While each of these companies has its own value proposition, you should consider pricing, service delivery, reputation, ease of installation and overall performance in effective monitoring in your final decision making.
ADT
Its longstanding business model and solid reputation in the market make ADT security packages tough to beat. Pros:
24/7 professional monitoring100% compatible with smart home automationPackages available for renters
Cons
Customer service varies.Some packages require professional installation.Some packages lock clients into long-term contracts.
Frontpoint
Frontpoint Security offers a modern solution to modern security problems that extend beyond home intrusions. Pros:
Equipment is tested to prevent spying and hacking.Customers can opt to build their own security package.Easy monthly payments.
Cons:
Packages are pricey.You have to sign up for a monthly plan to use the mobile app and access certain special features.The equipment warranty is only for three years.
ADT vs. Frontpoint comparison
Data as of 7/15/2020
Plans
ADT
The Secure Plan offers a basic approach to home security and includes essentials such as 24/7 alarm monitoring, security monitoring equipment and professional installation. It also includes monitored fire, flood and carbon monoxide detection. With the Smart Plan, homeowners can expect everything in the Secure Plan, plus a few extras like remote arm and disarm and smart home controls. It also includes customizable alerts, schedules and automation. The Complete Plan contains everything in the Smart Plan plus security cameras and live stream from smart devices. It also provides an option to record and save video clips.
Frontpoint
The Safe Home Starter provides the bare minimum if you’re simply looking to secure your home. This includes two door or window sensors, a Frontpoint hub and keypad, a motion sensor, a yard sign, a set of three window decals and door stickers. The Build Your Own plan includes a basic kit that includes a yard sign, a set of three window decals and a door sticker. You then build on this package to have your ideal configuration of security monitoring equipment. With the Safe Home Everyday package, you get a nine-piece system that includes everything in the Safe Home Starter kit, plus an extra motion sensor and an extra door or window sensor. Safe Home Select is a slightly larger package that contains everything in the Safe Home Everyday option, along with an additional door or window sensor, a glass break sensor and a smoke and heat sensor. The Safe Home Preferred option includes everything in the Safe Home Select package, plus an extra door or window sensor and an indoor camera.
Who is it best for
ADT
Secure Plan: is a great option for those who are just starting out and need a basic security plan.Smart Plan: is best for those who would like to include automation and remote arming and disarming.Complete Plan: is suitable for those who need to access live streaming of their camera footage to their mobile device.
Frontpoint
Safe Home Starter offers a good starting block for small homes or those with basic security needs.Build Your Own provides a base for those with unique security needs that aren’t necessarily met by typical security packages.Safe Home Everyday is for slightly larger properties that may have more than two points of entry.Safe Home Select is suitable for those who wish to take their security up a notch for total peace of mind.Safe Home Preferred offers a great solution for those who may have a vulnerable spot in their home that needs additional monitoring.
Contract and pricing
ADT
ADT home security requests that clients sign a 36-month contract, except for those in California, where the term is 24 months. Pro monitoring starts at $36.99 per month and can run up to $57.99. Equipment costs start from around $599 up to $1069 and can be purchased once-off or financed over a period of 60 months. Clients don’t need to sign up for a contract to purchase the security products. However, the contract is required for monitoring.
Frontpoint
Frontpoint home security offers customers an upfront purchase option for hardware, which can be financed over a maximum period of 60 months – packages start from $99 up to $479.90. However, users will need to sign up for one of two monitoring packages. The Interactive Plan is $44.99 per month, and the Ultimate Plan is $49.99. Frontpoint offers no-contract options for greater flexibility.
Customer service
ADT
ADT was accredited with BBB in 2013 and enjoyed an A+ rating. The average customer review score is one star, and customers cite customer service and contracting as major causes for poor reviews. Customers also seem to have a hard time canceling their contracts when the term expiration draws near, resulting in automatic renewals. Reviews with higher scores tend to be for fast and efficient installations and repairs.
Frontpoint
Frontpoint enjoyed an A+ rating with BBB and was accredited in 2009. Its customer rating is just below two out of five stars. Those who’ve had negative experiences mention difficulty canceling their contract and having to pay extra fees. Those who are happy with the service cite the speedy delivery and setup of the system and the ability to customize their package fully.
Ease of installation
ADT
ADT doesn’t offer a simple, home-install option and instead has technicians that do installations professionally. Part of the installation is a quick demonstration of how the equipment works. ADT arranges installations promptly to ensure customers are onboarded as soon as possible. The ADT Pulse app allows users to access their home network easily through their tablet or smartphone to ensure their system is up and running. Users may also arm or disarm their system remotely or access a live video stream depending on the security package.
Frontpoint
Frontpoint is the security solution for the DIY enthusiast, as it only has self-install options available. The time it takes to install the system will depend on the package, as the Safe Home Starter pack only has seven components to install, compared to the Safe Home Preferred option, which includes 14 components. Before users start any of the installations, they’ll need to download the Frontpoint app on their mobile device. The Setup Wizard will take users through each of the steps, from the ideal placement of the components to connecting the devices to the home network. This system is simple to integrate into a smart home setup.
Further Reading
You may want to learn more about our reviews on the best wireless home security systems.
