SimpliSafe vs Frontpoint Comparison

Note: SimpliSafe now offers self-monitoring and Frontpoint no longer offers the Protection Plan. Also, Frontpoint’s plans are now monthly.

If you know anything about home security systems, you’ve probably heard of Frontpoint. They’re known for their incredible customer ratings, often a rarity in the home security industry.

I’m going to compare SimpliSafe vs Frontpoint, another DIY security company. Fun fact: SimpliSafe was created when friends of two Harvard Business School students kept getting their Cambridge apartments robbed. With engineering degrees in their hands and the promise of renter’s safety in their hearts, the students founded SimpliSafe, known for its month-to-month contracting.

In this comparison, I’m going to compare SimpliSafe to Frontpoint: their system components, installation processes, professional monitoring options, customer support, and finally, their respective mobile apps. To be specific, I’ll be referencing my customized Frontpoint package and SimpliSafe’s Summerfort System. Let’s see which security system will come out on top!

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: Frontpoint’s app is higher rated than SimpliSafe’s app, which wasn’t exactly beloved by its users.

Now let’s get into the meat of the systems and see how they stack up.

System Components

I customized my Frontpoint package, while I purchased a pre-packaged system from SimpliSafe. Both of my 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 $79.

>> 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. 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

As I said, whichever paid option you choose, your SimpliSafe or Frontpoint plan will include 24/7 professional monitoring and cellular backup, but that is 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, 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. Only SimpliSafe’s Interactive Plan offers secret alarms.

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. Again, video-verified alarms are only available with SimpliSafe’s Interactive Plan.

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, 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!

Customer Support

Although I’m disappointed that neither company offers 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.

Top System for Customer Support

SimpliSafe and Frontpoint have positive customer support ratings, but Frontpoint wins for customer support, with better ratings 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— it only got a 3.3 rating on the Google Play store and a 2.8 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 4.1 from Android users and 4.5 from iPhone users. For a security app, these are pretty high ratings.

Top System App

Frontpoint 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, Frontpoint’s app will probably work better for you than SimpliSafe’s. Frontpoint with another one!

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.