Frontpoint Home Security Review 2023

Frontpoint makes DIY home security look as good as a full-service professionally installed security system. You get more equipment options than with most other DIY home security companies, so Frontpoint can help you create a safe home inside and out. That’s a rare find for DIY security systems.

Plus, you can enjoy Frontpoint contract-free by ordering over the phone rather than online. 

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Here's where the Frontpoint experience gets a little sticky. The Frontpoint website isn't transparent about all of the payment and pricing options available. You have to call for the best deals and no-contract options.

If you go to Frontpoint.com and add a system to your cart, you'll be assigned the 3-year monitoring contract during checkout. There's no way to change it through the website.

Frontpoint recently updated their pricing options:

• Lower monthly payment: If you buy your equipment upfront, your monthly monitoring starts at $24.99. But the equipment package starts around $400. 
• Lower upfront cost: If you're willing to pay $10 more per month ($34.99), you only need to pay $129 toward equipment when you order.

While it's not the cheapest system out there, you get the best of both worlds with Frontpoint’s DIY installation and high-end equipment options. Plus, every Frontpoint customer now gets identity theft protection through Allstate Identity Protection at no extra cost so you're protected at home and online.

And Frontpoint offers SafeWise readers a discounted entry-level plan: for $34.99 a month (around the industry average for professional monitoring), you can control your system with the app and use geofencing to do things like arm or disarm the system when you're within a certain distance of it.

But Frontpoint has struggled to keep up with its competitors in terms of  innovation, and customer service. SimpliSafe continues to be our favorite DIY home security option, and ADT Self Setup is making a strong comeback. Cove doesn't have nearly as many fancy features as other brands like Frontpoint, but it prioritizes customer care. Frontpoint's recent policy changes are disappointing in contrast. 

Frontpoint has all the security favorites you need for a solid home defense system.

Two pieces of equipment stand out among Frontpoint’s product lineup: the tough-as-nails keypad and smart hub. If an intruder damages one of them, the system automatically notifies the professional monitoring center.

The Frontpoint hub also has a 24-hour emergency backup and encrypts information coming in and out of your home so you’re safer from online intruders too.

Frontpoint's three equipment packages come with a hub and keypad, but the specifics vary to fit your home. You can build a customized package if you prefer.

The good news is you can pay very little up front to get Frontpoint in your home. And you can enroll in a Bread consumer financing plan that allows you to pay $10 a month for your Frontpoint equipment over the course of the contract, though you have to get a credit check to qualify.

We like that Frontpoint lets you customize its packages to suit your needs or build a custom system entirely from scratch. You can customize each Frontpoint security package with extra equipment, but you pay for every additional device.

As with most wireless home security sensors, the name describes the best use for a particular sensor. So the sensors you choose ultimately boil down to what you want to monitor, like a garage door or an aging water heater.

In certain cases, like with the carbon monoxide sensor, it’s a lot more affordable to get unconnected versions at a hardware store or retailer. They might not have central station monitoring, but you don’t have to skimp on putting enough detectors around your home.

Still, we think monitoring these devices is a good choice if you have limited mobility to get out of your home by yourself in an emergency, often go on extended trips, or have pets.

Here’s what we like best about Frontpoint's security cameras:

• The Indoor Camera is more affordable than other Frontpoint cameras, so it’s a good option if you have a tight budget.
• The Premium Indoor Camera has a wide-angle lens and two-way audio that make it ideal for checking in on your family while you’re away from home. It also doubles as a Bluetooth speaker if you want to relax with some tunes.
• The Outdoor Camera is a good choice if you want to spot trouble outside your home. It has powerful infrared night vision so you can monitor your yard any time of day.
• Get the Doorbell Camera if you want a view of the porch so you know when deliveries and guests arrive.

The best part is that Frontpoint’s cameras are as easy to set up as its other products.

While Frontpoint’s smart home technology isn't groundbreaking, the system plays well with others like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Because of this, it integrates with home automation devices better than most DIY brands like SimpliSafe.

You can purchase smart light bulbs, wireless light controllers, and door locks directly from Frontpoint.

It’s also compatible with a small list of third-party Z-Wave devices like a thermostat, light modules, and sirens. Overall, it doesn’t blow us away, but Frontpoint is a good starter system for smart home newcomers.

Here’s what we like about Frontpoint’s smart home equipment:

• The light bulb lets you quickly convert lamps and light fixtures into smart lights without fiddling with wiring.
• The Wireless Light Control is a simple smart plug that supports lamps and small appliances, making it a great option to control fans or even indoor Christmas lights.
• If you buy a Z-Wave smart lock from Frontpoint, you’ll get one of our favorite Yale smart locks: the Yale Assure SL.
• With Frontpoint’s Smart Thermostat, the Alarm.com T2000, you can set up schedules and adjust temperature and humidity. It will also shut off your furnace in a fire.

But keep in mind that smart home devices are only half of the equation. You can control your entire Frontpoint security system from a smartphone app.

The devices in this system connect smoothly so you can train Frontpoint to disarm when the kids get off the bus, keep living room lights on when you’re out of town, or even let in the plumber when they ring your video doorbell.

All of this can minimize false alarms and help you welcome the people you want inside and keep out the rest.

Frontpoint’s systems are tough, reliable, and, best of all, a breeze to install. The company consistently gets high marks on our DIY home security systems.

Other high-end security companies like Vivint and ADT require a home visit from an installation professional and charge for hours of installation before you can get started with your system. 

All you need to do with Frontpoint is order the system you want. Once it lands on your doorstep, simply open the box and set it up.

The packaging comes with login information for your personalized account, default keycodes to get you started, and detailed instructions about how to use the app and connect your devices.

The Frontpoint app is your main guide to installation. Simply follow the instructions on your mobile device to set up the smart hub and keypad.

Most of the hardware (door/window sensors, motion detectors, etc.) has a simple peel-and-stick backing that sticks directly to the wall.

There’s no drilling or wiring involved. Simply press the device onto a flat, dry surface. Even the most complex devices, like the doorbell, require only a screwdriver.

For the most part, if you can change a lightbulb or peel a sticker, you can install a Frontpoint system in your home. This makes it a great option for renters too.

Many of the Frontpoint reviews we read offered high praise for the easy setup and friendly service, though we saw complaints about cancellation being a pain (not a problem if you opt out of the contract). 

In recent years, Frontpoint has made a few changes to both its equipment and its buying process after customer feedback:

• Ditching contracts: We'd been telling Frontpoint to get rid of its contracts for some time. In November 2019, it started offering no-contract options for customers who want more flexibility.
• New smart home hub: Frontpoint sat down with Alarm.com to create a unique control panel that’s exclusive to Frontpoint. The panel features advanced encryption to thwart hackers and a cellular connection with built-in Wi-Fi backup.
• Military store outlets: To augment its online store, Frontpoint opened outlets on military bases across the country. Military families get a discount on Frontpoint products and services, and they can walk out of the store with their Frontpoint system in hand.
• Adding an entry-level plan: We gave feedback about Frontpoint's limited monitoring plan options, and Frontpoint responded with a cheaper monitoring plan for our readers that included app access (a must in our minds).

When you need assistance, Frontpoint’s phone lines are open until 11 p.m. on weekdays and until 7 p.m. (EST) on weekends.

For quick questions, Frontpoint's online support center has user guides, FAQs, and helpful videos to assist. The Frontpoint app also has a help center and can answer most of your questions.

Frontpoint offers equipment to protect your entire property with an optional contract.

Installation is easy as peeling a sticker, and the customer service representatives are friendly and available every day of the week.

And while Frontpoint doesn’t have much of its own smart home equipment, the system connects smoothly with the app for remote access at home or away.

Learn more about how we review Frontpoint and other security systems on our methodology page.

• Best Home Security Systems
• Best Home Security Systems in Canada
• Best Pet-Friendly Home Security Systems
• Frontpoint FAQ
• How Much Does Frontpoint Cost?

1. Better Business Bureau, “Frontpoint Security Solutions, LLC", April 2021. Accessed May 5, 2023.
2. Trustpilot Reviews, “Frontpoint,” May 2021. Accessed May 5, 2023.
3. Consumer Affairs, “Frontpoint,” April 2021. Accessed May 5, 2023.