Vivint vs. Frontpoint

Vivint vs. Frontpoint: What's the difference?

Vivint is a full-service smart home security provider built around professionally installed, high-end hardware that connects deeply with its own ecosystem of smart devices. A Vivint system can include cameras, smart thermostats and voice assistant integration with Amazon Echo and Google Assistant.

Frontpoint is a major DIY security provider with a reputation for high-quality equipment and responsive customer support. Its systems run on the Alarm.com platform, giving users professional-grade smart home integration without the need for a technician to visit.

What we like about Vivint

• Proprietary technology: Vivint controls its entire technology stack, from its smart locks to its outdoor cameras with intelligent person detection — giving it capabilities you won't find off the shelf.
• Proactive security: The Smart Hub runs on-device analytics that can deter criminal activity, such as emitting an audio warning at lurkers, before any alarm is triggered.
• Unified control: Rather than juggling multiple apps, the Smart Hub brings security, lighting, locks and temperature into a single control point for true smart home automation.

What to consider: Equipment costs are the biggest hurdle — a comprehensive Vivint system can exceed $2,000. Financing is common, but it locks customers into contracts as long as 60 months, which is among the longest commitments in the industry.

What we like about Frontpoint

• Alarm.com technology: Frontpoint delivers the same professional-grade platform and reliability typically reserved for custom-installed systems, but at DIY prices.
• Preconfigured equipment: Sensors and the hub arrive already programmed to your account, so setup is fast and accessible even for non-technical users.
• Price lock guarantee: Frontpoint locks in your monitoring rate for the duration of your agreement, so you won't face unexpected price increases.
• Cellular backup included: Every professional monitoring tier includes cellular backup, keeping your system online even if your internet or power goes out.

What to consider: Monthly monitoring fees run higher than budget DIY competitors like Ring and SimpliSafe. Frontpoint also doesn't offer professional installation, so you handle setup entirely on your own — though the preconfigured hardware makes that process straightforward.

Vivint vs. Frontpoint: System and installation

Vivint requires a professional technician for every installation, while Frontpoint ships pre-programmed equipment you set up yourself. Here's how the two approaches compare in practice.

Vivint system and installation

• System type: Vivint's hardware is fully wireless and centers on the Vivint Smart Hub, a touchscreen control panel that manages security and smart home functions.
• Installation options: A Vivint Smart Home Pro handles all installation — there is no self-install option. Installation fees typically run between $99 and $199, though they are often waived with promotional offers or higher-tier packages.

Vivint equipment costs

Starter packages begin around $599, and fully customized systems with multiple cameras can easily push past $2,000. Customers can pay for equipment upfront or spread the cost across 42- or 60-month financing terms.

Frontpoint system and installation

• System type: Frontpoint runs on the Alarm.com platform, using wireless sensors, a central hub and a keypad. The system includes "crash and smash" protection and geo-services for added reliability.
• Installation options: Frontpoint is DIY only. Equipment ships pre-configured to your account and setup is guided through the app. Professional installation is not available.

Frontpoint equipment costs

Starter packages typically fall between $69 and $419 depending on current promotions and whether cameras are included. All equipment is sold outright, and a la carte sensors are competitively priced. Frequent sales can bring costs down significantly.

Vivint vs. Frontpoint: Monitoring plan costs

Both companies offer professional monitoring, but Vivint ties customers to longer contract terms while Frontpoint provides somewhat more flexibility depending on how equipment is purchased.

Vivint monitoring plans

• Smart Security: Starting at $29.99 per month, this plan covers sensor-based monitoring without cameras.
• Smart Home Video: Starting at approximately $44.99 per month, this tier adds camera access with cloud storage billed at roughly $5 per camera each month.

Contract commitment: Customers who finance equipment — which is most — sign a 42- or 60-month agreement. Those who pay for all equipment upfront can opt for a month-to-month service arrangement instead.

Frontpoint monitoring plans

• Ultimate Monitoring: Approximately $50 per month. This plan includes 24/7 professional monitoring, cellular backup, crash-and-smash protection, full mobile app access for video streaming and home automation, environmental monitoring for fire and flood, and smart home control.
• Interactive Monitoring: Approximately $44.99 per month. This plan includes everything in the Ultimate Monitoring plan except video analytics.
• Video-Only: Approximately $15 per month. This self-monitoring tier allows video recording and viewing but does not include professional dispatch.

Contract commitment: A 36-month agreement is standard when customers take advantage of the lowest upfront equipment pricing or financing. A month-to-month option is available for customers who purchase the hub and sensors outright.

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Vivint vs. Frontpoint: Equipment and technology

See how Vivint's proprietary smart home ecosystem stacks up against Frontpoint's Alarm.com-powered hardware across sensors, cameras and smart home compatibility.

Reputation on ConsumerAffairs

What Vivint customers say

Vivint's home security system earns high marks from the majority of customers on ConsumerAffairs. Reviewers frequently praise the company's technicians for being efficient, thorough and willing to walk through any questions during the installation appointment. While most installation experiences are positive, some customers report equipment issues or problems with the initial setup. Customer service is generally described as friendly and professional, though a portion of reviewers mention longer-than-expected wait times to reach a representative.

What Frontpoint customers say

Frontpoint receives generally positive reviews on ConsumerAffairs. Customers consistently highlight how easy the system is to install and appreciate the clarity of the setup instructions along with the helpfulness of customer service representatives. A recurring complaint, however, involves difficulty canceling contracts for customers who became unhappy with their service.

Bottom line: Vivint or Frontpoint

Choose Vivint if you want a custom-designed system with cutting-edge proprietary technology and white-glove installation service, and you're prepared for premium equipment costs and potentially long financing contracts — lower-cost or DIY-focused providers will be a better fit if budget or flexibility is a priority.

Choose Frontpoint if you want a DIY setup backed by professional-grade Alarm.com technology with a guaranteed monitoring rate, keeping in mind that its monthly fees run higher than budget DIY alternatives like Ring or SimpliSafe.

» MORE: SimpliSafe vs. Frontpoint