Frontpoint wins this round. One of the perks of combining home automation and home security features is that you can automate daily security tasks like locking your front door. Frontpoint security systems support home automation integration, and they also offer standalone products like a garage door opener, smart lock, smart light bulbs and smart wall plugs. SimpliSafe supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, but doesn’t offer standalone smart home products.

SimpliSafe’s equipment and monitoring services are slightly more affordable. With SimpliSafe, basic security system packages start around $220 and monthly monitoring fees start at $14.99 (though you’ll have to opt into the $24.99/mo. plan for full app access). With Frontpoint, entry-level security equipment starts around $255 and monthly monitoring fees start at $44.99.

Neither provider requires a long-term contract – you can subscribe to monitoring service on a month-by-month basis and cancel at any time. If you’re truly pinching pennies, you can also save money with SimpliSafe by forgoing professional monitoring altogether. Frontpoint requires professional monitoring service.

Frontpoint wins this round as customers are able to use a touchscreen control panel with their security systems, which can present an advantage in terms of usability. This one screen allows customers to arm or disarm the security system and control features of smart devices. On the other hand, SimpliSafe has a base station and keypad that comes with each security system. You can arm and disarm your system using the keypad and mobile app, but in order to manage your system or peripheral devices from the mobile app, you’ll have to purchase the Interactive Professional Monitoring Plan.

SimpliSafe wins this round with a longer trial period. To be specific, SimpliSafe has a 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee. This isn’t a free trial, but you can try out your new security system for up to 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, including shipping. Frontpoint has a shorter 30-day trial period.

Both SimpliSafe and Frontpoint offer 24/7 monitoring. Professional monitoring is optional with SimpliSafe but required with Frontpoint. SimpliSafe’s monitoring starts at only $14.99 per month, but you’ll need to opt into the $24.99/mo. interactive plan in order to get mobile alerts, live video and smart home control. Frontpoint monitoring is more expensive, starting at $44.99/mo. However, all Frontpoint plans include mobile app access.

Both SimpiSafe and Frontpoint offer camera options, so either one has you covered for easy-to-install video surveillance. SimpliSafe’s indoor SimpliCam has night vision, motion detection, HD resolution and other industry-leading features. Frontpoint offers a similarly equipped indoor camera as well as a video doorbell and a weather resistant outdoor camera. With either provider, the addition of a camera will drive up equipment and monitoring fees.