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
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
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+
$50/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+
$50/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
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."
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."
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.
