At first glance, SimpliSafe and Frontpoint don’t seem to have many similarities.
SimpliSafe is a self-contained, sleekly designed newcomer, and Frontpoint is a well-known industry leader offering a more traditional home security experience. But both systems deliver free DIY installation, professional monitoring service, home automation capability, and a secure, 100% wireless connection.
Still, when we get down to pricing and contracts, SimpliSafe is our top choice.
Find out what each company does best—and where they falter—in the head-to-head SimpliSafe vs. Frontpoint comparison below.
SimpliSafe pros and cons
No contracts Affordable monitoring fees Stylish design 60-day money-back guarantee
Equipment purchase required up front No compatibility between old and new components Slim home automation optionsSimpliSafe is for frugal folks
Our readers love SimpliSafe, and we get it: for less than $27 a month you can get mobile app access and video monitoring. And while its smart home offerings are limited, you get access to them for less than Frontpoint's cheapest plan.
Frontpoint pros and cons
30-day, risk-free trial No-contract option with equipment purchase Full range of home automation options Great customer service
Higher monitoring feesFrontpoint is for smart home techies
Frontpoint is great for folks who want to go all-out with smart home or video options. If you're looking to integrate smart lights, locks, or speakers, Frontpoint could suit you.
Compare SimpliSafe vs. Frontpoint
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Brand
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Lowest monthly monitoring cost
|
Starting equipment cost
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Trial period
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Optional professional monitoring
|
Learn more
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|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winner |
 |
$17.99/mo. | $229.00 | 60-day money-back guarantee |
 Yes |
View Packages |
| Smart-home pick |
 |
$34.99/mo. | $99.00 | 30-day risk-free trial |
 No |
View Packages |
Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Similarities: SimpliSafe vs. Frontpoint
What do SimpliSafe and Frontpoint have in common?
Despite vastly different packaging, these two home alarm systems have more in common than you might think. Both offer professional monitoring services, remote access and control, and hazard detection along with burglar deterrents. Here’s a rundown of other important similarities:
- Easy DIY installation
- Secure cellular monitoring
- No-risk trial period
- Portable equipment
- Free mobile app
Differences: SimpliSafe vs. Frontpoint
What makes SimpliSafe and Frontpoint different?
It’s nice to know what these security companies have in common, but what usually helps me make a decision is where they deviate.
The differences are where you get a better picture about which security company may be a better fit for your specific needs. Take a look at the main points where these two security companies diverge:
- Monthly costs and fees: SimpliSafe
- No contracts: SimpliSafe
- Home automation capabilities: Frontpoint
- Self-monitoring options: SimpliSafe
- Equipment offerings: Frontpoint
Frontpoint vs. SimpliSafe: Equipment
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Brand
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Starter equipment price
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Basic equipment package
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Mobile app access
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Mobile app ratings
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Learn more
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winner |
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$229.00 | Base station, Keypad, Window/door sensor (1), Motion sensor (1) |
Yes |
SimpliSafe app iOS: 4.8 stars Android: 4.5 stars |
View Packages |
| Smart-home pick |
|
$99.00 | Frontpoint hub, Keypad, Window/door sensors (2), Motion detector (1), Doorbell camera |
Yes |
Frontpoint app iOS: 4.3 stars Android: 2.9 stars |
View Packages |
Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Frontpoint vs. SimpliSafe add-on equipment
| Winner | Smart home pick | |
| Brand |
|
|
| Add-on equipment | SimpliCam, Glass break sensor, Smoke detector, Carbon monoxide sensor, Water sensor, Key fob, Video Doorbell Pro, SimpliSafe Smart Lock, Outdoor security camera, Panic button |
Frontpoint touchscreen, Glass break sensor, Garage sensor, Smoke and heat sensor, Carbon monoxide sensor, Flood sensor, Doorbell camera, Outdoor security camera, Indoor camera, Smart door lock, Smart light bulb, Keychain remote, Panic pendant |
| Learn more | View Packages | View Packages |
SimpliSafe basics
SimpliSafe set out to do home security differently than everyone else. That’s why you won’t run into any high-pressure salespeople or tricky, long-term contracts.
SimpliSafe equipment is contemporary and appeals to people who aren’t willing to sacrifice style for security.
SimpliSafe’s stripped-down packages make it easy for people living in apartments, dorms, or roommate situations to add security. But it can be harder to use a SimpliSafe security system for larger homes and properties, thought it's a little easier now that SimpliSafe has an outdoor camera. (A long-overlooked offering.)
We like this practical, low-cost approach to home security and appreciate that you can take or leave monthly monitoring.
SimpliSafe has also been slow to adopt home automation, just barely adding compatibility with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and August smart locks.
Read our full SimpliSafe home security review.
Frontpoint basics
Frontpoint has been one of our favorite home security companies for a while now. We like that it’s the customers (and not just the company) that tout the easy DIY installation process.
In fact, customers can’t stop talking about Frontpoint’s service and customer care—from technical assistance to general questions, customers get the help they need in a fast, friendly manner.
This home alarm company offers three packages with equipment that you bring wherever you move. Monitoring from Frontpoint is pricey—it starts at $34.99 per month, but it’s contract-free and $0 down if you opt for financing.
If you’re looking for a full-service home security system that you can integrate with home automation components, Frontpoint delivers—especially for renters and frequent movers.
Read our full Frontpoint home security review.
Winner: SimpliSafe
Calling out a winner between SimpliSafe and Frontpoint isn’t as straightforward as we’d like it to be. But our biggest consideration is where these home security titans part ways: price. SimpliSafe and Frontpoint both offer contract-free monitoring, but SimpliSafe’s equipment costs are much cheaper and no contract is standard fare.
SimpliSafe's affordable equipment, no contracts, and monthly monitoring starting at $17.99 provide the greatest value.
A Frontpoint security system can start at $0 for equipment if you finance, and you'll be stuck in a contract. Frontpoint also charges $34.99 per month for monitoring. But if you're looking to upgrade your system to be fully integrated with smart home equipment, it's worth giving Frontpoint a second look.
More DIY home security options
If you’re still on the fence about which home security company is right for you, here are some other systems we compared—or check out our complete guide to DIY home security systems.
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