Neither SimpliSafe nor Frontpoint require a long-term contract for new customers. With either provider, simply purchase your equipment and pay a month-to-month monitoring subscription that you can cancel at anytime. Note that Frontpoint recently abandoned its contract requirement, so current customers may still be bound to a contract.
If you’ve narrowed your home security choices down to SimpliSafe or Frontpoint, here’s what you should know. Both providers offer 24/7 monitoring, home automation features, and do-it-yourself (DIY) installation, with a few key differences that we’ve outlined below.
Best for Easy Installation
SimpliSafe Security
- 60-day no-risk trial
- Easy self-installation
- Month-to-month commitment
Best for Customer Service
Frontpoint Security
- Month-to-month contract
- Renter-friendly services and equipment
- Good customer service
Compare SimpliSafe vs. Frontpoint
SimpliSafe and Frontpoint are very close competitors. These national home security providers offer top-of-the-line equipment and services with the ease of self-installation. If you’re trying to decide between the two, these comparisons might tip the scales.
Home Automation
Winner: Frontpoint
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.
Pricing & Service Agreement
Winner: SimpliSafe
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.
Touchscreen Control Hub
Winner: Frontpoint
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.
Trial Period
Winner: SimpliSafe
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.
Professional Monitoring
Tie: SimpliSafe and Frontpoint
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.
Security Cameras
Tie: SimpliSafe and Frontpoint
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.
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.
Research SimpliSafe Research Frontpoint|
More affordable, more flexible contract
|
||
|---|---|---|
| Monthly monitoring starting price | $14.99/mo. | $44.99/mo. |
| Contract length | Month-to-month | Month-to-month |
| Trial period/refunds | 60 days | 30 days |
| BBB rating | A+ | A+ |
Frequently Asked Questions about SimpliSafe and Frontpoint
Do either SimpliSafe or Frontpoint services require a long-term contract?
What types of packages do SimpliSafe and Frontpoint provide?
SimpliSafe offers a number of packages to choose from, including the basic Foundation Package, Essentials Package, Haven Package and the Hearth Package. The basic package starts with the base station, keypad, an entry sensor and a motion sensor.
Frontpoint has five packages that you can choose from, which offer an assortment of intrusion protection, environmental monitoring and camera options. The basic package includes a hub and keypad, two door/window sensors, one motion sensor and signage.
What professional monitoring options do SimpliSafe and Frontpoint have?
SimpliSafe’s professional monitoring costs between $14.99-$24.99/mo. You can also opt to monitor the system yourself, though your ability to do so may be limited because some mobile app features are restricted to professional monitoring subscribers. Frontpoint requires professional monitoring which starts at $44.99/mo. and increases to $49.99/mo. for video surveillance features.
Do either SimpliSafe or Frontpoint offer professional installation?
SimpliSafe and Frontpoint systems are both do-it-yourself home security systems, meaning that the equipment is designed for easy do-it-yourself (DIY) installation. SimpliSafe offers optional professional installation starting at $79, but that’s not an option with Frontpoint.
Due to wireless components and tool-free mounting options, we don’t anticipate that a person with average technology know-how should have much trouble accomplishing a basic installation. There are also online resources and customer helplines standing by to assist.
