Frontpoint vs. Alert 360
What is the difference between Frontpoint and Alert 360?
Frontpoint and Alert 360 are home security companies that feature full home protection and smart-home integration. Both offer competitive prices on equipment ranging from cameras to smart locks, which can make it difficult to choose between the two, so it’s important to note the differences.
Installation and cost
 |  | |
| Installation type | DIY | Professional |
| Installation fee | None | $99 to $199 |
| Upfront cost | $392.40 to $797.88 upfront; financing available | Equipment included in monthly fee |
| Trial period | 30-day risk-free guarantee | None listed |
| Contract terms | 36 months (if financing) | 36 months; no-contract options available if equipment purchased upfront |
| DIY | None | $392.40 to $797.88 upfront; financing available | 30-day risk-free guarantee | 36 months (if financing) |
| Professional | $99 to $199 | Equipment included in monthly fee | None listed | 36 months; no-contract options available if equipment purchased upfront |
Monitoring plans and pricing
| | |
| Monitoring price range | $24.99/month | $49.95 to $59.95 |
| Monitoring options | Professional | Professional |
| Self-monitoring | Not offered | — |
| Upgraded self-monitoring | Not offered | — |
| 24/7 professional monitoring | $50/month | Starting at $49.95 |
| Upgraded professional monitoring | Not offered | $59.95 |
| $24.99/month | Professional | Not offered | Not offered | $50/month | Not offered |
| $49.95 to $59.95 | Professional | — | — | Starting at $49.95 | $59.95 |
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 | Audible panel siren |
| Panic button | Panic pendant | Medical panic button device; silent panic button activation from control panel |
| Yard sign |
| Wireless | Indoor and outdoor cameras | Not listed | Panic pendant | |||||||
| Wireless | Indoor and outdoor cameras | Audible panel siren | Medical panic button device; silent panic button activation from control panel |
Smart-home features
| | |
| Smart locks | ||
| Smart lights | ||
| Smart thermostat | ||
| Garage door control | Not listed | |
| Temperature sensor | Not listed | |
| Water sensor | ||
| Smoke detector | Not listed | |
| CO detector |
| Not listed | Not listed | ||||||
| Not listed |
Technology
| | |
| Mobile app | ||
| Mobile app monitoring | ||
| iOS rating | 4.4 | 4.3 |
| Android rating | 3.3 | 3.7 |
| Notification/alert options | Email, text and push | Email and text |
| Home automation capabilities | ||
| Voice integration | ||
| Amazon Alexa | ||
| Google Home | ||
| Other integrations | Amazon Alexa, Google, Siri, Z-Wave | Rachio Smart Sprinkler, Sonos Wireless Speakers |
| 4.4 | 3.3 | Email, text and push | Amazon Alexa, Google, Siri, Z-Wave | ||||||
| 4.3 | 3.7 | Email and text | Rachio Smart Sprinkler, Sonos Wireless Speakers |
Reputation on ConsumerAffairs
| | |
| Overall star rating | 4.1 | 1.3 |
| Verified customer reviews | Frontpoint reviews | Alert 360 reviews |
| 4.1 | Frontpoint reviews |
| 1.3 | Alert 360 reviews |
All information accurate as of publishing date.
Frontpoint
Frontpoint offers both basic and high-tech home security you can install yourself. You can easily check and modify your security system from your smartphone. The system also lets you take advantage of features like unique user security codes and sensor history. The company sells a wide variety of security equipment and cameras to defend against every sort of emergency, including burglary, fire and flooding.
Frontpoint plans
- Interactive: This plan includes 24/7 professional monitoring over a wireless or cellular network, automated system checks and geolocation services. It costs $1.48 per day for this plan.
- Ultimate: The Ultimate package includes everything in the Interactive plan and adds motion-triggered alerts, night vision, smart light and lock capabilities, live video streaming and video storage. This plan costs $1.64 per day.
What Frontpoint customers say
The Frontpoint security system has a number of good reviews with frequent comments about how easy the system is to set up and use. Many reviewers liked that they could install it themselves and found the directions easy to follow. When issues did arise, they were able to contact customer service and quickly get them resolved. On the other hand, there were some comments centering on billing concerns — some customers claimed they had been overcharged and deceived about their contractual obligations.
I like the ease of installation and price of Frontpoint. However, the video camera doorbell thing doesn't work very well. So I use something separate. But the quality of the system is good."
– Manole of North Attleboro, MA
Alert 360
Alert 360 protects homes and businesses with customizable security packages that feature devices like cameras, sensors, locks, doorbells and more. All products are wireless and professionally installed, and you can easily integrate these security systems with smart-home capabilities.
Equipment is only available through local offices, but package pricing is available online or over the phone. Alert 360 is compatible with other security systems and offers monthly savings for those who switch.
Alert 360 plans
- Switch 'n Save: If you already have an existing security system, monthly monitoring with Alert 360 starts at $15.95 per month. This cellular plan has universal panel support, remote app control and 24/7 professional monitoring.
- Smart Door Lock: This package includes professional monitoring, a touch-screen control panel, one motion sensor, three door/window sensors and a keyless door lock. The Smart Door Lock package costs $44.95 per month.
- Smart Home Video: The video package includes professional monitoring, a touch-screen control panel, one motion sensor, three door/window sensors and a wireless indoor camera. This plan costs $44.95 per month.
- Door Command: The Door Command package includes professional monitoring, a touch-screen control panel, a smart video doorbell, a keyless door lock, one motion sensor and three door/window sensors. Seasonal promotions may offer additional free equipment, such as a free keyless lock or indoor camera. This package costs $50.95 per month.
- Complete Smart Home: The Complete package offers professional monitoring, a touch-screen control panel, a smart video doorbell, a keyless door lock, an indoor camera, one motion sensor and three door/window sensors. Free promotional equipment may be included. This plan costs $54.95 per month.
What Alert 360 customers say
While there were some favorable reviews of Alert 360, most of them mentioned unsatisfactory experiences with the company. A few people thought the technicians did professional work, but the majority of reviewers criticized the company. Most issues centered on a misleading cancellation policy that left many customers feeling frustrated when they couldn’t reach a representative to help them.
Their service is excellent and customer service is above par, but their cancellation clause which I found out when I was thinking about getting a better deal is unfair. Looked at my contract and it was there in small print [and] easy to miss."
– Redjeb of Converse, TX
Bottom line: Frontpoint or Alert 360?
Frontpoint and Alert 360 offer similar protection and differ primarily in the contract requirements. Most Alert 360 customers have a 36-month contract, while Frontpoint offers month-to-month services and upfront equipment costs. Both companies provide a full spectrum of home security equipment, though Frontpoint uses DIY installation and Alert 360 requires a professional.
- Frontpoint is best for customers who can install basic security technology on their own and prefer month-to-month service instead of contracts.
- Alert 360 is best for those who don’t mind signing a contract and want everything professionally handled — from pricing to installation to monitoring services.
