Looking for a LiveWatch vs Frontpoint comparison? This matchup is dead. LiveWatch was swallowed by Monitronics (now Brinks Home) in 2017 and no longer exists. Frontpoint still operates but charges 2x what better systems cost. Both represent the old guard of home security — dealer markups, long contracts, and mediocre technology. Here’s the full story and what to buy instead.
LiveWatch: The Full Story (2002–2017)
LiveWatch was a mid-tier alarm company that offered affordable monitoring and a few genuinely innovative features. Then the acquisition machine got it.
| Year | Event | Impact on Customers |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | LiveWatch Security founded | Competitive DIY-ish alarm company |
| 2014 | Launched “ASAPer” — smartphone panic button | Ahead of its time; now standard in all modern systems |
| 2015 | Positive customer reviews, growing subscriber base | LiveWatch was actually well-liked |
| 2017 | Acquired by Monitronics (now Brinks Home) | Brand absorbed; customer accounts transferred |
| 2018 | LiveWatch website redirects to Brinks Home | Company identity erased completely |
| 2019 | Monitronics files Chapter 11 bankruptcy, rebrands to Brinks Home | Former LiveWatch customers now under bankrupt parent |
| 2020–2026 | LiveWatch brand fully dead — no products, no support | Brinks Home handles remaining accounts with mixed results |
What made LiveWatch good: The ASAPer panic button, transparent pricing, and decent customer service. What killed it: Monitronics bought them for the subscriber base, not the innovation. The features that made LiveWatch different were discarded.
The Alarm Industry Acquisition Graveyard
LiveWatch isn’t alone. The traditional alarm industry has a pattern: buy smaller companies for their customer contracts, raise prices, degrade service, repeat. Here are brands that met the same fate:
| Dead Brand | Acquired By | Year | What Happened |
|---|---|---|---|
| LiveWatch | Monitronics/Brinks Home | 2017 | Brand erased, accounts absorbed |
| Protect America | N/A — shut down | 2021 | Filed bankruptcy, ceased operations entirely |
| ASG Security | Guardian Protection | 2018 | Merged into Guardian’s dealer network |
| Security Networks | Monitronics/Brinks Home | 2016 | Absorbed into dealer network |
| AMP Smart | Brinks Home | 2018 | Brand discontinued |
| NorthStar Alarm | Brinks Home | 2019 | Absorbed post-bankruptcy |
| AT&T Digital Life | Brinks Home | 2018 | AT&T exited security, dumped customers on Brinks |
| Cox Homelife | N/A — shut down | 2023 | Cox exited residential security |
| AlarmForce | Bell Canada | 2017 | Became Bell Smart Home, Canada only |
The pattern: Every time a dealer-model company acquires a smaller brand, customer satisfaction drops, prices rise, and innovation stops. This is why DIY systems like Abode, Ring, and SimpliSafe have taken over — they can’t be acquired out from under you because you own the equipment and there’s no contract to transfer.
Frontpoint in 2026: Still Alive, Still Overpriced
Frontpoint hasn’t been acquired — but that doesn’t make it a good choice. Here’s the current state:
| Feature | Frontpoint (2026) | The Problem |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $34.99–$49.99/mo | 2x what Abode or Ring charges for equivalent monitoring |
| Contract | 1–3 year options | Modern systems have no contracts at all |
| Equipment | Qolsys panel + Alarm.com sensors | Same hardware dealers sell — at retail markup |
| Platform | Alarm.com | Good platform, but you’re paying Frontpoint’s markup on top |
| Cameras | Alarm.com cameras (limited selection) | Ring, Abode, SimpliSafe all have better/cheaper camera options |
| Smart home | Z-Wave via Alarm.com | No HomeKit, no Zigbee, no Matter — behind the times |
| Self-monitoring | Not available | You must pay for monitoring — no free tier |
| Ownership changes | Multiple PE ownership changes since 2019 | Private equity focus on profit extraction, not innovation |
Frontpoint’s Core Problem: Dealer Markup on Commodity Hardware
Frontpoint sells Alarm.com-compatible equipment that dozens of other dealers also sell. The Qolsys IQ Panel 4 is excellent hardware — but you can get it from Alarm Grid for half the price with $15/mo monitoring. Or skip the dealer model entirely and buy a modern DIY system for a fraction of the cost.
| What You Pay For | Frontpoint Price | Actual Market Price | Markup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qolsys IQ Panel 4 | ~$299 (bundled) | $200–$250 (Alarm Grid/eBay) | 20–50% |
| Door/window sensor | ~$30 | $15–$20 | 50–100% |
| Motion sensor | ~$35 | $20–$25 | 40–75% |
| Monitoring (monthly) | $34.99–$49.99 | $15–$20 (Alarm Grid/GeoArm) | 75–150% |
| 3-Year total | $1,460–$2,300 | $540–$720 (Alarm Grid) | 100–220% |
What to Buy Instead in 2026
1. Abode — Best Overall Replacement
Abode is the modern answer to what LiveWatch and Frontpoint tried to be. Free self-monitoring (what LiveWatch customers loved), flexible paid plans (no contract), and the smartest hub on the market with HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, Z-Wave, Zigbee, and Matter support.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Self-monitoring | Free forever — like LiveWatch’s affordable approach, but actually free |
| Pro monitoring | $6–$20/month, no contract — cancel anytime |
| Equipment | Smart Security Kit ($199) — gateway + sensors + key fob |
| Camera | Abode Cam 2 ($35) — best value camera in market |
| Smart home | HomeKit + Alexa + Google + Z-Wave + Zigbee + Matter |
| Geofencing | Auto arm/disarm by phone location |
| Crash & smash | Alert sent even if panel destroyed |
| Cellular backup | ✅ (Connect+ and Pro plans) |
Why Abode for LiveWatch refugees: LiveWatch customers loved affordable, flexible monitoring. Abode gives you free self-monitoring with the option to add professional monitoring month-to-month — no commitment, no BS. Visit goabode.com →
Why Abode for Frontpoint refugees: Same Alarm.com-quality monitoring at half the monthly cost, plus HomeKit integration Frontpoint will never have. No contract, no dealer markup. Visit goabode.com →
2. Ring Alarm — Best Budget + Camera Ecosystem
Ring Alarm delivers the best value if you want alarm + cameras under one subscription. Ring Protect Plus ($20/mo) covers the alarm system AND unlimited cameras — no separate camera fees. Perfect for Amazon/Alexa households.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want cameras + alarm in one ecosystem. Skip if: You use Apple HomeKit or want multi-protocol smart home support.
3. SimpliSafe — Easiest Transition
SimpliSafe is the easiest system to set up and use. Their Fast Protect monitoring with video verification gets faster police response. No contract required.
Best for: Non-technical users who want simple, reliable security. Skip if: You want free self-monitoring (SimpliSafe starts at $19.99/mo for any monitoring) or smart home integration.
Full Comparison: Modern Systems vs. LiveWatch & Frontpoint
| Feature | Abode | Ring Alarm | SimpliSafe | Frontpoint | LiveWatch (Dead) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Status | ✅ Active | ✅ Active | ✅ Active | ⚠️ Struggling | ❌ Dead (2017) |
| Monthly fee | $0–$20 | $0–$20 | $19.99–$29.99 | $34.99–$49.99 | Was $14.95–$29.95 |
| Contract | None | None | None | 1–3 years | Was 1–3 years |
| Free self-monitoring | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Cellular backup | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Was ✅ |
| HomeKit | ✅ Only system | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Google Home | ✅ | Limited | ✅ Basic | ❌ | ❌ |
| Alexa | ✅ | ✅ Deep | ✅ | ✅ | Was ✅ |
| Z-Wave/Zigbee | Both | Z-Wave | Neither | Z-Wave only | Neither |
| Geofencing | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ (Alarm.com) | ❌ |
| Cameras | Abode Cam 2 ($35) | Ring ecosystem | SimpliSafe cams | Alarm.com cams | None |
| Equipment cost | $199–$400 | $199–$330 | $249–$510 | $400–$800+ | Was $99–$300 |
| 3-Year monitoring | $0–$720 | $0–$720 | $720–$1,080 | $1,260–$1,800 | Was $539–$1,078 |
| 3-Year total | $199–$1,120 | $199–$1,050 | $969–$1,590 | $1,660–$2,600 | Was $638–$1,378 |
If You’re Still With Brinks (Former LiveWatch Customer)
Your LiveWatch account was transferred to Brinks Home. Here’s your situation and what to do:
| Situation | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Month-to-month | Switch to Abode immediately — cancel with 30-day notice | No penalty; you’re overpaying every month you stay |
| Under contract | Check remaining months, calculate ETF vs. monthly savings | Often cheaper to pay ETF than keep paying Brinks rates |
| Auto-renewed without notice | Check state consumer protection laws — may be voidable | See our cancellation guide |
| Equipment owned | Consider Alarm Grid for cheap monitoring on existing equipment | $15/mo Alarm.com monitoring if your panel is compatible |
| Equipment leased | Return equipment, buy Abode Smart Security Kit ($199) | You’ll save $200+/year on monitoring alone |
If You’re Still With Frontpoint
Frontpoint uses Alarm.com-compatible equipment, which gives you some options:
| Option | How | Monthly Savings | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Switch to Abode (recommended) | Buy Abode Smart Security Kit ($199), install in 30 min | $15–$30/mo | $180–$360/yr |
| Switch to Ring | Buy Ring Alarm kit ($199), get Ring Protect Plus ($20/mo) | $15–$30/mo | $180–$360/yr |
| Keep Frontpoint sensors + cheap monitoring | Use Alarm Grid or GeoArm with your Qolsys panel | $20–$35/mo | $240–$420/yr |
| Self-monitor for free | Switch to Abode — free self-monitoring tier | $35–$50/mo | $420–$600/yr |
Contract warning: Check your Frontpoint contract before switching. Early termination fees may apply. See our complete contract cancellation guide for strategies to minimize or eliminate ETFs.
How to Protect Yourself From Brand Death
LiveWatch’s story is a cautionary tale. Here’s how to make sure your next security system doesn’t get acquired, discontinued, or degraded:
| Protection Strategy | Why It Matters | Systems That Qualify |
|---|---|---|
| No contract | If service degrades, leave immediately — no ETF hostage situation | Abode, Ring, SimpliSafe |
| Own your equipment | Leased equipment gets returned if you cancel; owned equipment is yours forever | Abode, Ring, SimpliSafe |
| Choose a security-focused company | Side-project brands (AT&T, Cox, Google Nest) get killed when priorities shift | Abode, SimpliSafe |
| Multi-protocol hub | Z-Wave/Zigbee/Matter devices work across systems — your smart home survives a switch | Abode (all three) |
| Free self-monitoring tier | Even if you stop paying, your system still works as a local alarm | Abode, Ring |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LiveWatch still in business?
No. LiveWatch was acquired by Monitronics (now Brinks Home) in 2017. The brand no longer exists. Former LiveWatch customer accounts are managed by Brinks Home, which itself went through Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2019.
Is Frontpoint worth it in 2026?
Generally no. Frontpoint charges $35–$50/month for monitoring that Abode offers for $0–$20/month with better smart home integration. The only advantage is Alarm.com’s platform — but you can get that through cheaper dealers like Alarm Grid for $15/month. See our full Frontpoint review.
Can I use my LiveWatch/Brinks equipment with a new provider?
Possibly. If your panel is Alarm.com-compatible (2GIG or similar), Alarm Grid can take over monitoring for ~$15/month. But honestly, modern DIY systems like Abode ($199 starter kit) are better technology at a lower total cost than keeping old equipment alive.
Can I use my Frontpoint sensors with Abode?
Not directly — Frontpoint uses 345MHz Alarm.com sensors while Abode uses its own RF protocol. But Abode’s Mini sensors are $15 each and peel-and-stick in seconds. For a typical 3-door, 4-window home, you’d spend about $105 on new sensors — which you’ll recoup in 2–3 months of monitoring savings.
What was LiveWatch’s ASAPer feature?
ASAPer was a smartphone-based panic button that sent your GPS location and an instant alert to the monitoring center. It was innovative for 2014 — but this is now standard in every modern security app. Abode, Ring, and SimpliSafe all have panic/SOS buttons in their apps.
Should I switch from Brinks Home?
Almost certainly yes. Brinks Home (formerly Monitronics) has a 1.3-star Trustpilot rating, a history of contract disputes, and charges $30–$50/month for monitoring. Abode offers equivalent or better monitoring for $0–$20/month with no contract. Check your contract terms and calculate whether paying the ETF saves money vs. staying.
Related Resources
- Abode Home Security Review 2026 — our #1 pick
- Brinks Home Security Review 2026 — where LiveWatch went
- Frontpoint Security Review 2026 — full analysis
- Monitronics Review 2026 — the Brinks backstory
- How to Cancel Your Security Contract
- LiveWatch vs SimpliSafe 2026
- SimpliSafe vs Frontpoint 2026
- Alarm Grid Review — cheap monitoring for existing panels
- Best No Monthly Fee Security Systems
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.
Bryant Ronald Wilson says
We got xfinity phones, and a new cable box upgrade, and then the
Technician was just out
Doing the installation
, but he forgot to link it to my phone because I was sick and still in bed, so I didn’t get a chance to talk to him about it, and now, you
Guys need to come by
And make sure that everything is still working correctly ,because I don’t think it is, text me and let me know what I need to do to LinkedIn again, okay
Kyle says
My experience in comparing LiveWatch and FrontPoint was not completely consistent with this review. Let me explain…
I signed up with LiveWatch in late 2016 after calling and comparing w/ many companies- FP included. Both seemed far and away better than the others called (ADT, Simpli, Protect America…), but here are the key differences I found…
1) LW is cancel any time and FP is a 3 year contract. Pretty cut and dry.
2) LW was $5 cheaper per month. I went with their Total Home package (39.95/mo) that includes every feature except for video, but does come with full home automation capability. Not sure what is meant here when they say FP has more in the way of home automation, as both companies have the same exact capabilities since they both use the alarm.com platform. FP may sell more equipment directly? Either way their equivalent package was $44.95/mo. Still, anything needed to utilize the home automation features can be snagged on Amazon.
3) As for the equipment, I actually paid a lot less for that than what I was quoted with FP. I went with the IQ 2.0 touch panel, 4 entry sensors, 2 motion sensors, and 2 keychain remotes, and my rep got everything to me for a flat $99 out the door with free overnight shipping. FP had me closer to $200 for the same equipment. My LW salesman said people calling in can get better deals than those buying online… and he was not kidding. Not sure why this site says LW has higher equipment costs…
4) The other big difference maker for me was LiveWatch’s ASAPer feature. This operates independently from the app to alert everyone on my contact list via their smartphones in the event of an alarm, and opens a window so we can all see what’s happening and dispatch/disarm immediately when needed. My FP rep told me that LW only does this in the event of an alarm, and does not respond in the traditional method with monitoring station agents calling the contact list and dispatching if no one answers. My LW rep let me know that this is untrue, and that LW actually has 3 monitoring stations that will dispatch, as well as LiveVoice service. It definitely rubbed me the wrong way that I was given false info by FrontPoint.
Long story short, I’m really happy with the choice I made, and don’t see myself canceling any time soon, but it is still nice to know I have the option.
Hope this helps someone 🙂
Alarm Reviews says
Thanks for the clarification Kyle and good to see some updates on LiveWatch’s end.
Kyle says
No problem 🙂
Chris Johnson says
I use Frontpoint but my parents use Livewatch. All in all, both are amazing home security systems. They are yet to complain to me about a problem, so i guess it serves its purpose. The no cancellation fee is a deal maker. The only bad thing is their company Livewatch has changed names 3 times over the last few years and their billing has changed a bunch. My contract with Frontpoint is over so I am paying month to month but they have had to renew theirs with the update.
Nicky says
I have Livewatch and yes they have a higher set up fee but the monitoring is lower. So you will be eventually paging the same amount in the long run. I’m really surprised that they only have 3 out of 5 stars. I’m really happy with my equipment and service!