Home security systems often come with long-term contracts. Before you commit, it’s important to know exactly what you’re signing up for.
We lay out the cancellation policies and penalties for our best home security systems.
Find out which companies sneak things into the fine print and which ones give you freedom. Specifically, we dive into how to cancel, when to cancel, and whether or not there are cancellation fees and penalties.
Security system cancellation policies by brand
Compare home security cancellation policies
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| Cancellation fee |
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| ✓ Yes |
✓ Yes* |
✓ Yes |
✓ Yes* |
X No† |
X No |
X No |
X No |
X No |
X No |
| 36 months | 42–60 months | 36 months | 36 months | Month-to month† | Month-to-month | Month-to-month | Month-to-month | Month-to-month or annually | Month-to-month |
| X No |
X No |
✓ Yes |
✓ Yes |
✓ Yes |
✓ Yes |
✓ Yes |
✓ Yes |
✓ Yes |
✓ Yes |
| 75% of remaining contract | 100% of remaining contract | 100% of remaining contract | 75% of remaining contract | $0 or outstanding equipment cost | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| View Packages | View Packages | View Packages | View Packages | View Packages | View Packages | View on Amazon | View on Home Depot | View Packages | View Packages |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
*Most customers are under contract, but there are no-contract options if you buy equipment outright.
†No contract for monthly monitoring, but there is a contract if you finance equipment costs.
Info current as of 08/06/20. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
ADT cancellation policies
ADT has been around for more than a century, and it has old-school business practices in tow. Here are the ins and outs of ADT’s contract and cancellation policies.
How to cancel your ADT contract
To cancel your service with ADT, you need to call the company. There’s no way to cancel online. You can call the company’s toll-free customer service line (below) or contact the dealer who sold you your ADT security system.
ADT customer service: 1-800-238-2727
ADT’s 6-month service guarantee
When to cancel your ADT contract
Technically, you can cancel your contract at any time—but you won’t be able to get out of the contract entirely. That means you’ll have to pay a termination fee to end your service.
The best time to cancel your contract with ADT is during the first six months. That’s the only time the company offers a money-back guarantee.
Penalties and fees if you cancel your ADT contract
ADT charges 75% of the remainder of your contract as of the day you cancel service. The contract is for 36 months (24 months in California), so the earlier into your contract, the more you’ll have to pay to get out of it.
Estimated ADT cancellation fees
| Months remaining | Money owed |
| 30 | $1,012.00 |
| 24 | $810.00 |
| 18 | $607.00 |
| 12 | $404.00 |
| 6 | $202.00 |
Estimate of what that 75% termination fee could look like if you’re paying $45 a month (the base price for ADT’s most affordable cellular monitoring plan). Months remaining start after the 6-month service guarantee time period is over.
What this means for you
Because you’ll have to pay for at least a portion of your full ADT contract, you need to consider why you want to cancel and if getting out of the service is worth the fee.
The best thing to do is decide up front if you think you’ll want your ADT system and professional monitoring for at least three years.
If that type of commitment feels overwhelming—or if you may be moving in that timeframe—it might be better to consider a home security system that comes with month-to-month monitoring.
Some other options:
Vivint cancellation policies
Vivint customers are usually in a contract for 42 to 60 months. You can get Vivint Smart Home security on a month-to-month basis if you can pay for your equipment outright.
If you do end up in a contract, here’s what you need to know.
How to cancel your Vivint contract
Vivint used to require a 30-day written notice to cancel your agreement, but now all you have to do is call.
Depending on why you want to cancel, and whether or not there are extenuating circumstances, some documentation may be required to process your cancellation.
Vivint customer service: 1-800-216-5232, extension 5020
Extenuating circumstances
When to cancel your Vivint contract
You have the right to cancel your Vivint contract at any time, but depending on why you want to cancel, timing could make a difference.
The best time to cancel a Vivint contract is if you experience something that could be considered an extenuating circumstance.
If your current situation warrants an exception from Vivint’s review team, you could get out of your contract with minimal penalties. All extenuating circumstance reviews are considered on a case-by-case basis.
You also have the option of transferring your Vivint contract to another person. This is a good option if you’re selling your home and want to leave the Vivint system for the new owners.
Penalties and fees if you cancel your Vivint contract
Vivint requires you to pay 100% of the remaining time in your contract if you choose to cancel. That can be hefty, especially because Vivint’s contracts are longer than most.
Vivint’s average customer is tied to their contract for 60 months (that’s five years!).
But the company offers you the chance to try for a smaller penalty if you can qualify for an extenuating circumstances exception.
Estimated Vivint cancellation fees
| Months remaining | Money owed |
| 54 | $2,160.00 |
| 48 | $1,920.00 |
| 42 | $1,680.00 |
| 36 | $1,440.00 |
| 30 | $1,200.00 |
| 24 | $960.00 |
| 18 | $720.00 |
| 12 | $480.00 |
| 6 | $240.00 |
Estimate of what the 100% termination fee could look like if you’re paying $40 a month (the base price for Vivint’s middle-tier monitoring plan). Months remaining start 6 months into a 60-month contract.
What this means for you
Chances are you’re going to have to pay something if you want to terminate your contract with Vivint. And Vivint contracts are the longest in the industry, so you need to make sure you’re comfortable with the commitment before you buy.
Vivint has been responsive to customer feedback, and has made it easier to end your agreement. The options to apply for an exception based on extenuating circumstances or transfer the contract to someone else give everyone a possible way out. A few years ago, you were just stuck.
If something drastically changes your situation, be sure to collect documentation and be prepared to submit it to Vivint.
Compare Vivint to other security companies:
Brinks cancellation policies
Brinks requires a 36-month contract when you sign up for its home security services.
The only exception is if you add Brinks professional monitoring to your Nest Aware security system. Brinks monitoring for Nest is provided on a month-to-month basis.
How to cancel your Brinks contract
You need to call Brinks if you want to cancel your contract. After your call, Brinks will send you their cancellation paperwork, which you can sign securely online using DocuSign.
Here’s what to expect:
- Look for a Brinks email with cancellation paperwork. It should arrive within 24 hours. Be sure to check spam or junk folders if you don’t see it.
- Open the email and agree to sign the document electronically.
- Review the paperwork and electronically sign the document within 7 days. After that, the link will expire, and you’ll have to call Brinks to get a new one.
- Look for a confirmation email from noreply@brinkshome.com. This email will include your final bill.
- Your service will be terminated 30 days after Brinks receives your signed cancellation paperwork.
Brinks customer service: 1-800-447-9239
30-day trial period
When to cancel your Brinks contract
It’s best to cancel your Brinks home security contract during the 30-day trial period. That’s the only way to get out of your agreement without owing any extra money.
If you cancel during the trial period, you can be eligible for a full refund of any money you’ve already paid for monitoring and equipment—including any Nest equipment purchased through Brinks.
Penalties and fees if you cancel your Brinks contract
After the first 30 days, you’re obligated to pay out 100% of your contract when you cancel.
Estimated Brinks cancellation fees
| Months remaining | Money owed |
| 35 | $1,400.00 |
| 30 | $1,200.00 |
| 24 | $960.00 |
| 18 | $720.00 |
| 12 | $480.00 |
| 6 | $240.00 |
Estimate of what the 100% termination fee could look like if you’re paying $40 a month (the base price for Brinks Smart Security monitoring plan). Months remaining start after the 30-day trial period.
What this means for you
Brinks requires a 3-year contract and charges 100% of your remaining contract if you want to cancel.
But Brinks gives you 30 days up top to decide if you like the service and want to keep it. Brinks’ trial period is also one of the only ways to try out Nest Secure risk-free.
If you’re not in love with your Brinks (or Nest) security system, make sure you contact the company during the trial period to avoid getting stuck in the contract.
And if you decide to cancel after the trial period is over, remember that Brinks won’t terminate your service until 30 days after it receives your signed cancellation paperwork.
See how Brinks compares to other companies:
Link Interactive cancellation policies
Typically, you’ll have a 36-month contract with Link Interactive. But the company does offer shorter contracts and month-to-month monitoring services depending on how much of the equipment cost you decide to pay up front.
No matter how long your Link Interactive contract is, here’s what it takes to cancel it.
How to cancel your Link Interactive contract
To cancel your contract with Link Interactive, you need to contact customer support. You can call or send an email to get the ball rolling.
Link Interactive customer support: 1-877-826-5443
E-mail: customerservice@linkinteractive.com
30-day, money-back guarantee
When to cancel your Link Interactive contract
Thanks to the money-back guarantee, the first 30 days is the best time to cancel your contract with Link Interactive.
If you choose to return the system during the first month, you get a full refund of all equipment and monitoring fees.
Once the trial period ends, you’ll be required to pay a portion of your remaining contract if you cancel.
Penalties and fees if you cancel your Brinks contract
Link Interactive requires customers to pay 75% of their remaining contract when they cancel.
Estimated Link Interactive cancellation fees
| Months remaining | Money owed |
| 35 | $1,050.00 |
| 30 | $900.00 |
| 24 | $720.00 |
| 18 | $540.00 |
| 12 | $360.00 |
| 6 | $180.00 |
Estimate of what the 75% termination fee could look like if you’re paying $40 a month (the base price for Link Interactive’s Gold monitoring plan). Months remaining start after the 30-day trial period.
What this means for you
The best thing you can do is take advantage of Link Interactive’s 30-day money-back guarantee.
Set a reminder when you receive your security system, and make sure you decide whether or not to cancel before that 30-day period is over.
Learn more about Link Interactive on our FAQ page.
Frontpoint cancellation policies
Frontpoint did away with mandatory contracts in November 2019.
If you are in a Frontpoint contract that started before then, here’s what you need to know if you want to cancel.
How to cancel your Frontpoint contract
During the first 30 days of your service with Frontpoint, you can call to cancel your contract. Account specialists are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (EST).
If you’ve had your Frontpoint security system longer than 30 days, Frontpoint requires a 30-day written notice to terminate your service. Written notice can be submitted via email.
Call Frontpoint: 1-877-602-5276
Email: care@frontpointsecurity.com
Month-to-month monitoring
When to cancel your Frontpoint contract
Frontpoint has a 30-day, risk-free trial period. If you are in a contract, you have 30 days before you’re tied to the full 36 months.
If you’re not in a contract, you can use those 30 days to decide if you like your equipment. If you paid for your equipment up front, you can return it within those 30 days for a full refund.
Customers who pay for monitoring on a monthly basis can cancel any time. Cancellation will be effective at the end of the month you most recently paid for.
Penalties and fees if you cancel your Frontpoint contract
There are no penalties for customers who pay for Frontpoint home security on a month-to-month basis.
If you financed equipment when you bought your Frontpoint system, expect to pay for your equipment in full if you cancel your monitoring service.
Cancelling customers who have a 36-month contract with Frontpoint are obligated to pay for 80% of the remaining time in their contract.
Estimated Frontpoint cancellation fees
| Months remaining | Money owed |
| 35 | $1,260.00 |
| 30 | $1,080.00 |
| 24 | $864.00 |
| 18 | $648.00 |
| 12 | $432.00 |
| 6 | $216.00 |
Estimate of what the 80% termination fee could look like if you’re paying $45 a month (the base price for Frontpoint professional monitoring). Months remaining start after the 30-day trial period.
What this means for you
If you bought your Frontpoint security system prior to November 2019, you’re probably stuck in a contract and will have to pay to get out of it.
For newer customers, cancelling your Frontpoint service should be straightforward with no hidden fees or extra penalties.
See how Frontpoint compares to other security systems:
SimpliSafe vs. Frontpoint Home Security
Frontpoint vs. Scout Alarm
No-contract home security systems
Many security systems are doing away with contracts. But you still need to know how to cancel your service.
Here’s a look at cancellation procedures for month-to-month home security monitoring.
Simplisafe cancellation policies
With SimpliSafe, you buy your home security equipment up front and pay for pro monitoring on a monthly basis.
Here’s what you need to know if you cancel SimpliSafe monitoring.
- No cancellation fees or penalties
- Call SimpliSafe: 1-800-297-1605
Ring Alarm cancellation policies
You buy Ring Alarm security equipment outright and have the option to add a Ring Protect Plus Plan to get professional monitoring.
You can pay for Ring Protect Plus monthly or pay for a full year in advance. Here are the details about cancelling a Ring Protect plan.
- You can cancel your plan right in the Ring app.
- If you cancel a yearly Ring Protect plan, you will get a prorated refund for the months remaining in the 12-month period you paid for.
- Monthly plans may be eligible for a partial refund, but you need to log in to your Ring account to see if you qualify.
Google Nest Secure cancellation policies
Nest uses Brinks monitoring services with its Nest Secure home security system.
You can monitor your Nest system with or without a contract. If you want to pay for your Nest equipment over time, you can get a contract with Brinks that includes both your monthly monitoring fee and the cost of your equipment.
If you have a contract with Brinks for your Nest Secure system, regular Brinks cancellation policies may apply.
For those who pay for monitoring on a month-to-month basis, here’s what you need to know.
- No cancellation fees or penalties to terminate monitoring services
- No equipment refunds available after the 30-day trial period
- Call 1-800-447-9239 to cancel at any time
Abode home security cancellation policies
Abode offers optional monthly monitoring that you can pay for annually or month to month. There aren’t any fees to cancel, but you might not get a refund, either.
Here’s the skinny about cancelling Abode professional monitoring.
- You can cancel your subscription at any time in the Abode app.
- Monthly plans renew every month. If you cancel after the monthly renewal date, you will not get a refund for that month.
- Yearly plans renew every year. If you cancel after the annual renewal date, you won’t get a refund for the remainder of the year.
- Abode subscriptions remain active until the end of the prepaid term, even if you cancel.
Blue by ADT cancellation policies
Blue is ADT’s DIY home security system. Blue by ADT doesn’t require any contracts and provides monitoring on a month-to-month basis.
If you decide to cancel monitoring with Blue by ADT, here’s what to expect.
- Monitoring for your Blue by ADT system auto-renews every month.
- To cancel, you need to submit written notice 30 days prior to the date of termination. Details on how to submit notice are in your monitoring contract.
- There are no cancellation fees or penalties.
- Call Blue by ADT: (855) 238-7247
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