Ring vs. Frontpoint

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Frontpoint

What is the difference between Ring and Frontpoint?

Ring and Frontpoint are DIY security systems that allow you to monitor your home using a smart device. Both companies have smart-home capabilities and require no contracts. What sets these two companies apart are pricing, data backup and additional security features.

ring logofrontpoint logo
Installation typeDIY or professional via X LinePro or DIY
Installation feeNone if DIYNone
Upfront costEquipment ranges from $60 to $1,010$392.40 to $797.88 upfront; financing available
Trial period30-day free trial of Ring Protect Plus30-day risk-free guarantee
Contract termsNone; discount for prepaying annually36 months (if financing)
ring logoDIY or professional via X LineNone if DIYEquipment ranges from $60 to $1,01030-day free trial of Ring Protect PlusNone; discount for prepaying annually
frontpoint logoPro or DIYNone$392.40 to $797.88 upfront; financing available30-day risk-free guarantee36 months (if financing)

Monitoring plans and pricing

ring logofrontpoint logo
Monitoring price rangeFree self monitoring; $3 to $10/month for professional monitoring$24.99/month
Monitoring optionsProfessional or self-monitoredProfessional
Self-monitoringFreeNot offered
Upgraded self-monitoring$3/month to store recorded videoNot offered
24/7 professional monitoring$10/month$50/month
Upgraded professional monitoringNot offeredNot offered
ring logoFree self monitoring; $3 to $10/month for professional monitoringProfessional or self-monitoredFree$3/month to store recorded video$10/monthNot offered
frontpoint logo$24.99/monthProfessionalNot offeredNot offered$50/monthNot offered

Security equipment

ring logofrontpoint logo
Wired or wireless?BothWireless
Camera optionsIndoor and outdoor camerasIndoor and outdoor cameras
Video doorbell
Control panel
Motion sensor
Entry sensor
Glass break sensorWith Alexa-enabled devices
Keychain remote
SirenNot listed
Panic buttonPanic pendant
Yard sign
ring logoBothIndoor and outdoor camerasWith Alexa-enabled devices
frontpoint logoWirelessIndoor and outdoor camerasNot listedPanic pendant

Smart-home features

ring logofrontpoint logo
Smart locks
Smart lights
Smart thermostat
Garage door controlWorks with Chamberlain garage door openersNot listed
Temperature sensorNot listed
Water sensor
Smoke detector
CO detector
ring logoWorks with Chamberlain garage door openers
frontpoint logoNot listedNot listed

Technology

ring logofrontpoint logo
Mobile app
Mobile app monitoring
iOS rating4.54.4
Android rating3.73.3
Notification/alert optionsPushEmail, text and push
Home automation capabilities
Voice integration
Amazon Alexa
Google Home
Other integrationsHoneywell and Alexa-enabled devicesAmazon Alexa, Google, Siri, Z-Wave
ring logo4.53.7PushHoneywell and Alexa-enabled devices
frontpoint logo4.43.3Email, text and pushAmazon Alexa, Google, Siri, Z-Wave

Reputation on ConsumerAffairs

ring logofrontpoint logo
Overall star rating1.23.0
Verified customer reviewsRing reviewsFrontpoint reviews
ring logo1.2Ring reviews
frontpoint logo3.0Frontpoint reviews

All information accurate as of publishing date.

Looking to protect what matters most? Get matched with your best security system.

    Ring

    Ring has smart-home capabilities that include smart locks and smart lights, which let you control many features of your home through the app on your phone, tablet or computer. All Ring equipment is completely powered by Wi-Fi and comes with lifetime theft protection. You can choose from Ring’s security bundles, which range from $199.99 to $349.99.

    You can choose between DIY or professional monitoring. If you choose DIY monitoring, you'll need to contact the authorities if the system sends you an alert on your phone that someone has broken into your home.

    Ring plans

    All three Ring plans require no contracts:

    Ring Protect Free: This plan is completely free. It includes motion-activated alerts, two-way voice features, live video streaming and lifelong theft protection. With Ring Protect Free, you can stream videos but can’t save or share them.

    Ring Protect Basic: Along with all the features of Ring Protect Free, Ring Protect Basic adds video saving and sharing coverage from one doorbell or security camera for $3 per month.

    Ring Protect Plus: Along with all the features of Ring Protect Free and Ring Protect Basic, Ring Protect Plus also adds professional monitoring, a 10% discount on certain accessories and extended warranties on all devices.

    What Ring customers say

    Positive reviews on our site say Ring is easy to install and a good value. Many highlight the system’s video quality and monitoring app, which is ideal for catching porch pirates. A few customer reviews mention having to troubleshoot the system when it goes offline.

    The Ring system was very easy to set up. I installed three ring floodlights, a doorbell and a chime pro. I can view all sides of my house and the doorbell notifies me, even if the person doesn’t ring the bell. I no longer worry about things that go bump in the night or need to open my door to strangers. The price is very reasonable compared to other systems."

    Pamela of Ventura, CA

    Frontpoint

    Frontpoint is a DIY home security system that requires no professional installation and can be moved with you. Frontpoint has multiple smart-home capabilities and lets you control several home features through the company's mobile app. Frontpoint uses cellular data as a backup against Wi-Fi failure. You can build your security system a la carte or choose from its three packages.

    Frontpoint is unique in the world of DIY home security in that the most basic plan includes professional monitoring. All Frontpoint plans include wireless technology and cellular backup in case of Wi-Fi failure.

    Frontpoint plans

    The Safehouse: The Safehouse package costs $392.40 upfront. It includes the hub, keypad, one motion sensor, two door/window sensors and a doorbell camera.

    The Bunker: The Bunker package is $633.92 upfront. It includes the hub, one keypad, three door/window sensors, a smoke/heat sensor, one motion sensor, an indoor camera and a doorbell camera.

    The Fortress: The Fortress has an upfront cost of $797.88 and includes the hub, one keypad, six door/window sensors, a smoke/heat sensor, two motion sensors, an indoor camera and a doorbell camera.

    What Frontpoint customers say

    Positive reviews of Frontpoint’s security system on our site mention how easy it was to install and the high level of customer service they received. Customers also like the option for DIY installation and find the instructions clear and easy to follow. In negative reviews, customers refer to issues with the company’s billing services and equipment not working as advertised.

    At the time, Frontpoint was set up as a do-it-yourself operation. I installed it myself and the instructions were easy to follow. The system was pretty much customized. ... My only complaint about them was I thought their control panels were dated. They have new ones now, so they don't have that problem anymore."

    Ronald of Seymour, TN

    Bottom line: Ring or Frontpoint?

    The biggest factor that sets these two companies apart is the price. Both have options for home automation and require no contract, but Ring is more affordable. However, Frontpoint offers additional security features that would benefit customers who are willing to pay more, including cellular backup.

    Ring is best for shoppers who need an affordable security system and don't mind installing it themselves.

    Frontpoint is best for those who aren't interested in self-monitoring and are willing to pay more for additional security features.

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