initial equipment costs. Pricing excludes charges for existing Cox services. Additional one-time charges, activation fees, and monthly equipment fees may apply.

Smart Home Automation and Monitored Security

This package includes all the equipment and flexibility of managing your smart home with the addition of 24/7 monitored security. This plan includes additional automated security devices which can be controlled by the Homelife Control Panel.

Here’s what’s included in this package:

• All smart home features, plus 24/7 professional monitoring and the Homelife Control Panel
• Wireless keypad, smoke and heat detector, and carbon monoxide sensor
• Glass break sensor, leak/flood sensor, and security signs

Plan pricing starts at $54.99 per month, plus initial equipment costs, and excludes charges for existing Cox services. Additional one-time charges, activation fees, and monthly equipment fees may apply.

Optional Cox Homelife Equipment

Cox Homelife offers a variety of additional equipment customers can purchase and add on to their packages. Some of these items include:

• HD video camera
• Door and window sensors
• Homelife Control Panel
• Motion sensors
• Homelife wireless keypad
• Glass break sensors
• Water/flood sensor
• Monitored smoke-heat detector
• Monitored carbon monoxide detector
• Additional smart LED light bulbs
• Smart door lock
• Smart plug
• Smart thermostat

Cox Home Security Cost

Cox Homelife ranges from $29.99 to $54.99 a month when bundled with a Cox internet or cable package. There’s an initial equipment and install fee of $100-$200 depending on the package you choose. Additionally, video monitoring is $14.99 per month for one camera, or $24.99 for four cameras. Note: there’s an additional fee for equipment service plan insurance.

How Does Cox Homelife Work?

Cox is a broadband and entertainment company that provides service in 18 states across the United States. Cox recently entered the home security arena by offering its current and new subscribers access to home security monitoring through one of their two packages. By doing this, Cox offers Homelife customers more savings and the simplicity of having just one bill for internet, cable, and home security.

Cox Homelife builds its capabilities on smart home monitoring and allows you to build on existing smart home devices you may already have installed in your home. By installing and linking smart home options, you can monitor different areas of your home while also remotely controlling lights, temperature, door locks. With some packages, users have the ability to monitor a live video stream.

Cox Homelife also provides users with app access that allows you to self-monitor your home, or you can sign up for 24/7 external professional monitoring. HomeLife includes professional installation of the system for a fee to ensure all devices are set up and working correctly.

Cox Customer Service

Customer service can be reached through the Cox app by calling 1-800-234-3993 during normal business hours, via 24/7 online chat on the Cox website, or through a Cox store for in-person help.

Cox Home Security Reviews

Cox Communications is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), has an A+ rating, and has been in business for 55 years. As with any top-rated home security company, Cox has a mix of positive and negative reviews.

Here are a few Trustpilot reviews from Cox customers:

“Help me lower my rates, but they always raise them with no notice.” — CS on 11/15/2019

“I’ve had Cox for a couple years and have watched the rates increase and for mediocre performance. I’m now switching to a different provider and saving about $80.00 a month. The internet speed will be significantly faster too. It’s always a pain to switch but I can’t wait to no longer be a Cox customer.” — Sidra Carys on 7/27/2018

Our Conclusion

The This Old House Reviews Team gives Cox Home Security an 8.9/10. Though Cox provides basic home security packages at relatively low pricing, the company has received some negative customer feedback concerning raising rates with no prior notice. Additionally, you can only opt into a Cox home security package if you’re a current Cox customer.

If you’re not a current Cox customer or are unsure whether Cox is right for you, compare the company to other top-rated home security providers below.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cox Home Security

What smart home devices are available with Cox Homelife?

Cox Homelife offers a variety of smart devices that can be connected to your system, including HD cameras, smart door locks, smart LED light bulbs, smart plugs, and more.

Is my privacy safe with Cox?

Cox Homelife relies on a private, secure LocalArea Network (LAN) and ZigBee technology to provide monitoring. Additionally, each system is equipped with a unique Homelife security router, adding an additional layer of security to protect your devices and your privacy.

How do you control Cox Homelife features?

You can control your Cox Homelife features through the mobile app and touchscreen control panel. The mobile app allows you to set and disarm your system, view camera feeds, and manage your smart home devices. The control panel allows users to do all of this with the extra benefit of communicating with emergency response teams.

Which is better: Cox or ADT?

The Cox Homelife system is a better option for current Cox subscribers in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Kansas, and Virginia, as it gives current subscribers the option to bundle superior home security coverage at a fraction of the cost. However, if you’re not a Cox customer, an ADT home security system may be a better option.

How much does it cost to cancel Cox Home Security?

Customers can cancel their contracts within 30 days or they’ll have to pay an undisclosed termination fee. If you leased security equipment from Cox, you can return it to any Cox retail store or you can schedule a Cox technician to come pick up the equipment after you cancel for $20.

Our Home Security Rating Methodology

The This Old House Reviews Team is committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. This means earning your trust through transparent reviews and having the data to back up our ratings and recommendations. Our rating system for home security providers is on a 100-point scale based on 10 factors:

• Number of systems (5)
• Special features (10)
• Installation options (5)
• Connectivity and smart home automation (15)
• Pricing (15)
• Contract period (5)
• Warranty (15)
• Trial period (15)
• Usability (5)
• Trustworthiness (10)

Our team reviewed 32 companies and spent 744 hours researching and testing out products to help us compare home security systems on key factors such as package options, cost, reliability, and ease of use. Read more on our methodology here.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.