Vivint vs. Frontpoint
What is the difference between Vivint and Frontpoint?
Vivint and Frontpoint both offer total home security and smart-home automation solutions. Frontpoint takes it a step further with a panic pendant for medical alerts. It’s easy to customize a system from Vivint or Frontpoint, but Frontpoint also offers bundled packages for quicker shopping. When choosing between these two companies, it’s essential to note the differences.
Installation and cost
 |  | |
| Installation type | Pro install | DIY |
| Installation fee | $49 to $199 | None |
| Upfront cost | Varies based on equipment | $392.40 to $797.88 upfront; financing available |
| Trial period | Not listed | 30-day risk-free guarantee |
| Contract terms | Typical contract is 60 months; month-to-month available with upfront equipment purchase | 36 months (if financing) |
| Pro install | $49 to $199 | Varies based on equipment | Not listed | Typical contract is 60 months; month-to-month available with upfront equipment purchase |
| DIY | None | $392.40 to $797.88 upfront; financing available | 30-day risk-free guarantee | 36 months (if financing) |
Monitoring plans and pricing
| | |
| Monitoring price range | $19.99 to $29.99+ | $24.99/month |
| Monitoring options | Professional | Professional |
| Self-monitoring | Not offered | Not offered |
| Upgraded self-monitoring | Not offered | Not offered |
| 24/7 professional monitoring | Starting at $19.99 | $50/month |
| Upgraded professional monitoring | Custom plans and packages available | Not offered |
| $19.99 to $29.99+ | Professional | Not offered | Not offered | Starting at $19.99 | Custom plans and packages available |
| $24.99/month | Professional | Not offered | Not offered | $50/month | Not offered |
Security equipment
| | |
| Wired or wireless? | Wireless | Wireless |
| Camera options | Indoor and outdoor cameras | Indoor and outdoor cameras |
| Video doorbell | ||
| Control panel | ||
| Motion sensor | ||
| Entry sensor | ||
| Glass break sensor | ||
| Keychain remote | ||
| Siren | Not listed | |
| Panic button | Vivint Emergency Pendant | Panic pendant |
| Yard sign |
| Wireless | Indoor and outdoor cameras | Vivint Emergency Pendant | ||||||||
| Wireless | Indoor and outdoor cameras | Not listed | Panic pendant |
Smart-home features
| | |
| Smart locks | ||
| Smart lights | ||
| Smart thermostat | ||
| Garage door control | Not listed | |
| Temperature sensor | Not listed | |
| Water sensor | ||
| Smoke detector | ||
| CO detector |
| ||||||||
| Not listed | Not listed |
Technology
| | |
| Mobile app | ||
| Mobile app monitoring | ||
| iOS rating | 4.6 | 4.4 |
| Android rating | 4.4 | 3.3 |
| Notification/alert options | Text and push | Email, text and push |
| Home automation capabilities | ||
| Voice integration | ||
| Amazon Alexa | ||
| Google Home | ||
| Other integrations | Google Home, Amazon Echo and Nest | Amazon Alexa, Google, Siri, Z-Wave |
| 4.6 | 4.4 | Text and push | Google Home, Amazon Echo and Nest | ||||||
| 4.4 | 3.3 | Email, text and push | Amazon Alexa, Google, Siri, Z-Wave |
Reputation on ConsumerAffairs
| | |
| Overall star rating | 4.6 | 4.1 |
| Verified customer reviews | Vivint reviews | Frontpoint reviews |
| 4.6 | Vivint reviews |
| 4.1 | Frontpoint reviews |
All information accurate as of publishing date.
Vivint
Vivint customizes home security systems with integrated smart-home automation. A service representative will talk you through your system’s design, and a Smart Home Pro will install it.
Vivint offers a full line of security devices, cameras and environmental sensors. The company provides 24/7 monitoring for its home security systems, and you can keep an eye on your system from your phone. You can use the app to control lights, locks and temperature.
Vivint plans
Vivint customizes every home security system to suit customer needs and home size. Plans start at $1 per day and include professional installation. The company offers financing for those that apply, but you can opt for month-to-month service instead of a contract if you purchase your equipment upfront.
What Vivint customers say
Vivint’s home security system is highly rated by the majority of customers, with many praising the company’s efficient service and friendly technicians who take the time to answer any questions. Overall, reviewers had favorable experiences with the installation, though some report equipment malfunctioning or poor initial installation. Customers generally found Vivint’s customer service to be friendly and professional, though some report long wait times to speak with a representative.
Nathanial did a wonderful job installing my system. He was able to answer all my questions and was very thorough. Install was just today, but so far very pleased with Vivint service. I would recommend this company based on my experience so far!”
— Margaret of Birmingham, AL
Frontpoint
Frontpoint home security systems are programmed to work right out of the box without professional installation. The company offers full home automation and security solutions that you can control from the app. You can also add environmental monitoring devices, including CO and flood sensors.
Professional monitoring is required to view your home security cameras and use the smart-home features. Available accessories include a keychain remote and a panic pendant. Frontpoint offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on equipment. You can build your own system or choose from its package options.
Frontpoint equipment packages
Equipment packages can be purchased upfront if you’d like a month-to-month contract. If you prefer financing, you can pay off the equipment over the course of a three-year monitoring contract.
- Build Your Own starts with the hub and keypad. Add any devices you need and choose your monitoring plan.
- The Safehouse is Frontpoint’s mid-tier package and comes with one hub and keypad, three door/window sensors, one indoor camera, one smoke and heat sensor, three window decals and a yard sign.
- The Bunker comes with one hub and keypad, three door/window sensors, one motion sensor, one smoke and heat sensor, a yard sign and three window decals.
- The Fortress is the company’s most comprehensive equipment package and comes with one hub and keypad, six door/window sensors, two motion sensors, one indoor camera, one smoke and heat sensor, a yard sign and three window decals.
What Frontpoint customers say
Frontpoint gets good reviews overall by customers on ConsumerAffairs. Reviewers like the easy installation of the system and appreciate the clear directions and helpful customer service representatives. Some customers mentioned it was hard to cancel their contracts when they became dissatisfied with their service.
The Frontpoint rep was excellent and my experience was, overall, very good. I used their online tutorial and did the installation myself. It went very well. The system works great and it's good peace of mind."
– T. of SD
Bottom line: Vivint or Frontpoint?
Frontpoint offers comprehensive home security and smart-home automation systems that do not require professional installation, while Vivint focuses on total home security and smart-home systems with professional installation.
- Vivint is best for customers who want a customized, complete home security and smart-home automation system with professional installation. If you need options for video recording, a range of camera choices and complete control from the app with professional monitoring, Vivint will work for you.
- Frontpoint is best for those who are confident in their skills for DIY installation and want a full range of options for home automation and home security devices.
