Ring Security vs. Frontpoint

Ring Alarm is our pick in this DIY security system matchup. Ring stands out for its wider camera selection and lower monitoring fees — plus it offers both self-monitoring and 24/7 Virtual Security Guard monitoring.

Frontpoint's starter package is more affordable if you opt for a contract, and it offers high-quality equipment and unique features like identity protection and Crash & Smash protection. But dollar for dollar — and when it comes to monitoring options — Frontpoint just can't compete.

If you want quality equipment but want to install it yourself, there’s no better choice than Frontpoint. Frontpoint alarm systems are also easier to afford with lower starter package costs and financing options.

Read our Frontpoint review to learn more.

Ring is best for people that want to center their DIY home security system around cameras. Its camera selection and quality are hard to match. Ring has floodlight cameras, indoor and outdoor cameras, and video doorbell cameras.

Plus, Ring’s low monitoring fees are more budget-friendly long-term.

Read our Ring home security review and Ring FAQ to learn more.

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Frontpoint and Ring have many similarities that make them some of the best home security systems available:

• DIY installation
• Compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Google Assistant, and Z-Wave for home automation
• Large selection of security devices including motion detectors, door sensors, key fob, security cameras, motions sensors, doorbell cameras, smart plugs, and smart locks
• No contracts
• Mobile app control
• Professional monitoring
• 24/7 video recording
• No need for a landline

• Best plans and pricing: Ring
• Best cameras: Ring
• Bonus features: Frontpoint

Ring wins for price, security cameras, and monitoring options. Frontpoint offers special features (like identity protection) that Ring can’t match.

For up-front costs, Frontpoint wins out. You can get a starter package for just $69.00 (with a contract), which is more than $100 less than Ring's cheapest starter kit. Frontpoint also offers financing, so if you don't want to drop a big chunk of change to get your security system, you don't have to—but your monthly fee will go up if you don't buy your equipment outright. While you need to sign a contract to get the financing, this is a good option for those who can’t pay high out-of-pocket costs.

When comparing ongoing monthly costs, Ring alarm systems have the edge. At around $20 per month for its least expensive plan with pro monitoring, it beats out Frontpoint’s least costly plan by about $20. We also like that Ring takes monitoring to the most proactive level with the Virtual Guard offering, where live agents monitor your system alerts and intervene in real time.

Ring has more camera options, including a whole lineup of doorbell cameras.  Ring is a knockout pick for video surveillance. Especially if watching the kids and fur kids, or keeping an eye out for packages are your main reasons for adding a security system to your home. We love the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro 4K for it's crystal-clear picture and the most accurate AI detection and alerts that we've seen in any camera. 

That said, Ring cameras don’t come with any Ring home security packages. You have to buy them separately and pay a monthly subscription for video storage. Frontpoint, on the other hand, offers cameras in its packages.

Frontpoint wins with helpful features that are hard to find with other systems.

The security company offers identity protection with all of its monitoring plans. (Ring doesn’t offer identity protection at all.) This cool free upgrade does a lot:

• Helps you control personal data
• Sends notifications when something iffy occurs with your accounts
• Provides data professionals to help out when things go awry

Frontpoint home security also has a touchscreen hub control panel to view camera footage on-screen. It’s helpful to watch camera footage on the same device you use to arm and disarm your security system. Imagine you’re just about to disable your alarm when you arrive home but hear a noise. You can access the nearest Frontpoint camera to check for an intruder and get help right away.

You’ll need to buy an Alexa smart home device like an Echo Show to see footage anywhere other than your phone with Ring. Learn how to connect Ring with Alexa in our step-by-step guide.

Another unique feature is Frontpoint’s Crash & Smash protection. A “crash and smash” is when an intruder destroys a security system’s keypad before it can call the police during a break-in. Frontpoint security tracks opened doors in the home. So even if the base station is destroyed, the call center will call for help because the system wasn’t disarmed after the door was opened.

The Ring Alarm Pro series has a few standout features, like a TrueMesh Eero Wi-Fi 6 router and 24/7 backup internet to keep your Ring security system working when your internet is weak or disconnected. We weren’t impressed, though.

The router is supposed to strengthen Wi-Fi connections for devices far away from the system, but we didn’t notice a difference. And most security systems can function without Wi-Fi using a cellular connection, so the backup internet isn’t blowing our minds either.

Ring is the winner thanks to its advanced security camera lineup and affordable monitoring plans. Plus, Ring offers the extra security of live guards monitoring your home. 

• Ring Alarm: Pick Ring if you want a low monthly monitoring fee and a large camera selection.
• Frontpoint: Choose Frontpoint for a low price on starter equipment, financing, identity protection, and touchscreen convenience.

Still undecided? Read our full Frontpoint and Ring security reviews to learn more, or take a look at our DIY home security page.

We used our decades’ worth of experience with safety and security systems and hours of hands-on testing when judging the Ring security system vs. Frontpoint. We also interviewed industry experts and company representatives and scoured customer reviews to understand how these systems work in real-life situations.

To learn more about how we review services and products, take a look at our methodology page.

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