Select Security is a regional home security dealer based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, founded in 2003. They operate across Pennsylvania, Texas, Ohio, and Utah through regional offices, use 2GIG/Alarm.com equipment, and run their own UL-listed monitoring centers.
But here’s what they won’t tell you upfront: Select Security is a dealer-model company — meaning you’re paying a middleman markup on hardware you could buy directly, locked into multi-year contracts that cost thousands more than modern DIY alternatives. This review breaks down the real costs, what’s good, what’s not, and whether you should sign that contract.
Select Security at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2003 |
| Headquarters | Lancaster, PA |
| Service areas | Pennsylvania, Texas, Ohio, Utah |
| Equipment | 2GIG panels (GC3e, EDGE) via Alarm.com |
| Monitoring platform | Alarm.com |
| Own monitoring center | Yes — UL-listed |
| Contract length | 36-60 months (typical) |
| Monthly cost | $35-55/mo (estimated, consultation-based) |
| Installation | Professional only |
| Cancellation | Early termination fee (75-100% remaining balance) |
| BBB rating | A+ (BBB accredited) |
| Our rating | 2.5/5 |
What Select Security Gets Right
| Strength | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Own monitoring center | UL-listed, not outsourced — potentially faster response times and better accountability |
| 2GIG/Alarm.com platform | Industry-standard equipment with excellent Alarm.com app (4.5+ stars) |
| Local presence | Regional offices in PA, TX, OH, UT — face-to-face support available |
| Professional installation | Technician handles setup, programming, and placement optimization |
| BBB A+ rating | Accredited with low complaint volume for their size |
| Commercial services | Access control, video surveillance, fire alarm — good for businesses |
The Problems With Select Security
| Problem | What It Means for You | DIY Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| 36-60 month contracts | Locked in for 3-5 years with ETF penalties if you cancel | Abode: No contract, cancel anytime |
| Consultation-based pricing | No published prices — the salesperson sets your rate, creating room for markup | DIY systems list prices publicly online |
| $35-55+/mo monitoring | $1,260-1,980/yr just for monitoring before equipment | Abode: $0-20/mo, Ring: $0-20/mo |
| Professional install required | Wait for appointment + installer markup + can’t self-service | DIY systems: 15-30 min self-install |
| Limited to 4 states | Move outside PA/TX/OH/UT and you’re stuck paying the contract | DIY systems work anywhere in the US |
| Dealer equipment markup | Same 2GIG panel you can buy for $200 sold for $500-800+ | Buy equipment at retail, no middleman |
The Dealer Model Problem
Select Security is a dealer, not a manufacturer. Here’s what that means for your wallet:
| Step | What Happens | Who Profits |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Equipment | Select buys 2GIG panels at wholesale ($150-200) | 2GIG/Nortek |
| 2. Markup | Sells/leases to you at $400-800+ (or “free” with contract) | Select Security |
| 3. Platform | Alarm.com charges ~$5-8/account/month wholesale | Alarm.com |
| 4. Monitoring | You pay $35-55/mo; actual monitoring cost is $8-12/mo wholesale | Select Security |
| 5. Contract | 36-60 months guarantees their ROI regardless of your satisfaction | Select Security |
The math: Over a 3-year contract at $45/mo, you’ll pay $1,620 in monitoring alone — plus equipment costs. The same Alarm.com monitoring through a DIY service costs ~$15-25/mo, saving you $720-1,080 over the same period.
3-Year Cost Comparison
| System | Equipment | Monthly | 3-Year Total | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Select Security | $0-500+ | $35-55 | $1,260-2,480 | 36-60 months |
| Abode | $199-349 | $0-20 | $199-1,069 | None |
| Ring Alarm | $199-329 | $0-20 | $199-1,049 | None |
| SimpliSafe | $199-509 | $0-28 | $199-1,517 | None |
| ADT Self Setup | $199 | $6-25 | $415-1,099 | None |
The gap: Select Security costs $191-$1,411 more over 3 years than the top DIY alternatives — while locking you into a contract and using the same Alarm.com platform you can get through Abode or dozens of other services.
Select Security vs DIY: Feature Comparison
| Feature | Select Security | Abode | Ring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment | 2GIG panels | Abode Gateway | Ring Base Station |
| Monitoring platform | Alarm.com | Abode Cloud | Ring app |
| Professional monitoring | Yes (own center) | Yes (optional) | Yes (optional) |
| Self-monitoring | Yes (via Alarm.com) | Yes (free) | Yes (free) |
| Contract | 36-60 months | None | None |
| Apple HomeKit | No | Yes (only system) | No |
| Smart home protocols | Z-Wave (via Alarm.com) | Z-Wave + Zigbee + Matter | Z-Wave + Matter |
| Cameras | Alarm.com cameras | Abode Cam 2 | Ring cameras |
| Installation | Pro only | DIY (15 min) | DIY (15 min) |
| Move to new home | Contract follows you (4 states only) | Unplug and move | Unplug and move |
Who Should Actually Choose Select Security
| Choose Select Security If… | Choose DIY Instead If… |
|---|---|
| You need commercial security (access control, fire) | You want residential home security |
| You absolutely cannot self-install (physical limitations) | You can follow basic instructions |
| You’re in PA/TX/OH/UT and want local face-to-face service | You might move in the next 3-5 years |
| Your business requires UL-certified installation | You want the best price for monitoring |
| You value local company relationships | You want no contract and flexibility |
Already a Select Security Customer?
| Situation | Best Option | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Happy with service | Stay, but negotiate at renewal | Push for month-to-month or lower rate when contract expires |
| Contract ending soon | Switch to DIY | Don’t auto-renew — compare costs and switch to Abode or Ring |
| Want to cancel early | Calculate ETF vs remaining payments | If ETF is less than remaining contract cost, canceling may save money |
| Moving out of service area | Negotiate cancellation | Most contracts have relocation clauses — ask about waiving the ETF |
| Keeping 2GIG panel | Switch monitoring to Alarm Grid | $15-25/mo Alarm.com monitoring on your existing panel — same app, no contract |
If you own a 2GIG panel, you’re not locked into Select Security for monitoring. After your contract ends, switch to Alarm Grid or another independent Alarm.com dealer for the same service at half the price.
The Verdict: 2.5/5
Select Security isn’t a scam — they have their own monitoring center, use quality equipment, and maintain a solid BBB rating. But they’re a dealer with dealer pricing, which means you’re paying a significant premium for something you can get cheaper (and with more flexibility) through modern DIY systems.
The 3-5 year contracts are the dealbreaker. In 2026, no homeowner should sign a multi-year security contract when Abode, Ring, and SimpliSafe offer professional monitoring with no commitment. You’ll save $500-1,400 over 3 years and keep the freedom to cancel or switch anytime.
For commercial security (offices, warehouses, retail), Select Security is more competitive — their local presence, access control, and fire monitoring capabilities are genuinely useful for businesses that need hands-on service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Select Security a legitimate company?
Yes. They’ve been in business since 2003, hold an A+ BBB rating, operate their own UL-listed monitoring center, and serve customers across 4 states. They’re a legitimate regional security dealer — the issue isn’t legitimacy, it’s value. Their dealer model means higher prices and long contracts compared to DIY alternatives.
What equipment does Select Security use?
Primarily 2GIG panels (GC3e, EDGE) running on the Alarm.com platform. This is industry-standard equipment used by hundreds of dealers. The Alarm.com app gives you remote control, video integration, and smart home automation. The equipment itself is good — the issue is the markup and contract attached to it.
Can I keep my 2GIG panel if I leave Select Security?
If you purchased (not leased) the equipment, yes. After your contract ends, you can switch monitoring to any Alarm.com-compatible provider like Alarm Grid ($15-25/mo) or another Alarm.com dealer. You’ll use the same app and keep all your sensors — just at a lower monthly rate with no contract.
How does Select Security compare to ADT?
ADT is larger and more expensive, but Select Security and ADT share similar problems: long contracts, dealer markup, and professional-install requirements. ADT Self Setup ($6-25/mo, no contract) is actually a better deal than most dealer options. For the best value, skip both and go with Abode or Ring.
Does Select Security work with Apple HomeKit?
No. The 2GIG/Alarm.com platform does not support Apple HomeKit. If HomeKit matters to you, Abode is the only security system with native HomeKit support — controlling sensors, locks, cameras, and automations through Apple’s Home app and Siri.
What happens if I move out of Select Security’s service area?
You’re still responsible for the contract. Some contracts include relocation clauses that may reduce or waive the early termination fee — read your agreement carefully and negotiate. This is one of the biggest risks of regional providers: if you move, you’re paying for nothing. DIY systems like Abode move with you — unplug, pack, reinstall at your new home.
William is a tech buff and former corporate security officer turned cybercrime analyst. Computers have few secrets left for him, but home security and alarm systems… Well, those have plenty of secrets for their users, which William is now uncovering and explaining. His articles on home security helped many people take the matter seriously, invest in highly performing systems, and avoid becoming victims of burglaries.
Deana Jane says
I was actually looking into considering this product due to their provided lifetime warranty and free maintenance, but the lock up of 60 months sounds awfully too long. And basing on the comments from customers above they sound like a company I wouldn’t want to work with. Thanks for sharing though and thank you to the many others in the comments who shared some feedback, this saves me some time!
Brittany says
Don’t waste your money! They lie about not putting you into a contract and then you’re in a contract for five years and their service is terrible.
If you want a system when there truly is an issue they should catch but miss and instead you catch it, report it, and they ignore what you say when they contact you as if it’s a brand new problem over 14 HOURS later then this is the company for you. Last night my daughter and I discovered that every single door and motion sensor was not picking up on the alarm panel and tripping an alarm like it should. So I call in and say what’s going on, give what contact methods to use for today, and that I won’t be available by cell phone because oh you know gotta work. Twelve hours later their panel FINALLY realizes there’s a problem but they don’t call then do they? Nope they wait until over two more hours later so a total of 14 hours after I figured out nothing was working myself. Do they read the notes from last night about contact method? If you haven’t caught on my now the answer is no they didn’t so they call my cell phone as I’m trying to leave for work instead of emailing or contacting my direct work line. Then after I tell the girl what’s going on and that I don’t have time to deal with it because they didn’t listen to begin with and I just need to make sure they have my right contact info for sending me trouble shooting instructions. Does she listen, speed it up, not waste my time? Funny haha that’s a joke nope she repeats every bloody thing I just said was wrong as if I hadn’t said a word and she was informing me of the revelation of new information. So pissed me off. Called back tell the guy to cancel service don’t have time to waste because I’m brushing my teeth while trying to get this done and rather than doing what’s asked he puts me on hold twice for a “supervisor” after I said I want it cancelled immediately because fourteen bloody hours and they don’t see a problem with that? What’s the point of a security system THAT DOESN’T WORK?!?! Don’t waste your time or money! It’s been over a week and a half with the system not working and no one has called me back yet about it, shocker.
CHELSEA FLOWERS says
I had my security system installed on August 31ST 2017. The panel malfunctioned and system was not working correctly. The motion sensor did not pick up any movement and did not alarm. On 9/5 the front door contact feel off and continued to fall off every day until after Hurricane Irma. Even after I put the sensor back on the front door contact would not work. The back up battery only worked for 8 hours. I discovered that during Hurricane Irma. They replaced the system a week later and the very next day the same issues started happening all over again. I’m paying for a system that has not worked correctly since it had been installed. I called 9/22 and asked to have a manager call me, they sent me an email requesting a date and time to pick up the eqipment. Some customer service.
Dan D. says
Everyone needs to read the fine print which states that the lease is automatically renewed every five years for a new five-year term. My mom had Select Security installed when her husband died eight years ago. She was living alone and needed peace of mind that a security system provides. She has recently moved into assisted living and has sold her home. She was told that if the new owner did not make the monthly payments she would be required to pay them until the second five years were up.
I can understand the initial five year commitment but the automatic five year contract extension seems harsh. I wish that I was there at the time and had a chance to read through the contract.
Alarm Reviews says
Thanks for the heads up Dan. Lots of security companies put the autorenewal in their contract which is absurd honestly. Always smart to check the fine print and ask questions up front.
David Storehouse says
Worst company ever. POOR customer service, took them 2 calls to replace a faulty batterie which I called them about in the first place. Canceled contract with 6 months left on first yr, no refund and now they are billing me for additional 2 years of service, Good luck collecting…….STAY AWAY from this company
Louise D. says
Things break all the time so having that guarantee means a lot for me. I feel like if something were to go wrong, I would be covered. I have 5 kids and several pets in our home and my husband works full time. I need to know what I pay for is protected so I think I will be giving Select Security a call!
Jackie says
I feel the same. This is what brought me here. I have been trying to find companies who will cover accidents. I had a another company charge me $800 for a few things that were broken! It was by my kids and not their fault but still. I am glad to have found a place like Select Security.
Kale says
I knew it was too good to be true! SIXTY MONTHS!? My cousin was telling me about Select Security and the prices sounded great compared to many other places around here. I was thinking maybe it was a 2 or 3 year max contract but 5 is just too much. He recommends them and has them but I need something more open.
Lee Harris says
If you aren’t planning on moving, they are more than worth testing out. I thought the same think prior to signing with them by 5 years goes by so fast. I think most people stay in one place for at least 5 years anyways. I have been with them since 2013, about 4 years. It has only felt like 2. Trust me, don’t let a 5 year contract scare you away from Select Security, they are one of the best ones out there!
Savannah says
The 60 months equates to 5 years. That is a LOOOOONG contract. Heck, it is longer than my lease on my car which is 4 years. I did end up signing on with Select because it was a name that many people around here were familiar with and a few members in my family already had a service with. I have no complaints other than that long contract.
Michelle M. says
Yeah the long contract seems a bit overwhelming but after a while, it is not a big deal. I just bought a house 2 years ago, my first home so Select’s 5 year contract was not a big deal. I will be paying off my home for the next 15 or so years anyways.