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; month-to-month available if equipment purchased upfront
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; month-to-month available if equipment purchased upfront
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
$50/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
$50/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
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."
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."
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.
