Both Frontpoint and SimpliSafe are strong contenders in the DIY home security market. Frontpoint stands out for its customer support and easy installation, while SimpliSafe offers more flexibility with no contracts and a broader range of sensors. SimpliSafe's app ratings are also a plus. The best choice depends on individual priorities.
| Attribute | Frontpoint Security | SimpliSafe (latest generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Monitoring Options & Costs | Offers 24/7 professional monitoring. The 'Ultimate Plan' costs $49.99 per month and includes 24/7 professional monitoring, cellular backup, smart home features, live video streaming, motion-triggered recording, video clip history. Lower-cost plans may be available by calling Frontpoint. | Offers optional 24/7 professional monitoring. Plans range from $21.99 to $79.99 per month. The basic plan includes 24/7 alarm monitoring and emergency dispatch. Higher-tier plans include features like video verification, intruder intervention, and active guard protection. Active Guard Outdoor Protection requires the Pro or Pro Plus plan. |
| DIY Installation vs. Professional Installation | Designed for DIY installation. The DIY installation process is reported to be easy and can be completed in about 30-90 minutes. Professional installation is not available directly through Frontpoint. | Designed for easy DIY installation. Most equipment uses peel-and-stick installation. Professional installation is available through a third-party for around $125. |
| Equipment Cost & Upfront Fees | Equipment packages range from $69 to $600. Individual components are also available for customized systems. Financing options are available. | Equipment packages range from $250 to $730. The most basic package, The Foundation, costs around $250. Individual equipment costs: Outdoor Camera: $199.99, Indoor Camera: $149.99, Entry Sensor: $14.99, Motion Sensor: $34.99. |
| Contract Length & Cancellation Policies | Offers month-to-month monitoring plans. They have a 30-day risk-free trial period. If you finance equipment, a 36-month payment plan may be required. | No contracts. You can cancel or change your monitoring plan at any time without fees. Offers a 60-day money-back guarantee. |
| Mobile App Features & User Ratings | The Frontpoint mobile app allows users to arm/disarm the system remotely, set up customized notifications, and control home automation devices. The app also provides real-time alerts and video streaming. | The SimpliSafe app allows you to control your system remotely, receive notifications, and view camera footage. You can arm and disarm the system, manage users, and access a panic button through the app. iOS app rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars. Android app rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars. |
| Smart Home Integration Compatibility (e.g., Alexa, Google Assistant) | Integrates with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control. It is compatible with Z-Wave smart devices. Siri voice commands are not supported. | Integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You can arm the system and check its status using voice commands. Also works with August smart locks. It does not integrate with Apple HomeKit. |
| Cellular Backup Availability | Systems use a cellular connection for communication with the monitoring center. Cellular backup ensures the system stays online during a blackout. If the cellular connection is weak, the hub switches over to Wi-Fi. | Offers cellular backup, ensuring the system stays online even if Wi-Fi is down. |
| Battery Life of Sensors & Keypad | Motion sensors have a battery life of two to four years. Keychain remotes have a battery life of five to eight years. | Entry sensors and water sensors: 5-10 years. Motion, glass break, temperature, smoke, and carbon monoxide sensors: 3-5 years. Keypad: 8-12 months. |
| Types of Sensors Offered (e.g., door/window, motion, glass break) | Offers door/window sensors, motion sensors, and glass break sensors. They also provide smoke, heat, carbon monoxide, and flood sensors. | Offers a variety of sensors: Door/window sensors, Motion sensors, Glass break sensors, Smoke detectors, Carbon monoxide detectors, Water sensors, Temperature sensors. |
| Video Surveillance Options (Indoor/Outdoor Cameras) | Provides indoor, outdoor, and doorbell cameras. Cameras have features like 1080p resolution, motion detection, and night vision. The outdoor camera has a night vision range of 49 feet. | Offers indoor, outdoor, and video doorbell cameras. Cameras have features like 1080p HD video, night vision, and motion detection. The Wireless Indoor Camera has near-2K quality. Newer outdoor cameras have AI-powered detection. |
| Response Time to Alarms | Response time is around 30-45 seconds. The monitoring center will attempt to contact you to verify the alarm before dispatching authorities. | Monitoring center typically contacts you within 20 seconds of an alarm. The average response time for dispatching police is around 90 seconds. |
| Warranty & Customer Support Quality | Offers a limited lifetime warranty with a three-year contract. They are known for providing excellent customer support via online chat, email, and phone. | Limited information available about the standard warranty. Some reviews mention long response times from customer support. Live chat may initially connect you with a chatbot. |