Contracts, financing, and cancellation policies
Vivint is unique in that you can start out with a month-to-month contract if you buy your home security equipment outright. This option is rare when it comes to full-fledged, professionally-monitored alarm systems.
But if you’d rather not fork over hundreds of dollars up front, you can finance your equipment. If you finance, you’re looking at a 42- or 60-month contract, which is much longer than the industry standard of 36 months.
And if you cancel Vivint early, you’re on the hook for 100% of the remainder of your Vivint contract.
Unlike Vivint, Frontpoint doesn’t require a contract—but you have to ask for the month-to-month option over the phone. If you use Frontpoint's online cart, you automatically enroll in a three-year contract.
If you don’t want to pay upfront for your Frontpoint equipment, you can finance it for about $10 a month. This results in a month-to-month deal with a little more freedom for renters and frequent movers. But note that all online orders automatically default to the three-year contract—you need to call to get month-to-month service from Frontpoint.
Vivint security system equipment comes with a 120-day warranty, but if you get a a premium plan, Vivint will repair or replace faulty equipment as long as you have Vivint professional monitoring service.
But you can get repair and replacement service outside the 120-day window (or without premium service)—you just have to pay for the service call.
Frontpoint includes a three-year warranty on its equipment.
Vivint customer service was a struggle when it first hit the scene. But the company’s response to customer feedback was swift and sustained.
Vivint has recovered significantly from its initial poor reputation to become a company that’s been awarded for its outstanding service, both in-house (how it treats its employees) and in the world.²
Frontpoint also puts customers first, which is evident in ongoing customer feedback.¹
Frontpoint home security consistently ranks four stars or higher on customer reviews, and the Frontpoint boasts that “96% of new customers would recommend Frontpoint.”
Vivint shines for its customized approach to installation. Not only do you get a pro who knows exactly what they’re doing, but every Vivint home security system includes a free home security assessment as well.
That means you’ll get an expert determination of your home’s security vulnerabilities along with a thorough recommendation of what security measures make the most sense. The only downsides are waiting for the installer and welcoming a stranger into your home. Vivint installation costs and there's no DIY option.
In contrast, Frontpoint only offers DIY installation with no pro option. This is usually associated with more stripped-down home security systems like Scout or SimpliSafe. But Frontpoint manages to provide robust home security that is still simple for a homeowner (or renter) to install on their own.
And your Frontpoint home security system equipment comes pre-programmed, so all you have to do is power up the devices and they’re ready to go. Check out our guide to Frontpoint installation for more info.
Hands-on troubleshooting vs. long-distance tech support
Plus, since Vivint maintains a hands-on approach to installation and customer service, you can have someone come out to troubleshoot faulty Vivint equipment should the need arise. Frontpoint can only help you over the phone or online.
High-tech vs. portable security equipment
When you bring Vivint’s AI system (called Sky) into your home, you get a smart home system that not only follows your commands but also learns your habits and preferences automatically.
Vivint’s seamless integration of smart home tech and home security tech is like having a sentry that looks out for danger and works hard to make you as comfortable as possible.
Portability is one of Frontpoint’s best features—their equipment is easy to pick up and take with you if you move while still under contract.
Unlike other companies (like ADT) that make you start over with new equipment, you can uninstall your Frontpoint security devices and reinstall them in your new digs. All you need to do is give Frontpoint your new address so they know where to send help if you need it.