Cox Homelife Is Dead: What Happened & Where to Go Now
Cox Homelife, the home security service from cable giant Cox Communications, was officially discontinued in 2023. If you’re still on a Cox Homelife plan, your system may still work for now — but Cox is no longer selling new systems, providing upgrades, or actively developing the platform.
This guide explains what happened, what your options are as a current customer, and which modern systems offer a better experience for less money.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Service Name | Cox Homelife |
| Parent Company | Cox Communications (Cox Enterprises) |
| Status | ❌ Discontinued (2023) |
| Platform | Alarm.com (white-labeled) |
| Equipment | Qolsys IQ Panel + standard sensors |
| Original Pricing | $29.99–$54.99/month + equipment fees |
| Contract | 24–36 months |
| Coverage | Cox cable service areas only |
| Replacement Pick | Abode — no contract, $0–$20/month |
What Happened to Cox Homelife?
Cox Homelife followed the same pattern as every other cable company that tried home security:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2014 | Cox launches Homelife, entering the home security market alongside Comcast (Xfinity Home) and AT&T (Digital Life) |
| 2016 | Migrates to Alarm.com platform with Qolsys panels — decent hardware but expensive monthly fees |
| 2019 | Growth stalls as DIY systems (Ring, SimpliSafe) take market share with no-contract models |
| 2021 | Cox begins scaling back Homelife sales and marketing |
| 2023 | Cox officially discontinues Homelife for new customers. Existing subscribers can keep service “until further notice” |
Why it failed: The same reason all cable company security products fail — they were designed to reduce cable subscriber churn, not to be great security products. High monthly fees ($30–$55), mandatory contracts, bundled pricing tricks, and no real innovation. When customers could get better systems from Abode, Ring, and SimpliSafe for a fraction of the cost with no contract, the business model collapsed.
The Cable Company Security Graveyard
Cox isn’t alone. Every major cable company has tried — and mostly failed — at home security:
| Company | Product | Status | What Happened |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cox | Homelife | ❌ Discontinued 2023 | Couldn’t compete with DIY pricing |
| AT&T | Digital Life | ❌ Discontinued 2024 | Pivoted to AT&T Connected Life (Abode-powered) |
| Comcast | Xfinity Home | ⚠️ Still active but declining | High fees, bundling pressure, vendor lock-in |
| Time Warner | TWC Intelligent Home | ❌ Killed in Spectrum merger | Charter had no interest in continuing it |
| Verizon | Home Monitoring | ❌ Discontinued | Never gained traction |
The lesson: Cable companies are great at internet. They’re terrible at security. The business models are fundamentally incompatible — security needs trust and flexibility, cable companies need contracts and bundled pricing.
Current Cox Homelife Customers: Your 3 Options
Option 1: Switch to a Modern DIY System (Recommended)
This is what we recommend for most people. Modern DIY systems are cheaper, better, and don’t require contracts.
| System | Equipment | Monthly | Contract | 3-Year Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abode | $199 (Smart Security Kit) | $0–$20 | None | $199–$919 | Smart home users (HomeKit, Z-Wave, Zigbee) |
| Ring | $199 (Alarm Kit) | $0–$20 | None | $199–$919 | Amazon/Alexa ecosystem |
| SimpliSafe | $199 (Foundation Kit) | $0–$28 | None | $199–$1,207 | Simplest setup, no app needed |
Compare to Cox Homelife: You were paying $30–$55/month on contract. Over 3 years, that’s $1,080–$1,980 in monitoring alone — before equipment fees. Abode with professional monitoring costs $919 total for 3 years, or $199 with free self-monitoring. That’s up to $1,780 in savings.
Option 2: Keep Your Equipment, Switch Monitoring
Since Cox Homelife used Alarm.com with Qolsys panels, you may be able to keep your existing equipment and switch to a cheaper Alarm.com dealer:
- Alarm Grid — $15–$35/month, can take over Alarm.com panels
- Surety Home — $20–$30/month, Alarm.com focused
- Alarm Relay — $8.95/month (basic monitoring, no Alarm.com app)
Important: You’ll need to call Cox to release your panel from their Alarm.com account. Some Cox contracts include equipment leases — check if you own or lease your panel before switching.
Option 3: Stay on Cox Homelife (Not Recommended)
If your system still works and you’re month-to-month, you can keep it running. But:
- No new features or equipment upgrades coming
- Support quality will decline as Cox scales down the division
- Eventually the service will be fully shut down
- You’re overpaying vs every modern alternative
Staying on a discontinued platform is like keeping your Blackberry — it works until it doesn’t, and the transition gets harder every month.
Cox Homelife vs Modern DIY: Full Comparison
| Feature | Cox Homelife (Was) | Abode | Ring | SimpliSafe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $29.99–$54.99 | $0–$20 | $0–$20 | $0–$27.99 |
| Contract | 24–36 months | None | None | None |
| Equipment | Leased or purchased | Owned | Owned | Owned |
| Installation | Professional ($99–$199) | DIY (15 min) | DIY (15 min) | DIY (30 min) |
| Smart home | Alarm.com (Z-Wave) | HomeKit + Z-Wave + Zigbee | Alexa (built-in) | Limited |
| Cameras | Alarm.com cameras ($) | Abode Cam 2 ($25) | Ring cameras ($60+) | SimpliSafe cameras ($100+) |
| Geofencing | Via Alarm.com app | ✅ Best in class | ✅ Basic | ✅ Basic |
| App quality | Alarm.com (4.5★) | Abode (4.3★) | Ring (4.3★) | SimpliSafe (4.7★) |
| Service area | Cox cable areas only | Nationwide | Nationwide | Nationwide |
| Status | ❌ Discontinued | ✅ Active, growing | ✅ Active (Amazon) | ✅ Active |
How to Cancel Cox Homelife
If you’re ready to switch:
- Check your contract status — call Cox at 1-800-234-3993 or check your account online. If you’re still under contract, ask about the early termination fee (typically $10–$15/month remaining)
- Ask about equipment ownership — if you leased equipment, you’ll need to return it. If you purchased it, it’s yours to keep or repurpose with another Alarm.com provider
- Request panel release — if keeping equipment, ask Cox to release your Qolsys panel from their Alarm.com account so a new provider can take over
- Set up your new system first — install your Abode, Ring, or SimpliSafe system before canceling Cox so you’re never unprotected
- Cancel in writing — follow up any phone cancellation with written notice (email or certified mail). Keep confirmation numbers
For more on canceling security contracts: How to cancel your home security contract →
What to Do With Your Cox Homelife Equipment
| Equipment | Can You Reuse It? | How |
|---|---|---|
| Qolsys IQ Panel | ✅ Yes (if owned) | Transfer to Alarm Grid or Surety for continued Alarm.com service |
| Door/window sensors | ⚠️ Maybe | If 345MHz (GE/Interlogix compatible), some systems can use them |
| Motion detectors | ⚠️ Maybe | Same frequency compatibility issue |
| Cameras | ❌ Likely not | Alarm.com cameras are tied to active accounts |
| Smart thermostat | ✅ Yes | Works independently of security system |
| Smart locks | ⚠️ Maybe | Z-Wave locks can pair with Abode or other Z-Wave hubs |
Our Recommendation
If you’re a current Cox Homelife customer, don’t wait for the full shutdown. Switch now while you can plan the transition on your terms.
Best replacement: Abode Smart Security Kit ($199)
- Only system with HomeKit + Z-Wave + Zigbee (your Z-Wave smart locks and devices may carry over)
- Free self-monitoring or $6–$20/month for professional monitoring — no contract
- Best geofencing in the business (auto arm/disarm)
- 15-minute DIY install, no technician needed
- 3-year savings vs Cox: $1,000–$1,780
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cox Homelife still available?
No. Cox stopped selling Homelife to new customers in 2023. Existing subscribers can continue service for now, but no new equipment, features, or active development is happening. It’s a dead platform walking.
Will Cox shut down my existing Homelife system?
Eventually, yes. Cox hasn’t announced a specific end-of-life date, but discontinued services always get shut down. The question is when, not if. Plan your switch proactively rather than scrambling when the shutdown notice arrives.
Can I keep my Cox Homelife sensors with a new system?
It depends on the sensor frequency. Cox used a mix of 345MHz (GE/Interlogix) and Alarm.com sensors. If your sensors are 345MHz, providers like Alarm Grid can use them with compatible panels. Modern DIY systems like Abode, Ring, and SimpliSafe use proprietary sensors and require their own equipment.
What’s the cheapest way to replace Cox Homelife?
Abode with free self-monitoring: $199 one-time, $0/month. That’s it. No contracts, no monthly fees. You’ll save $360–$660 per year compared to your Cox Homelife bill.
Is Xfinity Home better than Cox Homelife was?
Marginally — Xfinity Home is still active but has the same fundamental problems: high monthly fees ($30–$60), contracts, bundled pricing, and vendor lock-in. If you’re leaving one cable company’s security product, don’t jump to another. Go with a dedicated security company like Abode or Ring.
Did AT&T Digital Life have the same problem?
Yes — AT&T Digital Life was discontinued in 2024. AT&T replaced it with “AT&T Connected Life,” which is actually powered by Abode’s platform. Even AT&T realized that partnering with a real security company was better than building their own.
Growing up with Law and Order and CSI shows taught Isabelle Landau one thing: if people back then had high-quality home security systems, those series would have been way shorter. In our modern world, technology helps us keep burglars away easily, and this is what Izzy studies and writes about: alarm systems, home security, protection systems, and more.
malcolm says
Where do I start off , they got us for 1,300.00 for camera’s that never worked from day one. Technicians after technicians and still can’t fix what we paid for. I threw all the camera’s into the garbage where they belong. Please do your research before buying. Wish I could post some pictures of the horrible installation job they did for us. We now have to make a loan for a security system that works.
Malcolm says
A little about me first, I’m a 58 year old retired law enforcement Officer from the New Orleans La. area who is living in Up-Town. In the past 3 years or so my wife was robbed, our cars broken into and a New Orleans Policeman shot right in front of our home. Not to forget we now have a stalker who wants to kill both of us. So we decided to get 6 Cox Cable HomeLife security camera’s install 3 months ago (1,400.00 Paid) and that’s when the nightmare began.
Within these 3 months Cox Technicians have been over 6 times and that’s not counting the supervisor who has been over 3 times. All the technicians are very nice, but not one can get my cameras to work. They also attempted to install an extension device and shorted out the wall socket that caught on fire. The supervisor (Sam) stated he doesn’t know why my cameras are not working. I’m tired and just want all money back so I can get a security system that works before something happens at my home.
Updated on 08/28/2018: Cox Homelife has been a horror story. I suggest to anyone even thinking about getting this system to reconsider. It’s a horrible system.
We had it installed and the techs could not get it to work since day one. We had tech after tech and supervisors come over to try to fix the system to no avail. Then we were told that we needed to be patient because Cox has a new app coming out and we will be one of the first to be installed, then the system will work. A bunch of lies. The tech came out and installed the new app and still didn’t work. I heard him tell his supervisor on the phone that the SYSTEM WAS NOT FIXABLE.
We asked for our money back and was turned down. We paid for a bunch of equipment that never worked and Cox feels that is ok. So we have cameras that were installed on and in our home THAT DO NOT WORK. They say that they cannot make it work but still refuse to refund our money. Now they are saying that it is WIFI issue. Well, it is COX WIFI. Cox Homelife is made up of a bunch of thieves! I thought that this would be a reputable company to have a security system with. I was wrong. They do not know what they are doing and we have to pay for it. Piss poor company!! Stay away from them.
Vernann Waldrum says
COX home security… hrmm… where to begin? I guess I thought I would be doing myself by bundling the service but then I wanted to change internet to a faster local provider. That’s when it got sticky! To cancel that I would have had to pay to get out of all of my bundle pack (Internet + cable + security).
Not sure if this was just an issue with my local COX dealer and support or if this is nationwide. Basically I’m being ‘coaxed’ into keeping their internet just to keep my home security the same. The app is pretty buggy too.
I used to have APEX before they were Vivint. I would go back with them or ADT in a second over this complicated mess.
Brian says
I have Cox but I am dissatisfied with the level of customer service I receive. It’s lackluster to say the least and whenever I call to inquire about a promotion or a question about my contract I usually wait through long wait periods and a less than enthused rep. Hope they can turn it around soon or I’m gone once my contract’s over.
Malcolm says
: Cox Homelife has been a horror story. I suggest to anyone even thinking about getting this system to reconsider. It’s a horrible system.
We had it installed and the techs could not get it to work since day one. We had tech after tech and supervisors come over to try to fix the system to no avail. Then we were told that we needed to be patient because Cox has a new app coming out and we will be one of the first to be installed, then the system will work. A bunch of lies. The tech came out and installed the new app and still didn’t work. I heard him tell his supervisor on the phone that the SYSTEM WAS NOT FIXABLE.
We asked for our money back and was turned down. We paid for a bunch of equipment that never worked and Cox feels that is ok. So we have cameras that were installed on and in our home THAT DO NOT WORK. They say that they cannot make it work but still refuse to refund our money. Now they are saying that it is WIFI issue. Well, it is COX WIFI. Cox Homelife is made up of a bunch of thieves! I thought that this would be a reputable company to have a security system with. I was wrong. They do not know what they are doing and we have to pay for it. Piss poor company!! Stay away from them.
Malcolm faber says
We spent $1,300 for 6 camera’s that never worked . Over 13 technicians and dozens of phone calls and still can’t fix our camera’s. The installation was the worse i have ever seen and we have pictures to prove it .They first tell us that we needed cox wifi and then we needed to wait for their new D.V.R. guess what it still doesn’t work ! I put all the Camera’s in the garbage where they belong. They will not refund our money. How does Cox get away with stealing peoples money. Cox homelufe is a scam !
Damien Chiesa says
I had Cox Security for almost a year. It did what I expected it to which wasn’t very much. My big issue is I had canceled it and my TV service on 7-7-17 due to some big personal issues between myself and Cox. They were fine with disconnecting it and I even turned in all my equipment on 7-8-17. The issue is that on 7-9-17, I had come home after running some errands to find my cox box at the side of my house damaged, some of my cable lines damaged, and the stucco on my house damaged. After talking to my neighbors since I couldn’t use my cameras from cox that I had paid for to see who had done it, I had found out that it was someone driving a truck with a cox logo and wearing a cox uniform. When I called to find out if someone was suppose to be out, the rep told me that there was no one out there from cox and refused to note my account that someone had been our nor allow any sort of follow up with the issue. How can you trust a security company that will damage your house when they know you don’t have a security system?
Jessie says
Cox is no good in this area and I unfortantly had to switch. I would look into your area’s specific reviews. I had no idea they had so much down time with internet and security around here but it is likely due to my area being down more, not to up hill. The company is great if you are not in a hit or miss area like I am.
Earl says
I have had Cox as a cable provider and internet service for 6 years now. Nothing to complain about. There are some issues with down time every few months but I can manage. Someone mentioned me getting a discount if I added on the security package. I am considering it. I am glad I found this review though. Very helpful and honest.
Gerald M. says
I ended up doing what you are considering and I regret it. Not because the cable is bad but the internet is shotty. So when the internet goes down, I am stuck without a security system or one that bugs out. It happened to me when I was away for the weekend and all’s I did was worry the entire time. Really reconsider it.
Mike Walton says
Cox is in our area and i have debated on getting them since I can get the security, internet, and cable all in one. A few of the reviews I read on it said that the internet was not reliable so I am not too sure about them now. Also, I am not a fan of “returning” things after I have used them. Specially not a tablet. Things happen and I know someone who through out their old cable box and got charged nearly $600 for the thing. No way they cost that much!
Marky P. says
They cost that much because someone can easily code into it and get free cable. That is why they want the boxes back. I am not sure why they don’t just tell us these things but it has happened a lot. Heck, my brother’s friend was using an old cable box for nearly 2 years without paying a cent! He found it at a garage sale. Someone thought it was a VCR. He bought it for $5. lol
Alarm Reviews says
Thanks Marky for info; just FYI we are trying to keep this article about Cox home security and not the other aspects of their company. Still good info for others 😉
George says
No crash and smash protection? Now that just doesn’t seem right to me. I also don’t want to switch my internet provider. To much of a hassle before it gets started. I bet them temp everyone with their free HD camera and starter equipment.
Prince says
Actually there are additional charges and the cost of installation seems to be high but I think it really worth it. The monitoring service is really good. However they need to improve on their customer service.