Automation Features
I’d say that Frontpoint is about as customizable as Vivint. The Frontpoint app allows for the creation of schedules and automation rules. The Frontpoint Hub can also connect with Z-Wave, Alexa, and Google Assistant, but not Zigbee. Those Zigbee bulbs I connected to Vivint? They didn’t work with Frontpoint. Fortunately, I had a few Z-Wave smart plugs lying around, so I was able to test out Frontpoint’s third-party integrations. It worked as expected. My Frontpoint app discovered the Z-Wave plugs, and I was able to control them remotely (turn on and off).
I was also able to integrate third-party devices and the Frontpoint system itself into Frontpoint automation rules. I was particularly fascinated by the geofencing feature. After I set up a virtual fence around my house on the Frontpoint app, the hub could use my iPhone’s location service to automate my devices. Here’s what I had set up:
When I leave my geofenced radius, my:
- Front door locks
- Frontpoint system engages Away mode
- Smart thermostat sets to 80 degrees
When I enter my geofenced radius, my:
- Front door unlocks
- Frontpoint system disarms
- Smart thermostat sets to 72 degrees
- Hallway and living room smart lights from Frontpoint turn on
In addition to making my smart home easier to manage, geofencing made my home safer with those custom automations.
Equipment
I have a lot to say about Frontpoint’s equipment. First off, I think the equipment is high quality. It comes from reputable suppliers, including GE, Alarm.com, and Yale. Frontpoint secures homes using different types of intrusion sensors, and it also has a number of security cameras for video security. I also like that the indoor and outdoor cameras can record 24/7, not only motion event clips.
On the other hand, I’m not a big fan of the Frontpoint Hub. It’s great for security because it has battery backup, Crash and Smash detection, and wireless cellular connectivity. That said, it’s not my ideal hub for a smart home system. For starters, it doesn’t have a screen. It also doesn’t have a built-in keypad. You’d need a separate keypad to control Frontpoint; the one included is analog. There’s no way to control smart home devices using that. It’s a good thing that the Frontpoint app is intuitive. It was my main point of control for my Frontpoint automation, besides the web dashboard, which is best accessed on a computer.
Pro Tip: When installing a Frontpoint system, I recommend keeping the hub hidden in a central location. The hub doesn’t do much besides connect to your devices, so it doesn’t have to be super accessible. Besides, hiding the hub can prevent an intruder from smashing it. Learn more about how to install a security system.
Cost
Being a DIY system, Frontpoint can save you at least a hundred bucks right off the bat. That’s because DIY systems don’t have an installation fee.
Moreover, Frontpoint’s equipment is on the more affordable side. You can start off with a $129 package that includes a hub, an analog keypad, and three door/window sensors, and then expand that with add-on components. It obviously doesn’t come with smart home devices, but you can easily add those individually.
If you’re gunning for a smart home system, I recommend the Ultimate package for $419. That’s a huge jump from the $129 Frontpoint Starter package, but it includes a smart lock, an indoor camera, and a doorbell camera. It also comes with Frontpoint’s touch screen keypad, which, while not as good as the Vivint Smart Hub, offers limited control of smart home devices. I think it’s a sweeter deal than the other Frontpoint packages.
Frontpoint equipment |
Starter ($129) |
Premier ($169) |
Ultimate ($419) |
Hub and keypad |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Touch screen keypad |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Security sensors |
3 door sensors |
3 door sensors |
5 door sensors, 1 motion sensor, 1 glass break sensor |
Security cameras |
1 indoor camera |
1 doorbell camera |
1 doorbell camera, 1 indoor camera |
Smart home devices |
None |
None |
1 smart lock |
The best bit is that no matter how big of a Frontpoint system you build, you’ll pay the same $49.99 monthly fee. That’s a downside if you’re looking for a simple security system, but an advantage if you’re looking to build a smart home around Frontpoint.