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Frontpoint home security review
Self-installed home security works best when you can rely on strong customer support from the provider, and get a generous trial period to test out all your equipment. Frontpoint answers on both points: a highly rated customer experience and a 30-day trial period. Attentive representatives are on call to walk you through installing and using your security system. Don't like the functionality or don't need all the devices you purchased? Send what you don't need back during your first month for a full refund. When we tested home security systems, Frontpoint's ease and convenience led us to name it one of the best DIY home security systems. We had our own system up and running in 15 minutes.
Frontpoint's claim
Frontpoint's mission statement: "We believe home security should make you feel great. That's why everything we do revolves around enhancing your sense of security and happiness." Frontpoint centers its service on simplicity and support.
Is it true?
In a word, yes. In our review of the best home security systems, we tested all the big names in home security in our own houses for eight months. From the attentive first sales call to the 15-minute guided DIY installation, Frontpoint's service made choosing and setting up a system breezy. Whenever we got stuck on a step in the setup process, we could get help from Frontpoint via multiple channels: helpline, extensive online FAQ, and video tutorials.
Even while shopping around, Frontpoint makes things simple with clear and accessible pricing. ADT and Vivint, by comparison, don't readily offer specific equipment or monitoring prices. Instead, you have to call a representative to get the details to budget your system.
Once you've installed the system, Frontpoint gives you a lengthy 30-day trial period to evaluate how the system fits into your life. All of these conveniences really do make Frontpoint a simple, supportive iteration of home security.
Pros
✔ Easy DIY install
✔ Customer service
✔ Crash & Smash protection
✔ Frontpoint app
✔ Upfront pricing
Cons
✘ Average to high monthly rates
✘ Expensive home automation
✘ Limited video streaming
Frontpoint packages
| Safe Home Starter | Safe Home Everyday | Safe Home Plus | Safe Home Select | Safe Home Preferred | |
| Starting Price | $256 | $296 | $320 | $384 | $480 |
| Best For | Entry level kit | All-entry coverage | Homes with big windows | Total home safety for a reasonable price | Complete safety system plus a smart camera |
| Hub + keypad | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Door / window sensor | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Motion sensor | 1 | 2 | ✘ | 2 | 2 |
| Glass break sensor | ✘ | ✘ | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Smoke and heat sensor | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | 1 | ✔ |
| Indoor camera | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ |
| Doorbell camera | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Outdoor camera | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
Once you've decided on the Frontpoint package that best matches your home security needs (or build out your own — start with the Frontpoint keypad + hub, then select device add-ons a la carte), choose from two plan tiers. The Interactive Plan and Ultimate Plan both provide professional monitoring, mobile alerts, remote access and control, and sensor history.
Frontpoint overview
Advantages
Easy DIY install
With Frontpoint, DIY installation is easy. Adhesive strips and wireless functionality let you leave the tools in the garage — just follow the instructions to pick proper locations for all devices, then peel and press. With DIY installation, you sidestep the extra fee for having a technician come out, and you can get your system up and running without having to wait for an appointment window.
The entire DIY process is simple, but if at any point you get stuck, the Frontpoint app is there to help. The app notices if you've stalled on a step and offers up a service line you can call. Alternatively, Frontpoint has impressive online resources dedicated to troubleshooting. Whether you're a visual learner or like to follow written steps, Frontpoint has a resource for you, including video guides and digital manuals on nearly every piece of equipment and step of the installation process.
Customer service
We had an outstanding customer experience with Frontpoint. During our initial phone call, the rep asked us detailed questions about the layout of each room in our home, safety concerns, and our experience with home security, with no pressure to hurry up and buy. When we set up our system, Frontpoint's customer service was attentive, dedicated to helping us complete installation before getting off the phone.
Crash & Smash protection
All Frontpoint plans now come with a feature called Crash & Smash — something you won't find with ADT. If a burglar tries to disable your alarm by smashing (or unplugging) your control panel, the system will continue to work while alerting the monitoring center. With this system in place, you don't have to worry about installing your control panel in a place an intruder can't intuitively spot or contacting the alarm company yourself if the control panel is destroyed.
Frontpoint app
If you'd like to remotely control your system and receive notifications on your phone, you're in luck. As of November 2019, the mobile app is included in all plans for new customers. With the app, you can arm or disarm your system and receive alerts for events you select. Upgrading to the Ultimate plan allows you to also control integrated smart tech.
This kind of functionality isn't rare for security brands, but Frontpoint's interface is notably easy to use. It features big, color-coded buttons that are clearly labeled, and its menu bar is simple to navigate. Vivint's app, in contrast, has more customizable rules and alerts, but it gets complicated — you could spend a lot of time customizing it or trying to reset those options if you receive too many notifications.
Upfront pricing
Unlike the competition, Frontpoint clearly states package options, the features of those packages, and monthly prices. You don't have to hunt for equipment pricing and add-on options, either. Frontpoint offers only professional monitoring (there's no self-monitoring option) plus extra mobile capabilities organized into two packages: The Interactive for $45 per month, and the Ultimate for $50 per month. Each tier offers a growing number of features like mobile alerts, home automation integration, and video storage, but it's worth noting that the Ultimate plan is the only one that offers you video monitoring.
Drawbacks
Video streaming is only offered on one plan
As mentioned above, only the Ultimate plan lets you stream surveillance footage. All Frontpoint plans come with the mobile app, but if you want to make sure before calling the cops that your monitoring alert wasn't just a case of your pet tripping an alarm, you have only one option.
Average to high monthly rates
The home security industry has long been associated with exorbitant monthly rates, north of $40 per month. DIY disruptors like SimpliSafe are rethinking the pricing, while others like abode are rethinking the necessity of professional monitoring. Ditching the pros for installation and monitoring lead to serious savings on monthly bills. While Frontpoint, like SimpliSafe, is a young home security company interested in doing business differently, it requires professional monitoring and charges the same monthly rates as traditional companies like ADT — $35-$50 per month.
Expensive home automation
While its basic security plans are cheaper than those of ADT and Vivint, home automation capabilities are only available with the $50 tier, the Ultimate Plan. That's $10 more than Vivint's most basic plan, which has no smart tech limitations. You can't integrate third-party smart equipment without the Ultimate plan, either. If your sole priority is home automation, Vivint is better equipped and more affordable for that technology.
The competition
Frontpoint vs. ADT
If you don't know it by name, you probably recognize the blue logo. ADT has been around since 1890, and that kind of legacy doesn't come without an effective product. The company has remained relevant, offering trending smart tech like smart locks and thermostats, plus the ability to integrate your own Z-Wave technology. The ADT Pulse app, which allows you to control home automation and monitor your smart system, also speaks to ADT's ease of use.
However, ADT has a high number of complaints on the Better Business Bureau's website and an overall poor customer service reputation. Customers cite billing issues and faulty equipment as sources of grief. You also can't order online as you can with Frontpoint, forcing you to give ADT a call for a quote on your service. ADT may have the edge on proven reliability, but Frontpoint could be the better choice if customer service is a big priority.
Frontpoint vs. Vivint
Vivint outshines the competition when it comes to home automation and smart tech. If you want to add video surveillance, smart thermostats, and lights, Vivint is the most affordable for outfitting a smart home. Its basic monitoring plan grants access all home automation features, while both ADT and Frontpoint require you to upgrade to the highest tier for those options. Vivint also ranked highest in J.D. Power's 2017 Home Security Satisfaction Study, earning a five out of five for its ease of use, problem resolution, and clarity of information. That said, BBB records a number of recent complaints levied by consumers. Many such complaints arise from consumers not recognizing that they signed a contract until it was too late. Understanding the terms and conditions of any service is vital — but so are ethical customer relations. While Vivint scores high with J.D. Power, customers have raised concerns.
Still, Vivint's customer service reputation rivals that of Frontpoint. Frontpoint is, however, more forgiving toward newcomers. You have only three days after installation to try out the system, a stark contrast to Frontpoint's 30-day trial. If you aren't set on signing Vivint's hefty five-year contract, Frontpoint offers more flexibility.
Frontpoint vs. SimpliSafe
Frontpoint and SimpliSafe lend themselves to comparison — they came on the scene just one year apart (2007 and 2006, respectively); they are both DIY systems that still prioritize professional monitoring; and they allow you to build your own security system with smart home integrations. But SimpliSafe breaks the mold when it comes to pricing. For $25 per month, SimpliSafe equips you with professional monitoring, mobile alerts, and total remote control of your system. You'd have to pay Frontpoint $45 per month to access those same features.
How much does Frontpoint security cost?
Frontpoint has two monitoring plans. The Interactive $45 per month, and the Ultimate $50 per month. Each tier unlocks new and more advanced control features like the mobile app, home automation, and video history. Equipment packages start at $320, but you can customize something simpler with a phone call to a Frontpoint rep (and maybe score a promotional discount). Adding on entry sensors costs about $30, and video cameras reach $100.
Will Frontpoint still work if the power goes out?
Yes. Frontpoint's control panel has a 24-hour battery backup to keep the system running when the power goes out. As of November 2019, all monitoring plans include mobile alerts, so you'll receive app notifications when the power goes out and comes back on.
Will Frontpoint still work if the power goes out?
Yes. Frontpoint's control panel has a 24-hour battery backup to keep the system running when the power goes out. As of November 2019, all monitoring plans include mobile alerts, so you'll receive app notifications when the power goes out and comes back on.
Does Frontpoint require a contract?
No long-term contract is required, Frontpoint offers a month-to-month agreement.
Can I cancel my Frontpoint contract?
You can cancel for free within the first 30-days of service, for a money-back guarantee. After those 30 days, you'll still be able to cancel, but will have to pay out 80% of the remaining contract. That's a steep fee for terminating, but its 30-day trial is far more generous than other providers (Vivint only allows three days).
Can I take my Frontpoint with me when I move?
Taking your Frontpoint system with you when you move is simple. Just let Frontpoint know when your system will be offline, then reinstall the system in your new home. Frontpoint will even send you new adhesive tape for your sensors. Once your system is set up in your new home, call Frontpoint again to turn the monitoring back on. The whole process is completely free.
The bottom line
Frontpoint's customer service, online resources, and simple installation process make it a great provider for consumers who want the assurance of traditional home security with the convenience of mobile control. With a host of device kits to choose from (plus a build-you-own option) and two monitoring tiers, Frontpoint enables you to customize both the size and cost of your home security. Frontpoint leans into the best of modern home security with smart home integration and smartphone contro. If you'd like to give Frontpoint a try, you can confidently order knowing you have a full 30 days to test the system. If some or all of the equipment isn't matching your expectations, return them for a full refund.