SimpliSafe vs. Frontpoint
DIY security system comparison

Both SimpliSafe and Frontpoint use a cellular connection as their primary form of communication. Both companies also allow you to purchase equipment à la carte for a more customized home security system. Frontpoint offers a few more comprehensive security plans with extra features, while SimpliSafe is great for those looking for a cheaper option or who don’t want to sign a long-term contract.
SimpliSafe vs. Frontpoint comparison
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Starting monitoring cost | $14.99/month | $34.99/month |
Available plans/systems | Standard and interactive plan | Protection plan, interactive plan and ultimate plan |
Contract requirements | No contract required | 12–36 months |
Customer satisfaction | Read reviews | Read reviews |
Starting monitoring cost | Available plans/systems | Contract requirements | Customer satisfaction | |
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | $14.99/month | Standard and interactive plan | No contract required | Read reviews |
![]() | $34.99 | Protection plan, interactive plan and ultimate plan | 12–36 months | Read reviews |
SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe offers two different plans that run through a cellular connection: Standard and Interactive. Customers can also opt-in to the SimpliSafe home security app, which allows you to arm and disarm your system, watch live video footage and manage alerts via cell phone.
Standard Plan
The Standard plan for SimpliSafe costs $14.99 per month and is a good option for homeowners who are looking for a budget-friendly home security system. Here’s what’s included:
- 24/7 monitoring
- Cellular connection
- No contract
- Live video streaming
Interactive Plan
The Interactive plan costs $24.99 per month and includes everything from the standard along with:
- Remote arming and disarming of the system
- Customized sensors
- WiFi connection
- A Nest thermostat
- Smart Lock technology
- Alexa integration
- Google home
- Recorded video history
- Visual verification
Frontpoint
Frontpoint offers three comprehensive plans for their wireless home security systems, which are all run through a cellular connection with broadband backup. Equipment cost will depend on which plan you choose but can range from $99 to $349 upfront. Frontpoint also offers a 30-day risk-free trial with any plan you choose.
Protection plan
The Protection plan for Frontpoint costs $34.99 per month and is a good option for homeowners who just want a monitored security system without added automation features. Here’s what’s included:
- Intrusion protection
- Environmental protection
- Fire protection
- 24/7 monitoring
- A limited lifetime warranty
Interactive plan
The Interactive plan costs $44.99 per month and includes everything the protection plan includes along with:
- Email and text alerts
- Smash-proof equipment
- Frontpoint security app control
- Geolocation services
Ultimate plan
The Ultimate plan costs $49.99 per month and includes everything from the Protection and Interactive plans, along with:
- Live video streaming
- Motion activated video recording
- HD night vision video
- Light automation
- Door lock automation
- Energy management control
Compare SimpliSafe and Frontpoint monitoring plans
Both SimpliSafe and Frontpoint offer multiple plan levels with varying coverage to suit your needs. Their middle-tier plans, “Interactive” for both, provide comparable services. See how they stack up using the chart below.
SimpliSafe Interactive | Frontpoint Interactive | |
---|---|---|
Monthly price | $24.99 | $44.99 |
Activation cost | Free | Free |
Contract length | No contract | 12 or 36 months |
24/7 monitoring | ||
Video monitoring | ||
Live alerts |
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Bottom line: SimpliSafe or Frontpoint?
While both SimpliSafe and Frontpoint use a cellular connection, they offer very different options.
SimpliSafe is the best option for those who are looking for a plan with no long-term contracts and a relatively low monthly cost.
Frontpoint is the best option for those who are looking for a comprehensive home security system that they can install themselves.
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