SimpliSafe vs Frontpoint Comparison
In this review, our experts compare Frontpoint, a more traditional system, with SimpliSafe, which paves the way for smart home security.
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Last Updated on Sep 20, 2024
- Monthly subscription plans
- Fast and easy DIY installation
- Reliable professional monitoring
- Professional monitoring costs $21.99 or $31.99 per month
- Camera recording for up to 10 cameras costs as little as $9.99 per month
- Packages range from $250 to $730
- Fast and easy DIY installation
- Smart home features and integrations
- Industry’s best customer service
Note: SimpliSafe now offers self-monitoring and Frontpoint no longer offers the Protection Plan. Also, Frontpoint’s plans are now monthly.
When it comes to DIY home security systems, two of the biggest names in the industry are SimpliSafe and Frontpoint. They both offer outstanding protections for a fraction of the cost of more traditional systems, and they’re both extremely easy to set up.
That said, there are definite benefits and drawbacks to both systems. In this comparison, I’m going to lay out everything you need to know about SimpliSafe and Frontpoint – the good, the bad, and the ugly — and help you decide which system would best suit your needs.
Key Similarities
What do the Frontpoint and SimpliSafe systems have in common? Both have:
- DIY installation: the majority of both systems are wireless and peel-and-stick, making installation a breeze.
- Good customer support: both generally have positive ratings from the Better Business Bureau and Google.
- Monthly contracting: As of a recent update, both companies offer monthly contracting.
Love it!
Key Differences
Of course, this is a comparison, so you’ll want to know how the two systems differ. The biggest differences between Frontpoint and SimpliSafe are:
- Option to self-monitor: Only SimpliSafe allows you to self-monitor, although you won’t be able to get notifications or control your system remotely.
- Cancellation fees: If you want to cancel before your contract is up, Frontpoint requires that you pay 80% of the remainder, while SimpliSafe lets you cancel without paying any additional money.
- Mobile apps:SimpliSafe’s app is higher rated than Frontpoint’s app on both iOS and Android.
Now that you have an understanding of the basics, let’s get down to the details.
Both packages included keypads, entry sensors, motion sensors, glass break sensors, security cameras, and key fobs. I purchased a few extras from Frontpoint, like a smoke/ heat sensor for environmental monitoring, a video doorbell, and a smart lock. If you’ve read any of my other reviews, you know how I feel about connected devices!
Installation
SimpliSafe and Frontpoint boast DIY installation, which I love because I don’t have to pay a professional. But which system was easier to install?
Installing SimpliSafe
Anyone could install the SimpliSafe system, whether you’re an experienced carpenter or you’ve never screwed in a light bulb.
All the sensors were peel-and-stick, which I loved, and none fell off even once. After I put the sensors in, I had to sync up my base station with the app and the surrounding sensors. Easy as pie. However, if this seems too much for you, SimpliSafe offers professional installation for $125.
Pro Tip: Even though none of my sensors fell off, I’d still recommend using the included hardware to install your components if you plan to have your system for more than a few years. I worry that the adhesive will wear off over prolonged use.
>> Learn More: See our in-depth SimpliSafe Review
Installing Frontpoint
Like SimpliSafe, most of Frontpoint’s components stick on the wall, and everything comes pre-programmed with the hub. Installing the camera was a little more complicated, as it involved ethernet and power cables, adding the camera on the Frontpoint website, and then connecting it to my Wi-Fi, but it’s still something anyone remotely tech-savvy could do.
>> Learn More: See our in-depth Frontpoint Review
Top System Installation
The SimpliSafe system was easier to install by a hair, but both SimpliSafe and Frontpoint have super simple DIY installation. One point to SimpliSafe!
Professional Monitoring
SimpliSafe and Frontpoint include 24/7 professional monitoring and cellular backup, although SimpliSafe allows you to self-monitor. Now, keep in mind that if you don’t pay for a plan with SimpliSafe, you won’t be able to use the app, essentially turning your system into local alarms only. Without professional monitoring, you can access those features with SimpliSafe’s self-monitoring plan which costs $9.99 per month. But what exactly is professional monitoring and how does it work?
>> Learn More: See further info on SimpliSafe’s pricing options
With professional monitoring, you’ll have a team of people monitor your system and contact emergency services for you if needed. Cellular backup ensures that your system will stay on even if the power goes out.
SimpliSafe and Frontpoint Monitoring Options
| Frontpoint Ultimate Plan | SimpliSafe Free Plan | SimpliSafe Self-Monitoring | SimpliSafe Standard Plan | SimpliSafe Core (formerly Fast Protect) Plan | SimpliSafe Pro Plan | SimpliSafe Pro Plus Plan | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Monitoring | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Indoor Active Guard Protection | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Outdoor Active Guard Protection | No | No | No | No | No | Overnight protection | 24/7 protection |
| Cellular Connectivity | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Environmental Monitoring | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Control | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Secret Alarms | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Video Verification | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud Storage (30 Days) | Yes | No | Up to 10 cameras | No | Up to 10 cameras | Up to 10 cameras | Up to 10 cameras |
| Smart Home Integrations | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Automated System Checks | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Unique User Codes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Crash and Smash Protection | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Geo Location Service | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Notifications | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Live Streaming | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Video and Image History | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sensor History | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Motion Triggered Alerts | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Night Vision | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Light Control | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Lock Control | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Monthly Price | $49.99 per month | Free | $9.99 per month | $21.99 per month | $31.99 per month | $49.99 per month | $79.99 per month |
All plans with professional monitoring from SimpliSafe or Frontpoint include cellular backup, but that’s the end of the similarities. This chart is pretty intense (you’re welcome) but let’s take a step back and talk about what some of the more esoteric features actually entail.
>> Learn More: See more info on Frontpoint’s pricing and cost options
Secret Alarms
If you don’t want anyone else to know when an alarm goes off, SimpliSafe offers secret alerts with all paid plans aside from the Standard Monitoring plan, which means that you’ll receive notifications but the alarms won’t sound. This can be useful for something like a liquor cabinet or a safe.
Video Verified Alarms
If an alarm is triggered, the camera will start recording immediately and send the monitoring center a one-minute clip. From there, the monitoring team can confirm if a crime is taking place, and call the police if necessary. Having video evidence sent directly to your professional monitoring team means faster emergency response time, and according to SimpliSafe’s website, higher arrest rates. Video-verified alarms are only available with SimpliSafe’s Core, Pro, and Pro Plus plans.
Active Guard Protection
In a similar vein, SimpliSafe’s agents also use the two-way audio in the Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Camera to scare criminals away or verify authorized guests. You set a password you need to say to tell the agents you’re safe. If the intruder doesn’t know the password, SimpliSafe’s agents dispatch appropriate authorities. This requires the Core, Pro, or Pro Plus plan.
With the Pro and Pro Plus plans, this feature gets extended to SimpliSafe’s outdoor camera. The Pro plan costs less because it limits this feature to work from 8 PM to 6 AM local time while the Pro Plus plan gives 24/7 protection. Both plans also include indoor Active Guard Protection 24/7.
Automated System Checks
All Frontpoint systems come with automated system checks, which ensure that your home’s security system is online and active through hourly tests.
Unique User Codes
Want to share access to your home security system with family or friends? All Frontpoint systems allow you to assign multiple unique user codes so others can access your Frontpoint account.
Crash and Smash Protection
With any plan from Frontpoint, you’ll receive crash and smash protection. Oftentimes, intruders will try to deactivate security systems by breaking control panels. With Crash and Smash Protection, the professional monitoring team will be notified as soon as your control panel is smashed. Even if your physical hardware is broken, the professional monitors can still call the police for you.
Geo-location Services
Geo-location services are one feature of Frontpoint’s plans that I personally find a bit creepy. It allows users to link their family members’ cell phones up with their Frontpoint systems to track family members’ locations throughout the day. As most smartphones have location services built-in, this feature seems a bit unnecessary, but perhaps it could be helpful for someone without a smartphone who, for whatever reason, needs tracking.
Sensor History
You will be able to review your video footage and a timeline of your sensor’s history with Frontpoint’s plans.
Motion Triggered Alerts
Motion-triggered alerts mean that your camera will notify you immediately with a clip or image as soon as your camera detects motion. It’s easy to stay on top of your home’s security without even having to log into your Frontpoint app. Motion-triggered alerts are only available under Frontpoint’s Ultimate plan.
SimpliSafe and Frontpoint Contracts
Neither SimpliSafe nor Frontpoint makes you commit to a long-term contract. Instead, you’ll pay monthly, with no fees if you want to cancel. Yay!
SimpliSafe and Frontpoint Moving Policies
SimpliSafe and Frontpoint have DIY installation, so you can easily move either system if necessary. For Frontpoint, just let them know that you’re moving. They’ll send you more double-sided adhesive and activate the system for you when you’re ready. Before you move, they’ll ensure your new place has a cellular signal (which it should, as they offer cellular connections through AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon). There are no fees involved.
SimpliSafe works the same way- simply pick up your system and re-install it in your new home.
Top System for Monitoring
As SimpliSafe’s plans are way more affordable aside from the premium Pro Plus plan, SimpliSafe is the clear choice for professional monitoring. SimpliSafe is definitely a more modern security system than Frontpoint, and its professional monitoring options reflect that. Shout out to SimpliSafe for making professional monitoring affordable while including premium options!
Customer Support
| SimpliSafe | Frontpoint | |
|---|---|---|
| Options | Phone, Live Chat, Email, User Forums, User Manuals Online | Online FAQ’s, Phone |
| Amazon Rating | Similar System – 12 Piece, 4.5 | N/A |
| BBB Overall Rating | A+ | A+ |
| BBB Customer Rating | 1.21 Stars | 1.09 Stars |
| Google Rating | 4.7 | 4.5 |
| Winner | No | Yes |
Although I’m disappointed that Frontpoint doesn’t offer live chat, with Google ratings of 4.5 and 4.7, Frontpoint and SimpliSafe are clearly doing something right where their customer support is concerned.
“I’m very impressed both with the quality of the alarm system and with customer service. The alarm was easier than I expected to install and any questions I had was answered by their representatives,”
wrote Gerald Flanders of SimpliSafe in a five-star Google review earlier this year. People had equally positive things to say about Frontpoint,
“I’ve had Frontpoint for 1.5 yrs now after doing my research on home security companies. I have been impressed with their amazing customer service from my initial inquiries to installing it myself at home. Everyone I’ve ever spoken to has a been pleasant and helpful,”
wrote Krystal Oberski in another five-star Google review.
SimpliSafe loses points for having poor customer ratings from the Better Business Bureau, as 80% of the reviews mentioning customer support were negative. While customer support is helpful with the initial installation, they are less helpful when customers encounter technical difficulties.
Pro Tip: When using SimpliSafe’s live chat, send a message that says “agent” right away. This bypasses the bot that only sends self-help articles and instead connects you to an actual human who can help you with any of your concerns or issues.
Top System for Customer Support
SimpliSafe and Frontpoint have positive customer support ratings, but Frontpoint wins for customer support, with more positive reviews related to customer support from the Better Business Bureau and Google than SimpliSafe. I can’t say I’ve seen security companies with more gushing customer support reviews than Frontpoint. In this battle, Frontpoint absolutely crushes it.
App
Your app distinguishes the old-school security system that your parents had from a smart security system. You’ll use it to monitor your home’s security, wherever you are. Let’s see how the SimpliSafe and Frontpoint apps stack up.
The SimpliSafe App
On SimpliSafe’s app, you’ll be able to arm and disarm your system, control connected devices, receive notifications, and livestream and download footage (if you have the Interactive Plan, of course).
People weren’t loving the app a few years ago, but they’ve since successfully overhauled the app. Now it gets a 4.5 rating on the Google Play store and a 4.8 rating on the Apple Store!
The Frontpoint App
From the Frontpoint app, you can arm and disarm your system, receive push notifications, livestream footage or view your video history, and control all connected devices.
Customers like the Frontpoint app, with ratings of 3.8 from Android users and 4.3 from iPhone users. For a security app, these are pretty high ratings, although not as high as SimpliSafe.
Top System App
SimpliSafe clearly has the better app verified by customer ratings from both iPhone and Android users. No matter what side of the aisle you land on, SimpliSafe’s app will probably work better for you than Frontpoint’s. Another point for SimpliSafe!
Recap of SimpliSafe vs. Frontpoint
Undoubtedly, I’ve thrown a lot of information your way. So which system is better, SimpliSafe or Frontpoint?
I think the choice comes down to your personal preference.
Pick SimpliSafe If You’d Like…
- Option to self-monitor: If you’re okay with having local alarms only, you can avoid paying any monthly fees whatsoever with SimpliSafe.
- Incredibly simple installation: everything is wireless, aside from the video doorbell, and peel-and stick, which makes installation a breeze.
- Affordable professional monitoring: plans start at $21.99 per month.
Pick Frontpoint If You’d Like…
- Fantastic customer support: fewer complaints about customer support from the Better Business Bureau and Google.
- Simple monitoring choices: only one plan to choose from means you don’t need to figure out what features you need.
- Pretty easy installation: the majority of the system is wireless and the only mildly complicated part is installing the camera.
SimpliSafe vs Frontpoint FAQs
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Is Frontpoint better than SimpliSafe?
I would go with SimpliSafe over Frontpoint due to its more affordable professional monitoring options, its option to self-monitor plus it’s more simple installation. However, Frontpoint does have better customer support and a higher-rated app.
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Is SimpliSafe better than ADT?
If I had to choose, I’d go with SimpliSafe over ADT. They have easier installation, more affordable and flexible professional monitoring options, and better customer support than ADT.
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Is SimpliSafe a good security system?
SimpliSafe is one of the best security systems around, with affordable and flexible professional monitoring, the option to self-monitor for free, and integrations with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple watches and August locks.
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Is SimpliSafe or Frontpoint more expensive?
Overall, Frontpoint will cost more than SimpliSafe. Their monitoring plans are more expensive unless you go with the Pro Plus plan from SimpliSafe, and most of their components cost more too. There are cheaper starter kits from Frontpoint, but you can make up that difference by self-monitoring your system for one month.
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Should I self-monitor my SimpliSafe system?
One of the biggest differences between Frontpoint and SimpliSafe is the ability to self-monitor with SimpliSafe. But, we recommend professional monitoring for most people unless you have the time to regularly check alerts. The freedom to switch back and forth between professional monitoring and self-monitoring with SimpliSafe is still a big advantage though.