Frontpoint Security Review 2021

Frontpoint’s been hyping self-installed security systems for longer than we’ve been writing about them. And Frontpoint’s system is definitely among the crème de la crème of DIY home security.

But Frontpoint’s got some big competition these days. New DIY security systems are popping up all the time, and they have some shiny new perks Frontpoint doesn’t, like cheaper monitoring plans.

Even so, if you don't mind the cost, Frontpoint’s top-notch customer service, smart home options, and reliable equipment will be enough to keep you happy—and safe.

Frontpoint might have DIY installation, but all its systems are still professionally monitored. (Which is good—that’s what we recommend.)

That means even if you’re not watching your smartphone 24/7 (and let’s be honest, who could), someone is always watching your system and ready to alert you and the authorities if any baddies come a-knockin’.

Frontpoint has two monitoring plan options, and all of them have mid-range pricing.

You’ll pay less for Frontpoint monitoring than you would for ADT Pulse, but Frontpoint’s base monitoring plan still costs more than you'd pay for Vivint or Link Interactive.

If cheaper monitoring is what you want, you can definitely find DIY security systems out there that'll cost you less per month. (We’ve seen as low as $10 per month from Ring Alarm.)

Frontpoint used to require 3-year contracts, but it recently ditched the fine print. Now you can get a Frontpoint system with a month-to-month agreement, so you can cancel anytime without worrying about hefty fees.

Usually you have to pay for all your equipment up front to get a month-to-month monitoring agreement, but Frontpoint does have financing available if you want to take your time paying off all those sweet new devices.

Good news! Frontpoint doesn’t have a lot of fees. Or . . . any, really.

Since you install everything yourself, you skip any installation fees. And Frontpoint doesn’t charge any activation fees either, which we love. (Those fees always seem like such a racket.) Plus, since Frontpoint doesn't do contracts anymore, you don't have to worry about cancellation fees.

Frontpoint has an interesting blend going on with its equipment. A lot of security companies all use the same equipment from Alarm.com, which is fine. It works well, but it’s not special, you know?

Well, Frontpoint does things a bit differently. It gives you access to some reliable Alarm.com equipment, plus its own devices as well.

This one is all Frontpoint. This hub and keypad are the heart and brains of your security system. All your window and door sensors and any other devices you connect all have to come back and talk to this hub.

The hub is encrypted and uses a cellular connection to keep everything on lockdown. Even if an intruder breaks into your house and smashes the keypad, Frontpoint’s monitoring center will still get the message.

Frontpoint has three different camera options on offer, including one of our faves: the Premium Indoor Camera (made by Alarm.com).

Both of Frontpoint’s indoor cameras are solid, but the Premium Indoor Camera has some extra-special features. Most notably, this camera has outbound calling, where your kid can just touch a button and the camera will call you on your phone through the Frontpoint app.

That’s a feature we’ve only ever seen from Vivint’s Ping camera before, so it’s pretty cool that Frontpoint has it on board. And it gives your kids an easy way to reach you that doesn’t involve a landline telephone.

We’re less impressed with Frontpoint’s outdoor camera than with its indoor models. The outdoor camera has 720p resolution, which is still high-definition, but we’re used to 1080p being standard at this point.

Frontpoint’s outdoor camera is also missing some extra features we look for, like facial recognition and built-in sirens. If you’re looking for the best outdoor camera around, we recommend checking out options like the Arlo Ultra or the Nest Cam IQ Outdoor.

Frontpoint’s doorbell camera is a pretty standard Skybell model you’d see from other companies like Link Interactive—but with Frontpoint, you get it for cheaper. You'll pay less for that same doorbell model than you would with other security companies.

The Skybell still has the features we look for in a good doorbell camera, like high-definition video recording and two-way audio, but we do think there are better doorbell cameras out there.

Frontpoint doorbell camera features:

• Wired power
• -40ºF to 122ºF operating temperature
• 720p resolution
• 180º field of view
• Two-way audio
• Motion detection
• Night vision (up to eight feet)

Frontpoint’s equipment is compatible with Z-Wave, which means you can add in basically almost any kind of smart device you want. Z-Wave-compatible devices include lights, locks, outlets, garage door controllers, and more. Say hello to your new robot house. (Just double check with Frontpoint that the device you choose will work with your system.)

Plus, you can buy a lot of those smart home devices directly from Frontpoint’s website. Stock up on smart lightbulbs and put in that smart lock so you can finally stop losing your keys.

Frontpoint smart devices: 

• Garage door controller
• Smart door lock
• Smart lightbulb
• Smart outlet

Frontpoint’s mobile app lets you control every aspect of your home from your phone—whether you want to turn off the bathroom light or arm your entire security system.

The app works well, and you get access to it no matter which Frontpoint plan you sign up for. (Some companies make you sign on to its most expensive plan before you get app access).

When you buy a Frontpoint system, all of your equipment arrives “pre-configured.” That basically means you don’t have to spend a ton of time naming sensors and connecting everything to the hub—it’s already done.

Frontpoint’s not the only one that does that (Link Interactive and Cove both do as well, to name a few). But it does make installation a lot easier. In our experience, we had a whole Frontpoint system up and running in about an hour.

The bigger your house, the longer your system will take to install. And if you opt for a doorbell camera, just know that we found the installation to be a bit tricky.

Frontpoint’s customer service is known for being helpful and friendly.

They work hard to resolve issues, and are pretty receptive to customer feedback, even about little things. For example, Frontpoint told us that when customers complained that Frontpoint’s hub light was too bright, Frontpoint released a software update that fixed it.

Frontpoint also has some of the best scores we’ve seen on Trustpilot1 and an excellent grade from the BBB.2

We love that Frontpoint gives you a customizable DIY security system that still offers full home automation options, plus excellent customer support. The only thing we really have to complain about is the monitoring price (and maybe the so-so outdoor camera).

Frontpoint pricing: Frontpoint’s monitoring pricing is a bit pricey by industry standards. And it definitely costs more than newer DIY systems like Ring Alarm or SimpliSafe.

Frontpoint equipment: Frontpoint has tons of different devices available, and they all work well. We’re just waiting for the touchscreen control panel to come back.

Frontpoint home automation: Frontpoint is compatible with Z-Wave, so you can add on basically whatever kind of smart home device you want. Just know you have to subscribe to one of the two higher-priced monitoring plans to get smart home support and mobile app access.

Frontpoint installation:  Frontpoint’s DIY-installed system is pretty easy to put together. And if you get stuck, you can always call a rep for help.

Frontpoint customer experience: Frontpoint’s customer service is pretty much the best we’ve seen. They get great reviews and take any issues seriously.

We love that there are more DIY home security systems than ever to choose from, and Frontpoint is one of the best.

Do you already have a DIY system in your house? Would you ever consider getting a security system you install yourself? Let us know in the comments.

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