Is their DIY Home Security System any Good?
Last updated: August 6, 2018. A quick way to grow a Home Security company these days is by pre-activating the equipment and shipping it out to the new customer. Why is that? Then they can advertise Nationwide and save costs on a technician going to your house to install it. There are a number of companies doing it as it is easier and more efficient for the company to grow and those savings get passed on to the consumer.
They are the only company that you can buy a complete security system online just like any other product you have before while still being monitored by them.
With that being said, let’s take a look into the good and bad of a Livewatch security system:
Pros
- Shorter contract length along with a ‘cancel anytime’ policy (unheard of in the home security industry)
- Simple purchase process (and don’t have to talk to a sales-rep if you don’t want too!)
- Over a decade in business.
- Self install
- Quick monitoring response via ‘ASAPer’ patented technology
- Upgraded to touchscreens in 2015
- A+ BBB rating
Cons
- Higher starting costs
- Basic home automation
- Not enough equipment in starting packages; most users need to add 3-5 more sensors to each package
- Re-branding from SafeMart making it confusing exactly who is providing the monitoring service
See current Livewatch Promotions >>
What’s LiveWatch Security Going to Cost?
Higher upfront costs but a mid-range monitoring rate.
So yeah, installation is ‘free’ (because you do it yourself) and they make sure you know about that. But what they don’t tell you about is their shipping and other hidden costs.
Equipment – As we show below, you can expect to pay $99-199+ for starting equipment. You get to choose the amount of sensors needed for your home. They are low cost ($14.95/window sensor and $39 for extra motions.) Example: We did a mock purchase for a home that needs 4 door sensors and 2 motions. Here is what it costs up front:
(‘My Cart’ shown on Livewatch checkout process)
Activation costs – Aside from Protect America who has no upfront costs; most security companies charge $99-199 for an ‘activation cost’. Livewatch comes in well below the average at $19.95 for a one-time activation charge.
Monthly Prices – The monitoring fees. They have 3 different packages from basic to home automation.
- $29.95 / Mobile Pro. Practical for most users.
- $39.95 / Total Home. Free shipping added but not many new features to warrant an additional $10/mo.
- $49.95 – Total Home + Video. This is their automation package. Comparable to others such as ADT Pulse. By getting this package it reduces the start up base costs by $100 as well. Several good features and a must if wanting security cameras.
(LiveWatch pricing plans shown)
- 24/7 live stream video in full 1080p HD over Wi-Fi. Check in from anywhere at anytime. Send clips to family or friends...
- Night vision featuring 8 high-power infrared LEDs provide light for clear video in the darkest conditions.
- Mobile alerts and notifications let you know as soon as your camera spots activity. Take action or save the event for...
Steps to buying a LiveWatch Security System Online
LiveWatch is surprisingly the only company that has streamlined the checkout process to resemble a typical online store. You can still submit your name or call them and sign up or you can follow the way below:
1 – Go to their site
2 – Click the ‘Plans’ or ‘Browse Service Plans’ buttons seen below
3 – Choose which package fits your home & then choose a ‘base system’ which are the fundamentals. (Type of control panel and basic sensors.) Depending on which package you choose, these will be discounted to $99-299. The higher plan you choose a month the lower the initial startup will be here.
4 – Add more sensors as needed. 1 per door, 1 motion per large living room or hallway. Most homes are 3-4 door sensors and 1 motion. Most homes do not do 2nd floor windows or doors, only primary entry/exits on the first floor. Doors that lead into the garage are also recommended as many burglars break in through this entrance.
5 – Last of all – Checkout. They do Free 2 day shipping and if you have any questions during the checkout process there are live chat agents available to help. This takes out the stress of dealing with a high pressure sales rep on the phone.
- Live Stream from Anywhere with Pan/Tilt: Sharp and clear 1080p Full HD provides high quality video right in the palm of...
- Real-Time Motion/Sound Detection: Get alerts on your smart phone whenever motion or sound is detected even at night...
- Secure Your Videos Locally or with AWS Cloud: EC70 mini camera continuously records and stores footage or video clips on...
Livewatch Security System reviews
Nothing to brag about here. GE sensors and a new touchscreen package.
Their standard package comes with a:
- Panel
- 2 Window/door sensors
- Motion sensor
- Free smartphone integration via the Alarm.com app
- Key fob
Their new IQ 2.0 comes with the same equipment but instead of a Simon XT touchpad panel you get a touchscreen one. For home security cameras, you get 1 free one with the $49/mo. package and anything else will cost you out of pocket.
The Story of how they came to be…
Careful, this one might bring you to tears.
Who, What, When, Where and Why – In 2002 by Chris Johnson. He noticed there is a difference between seconds and minutes in response time, often a difference between life and death for someone. Acting on this he teamed up with others in the home security niche and founded LiveWatch. Their goal is to make it affordable to everyone which they are accomplishing with low $19.95 activation rates, purchase as you need equipment and quick ASAPer patented technology. Their colors and branding often get confused with Link Interactive who has orange & blue colors and similar name and DIY security system.
Final Verdict on LiveWatch Security / What was once ‘SafeMart’
So that is everything you need to know about LiveWatch before committing to them. They aren’t a bad security company, just not a great one either. They definitely are better than Simplisafe which is another popular DIY solution. Nothing stands out from the other 20 of our top 20 home security systems list but they are a company you can trust.
You may also be interested in LiveWatch vs Frontpoint or Livewatch vs SimpliSafe.
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Last update on 2025-12-30 at 01:22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Jane Smith says
I thought this was a good choice for me, until I was called and emailed so many times that it was becoming harassment.
They were setting up install appoints for me and that doesn’t work for me, I work out of state sometimes for long periods of time. Eventually I got the barrage of calls and emails to stop- fast forward a year… the calls the appointments set up for me the emails began again- after numerous tries they said they would stop contacting. A week later they try billing me but thankfully my card declined. This company is ruthless! Why are they billing me for a service that I am not using.
Beware the glowing reviews. At this point I want NOTHING to do with this company and it’s hounding business practices. Be forewarned.
Harry says
I have to say part of your comment not news to me. However, most part is. I experienced the constant emails and calls from Life Watch Security earlier when I started using their system; though they were targeted to keep me updated. I contacted them and made my email preferences known to them. Their calls and emails have stopped since then, and I have been enjoying their service.
Ed says
Been a frustrated LiveWatch customer for over a year. Constantly bombarded with notifications about offline sensors or that closed doors and window are open and bypassed. They claim the sensors will work up to 100ft. from the panel – I live in a brand new 70ft. long house with the panel 15ft. from the end. The house is constructed with standard material – nothing that would provide any out of the ordinary interference. Research other wireless system or go wired.
H. Link says
Actually, you can cancel at any time. If you cancel prior to the 12 month initial period, you only pay for return shipping and the activation cost (19.95). Also for any time that you’ve used e.g. you’ll pay for however months you’ve used the service of course.
Amy L. says
Is this true? Very good to know. I have been debating on services and one of the biggest drawbacks for me was that I had to pay a cancellation fee if things didn’t work out. I am going to give Livewatch a call tomorrow and see about this. Thank you for letting everyone know. I would not have known otherwise.
Amber T. says
I have been with Livewatch since 2013. Originally I had planned on switching over to another company but in 2015 they did indeed upgrade to better screens and over all better equipment.
Jeffry Roberto says
Livewatch Security is one that I had thought about for months. I was almost content with going with one of the bigger names but their prices were good and the lack of a long contract appealed to my needs. Great review! I think I will call them tomorrow and see what I can get!
Victor says
Come back and share. I would like to get some recent feedback on the company. I am not sure if I want to go with them or ADT (which costs more for me). I know my wife wants me to get it before summer is here as we are going on a 3 week vacation.
Kyle says
Livewatch stands out from other home security system in three areas. Firstly, they are touted to have the fastest response time of alarm systems in the world. Secondly, their minimum contract length is 1 year compares to 5 years for some. Thirdly, they offer a zero cancellation fee. If you cancel and return your system in the first year you can get your money back. That’s why I use Livewatch.
Alarm Reviews says
Thanks Kyle. All sounds good except the money back. They do offer a ‘free trial’ (as every company HAS to give you the right of recision of up to 7 days, some choose to do it longer like Frontpoint who has a 30 day trial). They won’t refund you your monitoring or shipping costs if you cancel up to a year. However, they may not charge an additional cancellation fee which is a great benefit, you are right.
Ash says
I just ordered the system and shipping was free and they did Fedex Priority Overnight for free!