LiveWatch Security: The Full Story
LiveWatch Security was genuinely ahead of its time. Founded in 2002 in Evansville, Indiana, they built a complete online DIY security model years before Ring, SimpliSafe, or Abode existed. You ordered online, they shipped a pre-programmed system, you installed it yourself, and professional monitoring started immediately.
Then in 2017, Monitronics — the giant nobody likes — acquired them, and LiveWatch disappeared into the same corporate machine that had been bleeding customers for decades.
| Detail | LiveWatch |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2002, Evansville, Indiana |
| Business Model | Online DIY security with professional monitoring |
| Key Innovation | Pre-programmed 2GIG panels shipped to your door |
| Equipment | 2GIG GC2/GC3 panels, Alarm.com platform |
| Monthly Cost | $19.95-$29.95/month |
| Acquired By | Monitronics (now Brinks Home) — 2017 |
| Status 2026 | ❌ Brand discontinued, accounts absorbed into Brinks |
LiveWatch Timeline: From Pioneer to Acquisition Casualty
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | LiveWatch founded in Evansville, IN | One of the first online-only security companies |
| 2008-2012 | Growth phase — adopted 2GIG panels | Professional-grade hardware at consumer prices |
| 2013 | Alarm.com platform integration | Best-in-class app experience for the era |
| 2014 | Plug & Protect launch | Pre-programmed panels — zero config needed |
| 2015 | IVS (Interactive Video Surveillance) added | Camera integration via Alarm.com |
| 2017 | Monitronics acquires LiveWatch | Beginning of the end — absorbed into dealer machine |
| 2018-2019 | Monitronics rebrands to Brinks Home | LiveWatch brand phased out entirely |
| 2019 | Brinks/Monitronics files Chapter 11 bankruptcy | Parent company restructures — LiveWatch customers caught in chaos |
| 2026 | Brand completely dead | Former customers on legacy Brinks contracts or gone |
What Made LiveWatch Good (And Why Monitronics Killed It)
| What LiveWatch Got Right | What Monitronics Destroyed |
|---|---|
| Online-first sales (no door-to-door) | Folded into dealer network with aggressive sales |
| Transparent pricing ($19.95-$29.95/mo) | Opaque dealer pricing, hidden fees |
| No long-term contracts initially | 36-month contracts became mandatory |
| Quality 2GIG hardware | Same hardware at dealer markup prices |
| Fast, US-based customer service | Outsourced support, long hold times |
| Simple online cancellation | Notoriously difficult to cancel (auto-renewal traps) |
The Monitronics Acquisition Pattern
LiveWatch wasn’t the only brand Monitronics swallowed. They’ve been acquiring smaller security companies for decades, absorbing the customer base and killing the brand:
| Acquired Brand | Year | Status in 2026 | Customer Fate |
|---|---|---|---|
| LiveWatch | 2017 | ❌ Dead | Rolled into Brinks contracts |
| Security Networks | 2015 | ❌ Dead | Absorbed, brand killed |
| ASG Security | 2013 | ❌ Dead | Absorbed, brand killed |
| AMP Security | Various | ❌ Dead | Rolled into Monitronics |
| Protection One | 2016 (merged) | ❌ Dead | Became part of ADT instead |
The pattern: Buy a company with good reputation → inherit the contracts → let service quality decline → customers leave → repeat with next acquisition target.
Former LiveWatch Customer? Here’s What To Do
Step 1: Check Your Contract Status
| Situation | Action | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Contract expired (month-to-month) | Cancel with 30-day notice, switch to DIY | $0 to cancel |
| Still under Brinks contract | Calculate ETF vs remaining payments | 75% of remaining months |
| Auto-renewed without your knowledge | File BBB/AG complaint, negotiate | Often reduced or waived |
| Already cancelled | Switch to modern DIY system below | $0 to cancel |
Step 2: Choose Your Replacement
| System | Hardware | Monthly | 3-Year Cost | Why Former LiveWatch Users Will Like It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abode ⭐ | $199 | $0-20 | $199-$919 | Same DIY spirit + HomeKit, Z-Wave, Zigbee hub |
| Ring Alarm | $199 | $0-20 | $199-$919 | Amazon ecosystem, huge camera selection |
| SimpliSafe | $199-460 | $0-28 | $199-$1,468 | Fast Protect monitoring, familiar experience |
Step 3: Handle Your Old 2GIG Equipment
If you still have your LiveWatch 2GIG panel and sensors, you have options:
| Option | Monthly Cost | What You Need | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keep panel + Alarm Grid | $20-35 | Alarm.com module (may have one) | Panel works, want Alarm.com app |
| Keep panel + Alarm Relay | $10-14 | Working communicator | Cheapest possible monitoring |
| Replace with modern DIY | $0-20 | New system ($199+) | Want cameras, HomeKit, no legacy gear |
Note on 2GIG sensors: Your existing 345MHz sensors (door/window contacts, motion detectors) may work with some systems. 2GIG panels use Honeywell-compatible 345MHz frequency, which Alarm Grid can continue monitoring. But modern systems use encrypted wireless protocols that are more secure.
LiveWatch vs Modern DIY Systems (2026 Comparison)
| Feature | LiveWatch (2016) | Abode (2026) | Ring (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $19.95-$29.95 | $0-$20 | $0-$20 |
| Contract | 36 months (after Monitronics) | None | None |
| Panel | 2GIG GC2/GC3 | Abode Gateway | Ring Alarm Base |
| Cameras | Alarm.com cameras (extra) | Abode Cam 2 ($35) | Ring cameras ($30-250) |
| Smart Home | Z-Wave only | Z-Wave + Zigbee + HomeKit + Matter | Alexa + Z-Wave |
| Geofencing | Via Alarm.com ($30/mo tier) | ✅ All plans (including free) | ✅ With Ring Protect |
| Self-Monitoring | ❌ Required paid plan | ✅ Free | ✅ Free |
| Crash & Smash | Via Alarm.com | ✅ Built-in | ✅ Built-in |
| Video Verification | Via Alarm.com ($30/mo) | ✅ Available | ❌ Not available |
| App Quality | Alarm.com (4.5★) | Abode (4.4★) | Ring (4.5★) |
The Bigger Lesson: Why Brand Acquisitions Hurt Customers
LiveWatch’s story is a warning for anyone signing up with a security company:
- Your “chosen” company can be sold overnight — contracts transfer to the acquirer
- Service quality always declines post-acquisition — the acquirer wants accounts, not happy customers
- Long contracts protect the company, not you — you’re stuck even after an acquisition
- Proprietary equipment creates lock-in — you can’t easily switch monitoring providers
The safest approach: Choose a no-contract system (Abode, Ring, SimpliSafe) where you own the equipment outright and can cancel anytime. If Abode were ever acquired, you’d lose nothing — just stop paying and switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to LiveWatch Security?
Monitronics (now Brinks Home Security) acquired LiveWatch in 2017. The brand was phased out by 2019, and all accounts were absorbed into the Brinks/Monitronics system. Monitronics then filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2019.
I’m still paying Brinks for my old LiveWatch account. Can I cancel?
Check if your original 36-month contract has expired. If so, you should be month-to-month and can cancel with 30 days notice. If Brinks claims you auto-renewed, follow our contract cancellation guide — you may have grounds to dispute, especially if you weren’t notified.
Can I reuse my LiveWatch 2GIG panel and sensors?
Yes. Your 2GIG panel works with Alarm Grid ($20-35/mo with Alarm.com) or Alarm Relay ($10-14/mo basic monitoring). Make sure your cellular communicator isn’t 3G — all US 3G networks are shut down.
What’s the best replacement for LiveWatch in 2026?
Abode is the closest spiritual successor — same DIY philosophy, better technology, no contracts, and lower monthly costs ($0-20/mo vs LiveWatch’s $20-30). Plus you get HomeKit, Z-Wave, Zigbee, and Matter support.
Was LiveWatch a good company before the acquisition?
Yes. LiveWatch had genuinely good reviews (4+ stars on most platforms), responsive US-based support, and fair pricing. The acquisition by Monitronics destroyed everything that made them worth recommending. It’s a textbook case of a good company killed by a bad acquirer.
Are there still any online-first DIY security companies?
Yes — the entire DIY market now operates this way. Abode, Ring, and SimpliSafe all sell direct online with self-installation. LiveWatch pioneered this model; modern companies perfected it.
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.
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!