Installing a home security system is a good way to deter would-be burglars — but with so many to choose from, finding the right one can be a challenge.
Frontpoint is one of the top providers of home security systems It offers easy do-it-yourself installation and 3 service levels.
But does it make sense for your budget?
We give you the full rundown of what you need to know about Frontpoint. Read on to decide whether it's right for you.
10 REASONS WHY FRONTPOINT IS WORTH IT
Here's a brief list of what makes Frontpoint a standout in the home security field.
Customization and control: Frontpoint gives you flexibility and guidance on where to put sensors and what kind you need. The company’s website has an interactive tool to help you decide on where to put them, and because it is a do-it-yourself system, you have total control on where everything goes.
Portability: If you decide to move, you won't have to leave your security system behind. Frontpoint's equipment is mobile — you can take it with you to your next home.
All-inclusive monitoring: Some companies charge extra for monitoring services for things like the presence of carbon monoxide or signs of flooding. With Frontpoint, these are included in your security package.
Keep in mind, though, you need to buy and strategically place the appropriate sensors you’ll need to make the monitoring for carbon monoxide and flooding possible.
Easy installation: Instead of waiting around for an unknown technician to come out and install your security system, you can set up Frontpoint on your own in just a few steps.
Did you know? In 65% of household burglaries where violence has occurred, the victims knew or recognized the offender.
Security alerts: If you're constantly on the go, you'll appreciate being able to receive text or email alerts for any security-related activity at your home.
Did you know? Residential burglaries happen more often than you think. In 2012, there were roughly 5,800 burglaries a day. That's 1 burglary every 15 seconds.
Smartphone app: Depending on which monitoring plan you choose, your Frontpoint system can be monitored remotely from your smartphone or other mobile device.
Crash and smash protection: If burglars break into your home, they may try to disable your alarm system by smashing the control panel.
With Frontpoint, once a sensor has been tripped (for instance, the front door has opened), the Frontpoint system will send a "pending alarm" to the central monitoring station. If the alarm system hasn't been disarmed by a specified time (e.g., 30 seconds), then the central monitoring station knows something is up.
This way, your system still protects you, even if a burglar opens the front door and smashes the control panel before the alarm goes off.
Z-wave compatibility: At the highest tier plan, Frontpoint control panels incorporate Z-wave technology, which allows you to automate certain features in your home, including lighting and door locks.
Extended warranty: All the equipment you purchase comes with a 3-year warranty, so you're protected in the event that something is damaged or stops working properly.
Money-back guarantee: If you're not happy with your system, you can return it within the first 30 days for a full refund.
3 REASONS TO CONSIDER ANOTHER SECURITY SYSTEM
There are a few things that might persuade you to go with a different company.
The up-front cost: To get the best equipment discount, Frontpoint ties you into a 3-year contract. Even with the cheapest plan, you’ll be paying at least $35 a month during that time, and there’s equipment you need to buy to get started.
You want total confidence in your alarm system: While some people embrace the idea of putting in their own security system, others may just feel more at ease with a professional install.
You'd prefer a lifetime warranty: If you're planning on keeping your security system for the long term, a three-year warranty probably might not be long enough. With some security companies, you can get a lifetime warranty on the equipment you buy.
HOW THE COSTS ADD UP
When you're buying a Frontpoint system, there are two separate cost considerations to keep in mind. The first is the monthly monitoring service, and you have three tiers to choose from.
Protection Plan, $34.99/mo.: The Protection Plan is the most basic option. With this plan, you'll get 100% wireless and cellular monitoring as well as round-the-clock monitoring for intrusion, fire, carbon monoxide leaks, and water damage. Frontpoint also alerts your local authorities if you need emergency medical assistance.
Interactive Plan, $44.99/mo.: The Interactive Plan gives you all the same features but you also get email and text alerts, remote access and control, lighting control, geo location services that integrate with your cell phone and Crash and Smash Protection.
With geo location services, you set up custom features like getting a notification when you forgot to arm your alarm system after you leave home.
Ultimate Plan, $49.99/mo.: The Ultimate Plan combines all the benefits of the first two plans and includes live video streaming, automated door locks, HD and night vision capabilities, motion-activated video recording and energy management controls.
Aside from the monthly expense, you also have to purchase the appropriate equipment. All three plans come with one base controller and two door or window sensors. You’ll want more than that. You are expected to purchase at least $100 worth of equipment. The minimum equipment fee for the Protection Plan is $99. For the Interactive and Ultimate Plans, it increases to $199.
There's no installation fee or shipping fees, but when all is said and done, you will have spent hundreds on equipment (a typical total is around $300 just for the equipment). Frontline does counter some of the expense by offering discounts based on credit approval and contract length.
USING THE SECURITY APP
The Frontpoint mobile app is available as a free download on Android, Apple, Windows, and BlackBerry devices, so you can monitor your security system from your tablet or smartphone. Some of the things you can do with the app (depending on your plan and equipment) include arming or disarming the system, check in on your live video stream, turn lights on or off, and view alerts when the system is triggered by someone entering or leaving your home. If you're familiar with apps and mobile devices in general, it's pretty straightforward to navigate.
FRONTPOINT EQUIPMENT
If you've never had a security system before, you may not be familiar with the kind of equipment that's involved. Here's a brief guide to what your Frontpoint system entails.
Security camera: There are three different cameras you can choose from with your Frontpoint system: wireless indoor, wireless outdoor, and pan-and-tilt. The wireless cameras offer a stationary view, but the pan-and-tilt camera gives you the ability to view a larger area or zoom in on a specific part of your home.
Depending on your plan, you can mix-and-match up to 4 cameras.
Control panel: The control panel is the command center for your home security system, and you have your choice between the touch screen panel or a digital panel. Both feature cellular operation and Crash and Smash protection.
Motion sensor: Motion sensors are designed to alert you when someone is in your home if you're away. Frontpoint uses wireless sensors that easily connect with the control panel, so there's no time-consuming wires to run and holes to drill.
Z-wave: We've already briefly touched on Z-wave communication and how it works. Essentially, this technology allows Z-wave compatible lights, door locks, and thermostat to "talk" to your control panel wirelessly so you're able to control them remotely.
Glass break sensor: While some thieves target the front door, others prefer to come in through the window. Frontpoint's glass break sensors are designed to detect the sound of glass breaking and issue an alert so you'll know instantly if your home has been broken into.
Door sensor: The door sensor is a two-piece unit that alerts the control panel when a door is opened. These sensors can also be used on windows in conjunction with the glass break or motion sensors and you can get a separate sensor for your garage door.
Yard sign: Frontpoint customers receive one 10-inch x 10-inch weather resistant yard sign and smaller window decals to deter thieves. Additional signs are available for $3.99 each.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Customer service is available from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET on the weekends. Overall, Frontpoint's customer service tends to get high marks across the board in terms of knowledgeable and helpful representatives.
INSTALLATION
As we've said, installation with a Frontpoint system is completely DIY, so that's one thing to consider if you'd rather have a professional do the job. Essentially, all you have to do once you've received your equipment is plug the control panel into the wall, plan out the locations for your sensors, set up the individual sensors starting with the doors, and call Frontpoint to activate everything.
It can take 20 minutes or a few hours to get going, depending on how many sensors you have to set up and how tech-savvy you are.
NEGATIVE REVIEWS
While reviews of Frontpoint are overwhelmingly positive, we did find a few unsatisfied customers out there.
A number of users, for example, reported having problems with defective or faulty equipment while others ran into issues with billing. Some customers also complained of having a less than stellar customer service experience. From our research, we noticed a Frontpoint representative made a point of contacting each Yelp user who reported a problem and offered to follow up, but it's not clear how many cases were actually resolved to the customer's satisfaction.
COMMON COMPLAINTS
Aside from reviews, we also took a look at Frontpoint's record with the Better Business Bureau. Of the 63 complaints registered, 24 involved an issue with equipment or monitoring services while 23 centered on billing and collection issues. A handful of complaints involved delivery and warranty issues while close to a dozen people complained about the company's sales and advertising strategies.
One thing that many people consistently had a problem with was the three-year contract Frontpoint requires customers to sign once the 30-day trial period expires. If you're not sure whether you're going to stick with Frontpoint, you need to pay close attention to the trial period expiration date to avoid incurring any extra charges.
In more than one instance, customers reported that they were required to pay a hefty cancellation fee for terminating their contract early (past the 30 day trial period, but before the 3 year is up).
HOW IT COMPARES
To give you an idea of how Frontpoint stacks up, we compared it to two of its main competitors.
FrontPoint vs ADT:
ADT, a household name in the home security business, has a few things in common with Frontpoint. For instance, you can use email and text alerts, you have remote access and control over the system, and both use Z-wave technology. In terms of security plans, you have five to choose from instead of three, which range in price from $36.99 to $49.99 a month.
As far as the features go, life safety monitoring, environmental monitoring, and heat monitoring aren't included. Professional installation is required; the fee is usually $99 for a standard package and it starts at $199 for ADT Pulse, which is a complete home automation system. ADT is currently offering an $850 equipment package for free when you sign up for a security plan, but a 3-year contract is required.
FrontPoint vs SimpliSafe:
If committing to a lengthy contract is an issue, SimpliSafe is a great alternative to Frontpoint since there's no contract required. You have five packages to choose from, starting with the Economy package that's priced at $229.96 and going up to the Ultimate package, priced at $539.85. All packages include the equipment you need to get started, and you have 60 days to try it out and get your money back if you're not satisfied. The monthly fee ranges from $19.99 to $24.99, so it's quite a bit cheaper than either Frontpoint or ADT.
Installation is DIY and the system uses cellular and wireless technology. You can monitor your system remotely from the SimpliSafe app and set up alerts, although video streaming and camera monitoring aren't an option. Similar to Frontpoint, you only get a three-year warranty on equipment versus the lifetime warranty ADT offers.
BOTTOM LINE: IS FRONTPOINT WORTH IT?
Frontpoint, consistently rated as one of the best home security systems around, has a lot to offer if you're looking for all-inclusive monitoring at an affordable price.
There are some downsides, however, since the 3 year commitment may be too long for some customers and the upfront equipment purchase is a little steep.
As far as the monthly expense goes, it's not a wallet-gouger but you have to be sure that you're comfortable with a three-year contract before signing on the dotted line.
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