Frontpoint Home Security Review
Known for Excellent Customer Service and Response Times. This Is One of Our Highest-Rated Security Systems.
Andrew Garcia Senior Editor Updated October 16, 2019 Known for Excellent Customer Service and Response Times. This Is One of Our Highest-Rated Security Systems.
Andrew Garcia Senior Editor Updated October 16, 2019 There’s no question that Frontpoint is one of the most competitive home security systems on the market today. It combines DIY home security systems with home automation and some of the highest-ranked customer service around to guard against both home intrusions and environmental damage.
Based in Virginia, Frontpoint Security Solutions was founded in 2007, and by 2011 had won the Angie’s List Super Service Award. Not surprisingly, Frontpoint has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Frontpoint security equipment sets can be ordered online or by phone for as little as $100, then installed by yourself in just 30 minutes, and the coverage is thorough. Special features include tamper-proof control panels, remote-controlled lighting, and video surveillance with night vision.
Often rated as one of the best home security companies for emergency monitoring with “smart home” enhancements, there’s a lot to like about these systems. The systems are easy to set up without a professional. The equipment and monitoring are top-notch, and there are plenty of options to choose from. Top-ranked customer service has also been a key tenet of the company’s ethos, and it shows.
Frontpoint’s three monitoring plans all go beyond intrusion protection to help protect against flood and fire, while two of the plans support home automation features like remote control of lighting. Not sure what you need? Choose from 1-year and 3-year monitoring contracts and try the system out risk-free for 30 days.
On top of that, Frontpoint’s equipment package choices are generous. The control panels can connect with entryway sensors, indoor motion detectors, glass break sensors, environmental monitors, panic buttons and pendants, home security cameras, thermostats, and more. The best Frontpoint wireless home alarm systems have control panels with Smash & Crash protection. These can automatically contact an emergency dispatcher if tampering is detected.
Frontpoint emergency monitoring gets top reviews, but we also like how its equipment is branded by General Electric, which means it can be monitored by another home security company if you prefer. Flexibility is always a good thing.
Each Frontpoint security system uses cell radio to send emergency alerts. (The systems don’t use landlines, so Frontpoint monitoring isn’t available in certain rural areas.) To provide 24-hour emergency dispatching, Frontpoint partners with the well-respected Rapid Response Monitoring Services. Rapid Response has state-of-the-art facilities in California and New York. Each emergency call center uses some of the world’s best encryption technology, uses biometric security to control employees’ access to data, and has ample backup systems in case of blackouts.
Frontpoint security equipment has lots of selling points. Here’s a sampling of some of what we love and why:
| Frontpoint Smart Home Options | Primary Benefit | Technology Level | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wireless Indoor Camera | Motion Detection | Intermediate | Camera |
| Video Doorbell | Advanced Detection | Basic | Camera |
| LED Smart Bulb | Convenience | Intermediate | Automation |
| Smart Lock | Worry-free Control | Advanced | Automation |
| Light Sensor | Convenience & Energy Saver | Intermediate | Automation |
| Frontpoint App | Convenience & Control | Basic | App |
It’s worth noting here that if you want to integrate smart appliances (think thermostat, doorbell camera, garage door opener), you have to buy 3rd-party Z-wave products and connect them on your own. That’s because Frontpoint’s only smart equipment is its smart lock and light bulbs. The good news is that Z-Wave is the most universal protocol and is used by Nest, Philips, and more, but this is an area where companies like ADT and Vivint have an edge, as they offer their own Z-Wave products and can help build out your smart system within their product line.
Frontpoint customers sign either 1-year or 3-year security agreements, and you have to sign on for 3 years if you want the best equipment package pricing. And that’s it—if you need to back out early, unless it’s within the first 30 days, you’re stuck with what could be a sizeable bill. That said, customers do tend to rank their contracts with Frontpoint as both fair and free of surprises.
To take advantage of the 30-day risk-free trial, you do have to pay in advance for your monitoring services and any extra gear you want, but if you return it, you get that money back without any restocking fees. If you don’t cancel and return the equipment within 30 days, you’ve failed to meet a pretty serious deadline, because you’ll have to buy out whatever is left of your contract (which means 11 or 35 months) at 80% the contract value. There is one exception: If you move out of Frontpoint’s service area. But that’s big—the entire US plus parts of Canada.
If questions arise with your installation, do-it-yourselfers can get help online and by phone. Frontpoint Security customer service makes the company an especially good choice for people seeking wireless DIY home protection.
And if you get stuck at any point during set-up, the app is programmed to pick up on any stall-outs and set up a service line for you to call, so there’s no scrambling for phone numbers. Frontpoint also has a serious online troubleshooting trove if you’d rather figure out how to fix something yourself, with both written steps and video guides every step of the way.
Frontpoint makes do-it-yourself home security easy. A technician programs each system before it’s shipped, so there’s no need to schedule an installation appointment. These home alarm systems are designed for DIY setup within 30 minutes. The wireless equipment is simple to install without nails and screws; each item is freestanding or can attach to home surfaces with removable adhesive.
Even Frontpoint’s smart home automation is simple to set up and control. It works with iOS, Android, and Apple Watch, but you’ll need to get most of your own smart tools yourself, like a thermostat to help conserve energy.
You can also control your Frontpoint security system using your voice. Both Amazon Alexa (including Echo and Echo Dot) and Google Home work great with Frontpoint’s system for advanced control. Yes, you can arm your security system by just telling Alexa to arm it. Security measures are in place to ensure that you’re the one arming and disarming your system through the use of a PIN and 2-factor authentication. Once you’ve securely set up your system, your own voice can control everything from your locks to your lights and thermostat. And using Alexa Skill or Google Home Skill, you can create scenes — think movie night settings with lower lights and locked doors, or wakeup scenes with brighter lights and the disarming of doors — that you simply tell Alexa to run. Just make sure you don’t authenticate your kids’ voices for this feature.
Frontpoint is perhaps best known for its excellent customer service, making it a top pick in this category. Customer service is especially valuable in the home security industry because it doesn’t just prevent hassles—it can actually make a difference to safety, control, and peace of mind.
Frontpoint’s customer service center is in Virginia. Phones are staffed by English-speaking and Spanish-speaking agents from 8am to 11pm EST on weekdays and from 10am to 7pm on weekends. (Emergency lines are staffed 24 hours a day by a separate agency.) For extra support with equipment set-up, each set arrives with manuals, and Frontpoint provides helpful online videos.
Frontpoint Security Solutions is a member of the Better Business Bureau, where it maintains an A+ rating. Frontpoint security complaints are relatively low, and only a minimal amount of formal reviews have been filed against the company. The consumer advocate organization Angie’s List first awarded Frontpoint with a “Super Service” award in 2011, just a few years after the security company launched.
Frontpoint doesn’t offer the cheapest monitoring or equipment. But thanks to features like Crash and Smash Protection, serious home automation potential, and much-lauded customer service to keep things running smoothly, it’s probably worth the cost if you can swing it. Plus, you save money on the front end because you’re not paying for professional installation. Let’s get into what you pay.
As far as equipment packages go, Frontpoint offers six different product bundles. All use wireless technology and cell networks to provide environmental protection and intrusion protection. You can also customize each package. Equipment packages start at $130.95 and range all the way up to $1032.84. Packages require a 3-year contract. To qualify for the lowest equipment prices, you must be a homeowner with a credit score of at least 600.
Monthly monitoring starts at $34.99, with either a 1-year or 3-year agreement. Frontpoint’s entry level monitoring package is called the Protection Plan. This $34.99/month home security plan defends against intrusion with a self-diagnosing system and 24/7 professional monitoring. It’s 100% wireless and cellular and offers environmental and fire protection. Self-managed account services are available to every user.
The Frontpoint Interactive Plan costs $44.99/month and offers everything the Protection Plan offers, plus mobile app arming/disarming, email alerts, text and push notifications, crash and smash protection, geo location services, and sensor history.
The $49.99 Ultimate Plan is Frontpoint’s top-of-the-line home security (and automation) option. This plan includes everything from the Protection and Interactive Plan plus live video streaming, video and image history, motion-activated recording clips and alerts, automated door locks, and energy management and thermostat control.
| Frontpoint Monitoring Plans | Protection | Interactive | Ultimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activation Cost | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Equipment Cost | Starting at $130.95 | Starting at $130.95 | Starting at $130.95 |
| Monthly Cost | $34.99 | $44.99 | $49.99 |
| Monitoring | Standard Protection & Monitoring | Advanced Protection with Mobile Features | Full Video & Home Automation |
| Contract Period | 36 Months | 36 Months | 36 Months |
| Installation | DIY | DIY | DIY |
Each of the above packages can be customized on the check-out page or over the phone. Extras like flood sensors, glass break sensors, and panic pendants are sold separately.
Frontpoint sells a variety of wireless equipment for home security, environmental damage prevention, and home automation. As discussed above, Frontpoint equipment is bundled into packages that can be purchased to get you started with your Frontpoint security system. You can then purchase additional pieces of equipment to cater to the size of your home and the level of security you desire.
Frontpoint categorizes its main equipment into three categories: Controls, Sensors, and Cameras and Home Automation.
A Frontpoint monthly monitoring plan is required in order for any Frontpoint security equipment to work. Before choosing a monthly monitoring plan, you will want to choose a Frontpoint equipment package. The following are the pieces of equipment that are included with each of the 3 packages offered by Frontpoint.
| Frontpoint Equipment Packages | Safe Home Starter | Safe Home Everyday | Safe Home Plus | Safe Home Select | Safe Home Preferred | Safe Home Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hub | Included (1) | Included (1) | Included (1) | Included (1) | Included (1) | Included (1) |
| Keypad Panel | Included (1) | Included (1) | Included (1) | Included (1) | Included (1) | Included (1) |
| Door/Window Sensor | Included (2) | Included (3) | Included (3) | Included (4) | Included (5) | Included (6) |
| Motion Sensor | Included (1) | Included (2) | Optional | Included (2) | Included (2) | Included (2) |
| Glass Break Sensor | Optional | Optional | Included (2) | Included (1) | Included (1) | Included (2) |
| Smoke/Heat Sensor | Optional | Optional | Optional | Included (1) | Included (1) | Included (1) |
| Wireless Indoor Camera | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Included (1) | Included (1) |
| Wireless Outdoor Camera | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Included (1) |
| Wi-Fi Doorbell Camera | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Included (1) |
| Recessed Door Sensor | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Garage Door Sensor | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Carbon Monoxide Sensor | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Flood Sensor | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Smart Lock | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Smart Light Bulb | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Panic Pendant | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
Frontpoint is one of the best security companies for people who want DIY home security products yet appreciate high-quality equipment and support. This company makes it easy and affordable to fortify your home against intruders and environmental damage, plus you can always upgrade to one of Frontpoint’s wireless home automation systems for extra security and convenience. And if you’re not sure it’s the right fit, try it free for 30 days — just be sure you make a decision within that window.
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We have FrontPoint since moving into our home and love it. It was easy to install, add ons are a cinch and arming reminders are always appreciated. The service is great too, as they give you a quick call if ur alarm goes off with a series of questions b4 they let u off the hook.
Thanks for the info Michael! Your honest input is much appreciated.
I love Frontpoint! Its better than I could imagine. I feel so much safer, for sure. Great customer service also!!
I have used this system for 7 months and do not have any issues or complaints thus far. Fast and effective customer care support, they were there to answer all of my questions and concerns and helped me to compare different plans. I was also offered $100 risk free trial. They were extremely friendly and patient with me and helped to select a plan that suited my budget and life style. Technical support was very fast in getting back every time I had a technical issue.
I’ve had a great experience with them since day 1. They are very forthcoming with their representatives over the phone. They go out of their way to assist with issues I have and streamline the process of installation for new customers.
We had an outdated ADT system that required wiring in our old house. We moved to a different state and after doing research decided to call Frontpoint. The salesman was very patient, knowledgeable, well spoken, and not pushy. After asking some questions he recommended a system to me and did not attempt to upsell me on anything I didn’t want or need. In fact, when I asked about smoke and CO detectors he was happy to sell them to me but recommended that I consider cheaper GE alternatives. I had previously priced out the equipment online and was preparing to balk at the upfront costs. The salesman gave me several discounts and I ended up paying a little over $200 for what I wanted (4 door sesnsors, smart lock, 2 glass break detectors, hub, and keypad) for equipment that retailed for over $750. Delivery at my new house was quick and self setup was beyond easy. The only slightly challenging step was the smart lock installation but it was not that difficult. Everything attaches without screws, nails, or bolts. Syncing and setup were a breeze using the mobile app. Monitoring is exceptional as I am able to arm or disarm the system and unlock the front door remotely from my phone. Geolocation works as advertised as when I wandered farther than my set distance from home the app reminds me that my system was not armed. I am so impressed with Frontpoint that I decided to replace all the 25 year old smoke detectors in my home with Frontpoint smoke and CO detectors. They offer a 25% discount on any equipment purchased within 90 days of initial system purchase. I will eventually add cameras and smart features.
Bottom line…Frontpoint is a giant leap forward compared to what I had before. I realize other providers offer similar systems but I am overly impressed with Frontpoint’s customer service and overall experience. Highly recommended.
Tried researching here, but didn’t find the answer I was looking for…… How many wireless cameras can be set up? I’d looking for something like 4 exterior and 2 interior.
Hi Robert,
You can set up as many cameras as your home or business needs.
I have been with Frontpoint since 2013 and as a widow can’t tell you how very comforting and reassuring it to have it, as well as affordable. Their customer service was outstanding from my first call inquiring about their system through my install (which was very easy) to my last addition to my system, a fire detector. Just one example of their A1 customer service: more recently we lost power for most of a day and customer service helped me in keeping my alarm from going off over and over until we regained power. This company is #1 in my book for product, service and what so many companies have lacked for so long- CUSTOMER SERVICE. Thank you Frontpoint for being there for me 24/7, 365.
Having Frontpoint is peace of mind!
We were robbed many years ago when our children were young. They were walking on their way home and from what neighbors witnessed, they missed confronting the thieves by just 15 minutes or so. The fact that they stole things that couldn’t be replaced was bad enough but more importantly was how vulnerable we were especially our children.
We immediately started researching security companies and after all the wonderful reviews we decided to purchase our system from Frontpoint and we have never regretted it for one single second. Knowing that I could go to work knowing that once my children were back in the house, it was as if they had their own personal security guard and that is priceless peace of mind. We have now been Frontpoint customers for several years. Not only is their equipment state of the art and but their customer server is second to none. They are always very friendly, helpful and very professional whenever I have called just to ask a question. I even received a call from one of their support techs at work one day letting me know that one of our sensors was not making a connection therefore, they were not able to see it. Once my husband ran home and fixed it, the same guy called right away to let us know we were all set.
We couldn’t be happier and confident when we leave each morning knowing our home and our pets are protected by Frontpoint.
We highly recommend them.
I got my system a year ago and haven’t had any problems. The app makes it easy, especially when I can turn it on, when I forget, at work miles away. easy installation, had it put up in about 45 min with no problems. So with that being said I don’t think we could have picked a better alarm sys.
Do NOT enter any contract agreement with FrontPoint. Faulty and unreliable hardware and software! Multiple instances of false alarm and system failure. Troubleshooting has not resolved the issues and FrontPoint refuses any contract termination. Customer service channels were once fully staffed, now you get to enjoyed the automated answer services. FrontPoint leads with profitability over customer safety.
We have had our system now for about 6 months and love it. So easy to use and reliable.
I really have never felt so security. When I was a victim of vandalism and my privacy was violated, Frontpoint was the one who gave me my life back. I thank God and also their support that I was provided a great plan. Also I’m able to review my home from my phone. Customer service has given me a wonderful experience. Thank you again for making me feel safe. Veronica Galindo
Great customer service. And a system that is easy to install and use.
I just wanted to correct a detail in your review. You said FrontPoint does not offer landline. FrontPoint currently (5/2019) offers a panel that uses both cellular and landline. Not sure if it will work with no cellular connection at all but it definitely falls back to a landline if the cellular does not work.
I cannot recommend this company enough. I’ve been a customer for about 3 years and they have always done exactly what they said they were going to do. Support (all US-based) picks up the phone immediately most of the time with no waiting, and they’ve always been able to solve my problem on the first call. I had a defective sensor once and they sent me out another one without waiting for me to send the old one back. They just have nothing bad to say about these people. Happy happy.
Personally I do NOT. Recommend….The contracts are insanly long (3 years) the equiptment is cheep and the garage security did not work I want through 2 of them and dealt with customer service on multiple a occasion(after a while I gave up)…However I was very impressed with the app and the customer service I think the longest hold time I have ever had was 10 min. I was a bit of a pain to set up but over all not the worst experience…also I am Canadian and was given all my quotes in American dollars so just watch out for that
I have had Frontpoint for about 7 years now, and I love it! I have not had any problems, and it is simple and secure all the time!
I can only describe this company as awesome ,I have the basic system for about 5 years now , when I FIRST Got MY SYSTEM , NEW TO MODERN TECHNOLOGY forgetting my code from time to time my alarm would go off , within 10 minutes a Deputy would be at my door making sure I was ok ,now lol when that happens they will call me first to make sure I am ok before notifying the Sheriffs Office ,I feel very safe and secure with this system , I highly recommend it , going to upgrade to cameras in the near future !!!
I’ve had my system for about a year and I love it. Set up was so easy. Anytime I’ve needed to call customer support they’ve always been extremely nice, helpful, and knowledgeable. About 2 months ago my hub quit working and they had a new one out to me at no cost in 2 days. Overall, the system works great, is easy to use and install, and customer service is very helpful.
Ive had my Frontpoint system for four years. My cameras, motion sensors and control panel have been 100% reliable.
Compared to other competitor pricing Frontpoint is #1 at the value and level of security you get for your money.
Customer Service has been excellent and response times have been immediate on any issues I have had.
I would rate Frontpoint 5 stars out of 5 stars
Their customer service is extremely Bad. I Switch to my account over to somebody else and they are still billing me even though my name is no longer on the contract. I have called multiple times and every single one has told me that issue has been resolved yet I still have the problem monthly.
I have called and because the wait time is so long I have decided to let the automated system leave my number so they can call me back and they never do. If you are going to get a system like this make sure that their customer service is a great as trying to contact them and get your issues resolved is horrible.
Yes, I agree and thought it was just me – their customer service is poor, wait time is disrespectful and they make multiple billing errors, and send notices to your phone via text in error.
POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE ** PLEASE READ AND DO YOUR RESEARCH.
In addition..long wait time in queue, customer service reps, have given me conflicting information, pertaining to credits and purchases.
There is a disjointed feel between the alarm dispatch reps, sales department reps, customer service and warehouse. There is also a lack of ownership on their part when it comes to mistakes they make in billing – the reps do not take the time to research your issue or build your trust.
The reason I’m sharing this comment is that you should do your research before signing long-term with this company. If you sign up, I recommend that you go short-term and get a feel for the customer service experience.
I got locked into FrontPoint on a 3 year agreement and had problems along the way. We had multiple false alarms and had to call many times to try to correct. They had to send out different door alarms as some were faulty.
Then when it was time to cancel after we honored our 3 year contract, they charged us another $50 for a 37th month when we didn’t even use the service.
**CUSTOMER SERVICE IS TERRIBLE** **DO YOUR RESEARCH FIRST**
Long wait time, multiple transfers before you get in touch with sales rep. or billing. The calls are routed through operations first, vetted, and then transferrer accordingly. Customer service reps, behave as if they are on commission and trained to “haggle” with you over every penny.
Call backs on alarm calls are prompt, and reps. do come across as focused and prompt. This portion of the business works well, but anything beyond this point – such as reporting a false alarm (handled by 3rd party company), purchase products, or reconcile your bill, will be frustrating.
I totally disagree with your rating of this company as they are NOT customer friendly. We installed the equipment but only stayed in the house for one year. We took the monitoring station but not the installed sensors or doorbell and the new owners did not want to take over the contract (smart move!). We are moving to FL and they want us to either pay over $600 for new equipment and a new 36 month contract, pay over $800 to buy out the contract or over $1100 for the remaining 2 years of monthly charges… for nothing! You would think they could come up with a better solution to continue the monitoring service for another two years.
We have had Frontpoint for almost 3 years and are completely happy with it. It is a reasonable price for equipment and monitoring. Easy to install yourself. Immediate call if the alarm goes off and they stay on with you until the situation is resolved. Highly recommend!!!
While Frontpoint is a good system DO YOUR HOMEWORK! First you are required to sign a 3 YEAR agreement, then after 3 years you must provide a 30 DAY written notice to cancel. Nice way to pickup an extra $50! I found it interesting they can have you active within a few days but it takes 30 days to terminate. Last, my monthly charge INCREASED 8% in 3 years without additional services added to my account which is now at $53.61 per month. Ring offers the same program with more benefits for $10 per month.
Based on my experience I WOULD NOT recommend Frontpoint.
Didn’t lock my doors for 25 years, without an issue. Then someone came in the house during a two hour window and took things. Did a lot of research on home security systems. Besides getting consistently high ratings, the indoor cameras, window/door sensors, and security fob were easy to use and reasonably priced. Just when I thought we were covered security wise, someone came on my porch in broad daylight and stole couple of metal chairs. I live by a main road with no sidewalks! So now we have doorbell cameras on two of our four doors. My innocence has been lost!
I am happy with products and would definitely recommended them.
Currently waiting on hold with Frontpoint — for the last 40 minutes. While on vacation both of my motion sensors incorrectly went off (one for motion, another for tampering). The police came on both occasions. Frontpoint said the sensors were fine. Again the motion sensor went off for tampering; again the police came. There was no motion and no tampering. Why am I on hold? Because when I returned home they said they had to troubleshoot the sensors before they could send me new ones. After the troubleshooting, they said there were no issues and refused to send me new ones. When asked why the sensors went off, they had no answer, so… why would I believe the sensors are fine? Waiting to talk to a manager because the analyst couldn’t send me new motion sensors.
On other occasions, the door sensors have fallen because of humidity, and the police have come. Overall, I would never recommend Frontpoint. Instead of giving us piece of mind, they have only given us headaches, wasted our time, and wasted the time of our police department.
We have had the Front Point security system for a year now. The price is extremely reasonable for all you get and installation is simple. During installation, their customer service people are pleasant and really helpful. Everything works the way they say it will. Having camera security also really gives you ease of mind when you are not home. Had someone walk in and they told us that if anyone could stand the audible alarm, they won’t have any hearing leafy by the time they leave. We travel, so the peace of mind is priceless!! I like the fact that there is no high pressure sales. Also, the monitoring system is wonderful!!! You can keep track of whether or not a door has been left open. This is definitely top of the line security and very dependable.
I have used Frontpoint for about 3 years and my alarm has gone off a few times and the response time for them to call me is always very fast, they ensure that I am the person they should be speaking with and if I need help. From the sale to me at start to any interaction on the phone with them, they have as always been very helpful, informative, and friendly. I would definitely recommend Frontpoint.
We have had Frontpoint for 5 years and have been pleased with their service. Their personnel have been pleasant and easy to work with. We have had home security systems in various houses for about 30 years, with each system being wired in. It was so nice this time to be able to put the sensors where I wanted without having to have a stranger come into our house and run wires. Technology is great!
Easy to install. Great answers to questions. Quick to solve problems.