Cox Homelife Service Area & Coverage Map
Cox Homelife History & Overview
Cox Enterprises has a long history as a cable TV provider, but the Cox Homelife division is relatively new. In 2010, Cox started offering a line of home security and automation products to its customers in Tucson, Arizona. At that time, the service was called Cox Home Security. Over the next couple of years, Cox Home Security rolled out to the entire Arizona market and then to additional states. Eventually, in 2014, Cox renamed the division into Cox Homelife.
Currently, Cox Homelife offers home security systems, home automation products, and security cameras. They've also developed a smartphone app that allows customers remote access to their security system, smart home products, and cameras. Cox Homelife now also offers professional monitoring services. Cox Homelife is available in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Virginia.
Why They're Different
Cox Homelife, unlike most alarm companies, is only a division within the Cox Enterprises. As such, it is often bundled into cable and internet services. If you're looking to buy internet, cable, and home security services, getting them all from Cox will give you huge savings.
When it comes to features and equipment, Cox is unique because it doesn't require professional monitoring services. If you'd rather manage and automate your home on your own, you have options other than the professionally monitored system Cox Homelife offers. Unfortunately, even the self-managed system offered by Cox Homelife requires a monthly fee.
Cox Homelife Equipment Overview
As far as equipment, your options are based on which monitoring plan you choose.
If you choose Smart Home, your system will be built around the Cox Homelife Wi-Fi Hub. The hub is a wireless device that ties together all the components of the Smart Home system. It also connects the entire system to the user using Wi-Fi and with the help of the Cox Homelife smartphone app. Aside from the hub, one security camera, one smart LED bulb, and one door/window sensor is included in the package. You may also add the following devices to your system for an added cost, but only a limited number of each device type is allowed per hub:
- Smart Door Locks (up to 4)
- Motion Sensors (10+ supported)
- Smart Outlets (10+ supported)
- Smart Thermostats (up to 4)
- Door/Window Sensors (10+ supported)
- Smart LED Bulbs (10+ supported)
- HD Video Cameras (up to 6)
If you choose Monitored Security, instead of a hub, you'll get a Homelife Control Panel. Unlike the hub, which doesn't have a built-in control interface, the control panel has a tablet-like appearance and has a ready-to-use touchscreen display, providing another way to control your security and automation equipment. Touchscreen interface aside, the function of the control panel is similar to that of the hub. However, the Monitored Security package comes with more security-focused components, including a camera, two door/window sensors, a motion sensor, and a yard sign. The Monitored Security package also supports:
- HD Video Cameras (up to 6)
- Door/Window Sensors (10+ supported)
- Motion Sensors (10+ supported)
- Wireless Keypads (10+ supported)
- Smoke & Heat Detector (10+ supported)
- Carbon Monoxide Sensor (10+ supported)
- Glass Break Sensor (10+ supported)
- Leak/Flood Sensor (10+ supported)
- Smart Door Locks (up to 4)
- Smart Outlets (10+ supported)
- Smart Thermostats (up to 4)
- Smart LED Bulbs (10+ supported)
Cox Homelife Monitoring Overview
As mentioned earlier, Cox Homelife offers two monitoring plan packages: Smart Home and Monitored Security. Both options use broadband monitoring, which means you need a good Wi-Fi signal and internet connection so the hub or control panel can generate and communicate alerts.
The difference between the two monitoring options is to whom they send alerts. With a Smart Home monitoring plan, alerts are sent directly to you via the smartphone app. If you need police dispatch, you're going to be the one to call the police. With Monitored Security, alerts are sent to you and to Cox Homelife's monitoring center. If the alert is verified and help is needed, the monitoring center will dispatch the police or fire department to your listed address.
Other features added to both monitoring plans include:
- Smartphone Access
- Live Video Streaming
- Battery & Cellular Backup (Monitored Security only)
- Fire & Carbon Monoxide Monitoring (Monitored Security only)
- Optional Continuous Video Recording (additional rates apply)
Cox Homelife Customer Service Overview
Cox Homelife's customer service is surprisingly accessible. Why is it surprising? Because most companies that offer multiple products usually have a one-for-all customer service department, and sometimes, looking for assistance regarding a particular product will send you bouncing around several customer support agents. With Cox, there's a customer support team dedicated to providing assistance to Cox Homelife customers. There's a phone line available during regular business hours and an online live chat support (available 24/7).
Cox Homelife also has clearly defined policies in place, although not all of them are as customer friendly as one might hope.
- Free Move Policy
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
- Early Termination Fees Apply
- 2-Year Contract
FAQ
In which states is Cox Homelife offered?
Cox Homelife is available in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Virginia.
Do I need a landline/internet connection to use Cox Homelife?
Landline is not required, but you need an active internet connection. You can use Cox Homelife even if Cox isn't your internet service provider.
How is installation handled?
Cox Homelife offers professional installation services. Standard rates apply.
Is Cox Homelife professionally monitored?
Cox Homelife Monitored Security is professionally monitored. The Smart Home plan, on the other hand, is not. It focuses mainly on home automation and it only supports two types of security sensors.
If I become a customer, do I own the equipment?
You will own most of the system components, but the Cox Homelife Touchscreen Panel is only for lease. At the end of your contract, you'll need to return the control panel to a Cox office near you or via mail.
Where can I find out more about Cox Homelife?
You may visit Cox Communications' website for more details or read our in-depth Cox Homelife review and our assessment of Cox Homelife's plans and deals.
Helpful Links
- Cox Homelife Official Website: www.cox.com
- Cox Homelife App Download: iOS / Android
- Cox Communications BBB Page: BBB.org
