Vector Security vs. Frontpoint
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What is the difference between Vector Security and Frontpoint?
Vector Security and Frontpoint are two home security companies that offer a wide range of products and services. Vector offers more affordable monitoring rates and allows customers to combine them with the monthly cost of their system, which can be a big selling point. Frontpoint has month-to-month contracts and free installation, plus a 30-day trial. When comparing these two companies, it’s important to know how you prefer to pay and what is important to you in contractual terms.
Installation and cost
 |  | |
| Installation type | Professional | Pro or DIY |
| Installation fee | Included | None |
| Upfront cost | $99 to $199 | $392.40 to $797.88 upfront; financing available |
| Trial period | Not stated | 30 days |
| Contract terms | 36 months | 12 to 36 months |
| Professional | Included | $99 to $199 | Not stated | 36 months |
| Pro or DIY | None | $392.40 to $797.88 upfront; financing available | 30 days | 12 to 36 months |
Monitoring plans and pricing
| | |
| Monitoring price range | $45 to $55 per month | $24.99 to $49.99/month |
| Monitoring options | Professional | Professional |
| Self-monitoring | — | Not offered |
| Upgraded self-monitoring | Not offered | Not offered |
| 24/7 professional monitoring | $39.95/month | $44.99/month |
| Upgraded professional monitoring | $50/month | $49.99/month |
| $45 to $55 per month | Professional | — | Not offered | $39.95/month | $50/month |
| $24.99 to $49.99/month | Professional | Not offered | Not offered | $44.99/month | $49.99/month |
Security equipment
| | |
| Wired or wireless? | Wireless | Wireless |
| Camera options | Indoor, outdoor and doorbell | Indoor, outdoor and doorbell |
| Video doorbell | ||
| Control panel | ||
| Motion sensor | ||
| Entry sensor | ||
| Glass break sensor | ||
| Keychain remote | ||
| Siren | True | False |
| Panic button | True | True |
| Yard sign |
| Wireless | Indoor, outdoor and doorbell | True | True | |||||||
| Wireless | Indoor, outdoor and doorbell | False | True |
Smart-home features
| | |
| Smart locks | ||
| Smart lights | ||
| Smart thermostat | ||
| Garage door control | False | |
| Temperature sensor | True | False |
| Water sensor | True | |
| Smoke detector | ||
| CO detector |
| True | True | ||||||
| False | False |
Technology
| | |
| Mobile app | ||
| Mobile app monitoring | ||
| iOS rating | 4.7 | 4.3 |
| Android rating | 3.7 | 3.7 |
| Notification/alert options | Email, text and push | Email, text and push |
| Home automation capabilities | ||
| Voice integration | ||
| Amazon Alexa | ||
| Google Home | ||
| Other integrations | Amazon Echo, Google Home and Apple Siri | Amazon Alexa, Google, Siri, Z-Wave |
| 4.7 | 3.7 | Email, text and push | Amazon Echo, Google Home and Apple Siri | ||||||
| 4.3 | 3.7 | Email, text and push | Amazon Alexa, Google, Siri, Z-Wave |
Reputation on ConsumerAffairs
| | |
| Overall star rating | 3.8 | 2.1 |
| Verified customer reviews | Vector Security reviews | Frontpoint reviews |
| 3.8 | Vector Security reviews |
| 2.1 | Frontpoint reviews |
All information accurate as of publishing date.
Vector Security
Vector Security sells three home security packages that include monitoring and installation in the cost. The website is a bit clunky, making it difficult to see specifics about most products, but packages appear to have more products than many of its competitors. Vector is only available in some of the Eastern states, so its reach is pretty limited. Information about contracts is unclear on the site, but it seems they’re usually required.
Vector Security packages
- Essential Security: The Essential Security package includes a wireless control panel, three door/window sensors, a motion detector and a SecurityCare Plus warranty plan. This plan starts at $44.95 and includes monitoring and installation. There’s no upfront payment required with this option.
- Home Automation: The Home Automation package offers the same security solutions as the Essential package and adds smart-home products, including access to the mobile app and a video camera. This plan starts at $59.95 per month and requires a $99 down payment.
- Connected Home: The Connected Home package provides a full approach to automation and security. This package includes a control panel, three door/window sensors, a motion detector, a video camera, a smart thermostat, a door lock and mobile support. This package starts at $69.95 per month and requires $149 down.
What Vector Security customers say
Vector Security systems garner many positive reviews from their customers. Overall, reviewers say they are pleased with the product and service and feel that Vector is a reliable company. A number of reviews mention the excellent work of the technicians who perform friendly and efficient work. Some customers have experienced issues with equipment that doesn’t work.
Current customer for over 20 years. The service is reliable and prompt during alarms. Our updated installation went extremely well. The installation technician was well trained and very knowledgeable. He answered all our questions and took the time to explain in detail all the necessary steps to operate the system."
– Don of Ashland, OH
Frontpoint
Frontpoint is a well-rounded home security company that offers nearly every type of product on the market. It also offers month-to-month contracts and a 30-day trial. Monitoring is a little bit more expensive than with some competitors, but the monitoring plan includes additional features like unique user codes and geo-notifications.
You can purchase Frontpoint’s equipment upfront and opt for a month-to-month contract or finance the equipment over the life of a three-year monitoring contract.
Frontpoint equipment
- Build Your Own systems come with a Frontpoint hub and keypad. Additional equipment, including cameras, smoke and heat sensors, glass break detectors and home automation devices, can be added for an extra cost.
- The Safehouse, Frontpoint’s most basic package, includes a Frontpoint hub and keypad, a motion sensor, two door/window sensors, a yard sign and three window decals.
- The Bunker comes with a Frontpoint hub and keypad, three door/window sensors, an indoor camera, a motion sensor, a smoke and heat sensor, a yard sign and three window decals.
- The Fortress is Frontpoint’s most comprehensive package. It comes with a Frontpoint hub and keypad, two motion sensors, six door/window sensors, an indoor camera, a smoke and heat sensor, a yard sign and three window decals.
What Frontpoint customers say
Many Frontpoint customers give the company favorable reviews, citing the ease of installation and helpful customer service they received when they needed help. A few customers commented negatively on the company’s confusing cancellation policies, which they say led to being unfairly overcharged. However, most customers felt they received good service from Frontpoint representatives and were happy with the product.
I was looking at something that was easy where I could scale it up or scale it down depending on what I needed for it and Frontpoint seemed to be one of the better rated ones at the time. I've had the system probably 5 years now and the service is great. The customer service part was stellar..."
– Patrick of View Park, CA
Bottom line: Vector Security or Frontpoint?
Vector offers unique streamlined capabilities when it comes to monthly payments, although information about contracts is very limited. Frontpoint is very clear about its options. Both companies provide good solutions that fit a variety of home designs and can be tailored to fit more specific needs.
- Vector Security is best for someone who prefers to pay monthly for their system and wants to work with professionals when choosing and installing a system.
- Frontpoint is best for customers who prioritize a no-contract option that comes with a large set of features.
