Each provider’s score is based on the affordability of equipment and professional monitoring services. Providers whose pricing on these two factors are lower received a better score from us. We know a security system is an investment, but it shouldn’t break your budget.
An Overview of Frontpoint’s Home Security Services
Frontpoint Security has over a decade of experience providing modern home security solutions. It was one of the first companies to offer the freedom of do-it-yourself installation and cellular connections instead of landlines. It also recently nixed long-term contracts in favor of more flexible month-to-month plans. Does Frontpoint have other strong points? Learn how it stacks up in this review.
Frontpoint: Our Recommended Pick for Customer Service
Before we rank Frontpoint across key categories, it’s worth pointing out its outstanding customer service reputation, which it earned in a few different ways. First, its pricing structure is refreshingly transparent. Its website includes everything you need to know about equipment costs, monitoring fees and agreement terms. It seems like this is something you could take for granted in the age of e-commerce, but we’ve observed the home security industry to be rather vague (perhaps intentionally so).
At the time of this writing, Frontpoint maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, a 4.7/5 rating on Trustpilot and is the recipient of an Angie’s List Super Service Award. Policies like a 30-day risk-free trial and three-year equipment warranty help support long-term satisfaction. We also feel that its recent switch to monthly plans instead of three-year contracts reflects a willingness to adapt to changing customer needs.
Frontpoint’s equipment bundles range from $255.96 for a no-frills intrusion detection package to $479.90 for one that includes intrusion detection, smoke alarm monitoring and an indoor camera. These prices fall on the low side of average when compared with similarly equipped packages from other leading home security providers.
Frontpoint’s monitoring services range from $44.99-$49.99/mo. This price point is on par with what is typically seen from professionally installed systems, but it’s high compared to other DIY providers like SimpliSafe and Scout Alarm, which respectively start at $14.99 and $19.99/mo. However, it’s important to note that Frontpoint’s monitoring plans include perks that are often only seen in higher-tier plans. These benefits include mobile app access, environmental monitoring (response to smoke, carbon monoxide alarms) and geo-location arming and disarming.
Lastly, Frontpoint has a convenient pricing structure. Responding to customer needs, it recently switched over to month-to-month plans for new customers, a departure from the 36-month contract requirement. You can opt out of monitoring service at any time without the threat of early termination fees.
Many home security companies offer enticingly low prices for professional monitoring, but upon a closer look, you see that these entry-level plans don’t include features that you want and need. Mobile app access is one of these key features. Frontpoint includes mobile app access, notifications and geo-location features (the ability to automatically arm or disarm your home security system based on the location of your phone) in all plans.
Other Frontpoint standout features include crash and smash protection and a three-year equipment warranty. Crash and smash protection assures that the monitoring center will be alerted if someone damages or tampers with your alarm hub. The three-year equipment warranty is longer than many other DIY systems.
Frontpoint offers all of the modern wireless equipment options you’d expect from one of today’s leading home security companies. We appreciate that fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are available – you’d be surprised how many DIY home security companies don’t offer both of these home safety essentials. There are also four different camera options to choose from.
From a smart home perspective, Frontpoint offers a small selection that includes a smart lock, lighting options and a garage door controller. The system also supports integrations with Google Home, Amazon Alexa and Z-wave, so it should play well with many leading brands.
Frontpoint’s DIY security systems allow for fast and easy installation. The provider notes that you could install your system in around 30 minutes (if not less). You won’t have to do any drilling, either. Instead, you can use removable adhesive to mount equipment.
With DIY installation, you won’t have to find time for a service technician to come to your home, and you won’t get stuck with an installation fee. However, if you’re unsure of your skills and would prefer professional help, we recommend choosing a provider that offers professional installation.
Frontpoint provides customers with a 30-day trial period to test out their security system and determine if it’s a good fit for their needs. If not, the system can be returned for a full refund. In terms of length, this no-risk return period is right in the middle of the pack. Some companies offer longer trial periods (ADT offers up to six months) and some others (like Vivint) offer none at all.
