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	$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

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	3.9	1.7
Verified customer reviews	Frontpoint reviews	Alert 360 reviews

	3.9	Frontpoint reviews
	1.7	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.

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.

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.