If you’re shopping for home security and it’s come down to one of these two providers, here are some facts you should consider before you make your purchase. Brinks and Frontpoint offer similar services like 24/7 monitoring, but with a different commitment and different installation options. Below, we’ll break down these differences so you can make your choice.
Compare Brinks vs. Frontpoint
Contract
Winner: FrontpointFrontpoint wins this round by a nose. Its month-to-month plan is ideal for renters or people who aren’t ready for a long commitment. Most of Brinks’ plans lock customers into a three-year contract, which is fine for some more established customers, but not so great if you’re not sure about the service. That said, Brinks does have a partnership with Nest, and with Nest, you’re not required to enter into a contract. offer a month-to-month agreement.
Price
Winner: BrinksStarting at $29.99/mo., Brinks' price for professional monitoring beats Frontpoint’s $44.99/mo. by a large margin. In addition, Brinks offers a better deal on its least expensive equipment package, asking $199 vs. $319.95 for the Frontpoint Safe Home Starter Package.
Monitoring
Winner: BrinksBoth Frontpoint and Brinks offer strong professional monitoring options, but with Nest, Brinks also offers the option of self-monitoring, which Frontpoint doesn't do. Brinks wins in this category for that reason.
Installation
Winner: BrinksBoth of these providers offer DIY installation, which many customers will appreciate. However Brinks also offers professional installation, so if you’re not tech-savvy or you just don’t have the time, they’ll do it for you.
Warranty
Winner: FrontpointFrontpoint is the winner here by a narrow margin, offering a three-year equipment warranty, whereas Brinks only offers a two-year warranty.
Equipment
Winner: FrontpointIt's a close call here. Both Brinks and Smith Thompson have mobile apps that allow you to arm/disarm your security system, control smart home devices, view cameras, and more. To access mobile app control, you will have to choose a higher tier monitoring plan with Smith Thompson, but you’re free to use Brinks’ mobile app with any monitoring plan or Brinks package that you choose.
Summary: Brinks vs. Frontpoint
Frontpoint also offers the innovation that comes from a fresh industry perspective, but will cost more both to get started and over time. In the end, either provider is a great choice, but they cater to different people.
Monthly monitoring starting price | $29.99/mo. | $44.99/mo. |
|---|---|---|
Minimum contract length | 36 months | No contract |
Extended No-Risk Return | 30 days | 30 days |
Installation | DIY & Professional | DIY |
Guarantees | None | None |
Warranty | 2-year equipment warranty | 3-year equipment warranty |
BBB Rating | A+ | A+ |
Frequently Asked Questions About Brinks and Frontpoint
Brinks offers several levels, including the Essential, Complete and Ultimate packages. The most basic Essential package includes a touchscreen controller, wireless motion sensor, two wireless door sensors and yard signs and stickers.
Frontpoint offers a wide variety of packages starting at $319.95 for an alarm panel hub and keypad, three activity sensors and signs for your property.
Brinks offers a $29.99/mo. monitoring plan with a 36-month contract for the Smart Security Essential Package.. Frontpoint’s service comes with monitoring at $44.99/mo. in a month-to-month service plan.
Brinks allows customers to self-monitor if they purchase the Nest Secure System. Frontpoint does not offer a self-monitoring option.
Brinks’ latest system is wireless, meaning renters don’t need to attach anything permanently to walls. That makes it excellent for apartments and condos. However, the 36-month contract could be a downside for many renters.
Frontpoint uses a month-to-month monitoring plan and its equipment is also wireless. There’s no drilling required and installation is easy to do yourself, making Frontpoint an excellent choice for renters.
