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 DIY Installation
SimpliSafe Security
- No contracts
- Inexpensive professional monitoring
- A range of security packages to choose from
Best for Customer Support
Frontpoint Security
- Locked monitoring rates
- Limited lifetime warranty
- 4G LTE Monitoring
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 wins here. They have one of the lowest prices for professional monitoring across all leading providers. 24/7 professional monitoring with cellular connectivity starts at $19.99/mo. One last perk about SimpliSafe – you won’t have to sign up for a long-term contract. You’ll purchase equipment upfront and pay for monitoring on a monthly basis. Basic equipment starts around $220.
In comparison, Frontpoint’s professional monitoring starts at $34.99/mo. Frontpoint’s least expensive package starts around $520 upfront for equipment. You’ll also have to enter into a 3-year contract. If you’re looking for a more affordable option and no long commitment, SimpliSafe is the better provider here.
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, so a team of trained professionals are ready to respond around-the-clock in the event of an emergency. SimpliSafe’s professional monitoring is optional. It starts at only $14.99/mo., 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. With Frontpoint, monitoring is a requirement, and there are three levels of plans. Frontpoint monitoring ranges from $34.99-$49.99/mo.
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
|
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|---|---|---|
| Monthly monitoring starting price | $14.99/mo. | $34.99/mo. |
| Contract length | Month-to-month | 36 months |
| Trial period/refunds | 60 days | 30 days |
| BBB rating | A+ | A+ |
Frequently Asked Questions about SimpliSafe and Frontpoint
Do either SimpliSafe or Frontpoint provide professional installation?
Frontpoint and SimpliSafe allow customers to self-install their security systems. If you would like a professional to perform your installation, you might consider ADT or Vivint, our top picks for professionally installed options.
Do either SimpliSafe or Frontpoint services require a long-term 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.
