Smarterhome.org may earn a commission when you click on our affiliate links and this may impact the placement of listings. Learn more.

Frontpoint vs. Vivint

Vivint security and Frontpoint security both provide customers with the chance to personalize their home systems with various options for customization. Although Vivint is a professionally installed option, and Frontpoint offers a DIY home security solution, both receive many positive reviews for their friendly service, quality products, and overall customer experience.

When comparing Frontpoint vs Vivint, the main differences are the installation process and monthly monitoring options. While comparable in many areas, choosing between Frontpoint security and Vivint security often comes down to overall cost. 

Starting priceMonitoring priceInstallation typeDetails
Vivint logo$500+$29.99+/moProfessionalView packages
Frontpoint logo$99+$1.64+/dayDIYView packages

Frontpoint vs. Vivint pricing comparison

Frontpoint vs Vivint price comparison considers costs for equipment and monthly monitoring. Both companies have three starting packages for customers to choose from, and Frontpoint also offers a “Build Your Own” option.

Frontpoint vs Vivint Security Equipment

Vivint offers three home security systems. Price varies because each package is customizable to the customer’s home and unique needs, and you must call to receive a personalized quote for exact pricing. However, the most basic Vivint package includes Vivint Smart Hub, window decals and yard sign, three door and window sensors, a motion sensor, a water sensor, and app control. More expensive packages include smart home products and outdoor and doorbell cameras. 

See Vivint pricing and packages

Frontpoint security systems all include the Frontpoint Hub & Keypad, two door and window sensors, a motion sensor, doorbell camera, and home defense kit. The Build Your Own package starts with the base equipment (Frontpoint Hub & Keypad) and increases in cost depending on the security products you choose.

See Frontpoint pricing and packages

When comparing Frontpoint vs Vivint, in terms of equipment costs, Frontpoint is less expensive, although a customized package from Frontpoint could end up costing more than a Vivint system.

Frontpoint Security vs Vivint Monthly Monitoring

Vivint’s monthly professional monitoring costs depend on which products you choose. More expensive plans include additional features like video surveillance and smart home automation. Frontpoint, on the other hand, only offers one monthly monitoring package for all systems.

Starting priceMonitoring priceDetails
Vivint logo$500+$29.99+/moView packages
Frontpoint logo$99+$1.64+/dayView packages

Installation options and cost

One of the main differences between Frontpoint security vs Vivint is the installation process. When considering Vivint security system costs, note that Vivint requires professional installation for all of its systems. While installation is often included in the package price, customers may have to pay additional fees for specific products, or to re-install their security system at a new location.

Frontpoint is a DIY home security system, which means professional installation is not an option. Once you receive your security products, you are responsible for installing and activating them using step-by-step instructions. Therefore, Frontpoint security costs do not include installation fees. Because Vivint installation is typically free, the cost for Frontpoint vs Vivint installation is comparable.

Installation typeDetails
Vivint logoProfessionalView packages
Frontpoint logoDIYView packages

Monitoring options

Both Vivint and Frontpoint offer a monthly monitoring service. While customers can use Vivint equipment without professional monitoring, many system features are only accessible with a monthly subscription. Frontpoint, on the other hand, requires all customers to have a monitoring plan with their security system. 

Vivint Smart Security Monitoring

Vivint Smart Security monitoring comes in three packages, and the price depends on the system and equipment you choose. The basic package includes mobile access, entry, smoke, and carbon monoxide detection, medical pendant support, and 24/7 professional monitoring. Adding smart home and video surveillance increases the price. Vivint offers a no-contract option if your equipment is paid in full. If you choose to finance your equipment, you’ll typically be locked into a 42 to 60-month contract.

Frontpoint Monthly Monitoring

Frontpoint monthly monitoring includes 24/7 professional monitoring, fire, environmental, and life safety monitoring, geo-location services, live video streaming, motion-triggered alerts, and light and smart lock control. Frontpoint does not require customers to enter into a contract to use this service. However, Vivint is the less expensive option when comparing Frontpoint security vs Vivint monthly monitoring costs.  

Customer support

Vivint offers 24/7 customer support to those with a Vivint security system and monthly monitoring plan. They also have an online Help Center, where customers can find answers to frequently asked questions regarding their account, security system, and specific products.

Frontpoint’s customer service team is on-call 24/7 for those with a Frontpoint security system and monitoring service. 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). Frontpoint also has an online Help Center, where customers can learn about installing and using their system, managing their account, and commonly asked questions.

When comparing the customer support of Frontpoint vs Vivint, both companies rank well amongst customers. Both Frontpoint customers and Vivint customers say the support teams are accessible, friendly, and helpful. Vivint reviews mention knowledgeable staff during the installation process, and Frontpoint reviews highlight an overall positive experience.

Ratings and reviews

Vivint and Frontpoint both provide customers with home security systems and monthly monitoring. The main difference between Frontpoint vs Vivint is that Frontpoint is a DIY solution, and Vivint requires professional installation.

The equipment cost for Frontpoint vs Vivint differs, as Frontpoint’s basic package costs less than Vivint’s. However, both companies allow customers to customize their security systems, increasing costs depending on the additional products chosen.

While a Vivint security system costs more than a Frontpoint system, Vivint’s monthly monitoring plans are less expensive than Frontpoint’s service. However, Frontpoint never requires a contract, and Vivint offers a no-contract option only when all equipment is paid in full.

Overall, Frontpoint ranks well amongst customers, receiving 80% five-star reviews. This is due to their helpful customer support team, as well as the customer guarantees, warranties, and discounts they offer. Frontpoint systems come with a 30-day, risk-free trial, a 3-year warranty, and up to 20% off homeowners insurance. Vivint also ranks well among customers, receiving 62% five-star reviews. Frontpoint and Vivint are two of the highest-ranking home security companies. When deciding between Frontpoint security vs Vivint security, consider whether you want a professionally installed system or a DIY security solution. 

Our recommendation: Frontpoint or Vivint?

We recommend Vivint to families who want a more robust, professionally monitored home security system that is still fully customizable for them. Families who want smart home automation also get more options with Vivint. We recommend Frontpoint to families or individuals looking for a high-end 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.

$38.99/mo for Pro Install* 

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.

6 Month Money-Back Guarantee*

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.

 

Theft Protection Guarantee**

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.