Overall Rating
- Quick, easy installation
- Start with $0 down
- Monitoring starts at $44.99/mo.
Info current as of 04/07/20. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
The Bottom Line: Best Customer Service Experience
Frontpoint offers customizable home security for renters and homeowners of all experience levels.
Your security equipment comes directly to your door preprogrammed and ready to go. All you need to do is connect the hub and sensors to your Wi-Fi. As for physical installation, the door/window sensors, motion detectors, and keypad simply stick onto the wall.
Frontpoint offers flexible payment options compatible with most budgets. You can start with $0 down on equipment and pay month-to-month for the service. Or you can pay for all the equipment at once. Either way, you get the monitoring service contract-free.
Anyhoo, the security company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a three-year warranty on the equipment.
SALE
Pros
- Easily installed equipment
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- High ratings from customers
Cons
- Average smart home abilities
- Video monitoring on top plan only
- Smart home gear on top plan only
How We Reviewed Frontpoint
While online resources like product manuals and customer reviews factor into our review, we also got to experience this system first hand.
Through the eyes of our in-house tester, Wayne, we learned more about Frontpoint’s customer service for ordering, setting up, and cancellation. We set up the system in a single-family condo with the help of the Android app. We even tested the company’s 30-day money-back guarantee, which was “easy as pie.”
We believe experiencing systems for ourselves brings better insight than anything we can find online, so we test products whenever possible. Learn more about how we review Frontpoint and other security systems on our methodology page.
Frontpoint Pricing, Plans, and Contracts
| Monitoring Plan |
| Monthly Fee |
| Crash/Smash Protection |
| Mobile App Alerts |
| Video Streaming |
| Automated Door Lock |
| Doorbell Camera |
| Standout Feature |
| Learn More |
| Interactive Plan | Ultimate Plan |
| $44.99 | $49.99 |
| ✓ Yes |
✓ Yes |
| ✓ Yes |
✓ Yes |
| X No |
✓ Yes |
| X No |
✓ Yes |
| X No |
✓ Yes |
| Mobile app control | Live video streaming |
| View Packages | View Packages |
Info current as of 04/07/20. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
The Frontpoint system we got our hands on.
Frontpoint has two options for monthly monitoring and five prepackaged equipment plans. Generally, the more equipment you purchase, the more robust your monitoring plan should be. So if you opt for the top equipment plan, the Safe Home Preferred package, it’s best to pair it with the Ultimate Plan for monitoring.
The good news is you don’t have to pay anything upfront to get Frontpoint in your home. With $0 down, you can enroll in an Affirm consumer financing plan that allows you to pay for your Frontpoint equipment monthly over the course of three months, six months, or 12 months, though you have to get a credit check to qualify. While the payment plans require small contracts, they don’t renew automatically and you can pay them off early.
If you decide to take the plunge and pay for all your equipment in one go, you can enjoy the monitoring service contract-free.
Frontpoint Tech and Equipment
Frontpoint has all the security favorites needed for a solid home defense system.
Two pieces of equipment stand out among Frontpoint’s product lineup: the tough-as-nails keypad and smart hub. They’re smash-proof but not indestructible. If an intruder damages one of them, the system automatically notifies the professional monitoring center.
The hub also has a 24-hour emergency backup and encrypts information coming in and out of your home, so you’re safer from online intruders too.
Hub
Keypad
Door and Window Sensor
Motion Detector
Glass Break Sensor
Compare Frontpoint Equipment Packages
The basic prepackaged plans come with a smart hub and keypad, door/window sensors, and your choice of a motion or glass break sensor. You also get a yard sign, window decals, and door stickers.
| Package |
| Package Price |
| Hub and Keypad |
| Door and Window Sensors |
| Motion Sensors |
| Glass Break Sensors |
| Smoke and Heat Sensor |
| Indoor Camera* |
| Learn More |
| Safe Home Starter | Safe Home Everyday |
Safe Home Plus |
Safe Home Select |
Safe Home Preferred |
| $319.95 | $369.93 | $399.93 | $479.90 | $599.88 |
| Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 1 | 2 | - | 2 | 2 |
| - | - | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| - | - | - | 1 | 1 |
| - | - | - | - | 1 |
| View Packages | View Packages | View Packages | View Packages | View Packages |
Info current as of 04/07/20. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*Cameras require the Frontpoint Ultimate Plan ($49.99/mo.).
Buying Additional Frontpoint Sensors and Accessories
We like that Frontpoint lets you customize its packages to suit your needs or build a custom system entirely from scratch. You can customize each Frontpoint security package with extra equipment, but you pay for every additional device.
Here’s what you can expect to pay for Frontpoint devices and accessories:
| Frontpoint Equipment | Price* |
| Door and Window Sensor | $19.99 |
| Motion Sensor | $29.99 |
| Extra Keypad | $49.99 |
| Touchscreen Keypad | $199.99 |
| Glass Break Sensor | $44.99 |
| Garage Door Sensor | $22.99 |
| Smoke and Heat Sensor | $44.99 |
| Frontpoint Equipment | Price* |
| Carbon Monoxide Sensor | $69.99 |
| Flood Sensor | $24.99 |
| Keychain Remote | $19.99 |
| Panic Pendant | $19.99 |
| Yard Sign | $3.99 |
| Door Sticker | $3.99 |
| Window Decals (Set of 5) |
$3.99 |
Info current as of 04/03/20. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
As with most wireless home security sensors, the name describes the best use for a particular sensor. So the sensors you choose ultimately boil down to what you want to monitor, like a garage door or an aging water heater. Remember that you can always buy extra sensors later on.
In certain cases, like with the carbon monoxide sensor, it’s a lot more affordable to get unconnected versions at a hardware store or retailer. They might not have central station monitoring, but you don’t have to skimp on putting enough detectors around your home.
Still, we think monitoring these devices is a good choice if you have limited mobility to get out of your home by yourself in an emergency or often go on extended trips.
Frontpoint Security Cameras
Frontpoint has four security cameras to choose from. All four of them provide a crisp, clear image and connect to your Frontpoint smartphone app.
| Security Camera* |
| Frontpoint Price |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Indoor Camera | Premium Indoor Camera | Outdoor Camera | Doorbell Camera |
| $99.99 | $193.99 | $167.50 | $149.99 |
Info current as of 04/07/20. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*Cameras require the Frontpoint Ultimate Plan ($49.99/mo.).
Here’s what we like best about each Frontpoint security camera:
- The Indoor Camera is more affordable than other Frontpoint cameras, so it’s a good option if you have a tight budget.
- The Premium Indoor Camera has a wide-angle lens and two-way audio that make it ideal for checking in on your family while you’re away from home. It also doubles as a Bluetooth speaker if you want to relax with some tunes.
- The Outdoor Camera is a good choice if you want to spot trouble outside your home. It has powerful infrared night vision so you can monitor your yard any time of day.
- Get the Doorbell Camera if you want a view of the porch, so you know when deliveries and guests arrive.
The best part is that Frontpoint’s cameras are as easy to set up as its other products.
Frontpoint Smart Home
While Frontpoint’s smart home capabilities aren’t groundbreaking, the system plays well with others like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Because of this, it integrates with home automation devices better than most DIY brands like SimpliSafe.
You can purchase smart light bulbs, wireless light controllers, and door locks directly from Frontpoint.
It’s also compatible with a small list of third-party Z-Wave devices like a thermostat, light modules, and sirens. Overall, it doesn’t blow us away, but Frontpoint is a good starter system to smart home newcomers.
Frontpoint Smart Home Equipment
| Smart Home Equipment* |
| Frontpoint Price |
 |
 |
 |
| Light Bulb | Wireless Light Control | Frontpoint Smart Door Lock by Yale |
| $9.99 | $49.99 | $149.99 |
Info current as of 04/07/20. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*Smart home equipment requires the Frontpoint Ultimate Plan ($49.99/mo.).
Here’s what we like about Frontpoint’s smart home equipment:
- The reasonably priced Light Bulb lets you quickly convert lamps and light fixtures into smart lights without fiddling with wiring.
- The Wireless Light Control is a simple smart plug that supports lamps and small appliances, making it a great option to control fans or even indoor Christmas lights.
- If you buy a Z-Wave smart lock from Frontpoint, you’ll get one of our favorite Yale smart locks: the Yale Assure SL. The biggest perk is that you pay $70 less than buying it anywhere else. This is one of the best deals for this lock, so it’s worth checking out if you don’t already have a smart lock.
But keep in mind, smart home devices are only half of the equation. You can control your entire Frontpoint system from a smartphone app.
The devices in this system connect smoothly, so you can train Frontpoint to disarm when the kids get off the bus, keep living room lights on when you’re out of town, or even let in the plumber when they ring your video doorbell.
All of this can minimize false alarms and help you welcome the people you want inside and keep out the rest.
Frontpoint Installation
Frontpoint’s systems are tough, reliable, and best of all, a breeze to install. It consistently gets high marks as the best DIY home security system.
Other high-end security companies like Vivint and ADT require a home visit from an installation professional and charge for hours of installation before you can get started with your system.
All you need to do with Frontpoint is order the system you want. Once it lands on your doorstep, simply open the box and set it up.
The packaging comes with login information for your personalized account, default keycodes to get you started, and detailed instructions about how to use the app and connect your devices.
“I set it [the system] up using a tablet and the step-by-step instructions were easy to follow.” —Wayne T., SafeWise product tester
The Frontpoint app is your main guide to installation. Simply follow the instructions on your mobile device to set up the smart hub and keypad.
Most of the hardware (door/window sensors, motion detectors, etc.) has a simple peel-and-stick backing that sticks directly to the wall.
There’s no drilling or wiring involved. Simply press the device onto a flat, dry surface. Even the most complex devices, like the doorbell, require only a screwdriver.
For the most part, if you can change a lightbulb or peel a sticker, you can install a Frontpoint system in your home. This makes it a great option for renters too.
Frontpoint Customer Service
Frontpoint’s customer service is famously friendly and helpful. The support teams consistently get ratings of four stars or higher from thousands of customers.1
Many of the Frontpoint reviews we read offered high praise for the easy setup and friendly service. Plus, Frontpoint’s customers stick with the company for an average of seven to eight years.
We’ve been impressed by Frontpoint’s proactive response to customer feedback. Over the past year, the company has made some changes to both its equipment and its buying process in order to better match customer expectations.
- Ditching contracts: We’d been telling Frontpoint to get rid of its contracts for some time. In November 2019, it started offering no-contract options for customers who want more flexibility.
- New smart home hub: Frontpoint sat down with Alarm.com to create a unique control panel that’s exclusive to Frontpoint. The panel features advanced encryption to thwart hackers and a cellular connection with built-in Wi-Fi backup.
- Military store outlets: To augment its online store, Frontpoint opened outlets on military bases across the country. Military families get a discount on Frontpoint products and services, and they can walk out of the store with their Frontpoint system in hand.
When you need assistance, Frontpoint’s phone lines are open until 11 p.m. on weekdays and until 7 p.m. (EST) on weekends.
For quick questions, the support center on the website has user guides, FAQs, and helpful videos to assist. The Frontpoint app also has a help center and can answer most of your questions.
“Both times I talked with customer service, I was impressed. They were casual and friendly and didn’t push me into anything. Also, when I asked for a discount they gave me one.” —Wayne T., SafeWise product tester
How Frontpoint Home Security Stacks Up with the Competition
| Brand |
| Lowest Monthly Monitoring Price |
| Starter Equipment Price |
| Contract Required |
| Installation |
| Smart Home Compatibility |
| Learn More |
| Read Review |
| Best Overall | Smart Home Pick | No-Contract Pick | Most Well-Known | Techie Pick |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $44.99 | $29.99 | $14.99 | $27.99 | $19.00† |
| $0.00* | $599.00 | $229.00 | $0.00** | $399.99 |
| X No |
X No˄ |
X No |
✓ Yes |
X No |
| DIY | Pro | DIY | Pro | DIY |
| Amazon Alexa Google Assistant Z-Wave |
Amazon Alexa Google Assistant Z-Wave |
Amazon Alexa Google Assistant |
Amazon Alexa Google Assistant Z-Wave |
Amazon Alexa Google Assistant Z-Wave |
| View Packages | View Packages | View Packages | View Packages | View Packages |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
*$0 due up-front with consumer financing.
**With $99 installation charge and new monitoring agreement. Early termination fee applies. See SafeStreets.com for full offer details, terms, and conditions.
˄No-contract options available with outright equipment purchase.
† Professional monitoring provided by Brinks Home Security.
Things to Consider Before You Buy
Frontpoint has a range of plans and prices that cater to both thrifty and spendy types, but there’s more to the equation than cost.
Frontpoint doesn’t require a contract or credit check to qualify for the system, a plus for both renters and homeowners. If you find yourself moving to a new address, Frontpoint can send you a moving kit that includes a box for your equipment and basic instructions for removing and reinstalling your system.
It’s also wise to consider how much equipment you’ll need. Whether you’re in a small apartment or a large home, we recommend buying enough sensors to monitor every entrance. From your front door to the patio, a DIY security system is only effective when installed correctly.
Final Word
Frontpoint has options for every budget. For $0 up front with a financing plan, you’ll spend more on your electricity bill. Overall, Frontpoint is an effective system with luxury options for different price points. Better yet, there’s no monitoring contract to tie you down for years.
Installation is easy as peeling a sticker, and the customer service representatives are friendly and available every day of the week. And while Frontpoint doesn’t have much of its own smart home equipment, the system connects smoothly with the app for remote access at home or away.
FAQ
How does Frontpoint’s money-back guarantee work?
Frontpoint offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. The 30-day period starts from the day you receive your Frontpoint home security system.
If, during the first 30 days, you decide that the Frontpoint system isn’t for you, you can return it for a full refund—and Frontpoint will pick up the shipping costs too.
Does Frontpoint have an equipment warranty?
Yes. As long as you are under contract for professional monitoring, all of your Frontpoint equipment is covered.
If a motion sensor or one of your door sensors stops working, contact Frontpoint’s customer care team and they’ll send you a new one free of charge.
Can a Frontpoint home security system work for renters?
Because all of Frontpoint’s equipment is wireless, it’s a good match for renters. There are no holes to drill or wires to connect, which makes it easy to take your Frontpoint system with you if you move.
Just be sure to check with your landlord about any rules or restrictions for security systems, especially if you plan to use security cameras in areas where other residents could appear on video.
Check out our complete Frontpoint FAQ to learn more about this security company.
Contributing writer: John Carlsen
Sources:
- Better Business Bureau, “Frontpoint Security Solutions, LLC”; Trustpilot Reviews, “Frontpoint”; Consumer Affairs, “Frontpoint”
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