Xfinity vs. Frontpoint
+1 more
Xfinity and Frontpoint differences
Xfinity and Frontpoint are both great home security companies. Where Frontpoint stands apart is its smart-home integrations, although the higher-end monitoring plan must be in place to access all the features. Xfinity, on the other hand, is known for its ability to streamline payments across the board, including for internet, TV and security. Both include a 30-day trial and offer packages for $0 down.
Installation and cost
 |  | |
| Installation type | Professional | Pro or DIY |
| Installation fee | $100 | None |
| Upfront cost | Equipment cost of $360 to $600+; financing available | $392.40 to $797.88 upfront; financing available |
| Trial period | 30-day money-back guarantee | 30-day risk-free guarantee |
| Contract terms | Two years | 36 months (if financing) |
| Professional | $100 | Equipment cost of $360 to $600+; financing available | 30-day money-back guarantee | Two years |
| Pro or 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 | $30+ | $24.99/month |
| Monitoring options | Professional and self-monitored | Professional |
| Self-monitoring | Self protection feature available (live recorded video) for $10/month | Not offered |
| Upgraded self-monitoring | — | Not offered |
| 24/7 professional monitoring | $30+ | $50/month |
| Upgraded professional monitoring | $40+ | Not offered |
| $30+ | Professional and self-monitored | Self protection feature available (live recorded video) for $10/month | — | $30+ | $40+ |
| $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 specified | Not listed |
| Panic button | Via touch-screen control panel | Panic pendant |
| Yard sign |
| Wireless | Indoor and outdoor cameras | — | — | Not specified | Via touch-screen control panel | |||||
| Wireless | Indoor and outdoor cameras | Not listed | Panic pendant |
Smart-home features
| | |
| Smart locks | Compatible with August, Kwikset and Yale | |
| Smart lights | Compatible with GE (Jasco), Leviton, LIFX, Lutron Castéta, Phillips Hue, Sengled | |
| Smart thermostat | Compatible with Carrier Cor, ecobee, Zen | |
| Garage door control | Compatible with Chamberlain LiftMaster | Not listed |
| Temperature sensor | — | Not listed |
| Water sensor | — | |
| Smoke detector | ||
| CO detector | — |
| Compatible with August, Kwikset and Yale | Compatible with GE (Jasco), Leviton, LIFX, Lutron Castéta, Phillips Hue, Sengled | Compatible with Carrier Cor, ecobee, Zen | Compatible with Chamberlain LiftMaster | Compatible with Chamberlain LiftMaster | — | — | |
| Not listed | Not listed |
Technology
| | |
| Mobile app | ||
| Mobile app monitoring | ||
| iOS rating | 4.4 | 4.4 |
| Android rating | 4.5 | 3.3 |
| Notification/alert options | Text, email, push and TV | Email, text and push |
| Home automation capabilities | ||
| Voice integration | ||
| Amazon Alexa | ||
| Google Home | Not specified | |
| Other integrations | xFi Gateway, Xfinity camera devices | Amazon Alexa, Google, Siri, Z-Wave |
| 4.4 | 4.5 | Text, email, push and TV | Not specified | xFi Gateway, Xfinity camera devices | |||||
| 4.4 | 3.3 | Email, text and push | Amazon Alexa, Google, Siri, Z-Wave |
Reputation on ConsumerAffairs
| | |
| Overall star rating | 1.9 | 3.1 |
| Verified customer reviews | Xfinity Home reviews | Frontpoint reviews |
| 1.9 | Xfinity Home reviews |
| 3.1 | Frontpoint reviews |
All information accurate as of publishing date.
Xfinity
Xfinity sells home security solutions with multiple smart-home integration options. As a telephone and internet provider, Xfinity also lets you combine network solutions in one easy monthly cost. Xfinity’s DIY monitoring does come at an additional cost, which might not be ideal for all customers but isn’t unheard of in the industry. Professional monitoring starts at $30 per month and does not require a contract. Customers don’t have to pay an upfront cost with Xfinity.
Xfinity packages
- Base Home System: The Base Home System is $15 a month for 24 months. This package comes with three door/window sensors, a motion sensor and a control system. Customers can also choose to pay an upfront cost of $350.
- Complete Home System: The Complete Home System is $20 per month for 24 months. This package comes with five door/window sensors, a motion sensor, a wireless keypad, an indoor/outdoor camera and a control system. Customers can pay $480 upfront instead.
- Ultimate Home System: The Ultimate Home System is $25 a month for 24 months. This package includes 10 door/window sensors, a motion sensor, a wireless keypad, two indoor/outdoor cameras, a control system and a yard sign. Customers can also make one payment of $600.
What Xfinity customers say
Overall, Xfinity has mixed reviews on our site. Positive reviewers highlight Xfinity’s HD cameras and app. Some reviews mention the company’s customer service, while others say that the battery sensors don’t last very long (less than a year).
Very safe and reliable system. Never had any problems. Easy to use and to understand. Customer service is friendly and always willing to help. The setup and installation of the product was quick and easy enough to understand for even someone who doesn't have much experience."
– Shana of Ware, MA
Frontpoint
Frontpoint is known for offering a wide variety of products and services. Frontpoint stocks a wide variety of security equipment at competitive prices, and there’s no contract requirement if you purchase your equipment upfront — equipment starts at $99. Customers may also choose to finance their system.
Frontpoint plans
Customers who want to monitor their system remotely or utilize smart-home integrations must pay for Frontpoint’s upgraded monitoring package, which is relatively expensive compared to Xfinity's. Upgraded monitoring comes with many additional features and rounds out the system, however.
- Interactive monitoring plan: This plan is best if you just need professional monitoring. It’s $1.48 per day, or about $45 per month, and includes live monitoring from professionals, protection technology, the ability to set unique codes per user and automated system checks.
- Ultimate monitoring plan: This plan is required if you want to utilize all the smart-home capabilities that a Frontpoint system has to offer. It costs $1.64 per day, or about $50 per month, and includes everything from the Interactive plan plus home automation controls. Customers can watch live video footage, control smart-home devices and receive motion notifications in real time.
What Frontpoint customers say
Frontpoint has many 4- and 5-star reviews on our site. Customers like how easy it is to set up the equipment themselves and how the company provides personalized help for those who need more assistance. Some customers encountered issues with hardware, like doorbell cameras or sensors not working properly. Most of these concerns were resolved quickly, but there were a few reviewers who were not able to receive help and felt they were billed unfairly.
[...] I like the fact that everything can be done through the app on the smartphone. This is very convenient, especially for all the family members, because we are all connected to the app. Everybody can put the alarm on and off. Also, I like the history in the app where we can see what happened in the house, which door was open, closed, things like that. I feel good in my house now."
– Delphine of Short Hills, NJ
Bottom line: Xfinity or Frontpoint?
Both Xfinity and Frontpoint charge for DIY monitoring, which is annoying for many customers but puts them on roughly the same playing field when comparing options. Frontpoint is a bit more expensive, but its benefits are greater. Xfinity doesn’t sell a video doorbell, which is usually most homeowners' starting place for a security system, but it does offer professional installation and support.
- Xfinity is best for existing Xfinity customers and those who want professional support when creating and installing a system.
- Frontpoint is best for customers who want the maximum level of smart-home integrations.
