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ADT security is a professionally installed and monitored home security system, whereas Frontpoint security offers DIY security solutions paired with professional monitoring. Both companies require customers to utilize professional monitoring to get the most out of their equipment, and the costs for equipment and monthly service plans are comparable.
When comparing Frontpoint vs ADT, the main differences are the installation process,costs and customer support experiences. Choosing between ADT home security and Frontpoint home security often comes down to whether or not you want a professionally installed or DIY system.
| Starting price | Monitoring price | Installation type | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Varies | $45.99+/mo | Professional | View packages |
 | $99+ | $1.64+/day | DIY | View packages |
Frontpoint vs ADT pricing comparison looks at the cost of equipment and monthly monitoring. ADT and Frontpoint both have three primary security packages for customers to choose from.
ADT offers three home security systems. Once selected, customers can customize these packages by adding additional products as needed. ADT home security costs provide multiple packages, with their starting package, the “Secure Home” package, comes with a digital touchscreen control panel, 24/7 monitoring, professional installation.
Frontpoint security costs also cover three different home security packages, as well as a “Build Your Own” package that includes base equipment and increases in cost depending on the security products you choose. Their most basic package, the “Safehouse” package, comes with the Frontpoint Hub & Keypad, two door and window sensors, a motion sensor, doorbell camera, and home defense kit.
See Frontpoint pricing and packages
When comparing Frontpoint equipment costs against ADT equipment costs, Frontpoint comes in a little lower. However, when you start to customize packages from either company, you can expect to pay a higher price point.
ADT requires professional monthly monitoring with all of its security systems. The cost varies depending on the products you use and the package you choose. Frontpoint also requires monthly monitoring and offers one plan for all its systems.
| Starting price | Monitoring price | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varies | $45.99+/mo | View packages |
| $99+ | $1.64+/day | View packages |
Where Frontpoint and ADT differ the most is in their installation options and costs. ADT requires professional installation for all of its security packages and products. The price you pay for professional installation will depend on which security system you choose.
Frontpoint, on the other hand, is a DIY home security system. Once you choose or build your own security package, you are sent the items and required to install and activate them yourself, following step-by-step instructions. Because of this, Frontpoint has no installation fees, in contrast to ADT’s installation process.
| Installation type | Installation cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Professional | Varies |
| DIY | N/A |
Customers who purchase an ADT or Frontpoint security system must choose a monthly subscription plan for 24/7 professional monitoring and other security features. Frontpoint vs ADT monitoring options are different because ADT offers multiple tiers of monitoring, whereas Frontpoint only offers one.
ADT monthly monitoring services include intrusion detection, voice control ability, fire, carbon monoxide, and flood monitoring, and 24/7 system monitoring. Costs are determined by the security system you choose. With any option, ADT’s monthly monitoring is typically tied to a 36-month contract.
Frontpoint’s monthly monitoring plan includes 24/7 professional monitoring, as well as fire, environmental, and life safety monitoring, geo-location services, live video streaming, motion-triggered alerts, and light and smart lock control. The cost is slightly higher than what other DIY security companies with lower-tier options offer. However, Frontpoint doesn’t require a contract, and their price is comparable when comparing ADT home security vs Frontpoint monthly monitoring costs.
ADT offers 24/7 customer support to those with an ADT system and monthly monitoring plan. They also have an online Help Center for customers to find answers to commonly asked questions, learn about products and features, and log in to their account.
When you purchase a Frontpoint security system and monitoring plan, professionals are on-call 24/7 if needed. However, their traditional customer support is only available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM (ET) and Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (ET). Nevertheless, Frontpoint also has an online Help Center where customers can find articles about installing their system, account information, and frequently asked questions.
ADT customer support reviews highlight the struggles of many past and current customers with the company’s service representatives, from long wait times to unfriendly staff to unresolved issues. Frontpoint customer support reviews, on the other hand, note a more positive experience, including friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful staff. However, there is still mention of long call wait times, which is frustrating to some. When comparing ADT home security vs Frontpoint in terms of customer service, Frontpoint tends to get many more positive reviews overall, although ADT’s customer support team is available 24/7.
ADT and Frontpoint both offer customers certain guarantees, warranties, and discounts. ADT systems come with a theft protection guarantee, and a 6-month money-back guarantee*. Frontpoint systems come with a 30-day, risk-free trial, a 3-year warranty, and up to 20% off homeowners’ insurance. One of the main differences when comparing Frontpoint vs ADT is that Frontpoint has no long-term contracts or installation fees.
Frontpoint security packages come in at a slightly lower cost than ADT systems, although with customization, a customer could build a personalized Frontpoint system with a higher price tag than ADT. Also, ADT systems come with professional installation, whereas Frontpoint systems do not. The cost of Frontpoint and ADT monthly monitoring plans are comparable. However, ADT offers multiple packages, whereas Frontpoint only offers one, so there’s no option for a lower monthly payment.
Where ADT and Frontpoint differ the most is in their customer support and customer reviews. Although Frontpoint customer service is not available 24/7, customers report a much better experience with the company overall than with ADT. Be sure to check out Frontpoint security reviews and ADT reviews for a full understanding of customer experiences.
*Certain restrictions apply. Full Terms.
We recommend ADT to families looking for professional, comprehensive security.
We recommend Frontpoint to families or individuals looking for a DIY home security system with professional monitoring.
Overall, we recommend comparing quotes from both providers to see what the overall cost for your ideal system would be from both brands.
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Requires 36-month monitoring contract starting at $38.99/mo. without QSP (24-month monitoring contract in California, total fees from $935.76) and minimum installation amount of $599 for professionally installed systems OR month-to-month monitoring contract for ADT Self Setup systems starting at $24.99 without QSP (one month minimum) and minimum purchase amount of $194.98. Professional monitoring required for ADT to notify emergency contacts or services on your behalf. Service and installation charges vary depending on system configuration, equipment and services selected. For reactivations of professionally installed systems, a $99 test and inspect fee applies . Upon early termination by Customer, ADT may charge 75% of the monthly service charges due for the balance of the initial contract term. Quality Service Plan (QSP) is ADT’s Extended Limited Warranty and is available for additional fee. Additional charges may apply in areas that require guard response service for municipal alarm verification. Professionally installed system remains property of ADT. Local permit fees may be required. Prices and offers subject to change and may vary by market. Additional taxes and fees may apply. Satisfactory credit required. A security deposit may be required. Simulated screen images and photos are for illustrative purposes only. For Self-Setup Systems, cancel by calling 888-392-2039 or by following the instructions in your order confirmation email. To avoid contract termination charges, cancellation must occur no later than 30 days after the contract date. Contract termination charges may be applied for cancellation after the initial 30-day period. Equipment must be fully removed and returned before a refund will be processed. Any shipping costs previously paid are non-refundable. Google and Nest Doorbell are trademarks of Google LLC. Some features, including mobile notifications, remote control, video streaming and video recording, require working internet and Wi-Fi. Minimum OS requirements are available at g.co/home/req. iOS is a trademark of Cisco and is used under license. Google Nest products and services featured are designed to make life easier and to build a helpful home and were not designed specifically for life-sustaining or safety-critical use cases. These products and services are compatible with the ADT Self Setup System, and depend upon working internet, Wi-Fi, and, in some cases, the service availability from ADT and/or Google. To learn more, please visit http://g.co/nest/TOS.
Money-back guarantee only applies after ADT has made attempts to resolve a system-related issue and has not been able to resolve that issue within the first six (6) months of your original activation. ADT Money-Back Guarantee is not transferable. Equipment must be returned before a refund will be processed. Conditions preventing normal system operation cannot be caused by the customer. For professionally installed systems only.
Customer may receive reimbursement of up to five hundred dollars ($500) of Customer’s homeowner’s insurance deductible (if any) if, and only if, ALL requirements for Theft Protection Guarantee are met to ADT’s reasonable satisfaction. Customer must request reimbursement within 60 days of property loss. Request must be mailed to ADT and include: Theft Protection Guarantee certificate signed by Customer, a letter from Customer requesting reimbursement, a copy of the police report, and a copy of the accepted insurance claim. ADT reserves the right to reject any application for reimbursement that does not comply with all of the requirements. For professionally installed systems only.