SimpliSafe vs. Frontpoint Home Security

Winner
SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
Starting from
$19.99
/mo
  • pro
    No contracts
  • pro
    60-day money-back guarantee
  • pro
    Video alarm confirmation
Smart home pick
Frontpoint
Frontpoint
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
Starting from
$24.99
/mo
  • pro
    Optional contracts
  • pro
    30-day trial
  • pro
    ID theft protection

SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review. We may earn money when you buy through our links.

At first glance, SimpliSafe and Frontpoint don’t seem to have many similarities.

SimpliSafe is a self-contained, sleekly designed budget option, and Frontpoint offers a more traditional home security experience. But both systems deliver free DIY installation, professional monitoring service, home automation capability, and a secure, 100% wireless connection.

Still, when we get down to pricing and contracts, SimpliSafe is our top choice.

Find out what each company does best—and where they falter—in the head-to-head SimpliSafe vs. Frontpoint comparison below.

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This week's SimpliSafe deal

🔥 SimpliSafe is offering 40% off + free indoor camera with Fast Protect™ monitoring!

Info current as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. 



SimpliSafe pros and cons

pro
SimpliSafe pros
pro No contracts
pro Affordable monitoring fees
pro Stylish design
pro 60-day money-back guarantee
pro Pro installation option
con
SimpliSafe cons
con Equipment purchase required up front
con No compatibility between old and new components
con Slim home automation options

SimpliSafe is for frugal folks

Our readers love SimpliSafe, and we get it: for less than $30 a month you can get professional video monitoring and an easy-to-use system. And while its smart home offerings are limited, you get access to them for less than Frontpoint's cheapest plan.

Frontpoint pros and cons

pro
Frontpoint pros
pro 30-day, risk-free trial
pro No contracts
pro Full range of home automation options
pro Great customer service
con
Frontpoint cons
con Have to call in for no contract option
con No pro installation option

Frontpoint is for smart home techies

Frontpoint is great for folks who want to go all-out with smart home or video options. If you're looking to integrate smart lights, locks, or speakers, Frontpoint could suit you.

Compare SimpliSafe vs. Frontpoint

Brand
Monitoring cost
Starting equipment cost
Trial period
Self-monitoring
Learn more
Winner60-day money-back guarantee
bulletYes
Smart-home pick30-day risk-free trial
bulletNo

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

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Similarities: SimpliSafe vs. Frontpoint

Despite vastly different packaging, these two home alarm systems have more in common than you might think. Both offer professional monitoring services, remote access and control, and hazard detection along with burglar deterrents. Here’s a rundown of other important similarities:

  • Easy DIY installation
  • Secure cellular monitoring
  • No-risk trial period
  • Portable equipment

Differences: SimpliSafe vs. Frontpoint

It’s nice to know what these security companies have in common, but what usually helps me make a decision is where they deviate.

The differences are where you get a better picture about which security company may be a better fit for your specific needs. Take a look at the main points where these two security companies diverge:

  • Monthly costs and fees: SimpliSafe
  • Home automation capabilities: Frontpoint
  • Self-monitoring options: SimpliSafe
  • Equipment offerings: Frontpoint

Frontpoint vs. SimpliSafe: Equipment

Brand
Best for
Starter equipment price
Basic equipment package
Mobile app access
Mobile app ratings
Learn more
SimpliSafeSimpliSafe
WinnerBase station,
Keypad,
Window/door sensor (1),
Motion sensor (1)
bulletYes
SimpliSafe app
iOS: 4.8 stars
Android: 4.6 stars
FrontpointFrontpoint
Smart-home pickFrontpoint hub,
Keypad,
Window/door sensors (2),
Motion detector (1),
Doorbell camera
bulletYes
Frontpoint app
iOS: 4.3 stars
Android: 2.8 stars

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Frontpoint vs. SimpliSafe add-on equipment

Brand
Doorbell camera
bulletYes
bulletYes
Indoor camera
bulletYes
bulletYes
Outdoor camera
bulletYes
bulletYes
Key fob
bulletYes
bulletYes
Keypad
bulletYes
bulletYes
Touchscreen panel
bulletNo
bulletYes
Panic pendant
bulletNo
bulletYes
Contact sensor
bulletYes
bulletYes
Garage tilt sensor
bulletNo
bulletYes
Motion sensor
bulletYes
bulletYes
Glass break sensor
bulletYes
bulletYes
Smoke alarm
bulletYes
bulletYes
CO alarm
bulletYes
bulletYes
Water leak sensor
bulletYes
bulletYes
Freeze sensor
bulletYes
bulletNo
Extra siren
bulletYes
bulletNo
Smart lock
bulletYes
bulletYes
Smart outlet
bulletNo
bulletYes
simplisafe hub in the kitchen

SimpliSafe basics

SimpliSafe set out to do home security differently than everyone else. That’s why you won’t run into any high-pressure salespeople or tricky, long-term contracts.

SimpliSafe equipment is contemporary and appeals to people who aren’t willing to sacrifice style for security.

SimpliSafe’s stripped-down packages make it easy for people living in apartments, dorms, or roommate situations to add security. But it can be harder to use a SimpliSafe security system for larger homes and properties, thought it's a little easier now that SimpliSafe has an outdoor camera. (A long-overlooked offering.)

We like this practical, low-cost approach to home security and appreciate that you can take or leave monthly monitoring. 

SimpliSafe has also been slow to adopt home automation, just barely adding compatibility with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and August smart locks.

frontpoint control panel on the wall

Frontpoint basics

Frontpoint has been one of our favorite home security companies for a while now. We like that it’s the customers (and not just the company) that tout Frontpoint's easy DIY installation process.

In fact, customers can’t stop talking about Frontpoint’s service and customer care—from technical assistance to general questions, customers get the help they need in a fast, friendly manner.

bullet
I called tech services for help with an app, and the person I spoke to was extremely helpful and patient . . . I would recommend Frontpoint to anyone looking for a reliable security system with excellent customer and technical service.
Carol T.
Plainfield, NJ | March 2018

This home alarm company offers three packages with equipment that you bring wherever you move. Monitoring from Frontpoint  starts at $24.99 per month, and it’s possible to get a system contract-free by ordering over the phone and committing to at least 90 days of service. You can also get it $0 down if you opt for a short financing term of 3, 6, or 12 months.

If you’re looking for a full-service home security system that you can integrate with home automation components, Frontpoint delivers—especially for renters and frequent movers.

Winner: SimpliSafe

Calling out a winner between SimpliSafe and Frontpoint isn’t as straightforward as we’d like it to be. But our biggest consideration is where these home security titans part ways: price. SimpliSafe and Frontpoint both offer contract-free monitoring, but SimpliSafe’s equipment costs are much cheaper and no contract is standard fare.

SimpliSafe's affordable equipment, no contracts, and monthly monitoring starting at $19.99 provide the greatest value.

A Frontpoint security system can start at $0 for equipment if you finance. Frontpoint also charges up to $34.99 per month for monitoring. But if you're looking to upgrade your system to be fully integrated with smart home equipment, it's worth giving Frontpoint a second look.

More DIY home security options

If you’re still on the fence about which home security company is right for you, here are some other systems we compared—or check out our complete guide to DIY home security systems.

How we reviewed Frontpoint vs. SimpliSafe

Image: Katie McEntire, SafeWise

For our Frontpoint versus SimpliSafe review, we considered our hands-on experiences testing both systems. We also took into account price and contract differences, customer service policies, equipment options, and reputation. To learn more about how we rank and review, visit the SafeWise methodology page.

Related articles on SafeWise

Rebecca Edwards
Written by
Rebecca Edwards
Rebecca is the lead safety reporter and in-house expert for SafeWise.com. She has been a journalist and blogger for over 25 years, with a focus on home and community safety for the past decade. Rebecca spends dozens of hours every month poring over crime and safety reports and spotting trends. Her expertise is sought after by publications, broadcast journalists, non-profit organizations, podcasts, and more. You can find her expert advice and analysis in places like NPR, TechCrunch, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Miami Herald, HGTV, MSN, Reader's Digest, Real Simple, and an ever-growing library of podcast, radio and TV clips in the US and abroad.

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