Brinks vs. Frontpoint
What is the difference between Brinks and Frontpoint?
Brinks and Frontpoint both offer convenient DIY security systems compatible with smart-home systems and customizable plans. There are a few key differences to note if you’re choosing between the two — for instance, Frontpoint does not require a contract if you purchase your equipment upfront. Compare these two companies side by side to choose which is best for you.
Installation and cost
 |  | |
| Installation type | Professional | DIY |
| Installation fee | $200 to $450 | None |
| Upfront cost | $199 to $699 | $392.40 to $797.88 upfront; financing available |
| Trial period | 30-day risk-free | 30-day risk-free guarantee |
| Contract terms | 36 months | 36 months (if financing) |
| Professional | $200 to $450 | $199 to $699 | 30-day risk-free | 36 months |
| DIY | None | $392.40 to $797.88 upfront; financing available | 30-day risk-free guarantee | 36 months (if financing) |
Monitoring plans and pricing
| | |
| Monitoring price range | $39.99 to $49.99/month | $50/month |
| Monitoring options | Professional | Professional |
| Self-monitoring | Not offered | Not offered |
| Upgraded self-monitoring | Not offered | Not offered |
| 24/7 professional monitoring | $39.99/month | $50/month |
| Upgraded professional monitoring | $49.99/month | Not offered |
| $39.99 to $49.99/month | Professional | Not offered | Not offered | $39.99/month | $49.99/month |
| $50/month | Professional | Not offered | Not offered | $50/month | Not offered |
Security equipment
| | |
| Wired or wireless? | Wireless | Wireless |
| Camera options | Indoor and outdoor cameras | Indoor and outdoor cameras |
| Video doorbell | ||
| Control panel | ||
| Motion sensor | ||
| Entry sensor | ||
| Glass break sensor | ||
| Keychain remote | ||
| Siren | Not listed | |
| Panic button | Panic pendant | |
| Yard sign |
| Wireless | Indoor and outdoor cameras | |||||||||
| Wireless | Indoor and outdoor cameras | Not listed | Panic pendant |
Smart-home features
| | |
| Smart locks | ||
| Smart lights | ||
| Smart thermostat | ||
| Garage door control | — | Not listed |
| Temperature sensor | — | Not listed |
| Water sensor | ||
| Smoke detector | ||
| CO detector |
| — | — | ||||||
| Not listed | Not listed |
Technology
| | |
| Mobile app | ||
| Mobile app monitoring | ||
| iOS rating | 3.8 | 4.4 |
| Android rating | 2.9 | 3.3 |
| Notification/alert options | Push and text | Email, text and push |
| Home automation capabilities | ||
| Voice integration | ||
| Amazon Alexa | ||
| Google Home | ||
| Other integrations | Apple TV | Amazon Alexa, Google, Siri, Z-Wave |
| 3.8 | 2.9 | Push and text | Apple TV | ||||||
| 4.4 | 3.3 | Email, text and push | Amazon Alexa, Google, Siri, Z-Wave |
Reputation on ConsumerAffairs
| | |
| Overall star rating | 2.6 | 3.9 |
| Verified customer reviews | Brinks reviews | Frontpoint reviews |
| 2.6 | Brinks reviews |
| 3.9 | Frontpoint reviews |
All information accurate as of publishing date.
Brinks
Brinks offers a wireless and smart security system. It’s compatible with several smart-home systems for customer convenience, and you can choose professional installation or install the system yourself. With the Brinks app, you can manage your home’s security right from your mobile phone. Brinks requires a 36-month contract.
Brinks plans
Brinks has three security plans to choose from. You can build on these packages and customize them to fit your needs.
- Smart Security Essential: This base plan starts at $199. It includes a control panel, one motion sensor, two door sensors and a yard sign. Monitoring services are $39.99 a month.
- Smart Security Complete: The second plan costs $349. It includes one control panel, one video doorbell, one motion sensor, two door sensors and a yard sign. Monitoring services are $44.99 a month.
- Smart Security Ultimate: This is the most robust plan and costs $699. This plan includes one control panel, one video doorbell, one motion sensor, three door sensors, one outdoor camera and one yard sign. Monitoring services cost $49.99 a month.
What Brinks customers say
Many Brinks customers praise quick service calls and the attentiveness of company representatives. These customers say they are happy with their Brinks system overall. Some customers said they were frustrated by long hold times when calling the company, however.
Brinks' reps were very good, and everything was good. I'm more confident when I'm out of town, that I can look in on my property and see what's going on. I can see everything that's going on inside and outside my house."
– Charles of Warner Robins, GA
Frontpoint
Frontpoint offers customers a straightforward experience. Customers build their own security system or choose one of the company’s packages. Frontpoint doesn’t provide professional installation, so your only choice is to install your security system yourself. There are no contracts to commit to long-term if you purchase your equipment upfront, but you can also choose to finance your equipment if you sign a three-year contract.
Frontpoint systems are also compatible with most smart-home technology.
Frontpoint equipment packages
- The Fortress: This is Frontpoint’s most comprehensive package. It includes a hub, a keypad, two motion sensors, six door/window sensors, one indoor camera, one smoke and heat sensor, a yard sign and three window decals.
- The Bunker: Frontpoint’s mid-tier system includes a hub, a keypad, a motion sensor, three door/window sensors, an indoor camera, a smoke and heat sensor, a yard sign and three window decals.
- The Safehouse: This starter system comes with a hub, a keypad, a motion sensor, two door/window sensors, a yard sign and three window decals.
- Build Your Own: If you’re looking for a highly customized solution, this package is a good place to start. It comes with a hub and a keypad, and you can purchase additional devices separately.
What Frontpoint customers say
Customers who have used the Frontpoint security system generally leave favorable reviews on our site, though some reviewers have taken issue with faulty equipment and inferior customer service. However, the majority of reviews are positive, and people praise the simplicity of the system and high-quality devices. Most customers felt they received satisfactory service when they needed help.
I've done the installation myself and it was very easy. The features are great too. I linked it to my Alexa. The customer service is good as well. On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd give it a 10."
– Teronn of Plano, IL
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Bottom line: Brinks or Frontpoint?
Both Brinks and Frontpoint have convenient plans that are customizable to the customer’s needs. Both companies offer smart-home integration and DIY installation. The main difference between the two companies is commitment.
- Brinks is best for customers who want to lock in their prices long-term since it requires a 36-month contract.
- Frontpoint is best for customers who don’t want a long-term commitment and are willing to purchase their equipment upfront.
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