NorthStar Alarm Security Reviews | Customizable Packages and Great Home Automation Feature

NorthStar Alarm excels when it comes to equipment offerings, coverage, easy system control, and great customer experience. The main downsides are the long contracts and higher monitoring prices.

What we like about NorthStar Alarm

NorthStar is big enough to service over two-thirds of the United States, and it offers the support and resources you’d expect from a large company—long customer support hours, fast response times, reliable equipment, etc.

However, because NorthStar works with local representatives and technicians, you also still get the benefit of working with people who live in your area.

If you like working with locals but don’t want to give up the stability offered by a large company, NorthStar might be an excellent compromise. Keep reading to learn more about what makes NorthStar a solid security option.

24/7 professional monitoring

NorthStar offers constant professional monitoring that protects your home even when you aren’t around to hear an alarm go off. If you opt for a self-monitored system, you won’t have as many options if something happens while you’re gone.

Convenient home automation equipment

NorthStar customers get handy home automation devices that make home security a little easier. Smart door locks and garage controllers, for example, let you unlock and lock your entrances even when you’re away from home. And the video doorbell can help discourage package theft on top of discouraging break-ins. Plus, NorthStar’s system is compatible with thousands of other third-party home automation devices.

Resource-packed online help center

NorthStar’s online help center makes it easy to troubleshoot issues on your own. It provides detailed how-to articles about specific issues for each piece of security equipment. NorthStar also offers live chat support for more help resolving issues and answering questions.

Quick mobile access and control

Want to disarm your security system when your kids get home from school? Or unlock your front door while you’re on vacation so your mom can water your plants? NorthStar’s mobile app makes it easy to control and monitor your security system. You can lock doors, view your video feed, and check the battery life and signal strength of your sensors—all from your phone while you’re relaxing at the beach or running errands around town.

NorthStar Alarm service area

NorthStar Alarm is based in Utah but currently provides security service in over 30 states.

NorthStar monitoring plans and pricing

NorthStar’s three main monitoring plans all include free equipment with a 60-month service agreement. While free equipment is a huge benefit, we should point out that 60 months is much longer than most other security system contracts.

How do points work?

NorthStar’s monitoring plans cover a certain number of points. For example, the Connect plan gives you seven points. This means you can choose the equipment you want in your home and mix and match based on your needs. The points just have to add up to seven. One cool perk of this setup is that you could get some level of medical alert protection with the base security package if you choose the Medical pendant as one of your devices.

• Door/window sensor: 1 point
• Motion detector: 2 points
• Glassbreak detector: 2 points
• Smoke detector: 2 points
• Keychain remote: 1 point
• Medical pendant: 1 point

Looking for a less expensive option?

The plans listed above all include free security equipment with a contract. However, NorthStar also offers monitoring for $39.99 per month if you purchase or finance your security equipment. And if you already have existing equipment that simply needs to be activated, you can sign up for one of NorthStar’s monitoring plans for as little as $19.99 per month. Contact a NorthStar representative for more details about these alternative options.

Customer reviews

We noticed a lot of similarities in online reviews for NorthStar. Overall, customers seem happy with equipment, monitoring service, and customer service representatives. However, many reviews also express frustration over contract length. Customers sometimes complain about getting information from sales reps that was contradicted in the contract.

Positive customer reviews

“Great experience with Northstar Alarms. Converting and upgrading was easy and getting the devices working was handled expertly by Tristin Nimmo. Got everything done fast and without issue. Very happy with our cameras and upgraded devices.” – Jeremy T., June 5, 2018, BBB

“The technician, Brandon F*****, did an excellent job doing our installation. He was thorough in his explanation of the system. My husband and I are technology-challenged and he was very patient walking us thru, making sure we understood.” – Marc D., June 2, 2018, BBB

“Excellent service. Brandon came even though it was too late and very short notice.” – Angelica D. May 31, 2018, BBB

Negative customer reviews

“I don't have an issue with Northstar's products or service, they are fine. I just want to warn customers, especially new ones, to read the fine print of the contract. I signed a 5-yr contract a little over 10 years ago. I assumed it converted to a month-to-month contract at the end of the 5 years, but I learned when I sold my home and requested to cancel the service that it automatically renews for 18 months, continuously. I had almost a year remaining on the latest renewal, and Northstar refused to compromise, leaving me to pay them almost $400 for service on a home in which I no longer lived. The fact that I had been a loyal customer for 10 years made no difference to them, all that mattered was the money.” – Jim S. March 4, 2018, BBB

“Don't sign up for service with this company. After a 5 yr contract, tried to cancel service and was told that it auto-renewed for 18 months. Now coming up on the end of that 18 month extension I did not want and having problems getting information on who to contact to ensure cancellation is received. I think the only reason this company is still in business is because they have swindled their customers into contract extensions they did not want.” – Brent M. December 10, 2017, BBB

Our recommendation

We’re fans of NorthStar’s easy mobile access, home automation integration, and localized customer service. If you’re okay with a higher monitoring price and a long contract, it is a solid pick. To learn more about alternative home security companies, check out our review of the best home security systems.

Share your experiences

Do you have a NorthStar system in your home? Let us know what you think of it in the comments below!