Searching for NorthStar Home Security? The company no longer exists. Brinks Home (formerly Monitronics/MONI) acquired NorthStar’s customer accounts in 2019, making it yet another name swallowed by the largest alarm dealer consolidation in history.
If you’re a former NorthStar customer now stuck with Brinks, or just researching what happened, this guide covers the full story — the acquisition, what it means for your account, and far better alternatives that won’t lock you into multi-year contracts.
What Happened to NorthStar Home Security?
| Date | Event | Impact on Customers |
|---|---|---|
| 2000s | NorthStar operates as mid-size alarm dealer in eastern US | Standard dealer model: long contracts, Honeywell/DSC panels, landline monitoring |
| 2017 | Monitronics rebrands to MONI Smart Security | MONI begins aggressively acquiring smaller dealers |
| 2018 | MONI licenses the Brinks brand name | Rebrands again to “Brinks Home Security” (NOT the armored truck company) |
| 2019 | Brinks Home acquires NorthStar customer accounts | All NorthStar accounts transferred to Brinks Home |
| 2019 | Brinks Home/Monitronics files Chapter 11 bankruptcy | Wiped $1B+ debt, emerged under same brand |
| 2020-2026 | Brinks Home continues operating post-bankruptcy | Former NorthStar customers now on Brinks contracts |
The Brinks Home Acquisition Pattern
NorthStar wasn’t acquired because Brinks wanted better technology or service. They wanted recurring revenue from locked-in contracts. This is the dealer consolidation playbook:
- Buy customer accounts (not companies — just the contracts)
- Transition monitoring to central station
- Keep customers locked in existing contracts
- Auto-renew at the same or higher rate
NorthStar joined a long list of brands absorbed by the Monitronics/Brinks machine:
| Acquired Brand | Year | What Happened |
|---|---|---|
| Security Networks | 2012 | Brand dissolved into Monitronics |
| ASG Security | 2016 | Brand dissolved into MONI |
| LiveWatch | 2017 | Brand phased out |
| NorthStar | 2019 | Brand dissolved into Brinks Home |
| AMP Security | 2019 | Brand dissolved into Brinks Home |
Every acquisition follows the same pattern: the brand disappears, customers get shuffled to Brinks Home, and the contracts continue. Read our full Brinks Home review for the complete picture.
What NorthStar Customers Are Dealing With Now
| Issue | Details | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Contract auto-renewal | Original NorthStar contracts rolled into Brinks, often auto-renewed for 1-2 more years | Check your contract end date — call Brinks (888-500-4802) to confirm |
| Higher prices | Brinks monitoring starts at $30/mo — up from what NorthStar may have charged | Negotiate or wait for contract expiration |
| Outdated equipment | NorthStar panels (Honeywell/DSC) may be 5-10+ years old, landline-dependent | Don’t pay Brinks for an upgrade — switch to DIY when contract ends |
| Early termination fee | Typically 75-100% of remaining contract balance | Calculate if paying ETF + switching saves money vs riding out the contract |
| Customer service | Brinks Home: BBB B- rating, Trustpilot 1.3/5 stars | Document everything in writing |
Your Options as a Former NorthStar Customer
Option 1: Wait Out the Contract, Then Switch (Recommended)
If your contract ends within 12 months, ride it out. Send a written cancellation notice 30-60 days before expiration (check your contract for the exact window — miss it and you auto-renew). Then switch to a modern DIY system.
Option 2: Pay the ETF and Switch Now
Calculate the math:
- ETF: Months remaining x monthly rate x 75-100%
- New system cost: Abode Smart Security Kit = $199 + $0-12/mo
- If your Brinks bill is $40/mo and you have 12 months left, that’s $360-$480 in ETF vs $480 staying. Breaking even or saving money to switch immediately.
Option 3: Keep the Panel, Switch Monitoring
If your NorthStar panel is a Honeywell VISTA or DSC PowerSeries, you may be able to keep it and switch to cheaper monitoring through Alarm.com via a service like Alarm Grid ($15-35/mo) or Alarm Relay ($10-15/mo). This requires buying an LTE communicator (~$100-150) since your panel likely uses landline.
3-Year Cost Comparison: Brinks vs Modern DIY
| System | Equipment | Monthly | Contract | 3-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brinks Home (current) | $0 (existing NorthStar equipment) | $30-$55/mo | 36-60 months | $1,080-$1,980 |
| Abode | $199 (Smart Security Kit) | $0-$20/mo | No contract | $199-$919 |
| Ring Alarm | $200 (8-piece kit) | $0-$20/mo | No contract | $200-$920 |
| SimpliSafe | $250 (Foundation kit) | $0-$28/mo | No contract | $250-$1,258 |
The math is clear: Even buying brand-new equipment, modern DIY systems cost $160-$1,060 less over 3 years than staying with Brinks. And you get better technology — smartphone control, HD cameras, smart home integration, and no contracts.
NorthStar Equipment vs Modern DIY: What You’re Missing
| Feature | NorthStar/Brinks (Legacy) | Modern DIY (Abode/Ring) |
|---|---|---|
| Control | Keypad only (maybe basic app) | Full smartphone app + Apple Watch |
| Communication | Landline or basic cellular | Dual-path (Wi-Fi + cellular) |
| Cameras | Separate system, extra cost | Integrated, same app |
| Smart home | None or Z-Wave only | Z-Wave, Zigbee, Matter, HomeKit, Alexa, Google |
| Geofencing | No | Auto-arm/disarm based on phone location |
| Crash & smash | No (panel destroyed = no signal) | Yes — cloud-based detection |
| Self-monitoring | No — must pay for monitoring | Yes — free self-monitoring tier |
| Contract | 36-60 months | Month-to-month or no contract |
| Installation | Pro install (scheduled appointment) | DIY in 15-30 minutes |
| Portability | Hardwired, stays with house | Wireless, take it when you move |
Lessons from the NorthStar Acquisition
NorthStar’s story is a cautionary tale about the traditional alarm dealer model:
- You don’t own your account. Your contract can be sold to another company without your consent. NorthStar customers woke up one day as Brinks customers.
- Long contracts are the product. Dealers don’t make money on equipment or service — they make money by selling your recurring payments to larger companies.
- Brand doesn’t matter. NorthStar, MONI, Monitronics, Brinks — it’s all the same company. The name changes; the contract stays.
- Legacy equipment ages out. Your panel gets older every year while the contract price stays the same or increases.
The solution: own your equipment, skip the contracts, and choose a system you can take with you. That’s exactly what modern DIY systems like Abode offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NorthStar Home Security still in business?
No. NorthStar’s customer accounts were acquired by Brinks Home in 2019. The NorthStar brand no longer exists. If you were a NorthStar customer, your account is now managed by Brinks Home (888-500-4802).
Can I cancel my NorthStar/Brinks contract?
Yes, but you’ll likely face an early termination fee (ETF) of 75-100% of your remaining contract balance. Read our cancellation guide for step-by-step instructions. Always send cancellation notices in writing (certified mail) and keep copies.
Will my old NorthStar equipment work with a new provider?
If you have a Honeywell VISTA or DSC PowerSeries panel, third-party monitoring services like Alarm Grid or Alarm Relay can take over monitoring (you’ll need a cellular communicator if you’re on landline). However, for most people, buying a new $199 DIY system is simpler and cheaper than retrofitting old equipment.
Did NorthStar go bankrupt?
NorthStar itself didn’t file bankruptcy — but Brinks Home (Monitronics), which acquired NorthStar, filed Chapter 11 in 2019, the same year as the acquisition. They emerged from bankruptcy and continue to operate under the Brinks Home brand.
Why did Brinks acquire NorthStar?
Recurring revenue. Brinks Home’s business model is built on acquiring alarm dealer customer accounts and collecting monthly monitoring fees. NorthStar’s customer contracts represented predictable revenue — the actual service quality was secondary to the financial value of locked-in subscriptions.
What’s the best replacement for NorthStar/Brinks?
Abode is the best alternative — no contracts, free self-monitoring, optional pro monitoring from $6/month, Apple HomeKit support, and the Smart Security Kit starts at $199. You’ll save $160-$1,060 over 3 years compared to Brinks, with better technology and complete ownership of your equipment.
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.
Sue c. Lasley says
NorthStar does not care if your house burns down, if you die, if you sell the house, if you are in assisted living, if your town got swept away in a hurricane. they will keep charging, I am hoping to get enough people with this same nightmare co to get the courts to require the company to add special clause for these issues. Make them have customer sign each paragraph read by salesperson, and the print size should be at least 12 or 14 font in bold.
The law require landlords to have easy reading size to protect the renters for hidden clauses
Maria R says
I was also tricked by a high pressure salesman to change my security system. I found out later I had signed a 5 year contract. I am a senior citizen on a fixed income and tried to explain that but he was not listening to anything I was saying. The cameras don’t work properly and now even though i am paying more as a monthly payment for full service, i am having problems getting a tech appointment. I have to trouble shoot with one of their techs first, than still pay for a service call or pay $130.00. Not only that, the contract follows me until I am dead.
randall larkin says
horrible company when you try to contactb them they have a non working number when you finally find a way to talk to them about your equipment failure they tell you to replace it your self..I tried to cancel when I moved and now they have turned my account over to a collection agency.
Elizabeth Dean says
Avoid NorthStar! They tricked me into a 5-year contract saying it was for three, beginning the in the “19th month,” whenever that is. With five years up, they continue to insist I have a contract. May be headed to small claims court. HORRIBLE company.
Richard L says
I just signed with NorthStar.
Everything we wanted (video doorbell, digital upgrade, locked-in price) we received at no additional cost. We had ADT who had a price increase after a year and relied on an internet connection. (NorthStar claims this is a potential security risk; they rely on satellite/mobile signal which is unaffected by a broken internet signal).
So far, there has only been one issue -the doorbell chime.
I will definitely keep everyone here updated as issues, solutions, and frustrations arise.
Rebecca says
Tuesday night, representatives came door to door in our neighborhood. I let the guy know from the start that we were currently in a contract with ADT (the sign is in the yard.) The representative did not listen to me at all. At one point he asked if my husband was home so he could explain it to him.
We’ll never use your company now. Good job!
Ace says
I don’t work with North Star nor do I think their systems warrant their prices. However, anyone knows that when you switch companies you get a better deal. That’s the time when companies are willing to spend the big bucks for customer acquisition. Now the company I work with, buys customers out of their contracts in addition to giving them the best in smart home. But with every company other than Vivint, once your a customer, you don’t get upgrades, you pay for them. ADT doesn’t do the best monitoring or offer the best equipment, they don’t have the best installs, they just buy other companies and use that profit on commercials, where companies like vivint redefine the smart home world, they started it and continue to push the boundaries every time. Why someone is loyal to company that is just now really doing some smart home and not even the best, is beyond me. They don’t do 4K cameras, they don’t do nest thermostats or garage control or lighting controls from the switches. And they act like their outdated cameras other companies were doing 7 years ago, including north star is big stuff. They charge hefty upfront fees for smart home where other companies do not, and they do a 2 year contract where vivint simply finances equipment and month to month on the monitoring. As for getting your husband, yeah couples make decisions together, it would be unprofessional for the rep to try and sneak one by on one decision maker. In sales both people must agree or the cancel will come sooner or later. I don’t know where people get the paradigm that they know sales and door to door ones better than the experts at their homes. Criticizing the techniques and pretty much want someone to say hey can I solicitor you to do something you weren’t going to do if I wasn’t here, hahaha. Sales is what makes the world go around. If their were no sales there would be no money to employee you or your husband in whatever job you guys have, plain and simple. Next time instead of thinking you know best, try listening, and reading, and truly evaluate if what is on the table is better than what you have. Most of the time it is.
Big Mark says
RIPOFF! I’m dealing with this right now. My parents signed up for a 3 year contract and 38 months in, my mother called to request paper billing. Long story short, the sales rep tricked my senior citizen mother into signing on for a new 3 year contract. She was never told anything about it. They never discussed another contract. But now Northstar says they have a new contract.
I would never use this company. Beware of anything they tell you and carefully read anything you sign. They will cheat you if they can–based on our dealings with them.
Ace says
Yeah North Star auto renews full contracts, I don’t work for them, they are a competitor well not really. But look up the state laws, if the state says auto renewal for full contract is no longer allowed then your free and clear, lots of states switched their laws about 5-8 years ago preventing that. Good luck
Gomez says
Northstar is horrible. Very nice on the phone but they will not fix the issues with their systems. I have called them several times and requested call backs. I received one call back but was not helpful. The Skybell system they installed stopped working after a couple of months. When I called, they sent me a new one and had me install it. It still did not function. I asked for Northstar to send a tech out and fix the issue. They refused and advised for me to contact the third party, Skybell, and fix the issue myself. I requested they write me a letter via email and state what they had told me over the phone. Now the letter advised that they would provide a tech on the phone when Skybell calls. Be warned don’t fall for these guys.
Ann says
The salesman lied by telling me I was not under any contract and could cancel at any time. I asked him specifically ,”what if I move and want to cancel?” He told me I could cancel whenever I wanted. When I had poor customer service from this company and told them to cancel, the person on the phone told me I was obligated for 5 years of service fees. If and when I decide to move, I am going to just walk away from this company, until,then I guess I’m stuck with them. I believe the sales man was using deceptive practices just to get people to sign up with him.
Alarm Reviews says
Thanks for letting us know. Just a tip – companies are not always represented properly by their sales reps. We aren’t affiliated with Northstar or trying to get you to reconsider but careful of backlashing too much at the company when you may not have read the contract carefully enough when signing up under the rep (or he lied).
Jay Cajoler says
North Star is one of the companies in my area I knew very little about. Glad i found this review. I did not know the contracts were this long but that is not an issue for me. My home is 80% paid off and I do not intend on moving at least for another 15 years, if ever. So I will be giving them a call. I will be sure to ask a lot of questions too.
Louise Sommer says
Do not buy this is an awful company. They will sue you if you want to stop service prior to end of contract. No one should sign a 60 month contract !
Rodger C. says
Bad BBB reporting never puts me off because I know a lot of companies pay to have their ratings be good on there. With that being said, I am on the fence with North Star. The reason why is the long contracts and annual renewal. Not everyone stays in the same place their whole life. Hardly seems logical to have your contracts be THAT long! 5 years is too much for me.
Madison A. says
I was thinking the same thing. You can’t ever really go by BBB ratings. I know a company who had an A+ rating and were utter rubbish! I moved to the states from the United Kingdom last fall and have been searching for security options since January. I will have to look at more options as I do agree, 5 year contracts are far too extensive.