TNT Security: Who Are They?
TNT Security (also known as TNT Alarm) is a small regional alarm dealer operating primarily in the southwestern United States. They offer traditional professionally installed security systems through the standard dealer model — which means they’re essentially reselling equipment from manufacturers like Honeywell, DSC, or 2GIG and connecting you to a third-party monitoring center.
| Detail | TNT Security |
|---|---|
| Company Type | Regional alarm dealer |
| Service Area | Southwestern US (limited coverage) |
| Installation | Professional only |
| Equipment | Honeywell/DSC/2GIG panels (rebranded) |
| Monitoring | Third-party central station |
| Contracts | 36–60 months typical |
| Monthly Cost | $30–50/month estimated |
| Our Rating | 2/5 ⭐⭐ |
The Dealer Model Problem
TNT Security operates on the traditional alarm dealer model — the same model that has been bleeding customers to DIY systems since 2015. Here’s how it works and why it’s bad for consumers:
| How Dealers Work | What It Means for You | DIY Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Buy equipment wholesale ($200-400) | Pay $500-1,500+ for the same hardware | Buy direct for $100-250 |
| Mark up monthly monitoring 300-500% | Pay $30-50/month for $8-12 worth of monitoring | $0-20/month from Abode |
| Lock you into 36-60 month contracts | Pay $1,800-3,000+ over the contract term | No contract, cancel anytime |
| Own your monitoring account | Can’t switch providers without replacing equipment | You own everything |
| Professional installation required | $99-199 installation fee + schedule around their availability | 15-minute self-install |
| Limited tech support hours | Regional company = small support team | 24/7 app-based support + community |
TNT Security vs Modern DIY: 3-Year Cost Comparison
| Cost Factor | TNT Security | Abode | Ring | SimpliSafe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment | $0-500 (bundled/financed) | $199 | $199 | $199-460 |
| Installation | $99-199 | $0 (DIY) | $0 (DIY) | $0 (DIY) |
| Monthly monitoring | $30-50 | $0-20 | $0-20 | $0-28 |
| Contract term | 36-60 months | None | None | None |
| 3-year total | $1,179-2,499 | $199-919 | $199-919 | $199-1,207 |
| Early termination fee | 75% of remaining contract | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Why Small Regional Dealers Are Dying
TNT Security faces the same existential threat as hundreds of other small alarm dealers: the DIY revolution has made their business model obsolete.
| What Dealers Offered (2005) | What DIY Offers (2026) | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Professional installation | 15-minute self-install with adhesive strips | DIY (faster, cheaper, no scheduling) |
| Hardwired sensors | Wireless sensors with 3-5 year battery life | DIY (no drilling, renter-friendly) |
| Landline monitoring | Cellular + Wi-Fi dual-path | DIY (more reliable, redundant) |
| Basic keypad control | Smartphone app + voice + keypad + geofencing | DIY (multiple control methods) |
| No cameras included | Integrated cameras with cloud/local storage | DIY (cameras are standard now) |
| No smart home | Z-Wave, Zigbee, HomeKit, Alexa, Google | DIY (full smart home hub) |
| 36-60 month contract | No contract, month-to-month | DIY (flexibility) |
What to Do Instead of Choosing TNT Security
Best Alternatives
| System | Best For | Hardware | Monthly | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abode ⭐ | Smart home integration, HomeKit, flexibility | $199 | $0-20 | None |
| Ring Alarm | Amazon ecosystem, camera selection | $199 | $0-20 | None |
| SimpliSafe | Simple setup, Fast Protect monitoring | $199-460 | $0-28 | None |
Already Signed a TNT Security Contract?
| Situation | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Within cooling-off period (3 days) | Cancel immediately — FTC Cooling-Off Rule protects you |
| Contract nearing end | Send written cancellation 30-60 days before renewal to prevent auto-rollover |
| Mid-contract, want out | Calculate ETF vs remaining payments — sometimes paying the ETF saves money. See our contract cancellation guide |
| Contract ended, month-to-month | Cancel with 30 days written notice, switch to DIY immediately |
Red Flags to Watch For With Regional Dealers
| Red Flag | What It Means | Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Door-to-door sales | High-pressure tactics, inflated pricing | Never sign at the door. See our door-to-door scams guide |
| “Free” equipment | Cost hidden in monthly fees and long contracts | Calculate total 3-year cost |
| 60-month contracts | 5 years of lock-in at inflated rates | Never sign more than 36 months (ideally, no contract) |
| Auto-renewal clauses | Contract silently renews for 12-24 months | Mark calendar 60 days before end date |
| Equipment ownership unclear | You may not own the equipment even after paying | Get ownership terms in writing |
| No online reviews | Small company with no accountability trail | Stick to established brands with thousands of reviews |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TNT Security still in business?
TNT Security/TNT Alarm appears to still operate in limited markets in the southwestern US. However, their small regional footprint means limited support, limited online presence, and limited accountability compared to national brands.
How much does TNT Security cost?
Expect $30-50/month for monitoring with a 36-60 month contract, plus possible installation fees ($99-199) and equipment costs ($0-500 depending on the package). Over 3 years, you’ll pay $1,179-2,499 — compared to $199-919 for Abode with no contract.
Can I cancel my TNT Security contract?
Check your contract for the early termination fee (typically 75% of remaining payments). See our complete how to cancel your security contract guide for step-by-step instructions.
What’s better than a regional alarm dealer?
Modern DIY systems like Abode, Ring, and SimpliSafe offer better equipment, lower costs, no contracts, and smartphone control. The dealer model made sense in 2005 when professional installation was required — it doesn’t in 2026.
Should I use a local security company?
Local companies can make sense for commercial properties that need custom installation, access control, or fire code compliance. For residential home security, DIY systems are objectively better on price, features, flexibility, and technology.
What equipment does TNT Security use?
Most regional dealers use panels from Honeywell (ProSeries), DSC (PowerSeries), or 2GIG (EDGE/GC3e), running on the Alarm.com platform. You’re paying a premium for equipment and monitoring you could get directly for less through services like Alarm Grid, or skip entirely with a modern DIY system.
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.
Alexis says
LOL. Your introductory statement about TNT alarm reminds me of the first day my girlfriend told me about her family’s alarm system being produced by TNT security. I was like, “What an Irony”. That was 5 years ago when we were in high school, and they’re still making use of the same company. I guess they’re that good. I still find the name ironical though. Haha.