Frontpoint Security

Frontpoint Home Security Systems At  A Glance 

Frontpoint home security systems are best for those who are willing to pay for monthly security monitoring and able to install their own system. Frontpoint is especially for anyone who wants to choose the various devices used throughout their home as Frontpoint allows for you to mix and match your monitoring. Frontpoint security is not ideal for those who do not have basic handyman skills like the ability to mount devices. It also may not be the best solution if you do not have a budget set aside for monthly monitoring, as the video and smart home automations will carry a cost. 

Frontpoint Pros: 

• Easy DIY installation with phone support if needed 
• The ability to customize which devices you monitor your home with 
• Consistently highly rated customer service*
• Smart home integration options 
• 30 Day money back guarantee
• Mobile app that is free with any monitoring plan 
• Month to month options for payment

*According to Trust Pilot and US News

Frontpoint Cons: 

• Not ideal for someone who is technically challenged or not DIY savvy 
• Monitoring fees are on higher side for video and home automations

It is important to make it clear that the set up of the Frontpoint security system is DIY, but the monitoring is professional. In this way it is a hybrid security system offer and because it is professionally monitored you will be paying a monthly fee just like you would at ADT or Vivint. You will not have the option to do a DIY set up and then DIY your own monitoring with Frontpoint. 

How Does Frontpoint Home Security System Work?

Frontpoint is a professionally monitored system, but you do not need to contact an agent to get started. In fact, you can go to their website and piece together your Frontpoint system from the comfort of your couch using the Build Your Own Package.

If you don’t want that hassle, Frontpoint also has three prepared packages with various monitoring devices already assembled. Once you purchase the equipment t will get it shipped to your door. If you don’t like it, they offer a 30-day money back guarantee. 

No appointments needed for this system, all you need to do is download the app and start connecting everything. More about that below!

Equipment and Installation

Frontpoint states they are the only nationwide alarm company to have 100% wireless/cellular security systems for every customer. What does that mean for you? Wireless/cellular monitoring systems do not depend on a phone line or internet connection. This can offer some serious peace of mind knowing that spotty internet or a power outage doesn’t mean you’re no longer protected. On top of that, it’s the reason installation is so easy with virtually no wires. 

Your Frontpoint kit will come to your door with a control panel and the other monitoring devices you selected or the ones that were included in the package. Each device has a sensor that will connect wirelessly to your control panel. If tripped, the control panel will alert the 24/7 Frontpoint monitoring center using its builtin cellular signal. That said, you can still connect your hub to your WiFi through the app. This allows for you to have ‘dual path technology’, which basically means you’re covered for monitoring in more than one way. If you lose a cell signal your system can switch to WiFi and if you lose WiFi connection your system can switch to the cellular signal. 

Plus, the equipment comes with a three year limited warranty and is made by GE, making it a protected purchase. 

If you have any trouble with installation or using the app, you can give Frontpoint a call and they will walk you through each and every step. 

Monitoring 

I mentioned how the equipment works to contact the control center, but let’s talk about what monitoring looks like in the Frontpoint security system. 

At the most basic level, ‘The Safehouse’ package comes with the control panel (Frontpoint hub), keypad, 2 door and window sensors, 1 motion sensor, 1 doorbell camera and the ‘home defense kit’ which is all of your yard signs and window decals. You can opt for one of the bigger packages with even more monitoring devices or build your own and customize protection like glass break sensors, key chain remote, or a smart lock. 

You do have the option to view a live feed on your video. The system will also send you a clip if it detects any motion. This is all done through the app, and included in the The Ultimate Monitoring plan, a standard plan for all Frontpoint customers. 

When any sensor triggers, it will alert the control panel. The control panel gives you 30-60 seconds before siren sounds which give you time to disable the alarm. If you do not clear the alarm, a signal is sent the moment the siren signals to one of Frontpoints monitoring centers and action is then taken. The monitoring centers have fast response times with 24/7/365 respondents ready to help you in case of an emergency. 

How Much Does Frontpoint Cost? 

In our opinion, one of the best company policies of Frontpoint is the completely transparent pricing. Unlike other professionally monitored security systems, Frontpoint lists the cost of the equipment and monthly plans right on their website. It’s another reason you don’t actually need to speak to someone on the phone. You can click shop, choose your system, and then checkout. 

Pricing 

How much you pay depends on which monitoring equipment package you choose and which monitoring service you opt for. It should be noted that you can pay for your equipment upfront, 100% in full, so you don’t have that added charge every month. 

If you opt for one of the packages (and not to build your own) here’s the cost breakdown for the equipment: 

The Safehouse

This is the basic package and perfect for a smaller home (or testing out the system). 

• 1 X Frontpoint Hub & Keypad
• 2 X Door/Window Sensor
• 1 X Motion Sensor
• 1 X FREE Doorbell Camera
• 1 X Home Defense Kit

Cost*: $8.23 per month or $255.06 if paid in full

The Bunker

This is the second tier package which includes the addition of environmental monitoring. 

• 1 X Frontpoint Hub & Keypad
• 3 X Door/Window Sensor
• 1 X Motion Sensor
• 1 X Indoor Camera
• 1 X Smoke and Heat Sensor
• 1 X FREE Doorbell Camera
• 1 X Home Defense Kit

Cost*: $13.29 per month or $412.05 if paid in full 

The Fortress: 

This is the third tier package and ready to monitor any size of home. 

• 1 X Frontpoint Hub & Keypad
• 6 X Door/Window Sensor
• 2 X Motion Sensor
• 1 X Indoor Camera
• 1 X Smoke and Heat Sensor
• 1 X FREE Doorbell Camera
• 1 X Home Defense Kit

Cost*: $16.73 per month or $518.62 if paid in full 

When you check out, you can add-on specific items to the packages and the prices of those are pictured below.*

*The rates listed in this section are published on the Frontpoint website shop as of 06/03/21. These may not reflect the current rates or special offers for your initial sign up. 

What about the monitoring plans? Well Frontpoint is crushing the complicated systems that left customers frustrated in this department too. There is one monitoring plan for everyone, regardless of which equipment you purchase. It is $49.99 per month or roughly $1.66 per day. However, Frontpoint does run periodic specials where the first 3 months are a reduced price like the one pictured below. 

Contracts

If you opt to pay in full, you can choose to pay month to month for monitoring. However, if you choose to finance your equipment and pay monthly, this will lock you in to a 36 month loan. In this way, it can feel like a contract because you need to pay off your equipment and then cancel your service if you plan to leave. 

Still, with no long term commitment contracts outside of financing (which is your own choice), this makes Fronpoint a rarity in the professionally monitored home security world. 

Fees

Shipping is free for the equipment and there is no installation fee or service fee (even if you have to call in for help. If you move, there is no fee for this either. 

You will be charged standard fees if you do not make payments on time or have issues with financing. 

Frontpoint Home Security’s Reputation In The Market 

Frontpoint home security holds a stellar reputation in the market with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and 4.6 stars from customer reviews on Trustpilot. 

Below is a sample of a 5 star review from a satisfied customer on Trustpilot: 

“I’ve been a customer of Frontpoint for about 6 years now, after I got tired of the annual price increase from another security company. Frontpoint makes it easy to manage my alarm (and my account) via multiple avenues. The equipment is easy to install and configure but if you are technically challenged, their customer support is available to walk you through setting it up.”

-Vicki Broughton

Recap: Is The Frontpoint Home Security System Worth It? 

Frontpoint offers a professionally monitored security system that keeps the customer needs and wants top of mind when it comes to customizations, contracts, and ease of use. If you’re the DIY type that likes to have choices about devices but don’t want the responsibility of self-monitoring, this could be the right security system for you. If you’re really not into contracts or long term commitments, then Frontpoint beats the professionally monitored competitors almost every time.