Simplisafe and Frontpoint home security systems both come with very good reputations and it can be hard to understand how they compare.
They have similar aims in protecting people’s home while being trustworthy and not then surprising their customers with hidden costs or penalties.
They do have a lot of similarities in the way they go about achieving this but there are some important differences to be aware of.
Simplisafe Home Security is a wireless DIY system and they offer a number of starter kits that you can tailor to your needs.
You have the option of 3 levels of professional monitoring that you pay for on a month by month basis and can cancel at any time.
Frontpoint Home Security also provides a wireless security system that you can customize for your needs.
You install it yourself and this is very straightforward. They offer 3 levels of professional monitoring services and require you to sign a contract of 1 to 3 years.
Contents
Contract
The most obvious difference between the 2 systems is their approach to contracting for the monitoring service. With Simplisafe you are not contracted for a fixed term. You pay for it monthly and can cancel this payment at any time.
Frontpoint give you an option of contract length of 1 year and 3 years, and give you a rebate against the cost of the equipment depending on the contract term you go for – a $25 discount for 1 year and a $300 discount for 3 years. You pay for it on a monthly basis. If you cancel part way through the term you need to pay 80% of the outstanding value of the contract. They do make all the costs of the service and monitoring upfront and a contract length of 1 to 3 years is reasonable. At the end of the contract term you are rolled over into a new contract for 1 year unless you let them know before the end of the contract term.
Monitoring Fees & Services
Both companies offer 3 levels of monitoring but they do offer different services with in each of the levels, fortunately the differences aren’t as confusing as when looking at phone contracts.
The lowest level of monitoring for Simplisafe is Live Alarm (cost – $14.99 per month) which provides you with 24/7 monitoring. The system transmits alerts to the monitoring center and they call you and assess the situation. The equivalent level of monitoring from Frontpoint is Protection (cost – $34.99 per month). It covers intrusion sensors, environmental sensors and panic alerts.
The next level of monitoring is offered by Simplisafe. There isn’t an equivalent offered by Frontpoint. This monitoring is called Alert (cost – $19.99 per month) and in addition to the previous level’s monitoring you get text/email alerts to let you know of security incidents and when someone enters or leaves your home.
Next comes the Interactive monitoring – it is known by this name for both systems. Simplisafe charge $24.99 per month and Frontpoint $42.99 per month. This adds the ability to control your system with your smartphone for arming/disarming the system, checking on who is at home (great for seeing if your children got home safely) and making other changes. Frontpoint has an additional feature where you can control your lights when you add the Wire Light Control component. Simplisafe does not offer this type of component.
Frontpoint has one more level called the Ultimate plan – cost is $49.99 per month. In addition to interactive monitoring this level gives you the ability to add up to 4 cameras to your system, locks and temperature that you monitor and control yourself from your smartphone. There is not an equivalent service provided by Simplisafe.
Price Comparison
To help in comparing these 2 systems I’ve worked through the total costs over 1 year and 3 year for both systems using the starter.standard kits they have listed on their site. To ensure they had the same components I have added a window/door contact to the Simplisafe starter kit. (When I did calculation)
The equipment I’ve included is a control panel (base unit and keypad for Simplisafe), 2 door/window contacts, 1 motion sensor and 1 keychain remote.
I chose the timeframe of 1 year and 3 years because that is the length of the monitoring contracts you can sign up to with Frontpoint (no contract required with Simplisafe).
You can add more security and environmental sensors to the system without affecting the cost of monitoring.
When you add cameras or home automation features to your system (available with Frontpoint only) you may need to upgrade your level of monitoring.
Simplisafe’s Live Alarm and Frontpoint’s Protection monitoring services are comparable services. The total cost for Simplisafe for 1 year is $424.83. Frontpoint is $794.83. For 3 years Simplisafe is $788.41 and Frontpoint $1,359.59
Both companies’ Interactive monitoring packages are similar except that Frontpoint gives you the ability to control your lights when the Wireless Light Control is bought. The total cost for Simplisafe for 1 year is $544.83 Frontpoint is $890.83. For 3 years Simplisafe is $1,148.41 and Frontpoint $1,647.59
Simplisafe’s Alert is not offered by Frontpoint and vice versa for Frontpoints Ultimate Package.
Simplisafe’s equipment is priced lower than Frontpoint’s components, so adding more components will increase the difference between costs for the two systems.
Frontpoint uses GE equipment which is regarded by many specialists to be amongst best equipment used in home security and is used by many security companies. Simplisafe use their own equipment and it has been noted in reviews that it looks a bit cheap and clunky, however, it is regarded as reliable and I’ve not come across any issues in my research.
I’ve estimated the cost of batteries based on the expected life of the batteries used in the devices.
The prices used in the calculation are those quoted on the respective sites on April 30 2014. The table below shows my calculations.
Home Automation
Frontpoint gives you the opportunity to include home automation with your system. In the interactive contract you can control your lights remotely and set them to come on and off at different times during the day. Upgrading to the ultimate plan gives you access to controlling the locks and temperature with your smartphone from anywhere you want in the world that you have internet access even when visiting “middle earth” in New Zealand.
As Frontpoint is z-wave (a wireless standard for home automation) compatible it is possible to add and integrate other companies’ devices to the system to give you more automation possibilities. The total number of devices that can be controlled and monitored with the system is 39.
Simplisafe does not offer any of these features and because it is not z-wave compatible you cannot buy other manufacturer’s products to add to the system. At this time there are no plans to add home automation features. You would need to buy other supplier’s systems to be able to have these features but you would not be able to integrate them with Simplisafe.
Security And Environmental Sensors Available
Both systems have the following the sensors – door/window contacts, motion sensors, remote controls, monoxide detector, freeze sensor, water sensor, external siren (not offered by Frontpoint but can add a third party siren) and extra wireless key pad.
Frontpoint has a much wider range and if they don’t have it listed on their site you can use other supplier components that a Z-wave compatible (but check with them first). The extra devices they have are: glass break sensor, touch careen pad, garage door sensor and recessed door sensor.
Features Comparison
This table lists and compares the features of both systems. You can page down or up by pressing the next and previous button at the bottom of the table. You can sort by using the arrows at the top of the columns and finally you can search the table by entering your question in the search box.
| Feature | Simplisafe | Frontpoint |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wireless | Wireless |
| Communication | Cellular | Cellular |
| Contract for Monitoring | No | 1 or 3 years |
| Monitoring Levels/ Cost per month | Live - $14.99 Alert - $19.99 Interactive - $24.99 | Protection - $34.99 Interactive - $42.99 Ultimate - $49.99 |
| Monitoring Company | Amcest | RapidResponse |
| UL Certified | Yes | Yes |
| Monitoring Hours | 24/7 | 24/7 |
| Cellular Networks Used | Verizon T Mobile | Verizon T Mobile AT & T |
| Remote monitoring | Smartphone Internet | Smartphone Internet |
| Smartphones Covered | Apple Android Windows | Apple Android Windows Blackberry |
| Can add cameras | No | Yes - Up to 4 Ultimate Plan |
| Max Sensors/Devices Can be Added | 41 | 39 |
| Home Automation | No | Yes with Interactive & Ultimate Plans |
| Z-wave compatible (Wireless standard for home automation) | No | Yes |
| Return period/money back | 60 days | 30 days |
| Manufacturers Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
| Wireless Coverage | Up to 400 ft | Up to 100 ft |
| Installation Method/ Time | DIY 2 hours | DIY < 2 hours |
| Panic button | Yes | Yes |
| Duress Codes | Yes | Yes |
| Master codes | 1 | 1 |
| User Codes for arming/disarming | 4 | 8 |
| Entry Delay | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
| Exit Delay | 30 seconds | 60 seconds |
| Control Panel Brand | Own | GE Simon XT |
| Better Business Bureau Rating | A+ | A |
| Angie's List | Super Service Award | Super Service Award |
Customer Support
Both companies have a very good reputation for offering very good customer service in helping with installation and any issues afterwards that may occur when being used. They both take a proactive approach to supporting their products and service.
Frontpoint are open for longer hours giving you more opportunity to speak to them outside of normal working hours whereas with
Simplisafe if you want to speak to them during the week you will probably need do this during working hours (depending where you are in the country). The monitoring service is 24/7 for both.
Frontpoint Hours: Monday to Friday – 8.00 am to 11.00 pm Eastern, Saturday to Sunday 10.00 am – 6.00 pm Eastern
Simplisafe Hours: Monday to Friday – 9.00 am to 6.00 pm Eastern, Saturday to Sunday 9.00 am – 6.00 pm Eastern
Installation
Both security systems are wireless which makes installation simple enough for most people to do it themselves. There is little DIY or technical knowledge required. The sensors are mounted using the double back tape that is included.
The equipment is pre-programmed to work together out of the box. You do not need internet access to get the system up and running. Of the two, the Frontpoint system is easier to install with all the sensors numbered and it being a matter of switching on the control panel and putting the sensors in place.
Protection Against Criminals Defeating Alarm System
Both systems communicate with their monitoring center over a cellular network so this avoids one pitfall those systems that use a land line. An intruder can defeat a system that uses a land line by cutting the phone cable outside the home thus preventing the signal from getting out.
When you subscribe to Frontpoint’s interactive or ultimate plans you get the added protection of their crash and smash technology. With this functionality if the system is armed and an intruder triggers a sensor an alert is sent to the monitoring center to let them know this is happened and it is set waiting for a signal from the control panel that the system has been disarmed. If the control panel is destroyed so a signal is not received by the monitoring center within the entry delay time then the monitoring center treats it as a security event and deals with it accordingly.
Simplisafe also have a system with dealing with the threat of the control panel being destroyed by the intruder before the notification is sent out. With most systems the keypad is part of the control panel which is the brains of the system and contacts the monitoring center. So, when it is destroyed the notification is stopped from being sent. Simplisafe have separated the keypad from the other functionality of the control panel. You now have a keypad for programming, arming and disarming, and a separate base unit (the brains). The base unit controls the system and communicates with the monitoring center. The base unit is located in an area separate to the keypad so if the intruder destroys the keypad the notification is still sent out by the base unit.
Both systems can be effective in ensuring a notification gets to a monitoring center even if an intruder destroys what they think is the control panel during the entry delay time period.
Summary
Simplisafe is a lower cost solution than Frontpoint for a monitored home security system. This does not appear to have noticeably reduced the quality of monitoring and protection even though the quality of components is not at the same quality standard as that offered by Frontpoint in terms of looks and feel. If you are looking for a security system that just monitors intruders and environmental sensors then Simplisafe can give this for you without being tied into a contract.
With Frontpoint you get the ability to add home automation and cameras to your system which can help to give you more ability to protect and monitor your home as well as the added convenience and fun of automation. You can control all of this with one App. So, you do not have the hassle of setting up multiple apps and systems or having to pay for additional monthly subscriptions and buy extra control panels or hubs. If you want these features now or in the near future then Frontpoint makes a very good choice.
Filed under: Buying Advice
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It can be a frustrating experience researching online. There always seems to some facts or data not covered.
My aim with this site is to provide the most comprehensive home security systems reviews so you have all the information you need in one place to help you in making the best choice to keep your home secure.
That’s one of the better reviews I’ve come across.
Would be interesting to throw LiveWatch/SafeMart into the comparison as well.
Thanks – That’s great to hear. Good idea – I’ll add it to my list.
Thank you so much for this very complete comparison as these were the two solutions I had been considering.
Thanks – It’s good to hear you found it useful
Don’t forget to mention in your review how FrontPoint discriminates against renters. If you own, you can opt for a 1 year or 3 year contract with a steep discount. If you rent, you can only get a 1 year contract (with only a 25 dollar discount). So when I tried to sign up, as soon as I stated that I rent, they converted me at checkout from 3 year contract to 1 year and my price went from 240 to over 500. Their justification is that it makes more “Sense” to give renters a shorter term. For a company that offers a PORTABLE wireless security system that lets you “take it with you” this is a contradiction to their statement and makes no sense at all. When I inquired about this on facebook, not only did Frontpoint fail to respond but my comment was deleted after a few days. Other people on facebook mentioned that frontpoint promptly deletes any negative comments on their facebook page rather quickly and only allows glaringly positive comments to remain henceforth showing a very unrealistic biased atmosphere and review. Though they can shut people down on their facebook page, there are other venues. Other sites, blogs, twitter, etc. Really examine Frontpoint and what is going on behind the scenes before making a decision. Get the full story.
That’s not good. I’m sorry to hear they treated you that way. I have heard they have recently become a bit heavy handed in their approach to making sales too. Hopefully they’ll return back to a more reasonable approach and it is only a blip.
What did you do for your home security system?
It’s not really discrimination – they’re just amortizing the cost of equipment they’re “giving” you over several years. You can still get a 3 year contract as a renter – it’s YOU who are choosing not to. Regardless whether you rent or own, you’re still going to live SOMEWHERE, and you can simply take your equipment with you and re-register it at a new address. Since the monitoring is via cellular network if you can get a cell signal, the system is completely portable. You don’t think about renting vs owning when signing up for a multi-year cell phone plan, this security system is the same sort of thing.
As for raising prices for shorter contracts, that’s just simple math – if they’re going to GIVE you a $500-worth of equipment, they can afford to charge you less and make the money back over 3 years as opposed to making that money back in 1 year after which you may or may not renew, leaving them out the equipment cost.
Companies are in business to make money. Never expect something for nothing. As for deleting negative comments on their Facebook page…Facebook is a marketing tool. A marketing tool that they pay for. Why would they leave negative comments on it? They’re well within their right to do so. If someone started posting garbage on MY Facebook page, I’d delete it and block the user too.
None,
Thanks for putting the perspective of the company and their economic considerations.
However, your point on whether you can choose a 1 year or 3 year contract is different to that posted on Frontpoint’s website which says that a “3 year agreement requires homeownership and credit eligibility”, so is not available to renters. It does take a little work to find but it is there.
Paul.
Frontpoint might have changed this recently, but they do offer heavy discounts for renters who choose the 3 year contract. I didn’t order it online, but I spoke to someone on the phone that offered the 3 year plan after I stated that I am renting an apartment. Hope this information helps!
Thanks Charles that is great to know.
I just talked with them yesterday, and told them I rent, and they gave me a 3 year contract, 60 day free trial and also discounted the equipment to only 99.00 total. I chose the higher level monitoring because I recently had a break in, but I don’t think they were unreasonable or pushy at all. I found them quite nice. Maybe it was just a bad sales rep you got on the phone.
That is great to hear. Thanks for letting me know.
thank you for the exact comparison that I was looking for. I’m going with SimplySafe and buying my own D-link IP Camera system.
Very useful comparison
Thank you. It’s good to hear you found the comparison useful.
are you sure about that? lol. you skipped the part about home automation?
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I’ll take a closer look at Home Automation in this comparison
Thanks Paul. Great review of the two systems I’m considering. You have confirmed my research and I feel good about my choice.
Thanks very much. It’s great to hear it was useful. Which one did you choose?
What a fabulous article and comparison! You have all the necessary information a data geek like me needs to see when comparing systems. You have saved me so much time in research and creating a spreadsheet! Thank you!
Thank you. It’s great to hear you found it useful.
Thanks for the in-depth review, I went with front point security and couldn’t be happier. I like the fact that from point has Z wave technology and I can add any components I want where as simplisafe seems to leave you handcuffed. The per month cost is not an issue because I can’t put a price point on my family’s safety. I ordered front point security through a secondary DIY website and got the best deal offered that I’ve seen- 10 door/window components, garage door monitor, motion detector, carbon monoxide, smoke & heat detector, glass break detector, yard sign and window decals and the main GE unit for $99. Very happy with my selection
Thanks for this. It sounds like you got a good deal on Frontpoint.
Thanks for your review. Can I ask who you bought your Frontpoint system through? Thanks so much.
Thanks for the information, Jason. Can you tell me where you bought the system? The deal you got is really good! Thanks!
Can you please share the secondary DIY website? Thanks
I wish I could help but I’ve not been able to find it. Frontpoint do sometimes have special deals. If you join their list you can get notified of any deals they might have.
Jason,
thx for ur info. Can you give me the name of ur seller that gave u such a great deal???
In case Frontpoint owners are not aware of this, the Frontpoint system is fully compatible with the Iris light switches found at Lowes stores. The light switches and outlets are around $35 each and are easily programmed to be controlled from the alarm system app. The dimmer switches are only about $5 more and even the brightness of the lights can be controlled from the app. The Geofence option that Frontpoint offers is never mentioned in the reviews but being able to program functions of light, temperature, door locks and alarm status automatically based on your distance from home is a function that SimpliSafe just can’t touch! It’s nice to live in a modern world!
Hi Shawn,
Thanks for the information. How has your experience been with using Geofence?
Hello Shawn,
If you go to the z wave web site, you can find listings of hird party devices that use the z wave portocall Just beware there are two z waves, make sure you check out the device you to be certain it is what you want.
Definitely go with FrontPoint! Much better.
Thanks for letting us know. Was there anything in particular you liked about it?
Thank you so much this review was exactly what I needed. I was actually leaning towards Simplisafe but didn’t realize they totally lacked home automation ability which is the primary reason I’m even thinking of changing out of my current system.
I have been with CPI for the past 10+ years and they called to offer me an upgrade on a promo they’re currently running which would provide much of the home automation I want.. The bottom line is to add two cameras (external) and one internal camera plus change out two older keypads for touch control will cost a bargain basement price of $600 with the privledge of renting this equipment through a 5 year contract. Seriously?
So I started looking on Angie’s List and found the two highest rated are Frontpoint and Simplisafe.
I contacted Frontpoint and had a great sales person who really was not overly hard sell. When i told him I found them on Angie’s list he told me he could give me a $300 discount. He also discouraged me from buying my cameras from Frontpoint. He sent me an email with the links to 3 companies for wireless survelliance cameras that could be monitored through FP’sr interative system(I guess that is the z technology you referred to).
So for those of you considering Frontpoint I suggest you look on Angie’s list. The deal is $199 and includes a $100 gift card from Amazon. The package from Agie’s includes: 1 control panel, 10 door / window sensors, 2 motion detectors, 1 glass break sensor, 1 smoke/heat detector and 2 keychain remotes, yard sign and 5 window decals.
While this package doesn’t match the one Jason found it is much better than the one offered on FP’s website.
Thanks Susan. I’m glad you found the comparison useful. How are you planning on using the home automation features you get with Frontpoint?
It was good to see they also gave you some advice on better cameras to use. The whole experience sounds first class.
Thanks for letting us know about the deal on Angie’s List. It looks a good deal. (You do need to be prepared to sign up for a 3 year monitoring contract at $34.99 a month).
One thing to keep in mind is that FrontPoint’s panel doubles as the interface for central station monitoring. If you smash the panel (which is in plain site on the wall), the whole system is dead. They claim there is “smash-proof” protection which is in the form of contacts/sensors to send an immediate alert if it’s opened/cracked/pulled off wall, but a decent hammer blow will kill it instantly. SimpliSafe’s cone base can be placed anywhere in the house (for instance, behind a locked closet door). If you break a panel, it doesn’t matter, as it’s simply a remote control. I think it is important to keep a security system separate from home automation. A Wink hub from home depot is $50 and you can add light switches, lamp modules, Nest thermostats, and all kinds of other devices without an extra monthly commitment. It also gives you the ability to create smarter rules. Yes, it’s a separate system, but home automation requires integration to work well and that integration opens the door for security issues.
You make an excellent point about keeping home automation and home security separate to prevent unauthorised access to the security system. It is just so convenient to have them working together, but it is a risk people need to be aware of when they are choosing their system.
I like the Simplisafe base unit being separated from the keypad too, it is well thought out and gives the system time to send out the notifications while keeping an entry delay.
In regards Frontpoint my understanding of the crash and smash functionality is a little different and provides more protection than that. As when the entry and motion sensor are triggered a signal is sent to the monitoring center to tell it that a sensor has been tripped and be on alert for the system to be properly disarmed (remote or via keypad) giving the all clear with in the time delay. If that isn’t received within time the alarm is raised and the monitoring center takes action.
Peter, that is not true FrontPoint has smash and grab protection. Once the alarm is triggered it remains active until passcode is punched in. If someone were to trigger the alarm and run immediately to the panel smash it or yank it out of power outlet, the alarm will remain active with the monitoring company however there will be no audible alarm. Which means the intruders are in for a rude awakening when the police show up . This Is a question I had for frontpoint and they assured me their panels are smash and grab proof.
Thanks for pointing this out. There is a caveat to this. The smash and crash protection is available on the interactive aand ultimate monthly plans but not on with the protection plan
An article from a security expert (Weber) “This Popular Wireless Alarm System Can Be Hacked With A Magnet And Scotch Tape” regarding Simplisafe was published by Forbes magazine in January this year. Is Frontpoint a better system or is the same as Simplisafe in terms of hacking?
Thanks
The article mentions jamming the wireless frequency that the system uses to communicate between the devices and control panel/base unit, and talks about stopping the entry sensors from working. Both Simiplisafe and Frontpoint work the same way and so do most home secueity systems so I’m not sure why he chose to highlight Simplisafe but he does seem to have something against them being endorsed.
To stop the entry sensor from working in the manner he descrbes you have to be inside to access the entry sensors, so would need an amount of planning that doesn’t happen in most burglaries, it is more likely to be done by teenagers trying to sneak out.
The wireless jamming is possible but again is unlikely – both Frontpoint and Simplisafe have anti-jamming where the systems detect jamming and notify those monitoring the system which the security expert fails to mention in his article/video. Frontpoint say they do not know of an occasion when this jamming has happened dating back to the 80s.
Yes, both systems can be hacked using scotch tape and magnet but so can others using the entry sensors as long as someone has access to the inside of the house prior to breaking in.
Update
Frontpoint has now updated their warranty to 3 years:
“We believe in not only finding exactly the right plan for you, but making sure you’re completely satisfied with it, too. All of our systems come with a 30-day, risk-free trial, free shipping and a three-year warranty. We think that’s pretty great.”
Retrieved Dec 21 2015
http://www.frontpointsecurity.com/plans-overview
That’s good news. Thanks for letting me know. I’ll update the comparison. Regards, Paul.
Hi Paul, your review is outstanding and I also appreciate the facts that others have shared. I just noticed that simplisafe is is now integrated with Nest…. so home automation is now possible, right? However, I might go with wink (for the home automation piece) given the excellent advice offered by Peter Ghosh.
Thanks – It’s great to hear you found it useful. I’ve not looked at wink that closely but it does look like it is developing into a good smart home hub. Did you decide on simplisafe or Frontpoint for Security?
Simplisafe and Frontpoint are both great DIY home security companies and I’ve been comparing the two so this comparison has been really helpful. I’ve come across Armorax home security too. Any word on them?
Hi,
Great to hear you found the comparison useful. Sorry I’ve not looked at Armorax in any detail. I’ve got them on my list now to look at.
As of March 2016:
I have been comparing the Frontpoint system with all the others, and right now I have ordered a Frontpoint which has a 45-day return privilege. I am getting the Qolsys IQ panel upgrade since it is way cooler (but $150 more) than the Simon XT version and supports home automation.
If you go to the Qolsys website you can find all the aftermarket sensors that are compatible with it, and the prices of those are significantly cheaper than what Frontpoint sells them for, Example – $33 Amazon vs $65 Frontpoint on Motion sensors, $22 Amazon vs $33 Frontpoint on Door/window sensors. The issue is, though, that the Amazon versions have a shorter warranty than the Frontpoint ones, and the Amazon ones are not necessarily supported by FP (that remains to be seen once you set the system up).
Another option with essentially identical hardware is to use Alarm.com directly for monitoring and purchase the same GE-based hardware (Qolsys IQ panel and compatible sensors) from Amazon. Using the “gold” plan on Alarm.com ($28/mo) and adding 5 additional sensors (adding $2/month to the monitoring) vs $45/month on Frontpoint, the “payback time” using Alarm.com for my hardware needs is a little over a year (again, depends on your hardware needs, and yes, that does include the $300 hardware discount incentive from Frontpoint along with a free smoke/heat sensor and keyfob). Your mileage may vary.
Both Frontpoint and Alarm.com use the Alarm.com mobile apps.
Frontpoint has a 3 year contract (to get the $300 equipment discount, albeit off of full-retail prices), no contract with Alarm.com. The Frontpoint Qolsys IQ panel has a “master dealer” code (not the default) which opens up additional options, they may or may not supply that to you. The Amazon Qolsys IQ panel uses the default codes.
Support on Alarm.com comes from a (what looks to be pretty good) Internet forum on suretyDIY.com, Frontpoint support is their own experts.
Not all the home automation hardware you might want is available from Frontpoint, but Qolsys lists all the hardware that their panel supports.
Frontpoint warranty on equipment is 2-years, where you purchase aftermarket equipment depends on the warranty you get. Some of the equipment prices on other DIY websites (for example, suretyDIY.com) are even higher than Frontpoint, I’ve found Amazon to be pretty good, but you can do better on eBay if a limited or no warranty doesn’t bother you (for example, compatible window/door sensors can found for as little as $12 used.
So what’s the bottom line? If you’re comfortable with DIY support, then go with Alarm.com, it’s cheaper in the long run. If you like extended warranties and hand-holding, go with Frontpoint. If you’d like to test the system out before deciding, take advantage of Frontpoint’s 45-day return privilege. They even pay return shipping if you’re not happy.
Thanks for taking the time to do this. It is excellent.
And I should also have said that Alarm.com charges for extra sensors (see surety.DIY forums), Frontpoint does not but will if you want motion cameras, thermostats,door locks etc (see their website), It is usually better to keep the cameras and thermostat in separate apps (I use ipcam for cameras, Honeywell app for my thermostat, etc,).
I’ve been with FrontPoint for 3 years now and have not compliant. I remember the guy who sold me the system was very helpful. I was paying the $42.99 per month and just renew today for another 3 years. The guy I talked to today told me he that if I renew for another 3 years, the payment per month would be $34.99 but I asked why I would stay with them when SimplySafe charges $15 per month and with no contract. He of course offered some explanations which I didn’t really need because I had already decided to stay with them. However, he put me on hold for a couple minutes and came back and told me that he was approved to give me the rate of $29.99 per month for the next 3 years. I said, great, let’s do it. Another happy customer.
It’s great to hear you’ve had such a good experience with them.
I just wish they wouldn’t lock you in to a 3 year contract. Were there any penalties if you change your mind part way through the period?