Frontpoint Cameras 2021 Guide

Frontpoint makes some of the most popular wireless security system cameras available today. These cameras are relatively affordable and easy to install, making them perfect in a DIY security system like Frontpoint. These cameras have several benefits, from helping deter would-be intruders to finding out when the kids come home from school.

The perks of Frontpoint security cameras are relatively average compared to other security cameras from security providers and tech companies alike. But they're not too expensive for the video quality you get. Still, Frontpoint requires a pricey monitoring plan ($49.99 a month) for these cameras to work, diminishing the benefits of lower equipment costs.

Keep reading to find out what each Frontpoint camera is best for and how they compare to the competition. To learn more about the security system, check out our Frontpoint security review.

Aside from differences in design, Frontpoint cameras share most of their features. Each Frontpoint camera works in conjunction with the company’s mobile app. Using the app, you can access video footage from anywhere via your smartphone, computer, or tablet.

The moment a Frontpoint camera detects motion, it starts recording video and sends an alert either by text or email. Whether you’re in a business meeting or on vacation, you can see if a package arrived at the door or monitor the comings and goings of household workers. You can watch the video on your mobile device or computer, then delete, share, or save the video.

Each Frontpoint camera has a built-in microphone and speaker, so you can use it like a speakerphone to talk with people nearby. This feature is great for checking in with the kids or discouraging would-be intruders.

Frontpoint cameras don’t require professional installation. This is a big win for you, as it not only saves you money on initial installation, but it also allows you to move the cameras anytime without racking up more expenses.

• Use the Frontpoint app to sync the camera with your wireless router.
• Follow on-screen instructions to complete the setup process.
• Choose where you want to mount the camera, like near the front or back door.

The cameras come with mounting accessories, so you only need a screwdriver (possibly a power drill) to attach the camera to a surface using the included screws.

Check out our Frontpoint installation guide to learn more.

To use security cameras in a Frontpoint home security system, you need to pay for the company's expensive monitoring: the Ultimate Plan (please read this in a deep movie preview announcer's voice).

The Ultimate Plan costs $49.99 a month, which is about $5 more expensive than Vivint's single-camera plan. Unlike Vivint, Frontpoint's professional monitoring fees don't increase as you add more cameras, making it the more affordable option for multiple cameras.

Frontpoint's security camera plan is also much more affordable than ADT's camera plan, which starts at $58.99 per month.

Although Frontpoint competes well against professionally-installed systems like Vivint and ADT, it's twice as expensive as SimpliSafe and five times as expensive as Ring Alarm—its biggest DIY competitors.

Frontpoint created an Amazon Alexa skill that allows you to control your security system with Alexa voice commands. Unfortunately, this doesn't offer much functionality for security cameras.

You can ask Alexa to record a clip or adjust the pan and tilt of a camera, but don't expect to view a video stream on a smart display like the Echo Show 5.

As far as we can tell, Frontpoint's compatibility with Google Assistant* (via the Alarm.com action) doesn't extend to security cameras. This means that you shouldn't plan on using your Frontpoint cameras in a Google smart home.

Frontpoint sells multiple versions of its security cameras for different purposes, resulting in minor changes between the products.

While most Frontpoint cameras record video in 1080p quality, the Frontpoint Video Doorbell has a maximum resolution of 720p. This means the Frontpoint doorbell has lower quality than the majority of video doorbell cameras, which almost universally record video at 1080p or higher.

Frontpoint includes an advanced Video Analytics feature on the Indoor Camera, Premium Indoor Camera, and Outdoor Camera. This allows the cameras to perform additional tasks:

• Differentiate between people, vehicles, and animals in videos
• Customizable smart alerts

Unfortunately, this feature isn't available on the Doorbell Camera.

The Frontpoint Premium Indoor Camera has a better speaker than you typically find on a security camera, so it's nice to play music on it using a Bluetooth connection.

The camera also has a nifty callout button that allows anyone to start a two-way conversation with the Frontpoint app. This feature helps young family members get in touch with you without needing their own cell phones.

Other than the Vivint Ping indoor camera, which has a similar function, you won't find callout buttons on most security cameras.

Like most wired video doorbells, the Frontpoint Doorbell Camera requires a hardwired connection to existing doorbell wiring. You can't plug it into a standard power outlet like other Frontpoint cameras.

The installation is a little more complicated because of the wiring requirements, but is still a fairly easy DIY project for most folks, taking around 15–20 minutes to complete.

Among security systems, Frontpoint doesn't have the best cameras of the bunch, but its cameras are good enough for anyone that wants a Frontpoint security system.

The odds are that you'll find value in Frontpoint's cameras if you want the rest of the system badly enough to pay $49.99 a month for monitoring.

But you shouldn't buy the system just for the cameras—there are more affordable stand-alone security camera options out there. Check out our review of the best home security systems to see why we chose Frontpoint as our top pick.

We examined the tech specs of each Frontpoint camera to find out how they compare to each other. We also looked at customer reviews and Frontpoint's support resources to learn about how these cameras work in their natural environment—real homes.

After gathering the basic facts, we delved into our research on cameras from other security system companies to see if Frontpoint can keep up. You can learn more about how we test and rank in our testing methodology.

• Frontpoint Home Security Review
• Frontpoint Installation Guide
• Best Video Doorbell Cameras
• Best Home Security Cameras