Frontpoint vs. Vivint

Compare Frontpoint vs. Vivint

• Equipment

  Winner: Vivint

  Vivint has a vast equipment lineup of cameras, smart home devices and security essentials. You’ll be able to choose equipment that has smart features to give you more control and peace of mind. The lineup includes a Vivint Smart Hub to control all of your devices and three types of cameras. The Vivint Video doorbell Pro with person and package detection. Vivint also offers Smart Drive to store 30 days of continuous video recordings securely. While most security providers let you add smart home devices, Vivint offers a collection in their equipment listing, including a smart thermostat, garage door controller and more. Vivint’s systems also work with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

  Frontpoint offers four home surveillance options, including a video doorbell, outdoor camera and two indoor cameras. You can also choose from security essentials like sensors and motion detectors. Like Vivint, Frontpoint also offers smart home equipment as a part of its security lineup. Both providers also offer environmental alarms to alert you of dangers such as carbon monoxide, fire and water leaks. When it comes to equipment, it’s a close call, but Vivint is the better choice because of a broader range of smart home equipment.

• Cost

  Winner: Frontpoint

  Even though Frontpoint is cheaper than Vivint, you can still look forward to high-quality home security. Frontpoint’s most inexpensive package starts at $435 on average, but you can build your own. On the other hand, you must get $600 worth of equipment for service. Fortunately, both providers offer financing options to give you a lower monthly security payment.

  But there’s a slight difference in professional monitoring costs. Vivint’s monitoring starts at $40 per month but could be more depending on your equipment. Frontpoint offers two options for professional monitoring, depending on the plan. You can expect to pay $50 per month. Since Frontpoint is cheaper all around, we recommend it if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option.

• Installation

  Tie: Frontpoint and Vivint

  Vivint and Frontpoint have different installation options. Frontpoint’s systems require a DIY setup. And Vivint only provides professional installation, not DIY. The installation cost will vary depending on the equipment you choose, but you may find Vivint deals to get free or discounted professional installation. Ultimately, this category boils down to personal preference. Some may prefer help from the pros, while others choose to install their equipment themselves. And since neither provider offers both professional and DIY installation, we’re calling a tie between both providers.

• Home Automation

  Winner: Vivint

  Both Vivint and Frontpoint offer smart home automation devices in their equipment selection. You can also add your Z-wave devices and control them using either the Frontpoint or Vivint app or hub. And both providers work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. All in all, we prefer Vivint when it comes to home automation. Vivint includes smart features in its security and surveillance devices. You’ll have features including live camera activity from your smartphone using the Vivint app. You’ll also get package detection, customizable surveillance zones and two-way audio are a few of the smart features available. The company also offers five smart home devices and works with popular smart home brands, such as Nest.

  Frontpoint offers four smart home devices, including a smart lock, thermostat light and light control. It works with Apple HomeKit and other Z-wave devices. You’ll also have control using Frontpoint’s app. Both providers let you easily connect dozens of smart home devices to your security system for all-in-one control. Regardless of which provider you choose, you’ll have smart home options, but Vivint’s security devices offer more built-in smart home features and control with its devices.

• Monitoring

  Winner: Frontpoint

  Frontpoint and Vivint require professional monitoring with their systems. The big difference is that Frontpoint offers two plans that include professional monitoring, but the price depends on whether you want certain smart home features. We prefer Vivint’s professional monitoring option because of its lower cost. Vivint charges $40 per month, but Frontpoint’s monitoring is $50 per month.

• Contracts

  Winner: Vivint

  Contract-free home security gives you more flexibility to cancel or suspend service when you need to without hefty penalties. Vivint requires a 42 or 60-month contract, but Frontpoint offers contract-free security.