Ring Security vs. Frontpoint
*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
Frontpoint is our pick in this DIY security system matchup. Its starter package is more affordable, and Frontpoint offers high-quality equipment and unique features like identity protection and Crash & Smash protection.
Ring stands out with a wider camera selection and lower monitoring fee, but it just can’t beat Frontpoint overall.
Frontpoint vs. Ring at a glance
Frontpoint pros and cons
Many equipment options Crash & Smash protection ID theft protection Financing options
Higher monitoring feesFrontpoint is best for high-end DIY equipment
If you want quality equipment but want to install it yourself, there’s no better choice than Frontpoint. Frontpoint alarm systems are also easier to afford with lower starter package costs and financing options.
Read our Frontpoint review to learn more.
Ring pros and cons
Built-in Eero Wi-Fi 6 router Wide camera selection Affordable monitoring plan
No cameras included with kits No financing optionRing is best for camera-based security
Ring is best for people that want to center their DIY home security system around cameras. Its camera selection and quality are hard to match. Ring has floodlight cameras, indoor and outdoor cameras, and video doorbell cameras.
Plus, Ring’s low monitoring fees are more budget-friendly long-term.
Read our Ring review to learn more.
|
Company
|
Star rating
|
Lowest monitoring price
|
Starter equipment price
|
Financing available?
|
Learn more
|
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-end DIY pick |
 |
 |
$34.99/mo. |
$99.00 |
 Yes |
View Packages | Read review |
| Best camera-based security |
 |
 |
$20.00/mo. |
$199.99 |
 No |
View Packages | Read review |
Amazon Disclaimer: *Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
Video: 4 must-know facts about Ring Alarm
Subscribe to our YouTube channel, and learn how to protect your home, loved ones, and belongings.
Frontpoint vs. Ring similarities
Frontpoint and Ring have many similarities that make them some of the best home security systems available:
- DIY installation
- Compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Z-Wave for home automation
- Large selection of security devices including door sensors, security cameras, motions sensors, doorbell cameras, smart plugs, and smart locks
- No contracts
- Mobile app control
- Professional monitoring
- 24/7 video recording
- No need for a landline
Frontpoint vs. Ring differences
- Best warranty: Tie
- Best plans and pricing: Frontpoint
- Best cameras: Ring
- Bonus features: Frontpoint
While Ring seems to win with price, Frontpoint is the real MVP. Frontpoint also serves up special features (like identity protection) that Ring can’t compete with.
Best warranty: Tie
With basic plans, Frontpoint wins the point. It offers a three-year warranty while Ring only provides a one-year warranty. But, if you spring for the Ring Protect Plus plan, Ring wins. With its premium plan, you get a lifetime warranty on Ring devices.
Best plans and pricing: Frontpoint
|
Plan
|
Starting price
|
Video streaming
|
Pro monitoring
|
Learn more
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
$34.99/mo. |
No |
No |
View Plans |
|
|
$49.99/mo. |
Yes |
No |
View Plans |
|
|
$0.00/mo. |
No |
No |
View Plans |
|
|
$3.00/mo. |
Yes |
No |
View Plans |
|
|
$10.00/mo. |
Yes |
No |
View Plans |
|
|
$20.00/mo. |
Yes |
Yes |
View Plans |
Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
With up-front costs, Frontpoint wins out. You can get a starter package for just $99, which is $100 less than Ring. Frontpoint also offers financing. While you need to sign a contract to get the financing, this is a good option for those who can’t pay high out-of-pocket costs.
When comparing monthly costs, Ring alarm systems have the edge. At just $20 per month for its most expensive plan, it beats out Frontpoint’s least costly plan by more than $10.
Ring alarm systems have free monitoring, but we don’t recommend it. You don’t get video streaming, which kinda makes having a camera-based home security system worthless, and you don’t get the backup that comes with professional monitoring.
Best cameras: Ring
Ring has more camera options, including a whole lineup of doorbell cameras. Ring is a knockout pick for video surveillance. Especially if watching the kids and fur kids, or keeping an eye out for packages are your main reasons for adding a security system to your home. We love the Ring Floodlight Camera because it offers bright light, camera surveillance, a siren, and motion detection all in one device.
That said, cameras don’t come with any Ring home security packages. You have to buy them separately. Frontpoint, on the other hand, offers cameras in its packages.
Spotlight Cam Battery
This battery-powered camera includes LED spotlights, motion detection, and a siren.
Check out our Ring Spotlight camera review to learn more.
Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen)
This is Ring’s entry-level battery doorbell camera. It delivers motion-activated alerts, two-way talk, and night vision.
Find out more in our full Ring video doorbell breakdown.
Ring Stick Up Cam Battery
This battery-powered camera is Ring's newest addition to its camera lineup. You can get this indoor/outdoor camera for around $100.
Learn more in our Ring Stick Up Cam review.
Ring Floodlight Cam
A motion-activated camera that features floodlights, two-way talk, voice control with Alexa, and a siren. Take a look at out Ring Floodlight Cam review for more info.
Bonus features: Frontpoint
Frontpoint wins with helpful features that are hard to find with other systems.
The security company offers identity protection with all of its monitoring plans. (Ring doesn’t offer identity protection at all.) This cool free upgrade does a lot:
- Helps you control personal data
- Sends notifications when something iffy occurs with your accounts
- Provides data professionals to help out when things go awry
Frontpoint home security also has a touchscreen hub to view camera footage on-screen. It’s helpful to watch camera footage on the same device you use to arm and disarm your security system. Imagine you’re just about to disable your alarm when you arrive home but hear a noise. You can access the nearest camera to check for an intruder and get help right away.
You’ll need to buy an Alexa device like an Echo Show to see footage anywhere other than your phone with Ring.
Another unique feature is Frontpoint’s Crash & Smash protection. A “crash and smash” is when an intruder destroys a security system’s keypad before it can call the police during a break-in. Frontpoint security tracks opened doors in the home. So even if the base station is destroyed, the call center will call for help because the system wasn’t disarmed after the door was opened.
The Ring Alarm Pro series has a few standout features, like a TrueMesh Eero Wi-Fi 6 router and 24/7 backup internet to keep your Ring security system working when your internet is weak or disconnected. We weren’t impressed, though.
The router is supposed to strengthen Wi-Fi connections for devices far away from the system, but we didn’t notice a difference. And most security systems can function without Wi-Fi using a cellular connection, so the backup internet isn’t blowing our minds either.
Winner: Frontpoint beats Ring
Frontpoint is a winner because it delivers just about everything you could want from a security system. It has a low introductory price, quality equipment, and helpful features. Ring is no slouch, but it just doesn’t beat Frontpoint.
- Frontpoint: Choose Frontpoint for a low price on starter equipment, financing, identity protection, and touchscreen convenience.
- Ring: Pick Ring if you want a low monthly monitoring fee and a large camera selection.
Still undecided? Read our full Frontpoint and Ring reviews to learn more, or take a look at our DIY home security page.
How we decided: Frontpoint vs. Ring
We used our decades’ worth of experience with safety and security systems and hours of hands-on testing when judging the Ring security system vs. Frontpoint. We also interviewed industry experts and company representatives and scoured customer reviews to understand how these systems work in real-life situations.
To learn more about how we review services and products, take a look at our methodology page.
Related articles on SafeWise
Amazon: *Product prices and availability are accurate as of post date and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.
Google: Google, Google Nest Secure, [any other related Google Products] and other related marks are trademarks of Google LLC.
Recent Articles
The post Ring Security vs. Frontpoint appeared first on SafeWise.
Article source here: Ring Security vs. Frontpoint
