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Explore Frontpoint’s equipment packages, monitoring plans, and pricing options
If you’ve read through our Frontpoint review, you know we gave this home security a thorough examination (as we do with all the home security systems we test). In the end, we wound up fans. In fact, we liked Frontpoint enough to include it on several of our best lists, including our list of the best DIY security systems.
We were impressed with Fronptoint’s customer service, which we found to be among the best in the business. The company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which ensured we weren’t locked into a contract until we knew Frontpoint was right for us. Then there was Frontpoint’s DIY installation. That saved us at least $100 on professional installation costs, and the instructions were so easy we didn’t need any professional help.
Just because a security system offers great customer service and quick DIY installation doesn’t mean it’s right for every customer, though. Like any home security system, Frontpoint has its flaws. Several of these have to do with price. For a self-installed system, equipment is pricey. You can finance your system, but that means signing a long-term contract. Plus, professional monitoring is required, and that means you’re stuck with a permanent – and relatively high – monthly fee.
The real question is whether Frontpoint’s features are worth the money. As you’ve probably already guessed, we have the answer. Let’s start, though, by digging into Frontpoint’s best features.
The first thing you notice about any home security system is the installation process. You can’t tell how good a system is until you get it set up. As we mentioned earlier, Frontpoint’s self-installation process is a breeze, with intuitive step-by-step instructions. Get stuck? No worries. Customer service is always available and agents are trained to help with any problem. We had our system up in under 30 minutes, which makes this system among the fastest we’ve installed. It helps that Frontpoint offers a three-year hardware warranty. We knew going in that if anything went wrong with our equipment, we were completely covered.
What impressed us most about Frontpoint, though, were its features. Outside of Vivint, few systems come with as many high-tech extras as Frontpoint.
Unlike Vivint, you have to tinker with your system to access all these features. Frontpoint is a DIY system, both in terms of installation and system control. That’s great for us. We’re tinkerers, and we like to have all the power in our own hands. Some users might find access to so many features overwhelming, though.
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The foundation of the Frontpoint system is the dual-channel hub. Everything runs through it, so you can’t have a system without it. Beyond this single piece of equipment, the world is your oyster. Frontpoint offers a ton of options for peripheral equipment. Suffice it to say that if you need it, they have it. Here’s a quick sampling of what you can add to your system.
Your entire home security system is easily accessible through the Frontpoint app. You can arm your system, receive alerts, adjust settings, and watch a livestream from one of your cameras. Alerts can let you know if the FedEx person is dropping off that package you’ve been waiting for or there’s a porch pirate lurking while you’re at the office. In fact, with customized alerts, you may not even have to check the app. For example, you can get a Door Open notification right on your lock screen.
The app also gives you access to Frontpoint’s home automation tools, so you can control things like smart door locks, smart lights, and smart plugs with your mobile device. Kids forget to turn off the basement lights before you left for the weekend? No worries. The app not only lets you know they’re still on, but gives you the power to turn them off. You get all of these controls automatically with Frontpoint’s monitoring plan, which is typically more than $40 per month.
You get all of these controls automatically with the Ultimate monitoring plan. We should point out, this is the only plan Frontpoint offers. The good news is that every plan gives you total control over your system. The bad news is that if you sign up with Frontpoint, you’re locked into a $49.99 per month charge.
MOBILE ALERTS |
Frontpoint’s mobile app puts the power of home security in the palm of your hand. Stay connected with alerts from motion sensors, flood sensors, carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, and more. |
24/7 MONITORING |
All Frontpoint security systems are paired with a 24/7 professional monitoring plan. If your alarm is triggered, a security professional will reach out to you immediately, and they will dispatch emergency help if needed. |
WIRELESS EQUIPMENT |
Frontpoint’s entryway sensors, video cameras, and other security equipment is wireless. Installation leaves no permanent marks, and you can easily take the equipment with you if you move. |
SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS |
Their optional home security cameras let you save recordings and stream live video to mobile phones, tablets, and computers. |
DIY INSTALLATION |
Maintain your privacy. With Frontpoint, no technician needs to visit your home. You can install the equipment yourself in about 30 minutes. |
SMART HOME SYSTEMS |
Home automation helps people save time and money. Frontpoint’s mobile app makes it easy to automate your home’s lights, locks, thermostat, and more. |
DISASTER PROTECTION |
For all-around protection, you can customize your system with environmental sensors to alert you in the case of flood, fire, or a carbon monoxide leak. |
REMOTE CONTROLS |
Control your Frontpoint system remotely via the app or the add-on keychain remote ($24.99). With the keychain remote, you can arm or disarm the system, or send an emergency alert for immediate help. |
GEOFENCING |
Using your smartphone’s GPS, Frontpoint can put a wireless “fence” around your home. This is called geofencing, and it allows your system to alert you if you leave your “fence” without setting your alarm. When you get the alert, just tap the button in the app to secure your home. |
FYI: Frontpoint has an excellent 4-star rating on Trustpilot.1
We’re constantly researching, testing, and comparing security systems, but we wanted to see what Frontpoint customers had to say about their service. We surveyed 20 customers and asked them to rate the system in 10 different areas, including an overall rating. Here are the results.
How does your home measure up when it comes to security? Take this quiz to see how you score, and get recommendations to protect your home.
Frontpoint’s retail pricing is below average when you compare it to the rest of the market. The most basic system is pretty affordable: $69 for a security hub and two window/door sensors. The Total Home Security System priced from $239 to $369 includes three door/window Sensors, one motion sensor, one smoke and heat sensor, one touchscreen and two cameras. That’s a pretty attractive price as well! It’s important to note that these are sale prices, so they are prone to changing. That said, Frontpoint is one of the more affordable home security systems out there.
As we like to say, though, the price itself doesn’t tell you the full story. The real question is what kind of quality you get for the price. One of the nice things about Frontpoint is that even if you’re paying a sale price, you’re still getting a top-tier system. Frontpoint equipment is both reliable and durable, and it comes with advanced features you won’t find at its price point. You get geofencing, for example, which tracks your phone location and uses that information to arm and disarm your system automatically. Very few systems offer this as an option, let alone for Frontpoint’s price. Even Frontpoint’s nearest competitor, SimpliSafe, doesn’t offer it.
If you’re worried about commitment, keep this in mind: There’s no contract if you pay the equipment fee up-front, so you can cancel your monitoring at any time with no penalty. (Just give them 30 days’ notice.) Plus, Frontpoint has a 30-day, money-back guarantee on equipment, so you’ll have a window of opportunity to back out if you change your mind.
You will have to sign a contract if you buy equipment through financing. This approach makes buying a Frontpoint system less of a financial burden, but the equipment cost is on top of the monthly monitoring fee. Depending on your financial situation, it might just make more sense to go with the financing option.
Pro Tip: If none of the Frontpoint equipment packages is the right fit, you can create your own. Just use the “build-your-own” tool on their site. You start with the minimum – a hub and a keypad – and add sensors, cameras, or whatever else you need. The company throws in a yard sign and door/window decals for free, and you’re done, as easy as that. Then, if you find you need another sensor or a camera or a smoke detector, you can add it to your system when you’re ready for it.
Essential Home Security System | Total Home Security System | |
---|---|---|
*Size of System | 6-Piece | 12-Piece |
Type of System | Intrusion | Intrusion + Video |
Hub & Keypad | 1 | 1 |
Door & Window Sensors | 2 | 3 |
Motion Sensors | 0 | 1 |
Outdoor Camera | 0 | 1-2** |
Flood Sensor | 0 | 0 |
Video Doorbell | 0 | 0 |
Indoor Camera | 0 | 1-2** |
Total Retail Price | $386.91 | $951.87 |
Sale Price | $69.00 | $239.00 – 369.00 |
* Each system also includes one yard sign, one door decal and three window decals not included in system size calculation.
** Total Home Security System available with 2 Indoor Cameras ($239), 2 Outdoor Cameras ($369) or 1 Indoor Camera and 1 Outdoor Camera ($329)
Frontpoint only offers one monitoring plan that includes 24/7 monitoring, hourly system checks, video storage, video analytics, home automation, and rapid dispatch times. Because there’s no dithering back and forth over this or that feature, it makes your decision simple on monitoring. One plan doesn’t allow for flexibility, though. Most companies let you choose which features you need with prices reflecting how many you choose.
With Frontpoint, you’re going to pay the max no matter what. And at more than $40 a month, Frontpoint’s plan is one of the more expensive plans on the market.
Frontpoint Monitoring
Price | >$40 per month |
Connection Type | LTE Cellular Monitoring |
Mobile App Controls | Yes |
Installation Type | DIY |
Contract Length | Month-to-month |
Frontpoint has lots of equipment you can add on to your system to customize it just the way you want. With the monitoring plan, you’ll be able to control any and all add-on equipment you buy from Frontpoint.
FrontPoint Add Ons | Price* |
---|---|
Wireless Doorbell Camera | $179.99 |
Wired Doorbell Camera | $120.00 |
Indoor Camera | $72.00 |
Door/Window Sensor | $21.00 |
Motion Sensor | $42.00 |
Glass Break Sensor | $45.50 |
Outdoor Camera | $138.00 |
Indoor Camera | $72.00 |
Premium Floodlight Camera | $180.00 |
Garage Sensor | $27.00 |
Flood Sensor | $27.00 |
Outdoor Smart Plug | $36.00 |
Smart Door Lock | $120.00 |
Carbon Monoxide Sensor | $54.00 |
Touch Screen | $90.00 |
Keypad | $33.00 |
Keychain Remote | $19.20 |
*Note: These prices reflect Frontpoint’s current 40 percent off sale.
All Frontpoint equipment — whether it’s part of a package or added on separately — comes with a three-year limited warranty. This is actually one of the better warranties in the industry. Ring Alarm, for example, offers a one-year warranty, and home security powerhouse Vivint offers a four-month warranty.
Since Frontpoint doesn’t make you mess with long-term contracts and they’ve narrowed their monitoring options to just one all-inclusive plan, ordering a system is easier than it’s ever been. Just go to their website, select the equipment package you want — or build your own — and check out. Easy as that.
You’ll be enrolled in the monitoring package during the checkout process. There are no contracts to sign, and no installation appointments to schedule. Once you complete your purchase, Frontpoint will ship you your equipment, with detailed instructions for DIY installation. You should have everything set up in 30 minutes or less. It’s that easy!
Are there better systems out there than Frontpoint? A few. If you’re looking for a solid DIY system that’s easy to operate and reliable, you might want to consider a company like SimpliSafe, for example. SimpliSafe is our top no-monthly-fee home security system, and there’s no doubt you can save a lot of money with them and still get all the features you need to protect your home, like responsive mobile device controls.
Few companies offer all the features Frontpoint does, though. You don’t just get solid equipment and a robust app. You get home automation capabilities, innovative features like geofencing, customizable smarthome routines, and Rapid Person Detection. It’s no wonder the company ranks among our best home automation security systems and best overall home security systems. Frontpoint is going to cost you more than some systems, but if you have the money, it’s worth it for most.
Trust Pilot. (2021). Frontpoint Reviews.
https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.frontpointsecurity.com