The economy and tighter household budgets paired with improved alternatives have led many consumers to cancel their cable television service and turn to other, less expensive options, such as satellite TV, streaming and other online services. Subsequently, the cable industry faces many challenges, including finding new ways to keep subscribers.
Comcast Home Security vs Cox vs AT&T vs Time Warner: Who’s the Best?
January 08, 2019
In recent years, cable service providers and telecommunication companies have become increasingly interested in home security and home automation. Many are using the term Smart Home to describe this new revolution in remote home control options. These services can be bundled with current service packages and delivered over their existing broadband infrastructure. New wireless technology in home security has further reduced the barrier to entry into this market.
We have summarized the home security and home automation offerings from the nation's largest cable and telecommunication companies, so you can evaluate if these options might fit your home security needs. Be sure to check our companion comparison table to view the features of each company side by side. If you're interested in other home security companies, feel free to read our annual best home security systems review.
Some of the service providers we profiled indicate they are UL listed or UL certified. UL is an independent safety science company that certifies, validates, inspects, and audits to help companies understand a wide range of issues, including compliance and regulatory issues. They are well-known and widely respected around the world due to their knowledge and expertise in safety solutions.
National Cable Providers Offering Home Security
AT&T Digital Life | CenturyLink Smart Home | Comcast Xfinity | Cox Home Security | Time Warner IntelligentHome | Verizon Home Monitoring and Control
While these bundled services may be less expensive, it is important to remember that cheaper is not always better. Make sure you know what you are paying for and understand the tradeoffs that may lower costs. Tradeoffs may include: customer service/support in times of need, a less safe communication method (broadband or phone line vs. cellular), lack of monitoring, slower response time, and false alarms. Proceed with caution if you decide to bundle your home security with your other home services.
AT&T Digital Life Review
Visit Website | Read our review
Unlike many other competing cable and telecommunications companies, AT&T enables customers to use their home automation and security service regardless of their broadband carrier. Customers can monitor and adjust systems in your house, like indoor and outdoor cameras, appliances, lights, thermostats, door locks and water mains. You can manage your home through your computer, tablet, or smartphone, and the Digital Life mobile app is now available for iOS, Android, and Windows Phones. Additionally, customers with existing home security systems can reuse working, wired door and window contact sensors.
Pros
iOS, Android and Windows Phone apps- Will use AT&T's cellular network as a backup if the broadband signal goes down
- Full range of home security and automation equipment
- Lifetime equipment warranty included
- Try before you buy at any AT&T store before making a decision
- Quick response
- System works on any broadband connection and is compatible with any Internet service provider you currently use
Cons
Not available in all states or outside the U.S.- 2 year contract
Packages and Pricing
| Package Name | Smart Security | Smart Security and Automation | Premium Security and Automation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Per Month | $39.99 | $54.99 | $64.99 |
| Activation Fee | $49.99 | $149.99 | $199.99 |
| Door Sensors |  Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Window Sensors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Motion Sensor | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Indoor Siren | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Keypad | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen Control |  No | Yes | Yes |
| Outdoor Camera | No | Yes | Yes |
| Door Lock Pushbutton | No | Yes | Yes |
| Thermostat | No | No | Yes |
| Indoor Smart Plug | No | No | No |
| Temperature & Water Sensor | No | No | Yes |
| Smoke Sensor (Optional) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Carbon Monoxide Sensor (Optional) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Glass Break Sensor (Optional) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Home Automation Add-Ons
Below are optional add-ons, which also come with an added upfront cost depending on the equipment you get.
- Video Camera Package $9.99/month: 1 outdoor camera (additional cameras can be added) $9.99/month
- Door Package $4.99/month: 1 of the following: garage door controller, pushbutton door lock or touchscreen door lock
- Energy Package $4.99/month: 2 indoor smart plugs and 1 thermostat
- Water Detection $4.99/month: 2 temperature and water sensors
Read our in-depth review of AT&T Digital Life.
CenturyLink Smart Home Review
CenturyLink's Smart Home security and automation system is fairly new to the market. It appears to be a pretty high tech system with all the bangs and whistles. Since they are fairly new it's difficult to get much user feedback about them. A couple things we don't like are that you are locked in for 3 years and they charge additional fees for activation and installation.
Pros
- Text and email alerts
- Live chat and phone support
- Tons of home automation and security equipment
- News, sports, weather alerts and more are displayed on touchscreen panel
- Web access as well as mobile app (iOS and Android)
Cons
- Installation, equipment and activation fees
- 3 year agreement
Packages and Pricing
CenturyLink has an extensive list of add-ons available for these packages as well. If you'd like to customize your package, view CenturyLink's website to see the full list.
| Package | Silver | Gold | Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Per Month | $34.99 | $44.99 | $54.99 |
| Web, Smartphone and Tablet Access | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Text and Email Alerts | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Control Lights and Small Appliances | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Motion Detector | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Key Fob | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 3 Sensors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Smartplugs | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Thermostat or Camera (Your Choice) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Adjust Thermostat Remotely | No | Yes | Yes |
| Electronic Door Locks or Camera (Your Choice) | No | No | Yes |
| Camera | No | No | Yes |
| iPad Mini | No | No | Yes |
Comcast Xfinity Review
Comcast Xfinity offers a secure network and 24/7 monitoring by a UL-certified central security station. Each system also has battery backup in the event of a power failure and cellular backup in case of a network interruption. Customers who opt to purchase a security camera also have full access to a live video feed via the web or smartphone and can save video clips and pictures to a personal web portal. Comcast's home automation feature enables you to control the system's add-on devices, including lighting and thermostats, and keep schedules of these activities. Additionally, you can remotely check the status of every sensor in your home, arm and disarm your system, and manage every detail of your security settings.
Pros
- Text and email alerts and real-time remote video monitoring
- Battery backup and cellular communication backup
- 30 day money back guarantee
Cons
- 2 year contract
- Customers have told us they are shady and unreliable
Packages and Pricing
There are also bundling packages available if you'd like to get TV or Internet through Comcast as well.
| Package Name | XFINITY Home u2013 Control 150 | XFINITY Home - Secure 300 | XFINITY Home - Secure 350 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Per Month | $19.95 | $39.95 | $49.95 |
| Installation | Self Install or Professional Install (Starting at $99) | Starting at $99 | Starting at $399 |
| Door or Window Sensors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Motion Sensor | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lighting Controllers | Yes | No | Yes |
| Thermostat or Indoor/Outdoor Camera (Your Choice) | Yes | No | Yes |
| Hub | Yes | No | No |
| Touch Screen Controller | No | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Keypad | No | Yes | Yes |
| Indoor/Outdoor Cameras | No | No | Yes |
Cox Home Security Review
Cox Communications rolled out its home security and automation services in March 2013. Cox Home Security offers intrusion and home safety monitoring, including fire, gas and flood, as well as remote system access and control. The company's professional monitoring centers are UL listed and CSAA 5 Diamond certified. They are highly trained in public safety and customer service, and they verify each alarm with a phone call before sending emergency services in an effort to avoid false alarms which often come with city fines. Cox Home Security is available to residential consumers in select markets, and pricing may require a 3 year service contract and subscription to Cox TV, Internet, or phone service. The company also offers a Takeover Upgrade Kit to enable customers to use existing, compatible door and window sensors.
Pros
- Battery and cellular backup
- Remote access and arming from computer, tablet and smartphone
- Program the system to schedule lights going on and off and the thermostat
- Email and text alerts
Cons
- 3 year contract
- Confusing pricing and packaging.
Packages and Pricing
Cox Communications has confusing packaging and pricing information so we definitely recommend you check out their website so you fully understand it. And if you're serious about using Cox Home Security be sure to ask the rep what equipment will be included and at what price.
If you want to learn more about Cox, visit our dedicated review.
Spectrum (Time Warner) IntelligentHome Review
Time Warner Cable first launched IntelligentHome, its home management and security system, in 2011. IntelligentHome enables customers to remotely access and control their home security settings, lighting, and thermostats from a computer, tablet, or smartphone. And, customers who opt to install a camera can view a live video feed. The in-home touchscreen also allows users to access weather, news and traffic, and even post photos.
Time Warner cable owns and operates their CSAA 5-Diamond Rated Emergency Response Center, which give you immediate access to emergency services. IntelligentHome has cellular and battery backup, as well as a manually activated emergency panic alarm. The company offers free standard installation to customers who currently subscribe to another provider's home security service and want to switch to IntelligentHome. Additionally, customers can upgrade their current security system and use existing equipment if you are looking to switch providers.
Pros
- Cellular and battery backup
- Email and text alerts
- Remote access via the web and smartphone apps
- Lighting and thermostat control and scheduling
Cons
- Base package starts at $39.99
Packages and Pricing
Time Warner monitoring starts at $39.99/month for all their packages.
| Package Name | Equipment Fee | In-Home Touchscreen | Motion or Glass Break Sensor (Your Choice) | Door/Window Sensors | Indoor/Outdoor Camera | Smart Thermostat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Security Package | $99.99
| Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Security & Video View Package | $149.99
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Security & Energy Package | $149.99
| Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Security, Video View & Energy Package | $199.99
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Verizon Home Control Review
Verizon Wireless began rolling out their home automation and security service in 2012 and quickly shut them down. Verizon no longer offers home security.
Will You Choose A Cable Company for Your Home Security?
Choosing the right home security system is a one of the most important decisions you will make to protect your home and family. When you know all of the options available, you can get the right level of protection while staying within your budget. Cable service providers and telecommunications companies have a built-in infrastructure, which enable them to provide service comparable to established home security companies while keeping their prices affordable. However, major cable companies have had a history of poor customer support. When we rank the best home security companies in our Reviews of Home Alarm Systems article, we place a major emphasis on customer support and user feedback. Make sure to do your research before signing up for a long-term contract.
