Frontpoint Home Security Review 2021
Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Frontpoint makes DIY home security look as good as a full-service professionally installed security system. You get more equipment options than with most other DIY home security companies, so Frontpoint can protect both the inside and outside of your home. That’s a rare find for DIY security systems.
Plus, you can enjoy Frontpoint contract free. But that polish and array of options comes with a higher price tag that could deter folks on a budget.
Frontpoint is offering a free video doorbell, 35% off sitewide, and packages starting at $99.
Info current as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Easy install Free mobile app Wide equipment options Crash & Smash protection Live video feed ID theft protection
Average smart home abilities Higher monitoring fees No pro install optionsLearn more about Frontpoint
Video: Frontpoint review
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How Frontpoint stacks up
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Brand
|
Professional monitoring starting at
|
Lowest equipment price
|
Financing available
|
Self-monitoring option
|
Learn more
|
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole-property pick |
Frontpoint |
$99 |
Yes |
 No |
View Packages | Read review | |
| Reader favorite |
 SimpliSafe |
$229.00 |
No |
Yes |
View Packages | Read review | |
| Best smart home compatibility |
 Abode |
$231.99 |
Yes |
Yes |
View Packages | Read review | |
| Most customer-focused |
 Cove |
$229.00 |
Yes |
No |
View Packages | Read review | |
| Budget pick |
 Ring |
$249.99† |
Yes |
Yes |
View Packages | Read review |
Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
†Amazon.com prices as of post date. See full disclaimer.
Full ADT disclaimer
Frontpoint teamed up with SafeWise to offer you an exclusive home security system monitoring deal! Choose the Interactive Monitoring plan to get mobile control and professional monitoring of your system for $34.99 a month ($15/mo. savings)!
Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Frontpoint pricing and contracts
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Monitoring fee
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Mobile app alerts
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Video streaming
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Smart lock
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Doorbell camera
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Learn more
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level monitoring | $34.99/mo. |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
View Plans |
| Video and smart home monitoring | $49.99/mo. |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
View Plans |
Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
While it's not the cheapest system out there, you get the best of both worlds with Frontpoint’s DIY installation and high-end equipment options. Plus, every Frontpoint customer now gets identity theft protection through Allstate Identity Protection at no extra cost so you're protected at home and online.
You won’t have a long-term contract with Frontpoint if you purchase equipment up front. And Frontpoint offers SafeWise readers a discounted entry-level plan: for $34.99 a month (around the industry average for professional monitoring), you can control your Frontpoint system with the app and use geofencing to do things like arm or disarm the system when you're within a certain distance of it.
If you upgrade to get video monitoring and smart home control, you'll pay $49.99 per month—that's in line with other top-tier monitoring plans in the industry.
Every Frontpoint system comes with Frontpoint ID Protect (for free) powered by AllState Identity Protection:
- Allstate Digital Footprint lets you manage personal data all in one spot.
- Data security professionals are available 24/7 to investigate suspicious activity.
- Frontpoint notifies you right away when someone uses your accounts. You can take action from your dashboard.
Frontpoint equipment
Frontpoint has all the security favorites you need for a solid home defense system.
Two pieces of equipment stand out among Frontpoint’s product lineup: the tough-as-nails keypad and smart hub. If an intruder damages one of them, the system automatically notifies the professional monitoring center.
The hub also has a 24-hour emergency backup and encrypts information coming in and out of your home so you’re safer from online intruders too.
Hub
Keypad
Motion detector
Door and window sensor
Compare Frontpoint equipment packages
The basic prepackaged plans come with a smart hub and keypad, door/window sensors, and a motion sensor. You also get a yard sign, window decals, and door stickers.
Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Frontpoint has only one option for monthly monitoring and three prepackaged equipment plans. All prepacked plans come with a hub and keypad, but the specifics vary to fit your home.
If you decide to take the plunge and pay for all your equipment in one go, you can enjoy the monitoring service contract free. Or you can finance your equipment as part of a 36-month contract.
The good news is you can pay very little up front to get Frontpoint in your home. And you can enroll in a Bread consumer financing plan that allows you to pay $10 a month for your Frontpoint equipment over the course of the contract, though you have to get a credit check to qualify.
While the payment plan requires a contract, it doesn’t renew automatically, and you can pay it off early without penalty.
Buying additional Frontpoint sensors and accessories
We like that Frontpoint lets you customize its packages to suit your needs or build a custom system entirely from scratch. You can customize each Frontpoint security package with extra equipment, but you pay for every additional device.
As with most wireless home security sensors, the name describes the best use for a particular sensor. So the sensors you choose ultimately boil down to what you want to monitor, like a garage door or an aging water heater.
In certain cases, like with the carbon monoxide sensor, it’s a lot more affordable to get unconnected versions at a hardware store or retailer. They might not have central station monitoring, but you don’t have to skimp on putting enough detectors around your home.
Still, we think monitoring these devices is a good choice if you have limited mobility to get out of your home by yourself in an emergency or often go on extended trips.
Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Frontpoint home security cameras
Frontpoint has four security cameras to choose from. All four of them provide a crisp, clear image and connect to your Frontpoint smartphone app.
Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Here’s what we like best about Frontpoint's security cameras:
- The Indoor Camera is more affordable than other Frontpoint cameras, so it’s a good option if you have a tight budget.
- The Premium Indoor Camera has a wide-angle lens and two-way audio that make it ideal for checking in on your family while you’re away from home. It also doubles as a Bluetooth speaker if you want to relax with some tunes.
- The Outdoor Camera is a good choice if you want to spot trouble outside your home. It has powerful infrared night vision so you can monitor your yard any time of day.
- Get the Doorbell Camera if you want a view of the porch so you know when deliveries and guests arrive.
The best part is that Frontpoint’s cameras are as easy to set up as its other products.
Frontpoint smart home features and compatibility
While Frontpoint’s smart home capabilities aren’t groundbreaking, the system plays well with others like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Because of this, it integrates with home automation devices better than most DIY brands like SimpliSafe.
You can purchase smart light bulbs, wireless light controllers, and door locks directly from Frontpoint.
It’s also compatible with a small list of third-party Z-Wave devices like a thermostat, light modules, and sirens. Overall, it doesn’t blow us away, but Frontpoint is a good starter system for smart home newcomers.
Here’s what we like about Frontpoint’s smart home equipment:
- The light bulb lets you quickly convert lamps and light fixtures into smart lights without fiddling with wiring.
- The Wireless Light Control is a simple smart plug that supports lamps and small appliances, making it a great option to control fans or even indoor Christmas lights.
- If you buy a Z-Wave smart lock from Frontpoint, you’ll get one of our favorite Yale smart locks: the Yale Assure SL.
- With Frontpoint’s Smart Thermostat, you can set up schedules and adjust temperature and humidity. It will also shut off your furnace in a fire.
But keep in mind that smart home devices are only half of the equation. You can control your entire Frontpoint system from a smartphone app.
The devices in this system connect smoothly so you can train Frontpoint to disarm when the kids get off the bus, keep living room lights on when you’re out of town, or even let in the plumber when they ring your video doorbell.
All of this can minimize false alarms and help you welcome the people you want inside and keep out the rest.
Frontpoint DIY installation
Frontpoint’s systems are tough, reliable, and, best of all, a breeze to install. The company consistently gets high marks on our DIY home security systems.
Other high-end security companies like Vivint and ADT require a home visit from an installation professional and charge for hours of installation before you can get started with your system.
All you need to do with Frontpoint is order the system you want. Once it lands on your doorstep, simply open the box and set it up.
The packaging comes with login information for your personalized account, default keycodes to get you started, and detailed instructions about how to use the app and connect your devices.
The Frontpoint app is your main guide to installation. Simply follow the instructions on your mobile device to set up the smart hub and keypad.
Most of the hardware (door/window sensors, motion detectors, etc.) has a simple peel-and-stick backing that sticks directly to the wall.
There’s no drilling or wiring involved. Simply press the device onto a flat, dry surface. Even the most complex devices, like the doorbell, require only a screwdriver.
For the most part, if you can change a lightbulb or peel a sticker, you can install a Frontpoint system in your home. This makes it a great option for renters too.
Frontpoint customer service
Many of the Frontpoint reviews we read offered high praise for the easy setup and friendly service, though we saw complaints about cancellation being a pain (not a problem if you opt out of the contract).
In recent years, Frontpoint has made a few changes to both its equipment and its buying process after customer feedback:
- Ditching contracts: We'd been telling Frontpoint to get rid of its contracts for some time. In November 2019, it started offering no-contract options for customers who want more flexibility.
- New smart home hub: Frontpoint sat down with Alarm.com to create a unique control panel that’s exclusive to Frontpoint. The panel features advanced encryption to thwart hackers and a cellular connection with built-in Wi-Fi backup.
- Military store outlets: To augment its online store, Frontpoint opened outlets on military bases across the country. Military families get a discount on Frontpoint products and services, and they can walk out of the store with their Frontpoint system in hand.
- Adding an entry-level plan: We gave feedback about Frontpoint's limited monitoring plan options, and Frontpoint responded with a cheaper monitoring plan for our readers that included app access (a must in our minds).
When you need assistance, Frontpoint’s phone lines are open until 11 p.m. on weekdays and until 7 p.m. (EST) on weekends.
For quick questions, Frontpoint's online support center has user guides, FAQs, and helpful videos to assist. The Frontpoint app also has a help center and can answer most of your questions.
Final word
Frontpoint offers equipment to protect your entire property with an optional contract.
Installation is easy as peeling a sticker, and the customer service representatives are friendly and available every day of the week.
And while Frontpoint doesn’t have much of its own smart home equipment, the system connects smoothly with the app for remote access at home or away.
Frontpoint FAQ
Does Frontpoint have a contract?
Frontpoint doesn’t require a contract or credit check to qualify for the system (unless you finance your equipment), a plus for both renters and homeowners. If you find yourself moving to a new address, Frontpoint can send you a moving kit that includes a box for your equipment and basic instructions for removing and reinstalling your system.
How does Frontpoint’s money-back guarantee work?
Frontpoint offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. The 30-day period starts from the day you receive your Frontpoint home security system.
If, during the first 30 days, you decide that the Frontpoint system isn’t for you, you can return it for a full refund—and Frontpoint will pick up the shipping costs too.
How much equipment should I get?
Whether you’re in a small apartment or a large home, we recommend buying enough sensors to monitor every entrance. From your front door to the patio, a DIY security system is only effective when installed correctly.
Does Frontpoint have an equipment warranty?
Yes. As long as you are paying for professional monitoring, Frontpoint covers all of your equipment for up to three years.
If a motion sensor or one of your door sensors stops working, contact Frontpoint’s customer care team and they’ll send you a new one free of charge.
Can a Frontpoint home security system work for renters?
Because all of Frontpoint’s equipment is wireless, it’s a good match for renters. There are no holes to drill or wires to connect, which makes it easy to take your Frontpoint system with you if you move.
Just be sure to check with your landlord about any rules or restrictions for security systems, especially if you plan to use security cameras in areas where other residents could appear on video.
How we reviewed Frontpoint
While online resources like product manuals and customer reviews factor into our review, we also got to experience this system firsthand.
We believe experiencing systems for ourselves brings better insight than anything we can find online, so we test products whenever possible. Through the eyes of our in-house tester, we learned about customer service, the company’s 30-day money-back guarantee, installation, and day-to-day operation.
Learn more about how we review Frontpoint and other security systems on our methodology page.
The Frontpoint system we got our hands on
Related articles on SafeWise
Sources
- Better Business Bureau, “Frontpoint Security Solutions, LLC", April 2021. Accessed on November 17, 2021.
Trustpilot Reviews, “Frontpoint,” May 2021. Accessed on November 17, 2021.
Consumer Affairs, “Frontpoint,” April 2021. Accessed on November 17, 2021.
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