Frontpoint lowered the price of its basic equipment package The Safehouse. It's now just $99.
Frontpoint vs. Vivint: Which security system is on top?
As the bar for quality home security gets higher, it’s tougher to tell what makes one security company better than another. To help you figure it out, we’re facing off our top security systems against one another.
Vivint is well-established as the one to watch when it comes to combining home security and home automation. But Frontpoint hasn’t let smart home trends pass it by, and it doesn't require a contract.
Trying to decide between these two home security giants? Here are their strengths and weaknesses.
Frontpoint vs. Vivint
Compare pricing: Frontpoint vs. Vivint
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 |
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| Lowest monthly monitoring fee |
$29.99 |
$49.99 |
| Starting equipment cost |
Quote required |
$99 |
| Installation fee |
Starts at $99 |
None |
| Trial period |
None |
30 days |
| Contract required |
 Yes* |
 No |
| Learn more | View Packages | View Packages |
Info current as of 07/08/21. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*42- to 60- month contract required unless equipment is purchased up front.
Similarities: Frontpoint vs. Vivint
What Do Frontpoint and Vivint Have in Common?
Vivint and Frontpoint have more in common than not. Both security companies have strong reputations, 24/7 professional monitoring services, and advanced technology. Plus, you can get environmental safety monitoring (like smoke detectors and flood sensors) along with security measures. Here’s a breakdown of other ways Vivint and Frontpoint are similar:
- Included home automation features
- Free mobile app
- Monthly monitoring costs
- Live video streaming available
- Cellular monitoring
- Compatibility with third-party home automation devices
Differences: Vivint vs. Frontpoint
What Makes Vivint and Frontpoint Different?
Where Frontpoint and Vivint most diverge is installation and contract options. Frontpoint is a DIY-only system and Vivint requires professional installation. We’ll look more closely at the impact that difference makes below, but another disparity is contract length.
Vivint has a no-contract option like Frontpoint, but you have to pay for everything at once—while Frontpoint lets you put $0 for a month-to-month deal. If you want to finance with Vivint, you could potentially get locked into a five-year contract.
Before we dive deeper, here’s a summary of Vivint’s and Frontpoint’s significant distinctions:
- Installation type
- Portability of equipment
- Trial period
- Financing
- Contract options
- Customer reviews
Equipment: Vivint vs. Frontpoint
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|
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| Starting equipment cost |
Quote required |
$99 |
| Smart home features | Vivint Element smart thermostat Smart lighting control Smart Lock Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro Garage control Voice control (Amazon Alexa, Google) |
Smart light bulb Smart lock Frontpoint doorbell camera Voice control (Amazon Alexa, Google) |
| Learn more | View Packages | View Packages |
Info current as of 07/08/21. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
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| Base equipment | Vivint Smart Home control panel Motion detector Window sensor Door sensor Smoke detector Water sensor Glass break sensor Freeze sensor Flood sensor Carbon monoxide detector Medical pendant Key fob Vivint Ping indoor camera |
Frontpoint hub Keypad Door sensor Window sensor Motion sensor Flood sensor Glass break sensor Smoke and heat sensor Carbon monoxide sensor Key fob Panic pendant Indoor security camera Outdoor security camera |
| Learn more | View Packages | View Packages |
Frontpoint home security at a glance
Frontpoint has been a home security frontrunner for a number of years and delivers reliable, standard home security. From its contract terms to its monthly monitoring fees, Frontpoint remains a solid choice that conforms to industry standards.
Frontpoint monthly plan
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Monthly price
|
Home automation
|
Video monitoring
|
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|---|---|---|---|
| Professional monitoring |
$49.99
|
Yes |
Yes |
*Data as of 05/04/21. Offers and availability subject to change.
Contracts and warranties
Unlike Vivint, Frontpoint doesn’t require a contract and includes a three-year warranty on its equipment.
If you don’t want to pay upfront for your equipment, you can finance it for about $10 a month—but $99 down is more common. This results in a month-to-month deal with a little more freedom for renters and frequent movers.
Customer service
This company puts customers first, which is evident in ongoing customer feedback.¹
Frontpoint home security consistently ranks four stars or higher on customer reviews, and the company boasts that “96% of new customers would recommend Frontpoint.”
DIY installation
Beyond customer service, Frontpoint stands out with its DIY installation.
This type of install is usually associated with more stripped-down home security systems like Scout or SimpliSafe. But Frontpoint manages to provide robust home security that is still simple for a homeowner (or renter) to install on their own.
And your Frontpoint home security system equipment comes pre-programmed, so all you have to do is power up the devices and they’re ready to go.
Portable equipment
This is one of Frontpoint’s best features—equipment that’s easy to pick up and take with you if you move while still under contract.
Unlike other companies (like ADT) that make you start over with new equipment, you can uninstall your Frontpoint security devices and reinstall them in your new digs. All you need to do is give Frontpoint your new address so they know where to send help if you need it.
Who Frontpoint is best for
Even though Frontpoint is a solid home security choice for anyone, we think its DIY installation and wireless equipment are the perfect match for renters and those with smaller homes and properties.
Because it’s a self-installed security system, it can get complicated to set up multiple sensors, cameras, and motion detectors on different floors and across a larger property—especially if you’re not a seasoned DIY-er.
It’s also tough to know exactly how much security is right for your situation. Because Frontpoint’s security experts work with you over the phone (instead of in person), it’s harder to know if you’ve got everything covered.
But if all you need is straightforward security for a small- to medium-sized home, Frontpoint can be an easy solution. And if moving is in your future, Frontpoint’s portable equipment is ideal.
30-day, risk-free trial Equipment you can move Strong customer service Home automation options No long contracts
No professional installation option High monthly monitoring costsRead our full Frontpoint home security review or visit Frontpoint.
Vivint Smart Home Security at a glance
Vivint is probably the biggest home security innovator in the industry.
This company has married home automation and home security to transform our idea of what home security can do. Vivint’s modern twist on traditional home security can make your life more secure and convenient—all at once.
Vivint monthly plans
*Data as of 07/08/21. Offers and availability subject to change.
Contracts and warranties
Vivint is unique in that you can start out with a month-to-month contract if you buy your home security equipment outright. This option is rare when it comes to full-fledged, professionally-monitored alarm systems.
But if you’d rather not fork over hundreds of dollars up front, you can finance your equipment. If you finance, you’re looking at a 42- or 60-month contract, which is much longer than the industry standard of 36 months.
And if you cancel early, you’re on the hook for 100% of the remainder of the contract.
In regard to warranties, Vivint security system equipment comes with a 120-day warranty, but if you get a a premium plan, Vivint will repair or replace faulty equipment as long as you have Vivint professional monitoring service.
But you can get repair and replacement service outside the 120-day window (or without premium service)—you just have to pay for the service call.
Customer service
This is an area where Vivint struggled—especially when they first hit the scene. But the company’s response to customer feedback was swift and sustained.
Vivint has recovered significantly from its initial poor reputation to become a company that’s been awarded for its outstanding service, both in-house (how it treats its employees) and in the world.²
Professional Installation
Vivint shines for its customized approach to installation. Not only do you get a pro who knows exactly what they’re doing, but every Vivint home security system includes a free home security assessment as well.
That means you’ll get an expert determination of your home’s security vulnerabilities along with a thorough recommendation of what security measures make the most sense. The only downsides are having to wait around for the installer and welcoming a stranger into your home.
High-tech security equipment
Vivint has been acknowledged as a home security and home automation innovator by experts and trade associations.³
When you bring Vivint’s AI system (called Sky) into your home, you get a smart home system that not only follows your commands but also learns your habits and preferences automatically.
Vivint’s seamless integration of smart home tech and home security tech is like having a sentry that looks out for danger and works hard to make you as comfortable as possible.
Who Vivint is best for
If you love technology and dig the idea of having the smartest home on the block, then Vivint is a standout option for home security. It’s also a good match for those who aren’t into DIY or those who have a larger home or property that needs protection.
Even though Vivint home security may seem more expensive than Frontpoint (when it comes to initial equipment), if you have a big house or a large yard, you’ll need to add on a lot of extras with Frontpoint.
By the time you’re done, you’ll be in the same neighborhood (cost-wise) or higher than Vivint. And you’ll have to set up all those components yourself. Plus, if you’re able to pay for equipment up front, you won’t be tied to a contract with Vivint.
No contract option More affordable monitoring options Advanced home automation tech Professional install with security assessment
Steep termination fees Long contracts without up-front equipment purchase Hefty up-front costsRead our full Vivint home security review or visit Vivint.
Frontpoint vs. Vivint: The winner
The bottom line: Vivint’s tech edges out Frontpoint
It’s hard to see a clear-cut winner between Frontpoint and Vivint. A lot of it depends on your circumstances and security needs—and both companies deliver diligent home security that you can rely on to keep your home and family safe.
But we think that when you throw Vivint in the ring you have to emphasize home automation and other technical specs. In that regard, we put Vivint on top.
But there are still plenty of valid considerations that impact whether Vivint or Frontpoint is the best home security choice for you.
Vivint vs. Frontpoint: Which is best in our top categories?
- Price and contract: While there are some differences between these two—Vivint has a cheaper entry-level plan and Frontpoint doesn't require a contract—neither company offers full home automation at lower price points. When you line it all up, the disparities come out in the wash, so this one is a draw.
- Customer service: Frontpoint takes this category. Even though Vivint has made huge strides in this area, it just doesn’t have the longstanding reputation for great service that Frontpoint enjoys.
- Features and tech: Vivint is the clear winner here. Although Frontpoint offers more home automation tech and compatibility than many security companies, it just doesn’t compare to Vivint’s innovation. And because Vivint provides an in-home assessment, the company does a better job covering both security and smart home needs.
For customized home security that integrates seamlessly with home automation, Vivint is the clear choice.
More smart home security options
If you still feel like shopping around, here are some other home security options that deliver professional monitoring along with home automation options.
*Data effective 07/08/21. Offers and availability subject to change.
Sources:
- Better Business Bureau, “Customer Reviews, FrontPoint Security Solutions, LLC”; Consumer Affairs, “Frontpoint Consumer Reviews and Complaints”; Frontpoint Security, “Customer Reviews”; Yelp, “Frontpoint Home Security Washington”; Trustpilot, “Frontpoint Security Reviews”
- The American Business Awards, “2017 Customer Service Award Winners”; The Monitoring Association, “Vivint is TMA 2017 Monitoring Center of the Year”; CISION PR Newswire, “Women Tech Council Reveals 2018 Shatter List”; Flexjobs, “100 Top Companies with Remote Jobs in 2018”; Great Places to Work, “Vivint Smart Home”; Forbes, “America’s Best Midsize Employers”
- Fast Company, “Most Innovative Companies”; IOT Breakthrough, “Winner's Circle, Connected Home”; The Daily Herald, “Vivint Smart Home Earns Utah Genius Award, Provo No. 2 for Working Parents”
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