Ring vs. 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.
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| Installation type | DIY or professional via X Line | DIY |
| Installation fee | None if DIY | None |
| Upfront cost | Equipment ranges from $60 to $1,010 | $392.40 to $797.88 upfront; financing available |
| Trial period | 30-day free trial of Ring Protect Plus | 30-day risk-free guarantee |
| Contract terms | None; discount for prepaying annually | 36 months; month-to-month available if equipment purchased upfront |
| DIY or professional via X Line | None if DIY | Equipment ranges from $60 to $1,010 | 30-day free trial of Ring Protect Plus | None; discount for prepaying annually |
| 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 |
Monitoring plans and pricing
| | |
| Monitoring price range | Free self monitoring; $3 to $10/month for professional monitoring | $50/month |
| Monitoring options | Professional or self-monitored | Professional |
| Self-monitoring | Free | Not offered |
| Upgraded self-monitoring | $3/month to store recorded video | Not offered |
| 24/7 professional monitoring | $10/month | $50/month |
| Upgraded professional monitoring | Not offered | Not offered |
| Free self monitoring; $3 to $10/month for professional monitoring | Professional or self-monitored | Free | $3/month to store recorded video | $10/month | Not offered |
| $50/month | Professional | Not offered | Not offered | $50/month | Not offered |
Security equipment
| | |
| Wired or wireless? | Both | Wireless |
| Camera options | Indoor and outdoor cameras | Indoor and outdoor cameras |
| Video doorbell | ||
| Control panel | ||
| Motion sensor | ||
| Entry sensor | ||
| Glass break sensor | With Alexa-enabled devices | |
| Keychain remote | — | |
| Siren | Not listed | |
| Panic button | Panic pendant | |
| Yard sign |
| Both | Indoor and outdoor cameras | With Alexa-enabled devices | — | |||||||
| Wireless | Indoor and outdoor cameras | Not listed | Panic pendant |
Smart-home features
| | |
| Smart locks | ||
| Smart lights | ||
| Smart thermostat | — | |
| Garage door control | Works with Chamberlain garage door openers | Not listed |
| Temperature sensor | — | Not listed |
| Water sensor | ||
| Smoke detector | ||
| CO detector |
| — | Works with Chamberlain garage door openers | — | |||||
| Not listed | Not listed |
Technology
| | |
| Mobile app | ||
| Mobile app monitoring | ||
| iOS rating | 4.5 | 4.4 |
| Android rating | 3.7 | 3.3 |
| Notification/alert options | Push | Email, text and push |
| Home automation capabilities | ||
| Voice integration | ||
| Amazon Alexa | ||
| Google Home | ||
| Other integrations | — | Z-Wave products |
| 4.5 | 3.7 | Push | — | ||||||
| 4.4 | 3.3 | Email, text and push | Z-Wave products |
Reputation on ConsumerAffairs
| | |
| Overall star rating | 3.5 | 3.9 |
| Verified customer reviews | Ring reviews | Frontpoint reviews |
| 3.5 | Ring reviews |
| 3.9 | Frontpoint reviews |
All information accurate as of publishing date.
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
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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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