NorthStar Alarm Review

NorthStar is an authorized dealer for Honeywell security equipment. Their devices are highly rated and can easily integrate with many third party home automation devices. One thing that makes NorthStar stand out is that each of their security packages allows customers to choose which devices they want included. NorthStar’s monitoring plans are designed based on a points system that functions as follows:

• Door and/or window sensors: 1 point
• Motion detector: 2 points
• Glass break detector: 2 points
• Smoke detector: 2 points
• Keychain Remote: 1 point
• Medical Pendant: 1 point

NorthStar products connect to an app called NorthStar Connect.

The app has a:

• 3.8 rating in the Google Play Store
• 4.5 rating in the Apple App Store.

With the app, you can:

• Arm and disarm the security system
• View and record camera footage
• Control smart thermostat, lighting, and locks
• Adds users to the system and manage their access
• Open and close the garage door
• Set up geofencing alerts so your home is never left unarmed
• Track registered assets, like vehicles, in real time

The app is meant to be a substitute for using the physical keypad, but customers note in the app’s reviews that it’s not always easy to use. One of the main complaints customers have is that the app can be slow to display video feeds, meaning homeowners miss seeing who is at the front door when they get an activity alert. Another common complaint is that battery alerts aren’t sent until devices have already stopped functioning.

NorthStar products and the phone app are compatible with a number of third-party smart home products. You can also purchase some of these products as a part of your NorthStar security package. They offer:

• Smart door locks
• Smart garage door opener
• Lyric WiFi thermostat
• Voice response

NorthStar offers 24-hour customer service, and their main call center is located in Orem, UT. That said, the company uses local agents and technicians at other call centers throughout the United States.

To test customer service, our Security Nerd analyzed each of the following processes:

• Sales: Our Security Nerd found that NorthStar’s agents are slower than other home security companies to respond to email and phone inquiries. A phone call to get a quote resulted in a 10-minute hold, and it took a representative about 48 hours to respond to an email inquiry.
• Design: Flexible package options allow you to create a more customized security system, and NorthStar technicians are trained to be able to assess security needs.
• Install: Install is always done by NorthStar professionals. Customers report in NorthStar security reviews that technicians are knowledgeable and helpful in explaining the company’s various offerings.
• Alarm: NorthStar products work as intended. Some customers have complained about systems being slow to arm and disarm via the app, but any security events are typically responded to quickly.
• Service: Customer service calls are put through to representatives quickly. There is only one automated menu to deal with, and pressing 4 will put you through to a representative immediately.

NorthStar is a growing company, but their services are not yet available in every state. Currently, North Star serves 30 states: California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Texas, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Kansas, Louisiana, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia, Georgia, Florida, Maryland, Delaware, District of Columbia.