Simplisafe vs. Frontpoint

SimpliSafe vs. Frontpoint: Key differentiators

SimpliSafe key differentiators

• No contract monitoring: This is its main competitive advantage over traditional providers, offering customers total control over their service commitment.
• Environmental protection: It offers a wider range of environmental sensors (water freeze temperature) than many competitors, making it a comprehensive system for mitigating property damage.
• Active guard technology: SimpliSafe's top-tier plans use live security agents and AI to proactively deter intruders via two-way communication and camera sirens, an advanced feature usually reserved for premium providers.
• Affordable scale: The low cost of entry combined with month-to-month service makes it easy for customers to start small and add new components as needed.
• Drawbacks: SimpliSafe has a higher cost for top-tier professional monitoring than some other major DIY competitors like Ring and Cove.

Frontpoint key differentiators

• Alarm.com technology: Using Alarm.com gives it a significant technical edge, providing features and reliability typically associated with high-end professional installers.
• Pre-configured DIY: The pre-programmed nature of the sensors and hub makes installation exceptionally easy for non-technical users, blending professional quality with DIY convenience.
• Price lock guarantee: It offers a price-lock guarantee on the monitoring rate, ensuring the monthly fee will not increase over the term of the agreement.
• Comprehensive protection: All professional monitoring tiers include cellular backup, which is a crucial safety feature that protects the system from internet or power outages.
• Drawbacks: Its required monthly monitoring fees are higher than most other pure DIY competitors like Ring and SimpliSafe.

SimpliSafe vs. Frontpoint: System and installation

SimpliSafe is a leader in the affordable do-it-yourself security market, built on a foundation of contract-free monitoring and simple installation. Its system is known for reliability and a vast selection of sensors that cover both security (motion entry glass break) and environmental hazards (smoke water carbon monoxide). SimpliSafe is an excellent choice for budget-conscious homeowners and renters who value flexibility.

Frontpoint is a major player in the wireless do-it-yourself security space, known for its high-quality equipment and solid customer support. It positions itself as a premium DIY option, using industry-standard Alarm.com technology, which provides a high level of performance and smart home integration. Frontpoint is ideal for customers who want the reliability of professional-grade hardware without the hassle of professional installation.

SimpliSafe system and installation

• System type: SimpliSafe uses a wireless, modular system controlled by a base station that contains a cellular chip and a 24-hour backup battery. It is designed to be highly secure and reliable, even during power outages or if the base station is tampered with.
• Installation options: It is fundamentally a DIY system, requiring no tools and relying on adhesive strips for most sensors. Professional installation is also available through third-party services like OnTech, typically starting around $125 for customers who prefer expert setup.
• Equipment cost: SimpliSafe equipment is competitively priced, often running frequent sales. Pre-built packages start around $250 for the basic Foundation kit and range up to over $700 for comprehensive kits with multiple cameras and environmental sensors. Customers can also build their own systems a la carte.

Frontpoint system and installation

• System type: Frontpoint systems utilize wireless sensors and a central hub and keypad. The equipment is powered by the Alarm.com platform, which is considered highly reliable and offers advanced features like "crash and smash" protection and geo-services.
• Installation options: It is designed entirely for DIY installation. Equipment comes preconfigured to the customer's account, allowing for a fast and simple setup process guided by an app. Professional installation is not an option.
• Equipment cost: Frontpoint frequently offers aggressive sales, significantly lowering its retail prices. Starter packages often range from $69 to $419 depending on the current promotion and the number of cameras included. All equipment is sold outright, and a la carte sensors are competitively priced.

SimpliSafe vs. Frontpoint plans

SimpliSafe plans

SimpliSafe offers several tiers of professional monitoring and a basic self-monitoring option. The low cost of entry makes it one of the most flexible systems on the market, as you can upgrade or downgrade your protection as needed.

Self Monitoring ($0.33/day)
This is the system's core self-monitoring option. It includes:

• Arm and disarm remotely via the app
• Push notifications for general activity
• Push notifications for camera activity

Standard Plan ($0.76/day)
This entry-level professional monitoring plan includes 24/7 emergency dispatch and core features without video verification. It includes everything in the Self Monitoring plan along with:

• 24/7 emergency dispatch
• Built-in cellular connection
• Scheduled arming
• Alarm texts

Core Plan ($1.10/day)
This mid-tier plan is the most popular choice as it introduces powerful camera features and video verification. It includes everything in the Standard plan along with:

• Video verification
• Intruder intervention (live agents can talk to intruders)
• Unlimited camera recordings
• 10 percent off additional purchases
• Lifetime warranty

Pro and Pro Plus Plans ($1.66 to $2.66/day)
These top-tier plans offer the highest level of proactive protection, extending the features of the Core plan to include Active Guard Outdoor Protection and anti-theft guarantees.

Frontpoint plans

Frontpoint offers three distinct service levels that are all run through a cellular connection for maximum reliability. The plans differ primarily in their inclusion of automation and monitoring features. Equipment costs are separate and depend on the current promotion and package selected.

Video-only plan ($0.50/day)
This is the entry-level self-monitoring option, designed for users who only want remote video access without professional emergency response. It includes:

• Mobile app controlled system
• Self-monitoring with live and recorded video
• Email and text notifications
• Pet protection

Interactive monitoring plan ($1.50/day)
This plan includes full professional monitoring and is designed for comprehensive security and life safety without video recording features. It includes everything in the Video-only plan that is checked in the main plan table, along with:

• 24/7 intrusion fire carbon monoxide and flood professional monitoring
• Home automation features
• Crash and smash safety feature
• 24-hour battery backup

Ultimate monitoring plan ($1.64/day)
This top-tier plan combines all security, life safety and video features into one package, providing the maximum level of protection and control. It includes everything in the Interactive plan along with:

• Video with video analytics
• Automatic hourly system checks
• Unlimited video recording history

SimpliSafe monitoring and contracts

• Monitoring type: SimpliSafe offers robust self-monitoring (basic app control video recording) and multiple tiers of professional monitoring. Its higher tiers include features like video verification and "Active Guard" monitoring, where live agents can intervene via camera speakers.
• Monthly fees: It is known for its low monitoring costs and flexible plan structure.
  • Self-monitoring with cameras: Approximately $9.99 per month.
  • Basic professional monitoring: Starts around $21.99 to $22.99 per month.
  • Top-tier professional monitoring (Active Guard): Ranges from $49.99 to $79.99 per month, including AI-powered outdoor protection and anti-theft guarantees.
• Contract commitment: It requires no long-term contract for any of its monitoring plans. Customers pay month-to-month and can cancel or change their service tier at any time without incurring penalties.

Frontpoint monitoring and contracts

• Monitoring type: Frontpoint's monitoring is known for its speed and features. It offers mandatory 24/7 professional monitoring with tiers that include cellular backup, video verification and fire flood carbon monoxide monitoring. Self-monitoring is available only for video recording on its entry-level plan.
• Monthly fees: Frontpoint's monthly fees are generally higher than its main DIY competitors like SimpliSafe and Ring.
  • Self-monitoring (video only): Starts around $14.99 per month.
  • Full professional monitoring: Its main online plan, the Ultimate Monitoring plan, is approximately $49.99 per month. This includes all features, video and home automation.
• Contract commitment:
  • Standard term: While a 36-month contract is typically presented first, especially when financing equipment, Frontpoint offers month-to-month contracts if the customer purchases the equipment upfront or calls in to negotiate.
  • Trial period: It offers a 30-day, risk-free trial period with a full refund if the customer is not satisfied.

SimpliSafe vs. Frontpoint: Monitoring, equipment and technology

Both SimpliSafe and Frontpoint offer similar equipment, features, and technology. See how they stack up using the chart below.

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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