SimpliSafe VS Frontpoint
Compare SimpliSafe and Frontpoint to find the best solution for your home.
SimpliSafe & Frontpoint Overview
SimpliSafe is well known for its affordable, low pricing while Frontpoint makes it easy for customers to build their own home security packages. Both offer 24/7 professional monitoring, environmental monitoring and home automation features. Compare them to find a solution that will work best for your home.
Compare SimpliSafe vs. Frontpoint
Home Automation
Frontpoint wins this round with home automation features. Frontpoint allows customers to enjoy home automation integration as well as use standalone products like a garage door opener, smart lock, smart light bulbs and smart wall plugs. SimpliSafe provides home automation integration with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and others but doesn’t allow you to purchase standalone products.
One of the perks of combining home automation and home security features is that you can automate certain tasks to boost your safety like locking your front door. If you or family members are forgetful with locking the door before leaving home, a smart door lock can help make this a lot easier by giving you access to manage your door lock even while you’re away from home to ensure your valuables are protected. With Frontpoint’s mobile app, you can do this remotely at the touch of your finger.
Pricing & Service Agreement
SimpliSafe takes the prize with our Pricing and Service Agreement category. SimpliSafe has one of the lowest prices for professional monitoring compared to other providers. Starting at $19.99/mo., you could have 24/7 professional monitoring, environmental monitoring and a secure, cellular connection. You can also purchase the equipment in SimpliSafe’s basic security package for around $220. One last perk about SimpliSafe’s services is that you won’t have to sign up for a contract. You’ll purchase your equipment upfront and pay for professional monitoring on a monthly basis.
In comparison, Frontpoint’s professional monitoring starts at $34.99/mo., which is about average for most providers. For Frontpoint’s least expensive package, you’ll pay around $520 upfront for equipment. You’ll also have to enter into a contract with Frontpoint, which is typical in the home security industry. If you’re looking for a more affordable option and no service agreement, SimpliSafe is the better provider here.
Touchscreen Control Hub
Frontpoint wins this round as customers are able to use a touchscreen control panel with their security systems. One of the nice things about having a touchscreen control panel is being able to easily arm or disarm your system as well as adjust settings from one central location in your home. This is also an advantage in terms of usability for those who may not own a smartphone to access the mobile app. You can easily arm and disarm your security system from the hub as well as control features of your smart devices.
SimpliSafe has a base station and keypad that comes with each security system package. You can arm and disarm your system using the keypad and mobile app, but in order to manage your system from the mobile app, you’ll have to purchase the Interactive Professional Monitoring Plan.
Trial Period
SimpliSafe wins this round with a longer trial period. SimpliSafe has a 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee. You’d be able to try out your new security system for 60 days and determine if it’s a good fit for your home. If you cancel your SimpliSafe services within those 60 days, you’ll receive a full refund. The provider will also send you a prepaid return label.
Frontpoint has a shorter, 30-day trial period for customers to try out their new security systems. If you cancel your services within this period, you’ll receive a full refund as well and be able to return your equipment with free shipping.
Professional Monitoring
Both SimpliSafe and Frontpoint offer their customers 24/7 professional monitoring. A team of professionals are ready to respond around-the-clock in the event of an emergency. SimpliSafe’s professional monitoring is optional. You can choose between 2 monitoring plans: the Standard Plan and Interactive Plan. The Interactive Plan costs $24.99/mo. and gives you access to mobile alerts, live video and home automation integration features.
For Frontpoint, you’ll be required to choose a professional monitoring plan. The plans offered are the Protection, Interactive and Ultimate Plan. With the Ultimate Plan, you’ll be able to access features of Frontpoint’s security cameras like live video streaming and motion alerts. The cost of Frontpoint monitoring ranges from $34.99/mo. to $49.99/mo.
Security Cameras
Both SimpliSafe and Frontpoint win this round as each allows you to purchase security cameras for your home. SimpliSafe features the SimpliCam which allows you to keep tabs on what’s happening in your house. You can do this through live HD streaming with the SimpliSafe mobile app. With the SimpliCam, you can also get motion alerts to your mobile device whenever activity is detected. To access unlimited camera recording, you’ll have to purchase the Interactive Monitoring Plan.
With Frontpoint, you can get indoor cameras, an outdoor camera and a video doorbell camera. Frontpoint’s Premium Indoor Camera is designed with HD video, echo-cancelling technology and Bluetooth speakers. You can speak with family members at home through two-way audio by using the Frontpoint mobile app. Frontpoint’s outdoor camera allows you to keep tabs on what’s happening outside your home with clear video during the daytime and infrared vision at night. If you want to access features of these cameras, you’ll need to purchase the Ultimate Monitoring Plan.
Provider Summary: SimpliSafe vs. Frontpoint
Both SimpliSafe and Frontpoint have features that make their services stand out. SimpliSafe has a number of home security packages that customers can choose from, while Frontpoint offers smart home products to automate certain processes that can enhance your protection. SimpliSafe is a popular choice for more affordable home security solutions, while Frontpoint is a great choice for ease of customization.
Read more about our take on these providers
SimpliSafe & Frontpoint FAQs
Do SimpliSafe and Frontpoint services require a contract?
SimpliSafe’s services do not require a contract. You’ll have to pay for your equipment upfront and pay for professional monitoring on a monthly basis. Frontpoint’s services require signing up for a 3-year contract. You can pay for your equipment upfront online. If you opt for professional monitoring, you’ll have to pay on a monthly basis as well.
What types of packages do SimpliSafe and Frontpoint provide?
SimpliSafe offers a number of packages to choose from to include the basic, Foundation Package, Essentials Package, Haven Package and the Hearth Package. With the basic package, you’ll get the base station, keypad, an entry sensor and a motion sensor.
Frontpoint has five packages that you can choose from, and these include the Safe Home Every Day, Safe Home Plus, Safe Home Select, Safe Home Preferred and Safe Home Elite packages. The basic package includes 5 sensors and is great for homeowners who have several doors and windows that need to be protected.
What professional monitoring options do SimpliSafe and Frontpoint have?
The cost of professional monitoring varies for each provider. SimpliSafe’s professional monitoring costs between $14.99/mo. and $24.99/mo., while Frontpoint’s monitoring services costs between $34.99/mo. and $49.99/mo.
