Why Proprietary Alarm Systems Should Be Avoided — And How SafeHomeCentral.com Offers a Better Alternative
Understanding Proprietary Alarm Hardware
Many alarm system owners are surprised to discover that the security equipment installed in their home or business can lock them into one dealer or brand indefinitely. This happens when a system uses proprietary hardware — meaning the control panel, sensors, or communicator are designed to only function with that brand’s own monitoring network or service.
If you own a system from companies such as Vivint, Cove, Abode, Ring, or ADT Command, you’re already familiar with the problem. These systems are built so that only the original dealer can monitor or service them. Switching to another monitoring provider is either impossible or requires replacing most, if not all, of your hardware.
Proprietary systems are marketed as “easy,” “integrated,” or “turnkey.” But in practice, they are a long-term commitment that limits your freedom and costs you much more over time.
The Hidden Costs of Proprietary Alarm Systems
1. You’re Locked Into One Dealer Forever
With proprietary systems, the manufacturer or dealer holds the keys — literally. The control board or communicator is registered to their monitoring network, and no other dealer can access it. Even if you move or decide you’re unhappy with the service, you can’t take your business elsewhere.
This lock-in eliminates competition. Without the ability to switch, there’s no incentive for your current dealer to keep prices competitive or improve customer service.
2. Higher Monthly Monitoring Fees
Many proprietary dealers advertise low-cost or “free” equipment. But nothing is free — the hardware cost is built into your monitoring contract. These contracts typically run three to five years and can cost two to three times more per month than open, non-proprietary systems.
Over just three years, the average homeowner can pay $600–$1,000 more in monitoring fees for a system that locks them in and limits flexibility.
3. Contract Traps and Termination Fees
Proprietary systems often come with lengthy service agreements filled with small print. Customers discover too late that canceling service triggers early-termination penalties, equipment repossession, or other hidden fees.
Even if you move, many of these brands require you to keep paying until the contract term ends.
4. No Upgrade or Service Freedom
Need to replace a faulty sensor? Add a second keypad? Integrate a smart device? With a proprietary system, only the original dealer can sell and program compatible components. You can’t use parts from other manufacturers, even when they’re technically identical.
This restriction also extends to mobile apps and remote access features. If your system’s app or cloud service is discontinued or becomes subscription-based, you have no choice but to pay whatever they demand — or lose functionality entirely.
5. Limited Resale or Transfer Value
When you sell your home, a proprietary alarm system rarely transfers easily to the new owner. The hardware may be locked to your account or require a new monitoring contract with the same company. In many cases, new owners must purchase and install an entirely new system.
The Most Common Proprietary Systems
Below are examples of popular systems that use closed, dealer-locked hardware. These brands control the monitoring network and restrict third-party support.
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Vivint Smart Home – Fully proprietary hardware and software. All monitoring is done exclusively through Vivint. Switching providers requires replacing the control panel and all sensors.
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Cove Security – Uses a proprietary communication network tied to Cove’s monitoring center. Cannot be transferred to other dealers.
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Abode – Integrates tightly with its own app and monitoring service. No independent monitoring options.
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Ring Alarm – Requires a Ring Protect plan for professional monitoring. Works only with Ring’s base station and cannot be enrolled with another company.
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ADT Command – The Command panel and sensors are tied to ADT’s cloud platform. Even professional dealers outside ADT cannot assume monitoring for these systems.
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Xfinity Home – Another closed ecosystem that cannot be transferred to outside monitoring providers.
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Frontpoint – Though DIY in nature, it uses proprietary activation and monitoring servers that cannot be re-registered elsewhere.
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Simplisafe – The system and monitoring are fully controlled by Simplisafe; no third-party monitoring available.
Each of these examples limits your ability to choose who monitors your system. The hardware may look sleek and modern, but the long-term cost of being tied to one company outweighs any convenience at installation.
Why Proprietary Systems Exist
Dealers and large national brands push proprietary systems because they guarantee recurring revenue. The dealer controls every part of the relationship: the hardware, installation, monitoring, and service. Once you’re locked in, the company has little reason to compete on price or improve customer support.
This business model benefits them — not you.
It’s the same approach used by cable TV or cellular carriers who subsidize equipment in exchange for long-term service contracts.
Proprietary alarm companies also use their closed technology to discourage competition. They ensure only their own technicians can repair or replace parts, keeping all future service revenue under their control.
How to Identify a Proprietary Alarm System
When evaluating an alarm system, here are clear warning signs you’re dealing with a proprietary model:
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The dealer insists on a long-term monitoring contract.
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The equipment is “included” or “free” with monitoring.
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You’re told only that company can service or activate it.
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The dealer refuses to provide your installer code or programming access.
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The mobile app or cloud service belongs exclusively to that brand.
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Replacement sensors or accessories must be purchased from the same dealer.
If any of these conditions apply, the system is likely proprietary — and you should walk away.
Why Open, Non-Proprietary Systems Are Better
An open system allows you to choose your own monitoring company. You own the equipment outright, and any qualified monitoring provider can activate your system.
SafeHomeCentral.com specializes in these open, professional-grade alarm systems. Rather than locking customers into one brand, SafeHomeCentral supports hardware from industry-standard manufacturers that are compatible with multiple monitoring platforms.
Supported Hardware
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Qolsys – The advanced IQ series panels support both professional and DIY monitoring, with cellular, Wi-Fi, and Z-Wave integration for smart home devices.
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2GIG – Proven reliability, simple programming, and compatibility with Alarm.com for mobile control.
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Honeywell / Resideo – The long-standing Vista and Lyric series panels remain some of the most flexible and widely supported in the security industry.
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DSC and Interlogix – Traditional wired and hybrid systems easily integrated for monitoring through SafeHomeCentral.
These are open-architecture systems, meaning you can choose who monitors them — today and in the future.
SafeHomeCentral.com: Freedom, Flexibility, and Affordability
No-Contract Monitoring
At SafeHomeCentral.com, there are no long-term contracts or penalties for cancellation. Customers can select either month-to-month or annual plans, and annual subscribers receive a prorated refund if they cancel early.
This flexibility stands in stark contrast to proprietary dealers who trap you in three- to five-year agreements with steep cancellation fees.
Lower Monthly Cost
While national proprietary brands often charge $29.99 to $50 per month, SafeHomeCentral’s monitoring plans start at just $8.95 per month for landline systems.
For cellular and IP-connected panels, prices are still less than half what most proprietary brands charge. SafeHomeCentral offers six Alarm.com plan levels ranging from $13.95 to $22.95, depending on features.
The most popular plan, Dispatch Basic at $17.95, includes full central station dispatching at a fraction of competitors’ prices.
Nationwide UL-Certified Central Stations
Every SafeHomeCentral monitoring plan uses fully redundant UL-certified central stations located in the United States and Canada. Dispatchers respond to alarm signals within seconds, contacting you and emergency responders as needed.
Backup servers and redundant communication paths ensure maximum reliability — all without inflating the monthly price.
7-Day-a-Week Technical Support
While most alarm companies close on weekends and holidays, SafeHomeCentral provides live technical support seven days a week by phone, chat, and email.
Customers receive the help they need to troubleshoot their systems, configure mobile apps, or replace equipment quickly and confidently. This hands-on support is especially valuable for DIY installers who want the cost savings of professional monitoring without losing expert guidance.
Insurance Certificates That Save You Money
Every central-station dispatch plan includes a professional monitoring certificate suitable for homeowner’s insurance discounts. Most insurers reduce premiums 15% to 20% for homes with professionally monitored security, often offsetting the entire monitoring cost.
The Real Cost of Proprietary vs. Open Monitoring
Let’s compare a typical three-year scenario:
| Monitoring Provider | Monthly Fee | Contract Length | Total 3-Year Cost | Hardware Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Major Brand (ADT, Vivint, etc.) | $39.99 | 36 months | $1,439 | Dealer-owned / proprietary |
| SafeHomeCentral.com (Landline Plan) | $8.95 | None | $322 | Customer-owned, open system |
| SafeHomeCentral.com (Alarm.com Plan) | $17.95 | None | $646 | Customer-owned, open system |
The difference speaks for itself. Choosing an open, non-proprietary system and SafeHomeCentral monitoring can save over $800 to $1,100 over just three years — and you keep your freedom.
Upgrading From a Proprietary System
If you already have a proprietary alarm system installed, don’t worry — upgrading to an open system is easy and more affordable than you might expect.
SafeHomeCentral offers replacement panels and communicators that work with many existing wired sensors. For example:
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Replacing an ADT Command or Vivint panel with a Qolsys IQ4 or 2GIG Edge panel allows you to reuse most door, window, and motion sensors.
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Many legacy wired zones can connect directly to these panels or through inexpensive expansion modules.
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Once installed, SafeHomeCentral can activate professional monitoring the same day, often within an hour.
Because there are no long-term contracts, customers can try the service without risk. If you move, your open system moves with you.
Why Homeowners Should Avoid “Free Equipment” Offers
The most common trap in the alarm industry is the “free equipment” pitch. The dealer offers to install a full system at no cost — but locks you into an expensive contract to recoup that cost many times over.
In reality, the equipment is never truly free. You’re financing it through high monthly payments. Worse, the dealer often retains ownership until the contract ends, preventing you from switching monitoring providers or transferring ownership to a new homeowner.
By contrast, SafeHomeCentral customers own their equipment outright. Once your system is purchased, it’s yours forever. You can change monitoring providers anytime, though most customers stay because of the service quality and pricing.
Key Advantages of Open, Dealer-Independent Alarm Systems
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Ownership – You own the hardware; no leases or hidden obligations.
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Freedom – Choose your monitoring provider; switch anytime without penalty.
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Affordability – Save 50% or more compared to proprietary dealers.
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Compatibility – Add devices from multiple manufacturers, not just one.
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Longevity – Open systems remain serviceable for decades; proprietary systems often become obsolete once the manufacturer ends support.
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Transparency – Clear pricing with no surprise fees or forced upgrades.
SafeHomeCentral embodies all of these advantages with nationwide, UL-certified monitoring and outstanding customer support.
Making the Smart Choice
When investing in home or business security, it’s important to look beyond the glossy brochures and “free installation” offers. Proprietary alarm systems might seem convenient up front, but they come with years of inflated costs and loss of control.
By choosing an open, professional-grade system with SafeHomeCentral.com, you retain flexibility, reduce costs, and gain access to seven-day support and same-day monitoring activation.
You can monitor your own system or have it professionally dispatched — all without the high monthly fees and restrictive contracts that define proprietary brands.
Conclusion
Proprietary alarm systems may promise simplicity, but they ultimately restrict your choices and drain your wallet. Systems from companies like Vivint, Cove, Abode, Ring, ADT Command, Xfinity Home, Frontpoint, and Simplisafe are designed to keep you tied to one monitoring provider.
The better choice is clear: use open-platform equipment such as Qolsys, 2GIG, and Honeywell, and monitor it through SafeHomeCentral.com — the nationwide, no-contract provider offering UL-certified protection at nearly half the price of the big brands.
You’ll own your system, save hundreds every year, and have access to real live support seven days a week.
Freedom, affordability, and professional reliability — that’s the SafeHomeCentral difference.