Moni Security Reviews: Are the Extras Worth the Extra Price?

Pros and Cons

Moni Pricing and Packages

Moni Package Comparison

There are three main packages available from Moni: Core, Connected, and Comprehensive. At a glance, these packages seem pretty similar, just with additional equipment and features as you pay more. However, there’s one important distinction: The Core package is a landline-only option. We recommend springing for a cellular monitoring package (Connected or Comprehensive), because landlines are subject to tampering and outages, and aren’t compatible with home automation features.

Unique Features

Home Automation

In addition to their equipment and service options, Moni has some great home automation technology  that lets you monitor your home remotely from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. With the Connected or Comprehensive packages, you can take advantage of Z-Wave technology for wireless control over almost anything in your home. You can remotely lock your doors, adjust your thermostat, manage your lights, and control many home appliances or devices. All of these features are included in the Comprehensive package, but can be added a la carte in the Connected package for an additional equipment cost.

Authorized Dealers

Moni uses authorized dealers, which is a different approach than many other national home security companies. One of the downsides of this structure is that your experience will vary depending on your local dealer. Depending on your location, the price, equipment availability, and contract details will vary.

Equipment Warranty

The company’s equipment is manufactured by Honeywell or GE and comes with a lifetime warranty. Equipment comes with free installation and each package includes a touchscreen keypad, motion detector, door and window sensors, keychain remote, and a yard sign with window decals. It’s up to your dealer how installation is done, but be aware that dealers prefer to drill holes in your wall for items like the keypad. Unfortunately, if you’d rather do the installation yourself -- a feature more companies are opting for over professional installation -- you’re out of luck with Monitronics.

Medical Monitoring

Alongside the main three packages, Moni offers two different packages that include medical alert equipment and monitoring. The HomeTouch Medical Packages are priced at $46.95 per month and $56.95 per month, and they add medical alert equipment and monitoring, including a medical pendant or watch. In the event of an emergency, you can push the pendant button and get an immediate response from a CSAA-certified operator who will dispatch emergency personnel when needed.

Note that Moni only offers medical alert equipment alongside a traditional security system package, so if you’re only looking for a standalone service, consider Medical Guardian or other medical alert system providers instead.

Can I Take Moni With Me When I Move?

If you decide to move in the middle of your contract with Moni, you can take advantage of their Free Move program. As long as you’re more than one year into the term, you can transfer your service without any interruption and set it all up for free, with no additional charge for installation. Your monthly rate should stay the same as well.

Customer Reviews

Positive reviews

“I appreciate the way Monitronics did their service. They came and upgraded my system. The technician that came did a wonderful job and instructed me on how to use the touchscreen and how to go through the menu. He upgraded two of my sensors as well while he was here. Everything went well.”

–Nathaniel, Consumer Affairs, Dec 29, 2015

“I am pleased with the service that Monitronics provided when they came to my house. They were friendly and showed me all the different features of the new system that they installed. Overall, it was an excellent service.”

–Serika, Consumer Affairs, Jan 23, 2016

Negative reviews

“Monotronics has one of the most UNFRIENDLY, PAINFUL cancellation process. took 10 days of knock down, drag out brawling. endless hoops to jump through. and once we did all of that, they pestered us with calls instead of fulfilling the cancellation request. we had no problem with their service, but all good will evaporated due to their cancellation process. customers should not be treated like trash just because they no longer want or need your service.”

–Russ C., BBB, Oct 16, 2015

“What company makes you mail a letter to request a 30 day notice for cancellation? After waiting on hold for over 20 minutes that is what we were told.  It felt as if the company has made it as difficult as possible to close an account in the hopes you won't.”

– Melanie E., Yelp, Portland OR, July 29, 2015

Should You Choose Moni?

Moni has interactive monitoring, comes with a lifetime equipment warranty, and offers a comprehensive set of additional services and home automation options. However, Moni is a bit pricey—especially with their high activation fees—and their packages are pretty average in value compared to other providers, especially at their price point. Using local dealers means inconsistent service and policies,  which is another concern. If you go with Moni, be sure to do your due diligence on local authorized dealers before signing a contract. If you are interested in checking out the competition, read our reviews of our top home security systems.