ISP home security add-ons compared (2026)
Internet providers used to push home security hard. Most have now dropped it. Here is who still sells it, what it costs, and when a standalone system is the better deal.
Xfinity is the only big internet provider still selling its own security system: Self Protection from $10/mo, or professionally monitored service for roughly $45–65/mo, plus equipment from $360. Verizon gives new Fios 2 Gig and 5 Gig customers a free Ring bundle instead. Spectrum, AT&T and Cox (for new customers) no longer sell security.
Who sells what
Xfinity Home
Xfinity Home comes in two levels. Self Protection costs $10/mo, records 24/7 from up to six Xfinity cameras, and lets you watch in the app or on your TV, with no professional monitoring. Professional monitoring adds 24/7 monitoring and cellular backup; review sites list it at $45–65/mo depending on the plan and whether you have Xfinity Internet, so check xfinity.com at your address.
Equipment is separate: packages run from about $360 (touchscreen, motion sensor, three door/window sensors) to $600, or $15–25/mo over 24 months. Monitored plans include professional installation. Self Protection works only with Xfinity-branded cameras, not Ring or Nest.
Verizon's Ring bundle
Verizon no longer runs its own security service. Instead, new Fios customers on 2 Gig or 5 Gig (or 1 Gig where those aren't available) can choose a free Ring Battery Doorbell 2K and Spotlight Cam 2K, retail $269.98, after 65 days in good standing. Verizon can charge back the value if you cancel within a year. Ring's own subscription is extra if you want recording.
ISP add-on or standalone system?
A provider's system puts everything on one bill, but it ties your security to your internet: Xfinity Home needs Xfinity Internet, and when Spectrum and AT&T dropped their services, customers were left with equipment that stopped working. Standalone systems such as Ring or SimpliSafe move with you when you switch providers. For most people that portability is worth more than a single bill.
Whichever you choose, your internet is now part of your security. A backup connection and a UPS for your modem keep cameras recording during an outage; see the best backup internet.
- Xfinity Home plan and equipment pricing as reported by Security.org, SafeWise and Reviews.org, 2026
- Verizon Fios Ring Home Security Bundle offer terms, verizon.com, Oct 2026
- Cox Homelife availability (HighSpeedOptions, 2026); Spectrum Home Security discontinuation (Telecompetitor); AT&T Digital Life shutdown (Sept 1, 2022)
Prices and terms change often; confirm with the provider before you order. How we research
Questions
Does Spectrum offer home security?
No. Spectrum stopped selling its home security service in 2020.
How much is Xfinity home security?
Self Protection is $10/mo. Professionally monitored service is listed at about $45–65/mo depending on the plan. Equipment packages start around $360, or $15/mo over 24 months.
Do I need Xfinity Internet for Xfinity Home?
Yes. Xfinity Home requires an active Xfinity Internet service.
Does Verizon have home security?
Not its own monitored service. New Fios customers on select plans can get a free Ring doorbell and camera bundle worth $269.98.