Frontpoint Home Security System Review

Frontpoint is one of the best home security system companies that offer DIY installation and professional 24/7 monitoring. It provides a range of gear so that you’re well-equipped to keep your home defended and your mind worry-free. It provides the same quality support, monitoring, and equipment as its competitors, such as Brinks Home Security and ADT. Frontpoint also supports a DIY home security system installation, giving you access to tools the pros use. 

Frontpoint offers a variety of security plans, each with a different assortment of equipment and coverage. Its two monitoring plans cost between $44.40 and $49.20, and the higher plan includes additional video features and smart home access. 

In this review, we will cover the ins and outs of Frontpoint’s Home Security Systems packages to help you decide if they’re right for you.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Competitively priced
• Equipment is easy to install and features comprehensive phone support
• Mobile app included in all plans
• A broad selection of home security sensors that can be mixed and matched with other providers
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• Some equipment will require basic wiring and mounting experience
• Video and home automation is not included in the basic plan

Key Features

Base Price of Starter Package 

The Frontpoint Safe Home Starter package is currently priced at $99. This starter pack comes with the following perks:

Monthly Fees

The basic interactive plan is currently priced at $44.40 per month. For the all-inclusive Frontpoint Ultimate plan, it is priced at $49.20 per month.

DIY Installation

Frontpoint exclusively features a DIY installation system. There are no professional installers who come to your home, but the company provides comprehensive installation guides and phone support. 

Home Automation

This system’s home automation includes the following: 

• Frontpoint smart door lock
• Light bulb
• Electrical outlets
• Garage door controller

These features allow you to adjust any of these devices from the Frontpoint mobile app.

Plan Lock-In

Frontpoint offers service on a month-to-month basis, meaning you won’t need to be locked-in to any long-term contracts to use its service. 

Refund Policy

It offers a 30-day risk-free trial period for all of its home security products. After you receive your home security system, you will have 30 days to try the products. If you find that the system doesn’t work for you, the team will provide a full refund and cover return shipping costs. 

Equipment Warranty

Its security systems come with a three-year manufacture warranty. The team will repair or replace any part of the system that is not working properly except for items such as batteries and light bulbs, 

Equipment Fees

What Security System Packages are Available?

There are four full security system packages available at discounted prices ranging from $99 — 479.90. Without the sale, the normal prices range from $319.95 — $599.88. 

There is also a Build Your Own package that allows you to pick and choose which components you would like to include and is priced accordingly. 

For anyone looking for an affordable yet comprehensive plan, the Frontpoint Safe Home Starter package is a good option. The plan starts at $99 and includes: 

• Keypad and hub, one motion sensor
• Two window/door sensors
• Yard sign
• Door sticker
• Three window decals

With the current sale, you can also get a doorbell camera for free. 

On the higher end of the pricing options, the Safe Home Preferred package is available for $479.90. It includes extra equipment, such as: 

• Glass break sensors
• Smoke and heat sensors
• An indoor camera
• Extra motion and window/door sensors

What Customization Can You Make with the Frontpoint Packages?

Luckily, all of these packages can be customized to fit your needs. You can add any extra equipment you would like and pay the extra cost for each piece. 

• Extra Keypad: $43.99
• Frontpoint Touchscreen: $95.99
• Frontpoint Smart Thermostat: $159.99
• Doorbell Camera: $119.99 (With the current sale, it is free with the purchase of a starter system)
• Indoor Camera: $79.99 — $159.99
• Outdoor Camera: $135.99
• Door/Window Sensor: $15.99
• Smoke and Heat Sensor: $35.99
• Carbon Monoxide Sensor: $55.99
• Motion Sensor: $23.99
• Flood Sensor: $19.99
• Glass Break Sensor: $35.99
• Garage Door Tilt Sensor: $19.99
• Frontpoint Smart Door Lock: $119.99
• Panic Pendant: $15.99
• Light Bulb: $19.99
• Wireless Light Control: $39.99
• Keychain Remote: $19.99
• Door Stickers: $3.19
• Window Decals (Set of 3): $3.19
• Yard Sign: $3.19

Note that all prices are accurate as of the writing of this article and are subject to change. 

Monthly Monitoring Fees

What Plans are Available for Monthly Monitoring?

There are two plans to choose from for professional monitoring support. The first is the Interactive Plan, which costs $44.40 per month. This plan includes:

• 24-hour professional monitoring
• Crash and smash protection
• Automated system checks
• Access to remote controls from your mobile device
• Text and email notifications
• Geolocation and sensor history

The second is the Ultimate Plan, which costs $49.20 per month. This plan includes all the features from the Interactive Plan, as well as:

• Home automation
• Live video streaming and image history
• Night vision recording
• Frontpoint smart door lock control
• Motion-activated video recording
• Smart light and thermostat controls

Installation

Is a Frontpoint Home Security System Easy to Install?

While Frontpoint does not offer professional installation, it ensures its DIY Home security system is straightforward to install. You can view in-depth installation guides specific to your security package while accessing their digital app on a tablet or smartphone. The provided equipment is designed to work straight out of the box, without any updates or fiddling. 

The company estimates that installation should roughly only take 30 minutes. However, if you purchase one of the plans with more equipment such as cameras or other electrical components, it may take some extra time to set up. 

Many lightweight components such as motion sensors and security decals can be installed with a peel-and-stick method. Some larger components, such as cameras and keypads, may require screws to complete the installation. 

Frontpoint includes the following tools to make speed up the process:

• Drywall anchors
• Screws
• Screwdrivers

Once you finish installing everything, simply press the “Activate” button to begin your professional security monitoring.

Functionality  

How are the Frontpoint Systems Monitored?

Some companies run their security systems over broadband, which is not overly reliable, or through a landline, which home intruders can compromise. However, Frontpoint only uses cellular monitoring for its security systems, as it is far more reliable. Some of their devices, such as cameras, are connected separately through your Wi-Fi network.

How Do Frontpoint’s Alarm Systems Work?

Each of the company’s home security systems comes with a tabletop or wall-mounted control device that works as your primary interface with the system. 

You can control the various home automation equipment from this device, such as the Frontpoint smart door lock, thermostats, and lights. 

You can also use this control panel to add new devices, perform system tests, and customize motion sensor labels. 

If you have the higher end touchscreen control panel, you can use it as a digital picture frame when not actively in use. You can also access these automation controls from the web-based dashboard or mobile app.

The security system is easy to arm. From the “Status” icon on your control panel, simply choose which arming option you want to enable. From this panel, you can also enable push notifications on your devices for different situations. 

How Are Security Camera Recordings Generated and Stored?

Three different ways trigger video recording:

• Motion detection.
• A sensor detecting unusual activity when the system is armed
• Manual activation

If you are using the Ultimate plan, you can view images taken through the cameras directly on your mobile app or touch-screen control device. These cameras also provide two-way audio transmission through the apps. 

The Ultimate plan comes with cloud storage that can hold a maximum of 1,000 video clips and mobile alerts each month. These clips’ length can vary between five and 35 seconds for non-emergency activations and between one and 15 minutes if an alarm has been triggered. 

Home Automation

How is Frontpoint Different than Competitors?

One of the biggest ways that Frontpoint differs from its competitors is that its system is compatible with third-party devices. This is different from other security companies that require you to purchase all equipment from the same manufacturer. 

With Frontpoint, you have the freedom to bring in additional devices and add them to your system. As long as the device is compatible with Alarm.com, it will be compatible with your Frontpoint system. 

Frontpoint’s systems support Z-Wave, which is a low-powered form of radio communication protocol. It is used to create a local network that connects several home automation devices. However, the system does not support web-based automation scripting programs that let you create an event sequence, like triggering lights after motion is detected.

Will This Security System Work With a Smart Door Lock?

The company is now selling a Frontpoint Smart Door Lock for $119.99. This smart door lock comes with a touchscreen keypad, which is outfitted with Z-Wave Plus built-in. This way, it can seamlessly integrate with the rest of your Frontpoint home security system.

Can Frontpoint’s Systems Integrate With My Home’s Thermostat?

While Frontpoint does not sell its own thermostat, its system is compatible with many other brands and styles. 

Frontpoint Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use These Security Systems if I Live in a Rented House or Apartment?

Unlike some of their competitors, Frontpoint’s DIY home security system is a great choice for renters. This is because it is free and easy to uninstall, transport, and reinstall the system in a new home.  

As it is not particularly invasive, you don’t need professional renovations to use these systems. Frontpoint also provides a moving kit to help you during your transition.

Do These Security Systems Use Loud Sirens to Scare Intruders?

Yes, they do! Frontpoint’s hub and keypad are outfitted with an alarm that operates at 104.5 decibels. To compare, the alarms on most security systems vary between 80 and 110 decibels. 

Does Frontpoint’s System Support Panic Functions?

Yes, you can activate the panic function with the keychain remote. When you hold down the lock and unlock buttons simultaneously for three seconds, it will trigger a panic alarm and immediately have the police sent to your home. 

If you use one of the panic pendants, you can press and release the button to signal an alarm. This will also let the security monitoring team send police or medical assistance. 

Does Frontpoint Offer Emergency Duress and Distress Codes?

Yes, when you set up your home security system, you can determine a duress/distress code to use in alternation from your standard code. Whenever your armed system is triggered, your monitoring service will call the number you designate to follow up on the situation. 

This way, if you provide the monitor operator with the duress/distress code, the monitoring service will know that you want the police to be dispatched in addition to disarming the system. 

Can My Pet Triggers Frontpoint’s Home Security Systems?

If you are using a system with motion sensors, it is important to consider the specific location you install them so your pets will not triggered. However, the motion detectors in these security systems are considered passive infrared devices, so they are designed to be pet-friendly. 

These sensors will ignore the movements of smaller animals, up to roughly 40 pounds. If you have larger dogs, the company generally advises you to replace the motion sensors with extra door/window and glass break sensors. 

Verdict: Is The Frontpoint Home Security System Worth It?

The Frontpoint home security system is a great option for any DIY enthusiast looking to secure their home while still receiving top-quality monitoring and support. Featuring video monitoring, smart door locking, thermostat regulation, and so much more, the Frontpoint systems have useful features for every family. 

With the ability to integrate third-party devices into the system, you have the freedom to use a variety of smart gadgets for a fully customized experience. 

We hope this guide has helped you to decide whether one of Frontpoint’s home security plans is right for you. If you are still unsure, buy a Frontpoint home security system today and try it risk-free for 30 days!