ADT and Frontpoint Security are two heavy hitters that have built up their names and reputations throughout the years when it comes to home security. As you dissect Frontpoint Security vs. ADT security, it becomes clear that while ADT rests on its popularity and longevity in the market, Frontpoint Security might have the upper hand with its costing model.
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.
Its longstanding business model and solid reputation in the market make ADT security packages tough to beat.
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Frontpoint Security offers a modern solution to modern security problems that extend beyond home intrusions.
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| Monitoring Options | Monitoring Prices starting at | Installation Options |
ADT | Professional monitoring | $36.99 | Professional |
Frontpoint | Professional monitoring | $44.99 | DIY |
Data as of 7/15/2020
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
You may want to learn more about our reviews on the best wireless home security systems.
If you want a DIY option with simplified monitoring options, Frontpoint might seem like the better option. However, if you prefer to deal with a company that has been around for over a century and has an extensive network reach, ADT might be best. If it's Frontpoint vs. ADT, it will come down to flexible contract terms vs. long-standing market presence.
Frontpoint offers compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing for simple smart-home integration (however, it doesn't integrate with IFTTT). You will also enjoy good equipment that doesn't compromise your home network.
ADT is known for quick responses to faults and system errors. It also sources security hardware from approved suppliers. If you're happy to contend with a 24- or 36-month contract, this is a good system for you.
Frontpoint offers monthly monitoring through the$44.99 for the Interactive Plan and$49.99 for the Ultimate Plan. ADT's services start from$36.99 and go up to$57.99 per month.