Frontpoint vs. Vivint: Which Home Security System Should You Buy in 2024?

Home security systems are always a smart investment, as even properties in the safest of neighborhoods could use a second set of eyes. Along with keeping users safe, security systems provide peace of mind for a home’s residents while they’re away for an extended period. Frontpoint and Vivint have established themselves as two of the best home security companies, and anyone considering a home security system would be well served to give them a look. In addition to offering premium equipment, each company has built a reputation for being reliable and providing users with great customer service.

There are a lot of similarities between the wireless alarm systems offered by Frontpoint and Vivint, and both will provide customers with adequate security. However, there are just as many differences—and understanding what separates these two brands can help shoppers determine which is best for their home.

Prices listed in this article are accurate as of the last update, but may vary. For the most up-to-date costs, please see Frontpoint’s or Vivint’s websites.

How We Compared Home Security Systems

When customers are comparing Vivint home security and Frontpoint security, there are numerous factors they’ll want to consider. Reputation, pricing, available equipment, and monitoring programs are all important factors for customers to keep in mind when they’re vetting home security systems.

• Reputation: A home security system is only as good as its reputation. If customers aren’t happy with the brand, they might want to look elsewhere for their peace of mind.
• Equipment options and quality: The more equipment households can choose from, the better. It’s not all about quantity, however, as equipment needs to be reliable to ensure the customer’s home is always being protected.
• Packages: Some companies offer prebuilt packages, while others let shoppers build their own DIY kit. A company that has more options and more ways to customize a plan is easier to recommend than one with rigid plans.
• Pricing and fees: In addition to the customer having to pay for equipment, most security systems come with ongoing monthly fees. It’s crucial for customers to consider both types of payments to determine how much a system truly costs.
• Installation: Some equipment needs to be professionally installed, while other types can be handled in a DIY fashion. Neither is better than the other, but customers will want to pay close attention to what’s offered before making a purchase.
• Monitoring: Professional monitoring services are the hallmark of a robust home security system, as this allows an expert to intervene during emergencies. Companies that don’t offer this feature put customers at a serious disadvantage.
• App user experience: In today’s world, most security systems are controlled by a mobile app. The easier this is to navigate, the better.
• Contracts and trial period: Plans that lock users into a long contract aren’t consumer-friendly. Conversely, plans with a trial period give customers a way to test a plan before spending any real cash.
• Warranty: Even the best equipment has the potential to break. Long warranties provide additional peace of mind, especially when they cover expensive gear.
• Home automation and device compatibility: Smart-home platforms like Amazon Alexa and Google Home are as popular as ever, and many security systems now interact with these platforms. Customers looking to build a robust smart security home system will need to consider whether Vivint and Frontpoint are compatible with their secondary devices.

1. Reputation and Customer Reviews

Vivint and Frontpoint both carry stellar reputations. Both provide reliable customer service and have heaps of positive reviews from existing customers. With over 30,000 reviews, Vivint has a 4.7 out of 5 on Consumer Affairs. Most reviews praise the Vivint security system for its variety of customizable packages, support for Amazon Alexa and Google Home, and its useful mobile app. A few users lament its high price. On Trustpilot, Vivint scores a 3.2 out of 5 with more than 32,000 reviews, with some customers reporting good experiences and helpful customer service reps, and others claiming the opposite. The company has been around since 1999, making it one of the oldest and most established names in home security.

By comparison, Frontpoint has just over 8,000 reviews on Consumer Affairs and has earned a 3.9 out of 5 rating. Customers highlight its customizable systems and generous trial periods, though many dislike its lack of a DIY monitoring option. On Trustpilot, the company has earned a 4.0 out of 5 rating with over 12,000 reviews, with customers reporting positive interactions with customer service when issues arise. Frontpoint is much younger than Vivint (having been founded in 2007), which might account for its lower number of reviews. Vivint has over 60,000 reviews across both Consumer Affairs and Trustpilot compared with 20,000 for Frontpoint.

Verdict: Vivint and Frontpoint are both highly reputed home security companies, though Vivint has been in business for almost a decade longer than Frontpoint. When it comes to customer ratings and reviews, Vivint slightly edges out Frontpoint, with reviewers praising its cameras’ range and audio as well as the company’s customer service.

Winner: Vivint

2. Equipment Options and Quality

Vivint offers customers a wide range of products, including indoor cameras, outdoor cameras, video doorbells, break-in sensors, and environmental sensors to check for the presence of water, fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide. A Car Guard option tracks automobiles and sends a text alert if a disturbance occurs, and customers can also purchase an emergency pendant, which allows them to alert the monitoring company of an emergency with the press of a button.

All of Vivint’s equipment is generally of high quality with premium features. The Vivint outdoor camera, for example, uses a 140-degree viewing angle and films in 1080p, which leads to crisper images. Users can even set up detection zones or record continuous footage (which is saved for up to 10 days).

Frontpoint’s catalog includes many of the same types of products as Vivint’s. Indoor and outdoor security cameras, video doorbells, and break-in sensors are all available. These tend to be of good quality and work without any issues or unwanted surprises. Frontpoint doesn’t offer many of the extras found with Vivint (such as Car Guard and the emergency pendant), but the two are on the same page when it comes to core home security devices.

Verdict: Frontpoint and Vivint offer a similar selection of high-quality equipment, including security cameras, entry sensors, hazard sensors, and smart-home devices. However, Vivint’s equipment lineup includes several additional valuable devices such as those for vehicle safety and security, an emergency pendant, and a smoke/carbon monoxide detector.

Winner: Vivint

3. Packages

There are four available options when it comes to Vivint home security packages: Core Home Security, Indoor Security Bundle, Porch & Package Protection, and Total Home Security. Each equipment package is fully customizable, allowing the customer to create the ideal system for their home security needs.

• The Core Home Security package comes with a smart hub control panel, four door/window sensors, and one motion sensor.
• The Indoor Security Bundle adds an indoor camera to the pieces in the Core Home Security package.
• The Porch & Package Protection bundle keeps the basic devices in the Core Home Security package, but adds a Vivint doorbell camera.
• The Total Home Security package comes with the same basic pieces of equipment as the other packages, but also includes an outdoor camera.

Frontpoint security systems are available as four basic packages that can be customized based on the shopper’s needs. For example, the Premier Home Security System can be equipped with a wired or wireless doorbell camera, whereas the Starter Home Security System allows shoppers to add an indoor camera.

• The Starter Home Security System includes the Frontpoint hub and keypad, Home Defense Kit (which comes with a yard security sign to deter crime, window decals, and door stickers), three door/window sensors, and the option to add an indoor camera.
• The Premier Home Security System includes everything from the above plan, plus a touch screen and Frontpoint doorbell camera (which can be either wired or wireless).
• The Ultimate Home Security System includes everything in the Premier Home Security System plus two additional door/window sensors, a smart door lock, a flood sensor, an indoor camera, a motion sensor, and a glass-break sensor.
• The Build Your Own Plan lets shoppers personalize their bundle with a variety of cameras, sensors, and other accessories.

Whereas Vivint keeps it simple with its packages, Frontpoint security systems make things more complex with numerous optional features. However, this complexity allows shoppers more freedom to build a bundle that fits their home.

Verdict: Frontpoint and Vivint both allow customers to build their own home security system or choose a preselected equipment package. Both also offer prebuilt packages—Frontpoint has three and Vivint offers four. Customers who find building a customized package too daunting may find more attractive options from Frontpoint, which designed its packages to appeal to a broader range of customers. 

Winner: Frontpoint

4. Pricing and Fees

Home security costs are an important consideration for shoppers since budgets can vary widely from one household to the next. Vivint equipment packages have a relatively low starting cost at $599.99, with the most expensive equipment package topping out at $999.99. These equipment packages can be purchased in full up front, or customers can opt to pay in monthly installments. Costs may also vary slightly depending on whether or not additional items are tacked onto the package.

It’s worth noting that Vivint’s equipment packages are rather bare bones, with each only offering basic security devices and up to one camera. Adding additional equipment to a system can easily push the total cost over $1,000—which is substantial for a home security equipment plan. However, those looking for basic home protection can opt for the Core Home Security system for a lower cost and skip all the add-ons to stay within a more conservative budget.

Once equipment is paid off, customers will still be on the hook for monthly monitoring fees. These costs vary depending on which equipment package is selected; essentially, the costs are higher for systems with cameras than for systems without.

Frontpoint follows a similar format for its pricing. However, equipment plans must be purchased up front with no option for monthly installments. Three of the four plans have fixed costs, while the Build Your Own option can vary from affordable to incredibly expensive based on customers’ selections.

Equipment packages from Frontpoint seem to be frequently discounted, and savvy shoppers likely won’t pay full price for their devices. It’s not uncommon to see prices slashed by 50 percent or more, making its bundles potentially more affordable than those from Vivint.

Monthly monitoring plans at Frontpoint cost $1.64 per day (around $50 per month). If a bundle doesn’t include smart devices, that drops it to $35 per month.

Verdict: While Frontpoint and Vivint have similar price points when it comes to equipment packages and monitoring plans, customers may find they get more devices for their money with Frontpoint, therefore offering more bang for their buck. For those interested in financing, Vivint may be the more attractive choice.

Winner: Tie

5. Installation

Vivint equipment requires professional installation, though the company waives this $199 charge for most equipment bundles. Professional installation ensures the devices work as intended and are placed in key locations throughout a customer’s home, providing them with the most coverage. However, many of its devices are simple enough to support DIY installation, yet DIY installation isn’t an option for any Vivint products. That means buyers must schedule a time for a tech to come out to their home to complete the setup, and a tech will need to come out again if the customer decides to move their gear to a new location.

Frontpoint equipment is designed for DIY installation, allowing users to set up the gear at their leisure. It also allows them to move the equipment as they see fit without having to schedule a technician to come out and perform the reinstallation. Customers who need assistance can get professional installation services from HelloTech, which has partnered with Frontpoint. Services start at $99, but pricing varies based on the type and amount of equipment.

Verdict: Frontpoint and Vivint are at opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to system installation: Vivint requires professional installation, while Frontpoint is made for DIY installation (though professional installation is available for an extra fee). Ultimately, Frontpoint suits more customers by offering both.

Winner: Frontpoint

6. Monitoring

Vivant and Frontpoint are both designed to provide professional monitoring. This means when there’s an emergency, not only will the customer receive an alert, but an alert will also go to a professional at the monitoring company. Neither company allows customers to self-monitor. Monitoring plans at both companies include 24/7 coverage from a dispatch team, saved video history, and support for Alexa and Google Home integrations. Frontpoint also offers automatic sensor checks every hour.

Professional monitoring is a key aspect of all security systems, and customers will likely appreciate that the service is offered by both companies. However, DIY enthusiasts (or shoppers who don’t want to be on the hook for hefty monthly fees) may find the lack of a self-monitoring option frustrating. It’s an especially notable omission at Frontpoint, as the company’s equipment is designed for DIY installation, yet users are still required to sign up for professional monitoring.

Monthly monitoring fees are sizable at Vivant ($41.47 to $46.47) and Frontpoint ($50), though Frontpoint’s are marginally more affordable when a smart device is not included in the equipment ($35). These fees may vary based on how packages are customized and which equipment is installed. Pricing details will typically be presented to customers before they finalize their purchase.

Shoppers seeking a self-monitoring security system may want to consider alternatives like Arlo or SimpliSafe. These brands offer self-monitoring plans that are much more affordable than the professional ones offered by Vivint and Frontpoint—though professional monitoring is highly recommended for most households (and can even result in a homeowners insurance discount). SimpliSafe and Vivint, in particular, share a lot of similarities, so it would be wise for customers to compare the two before making a decision.

Verdict: Both Frontpoint and Vivint are professionally monitored systems, with neither offering a self-monitoring option. The level and cost of monitoring for each company depends on the equipment installed.

Winner: Tie

7. App User Experience

Controlling Vivint and Frontpoint home security systems is largely handled with a mobile app. The Frontpoint app is available on the App Store and Google Play. Using the app, customers can arm or disarm their system, adjust brightness settings for connected smart lights, check their thermostat, and check in on live streams of their security cameras. There are plenty of other ways to utilize the mobile app, and it’s a great method for owners to access everything the system has to offer.

The Vivint app is arguably even more versatile than the Frontpoint app. Along with the usual features such as arming and disarming the Vivint alarm system or watching live video feeds, Vivint lets users set automations through the app. This allows the system to handle a variety of tasks automatically, such as locking doors at night or triggering them to unlock if the fire alarm is tripped.

If there are multiple people in the home, the app allows for custom permissions—ensuring children have access to any important features but locking them out of anything crucial to the system’s performance.

Both apps are simple to use and intuitive, with the most used features just a tap away. For more complex tasks, users can dive into a wide assortment of menus to customize and personalize their system. Customers will want to keep in mind that these mobile apps are designed to work in conjunction with the physical control hubs and keypads offered by Vivint and Frontpoint, giving users two unique ways to manipulate their security system.

Verdict: The Frontpoint and Vivint apps both give users the ability to control their home security systems anywhere in the world from their smart device. Vivint’s app, however, offers some additional practical, helpful features, such as the ability to set custom routines and set permissions and limits for specific users.

Winner: Vivint

8. Contracts and Trial Period

Unlike some security companies, Frontpoint and Vivint don’t lock customers into a contract. This allows shoppers to change their plans without having to pay a penalty, be that for an upgraded system or to cancel it entirely. However, Vivint customers who opt to pay for their equipment in monthly installments rather than up front will need to pay the remainder of their balance if they cancel before their equipment has been paid for in full.

Frontpoint offers a more generous trial period than Vivint. Customers who purchase a package from Frontpoint are eligible for a 30-day risk-free trial. This should be more than enough time for potential customers to decide if the security package works with their property. Subscribers will need to activate and initiate a hardware return within 30 days of receipt of the equipment to get the full refund. But as long as the process has been started, users won’t be on the hook for any additional payments.

By comparison, Vivint’s trial is lackluster at just 3 days. The company often runs seasonal promotions that offer additional perks (such as 6 months of free monitoring), but its 3-day trial period typically doesn’t change. This makes it difficult to test out the service without making a hefty up-front investment. Shoppers hoping to make use of Vivint’s trial period will need to be prepared to test all their gear quickly and check the fine print of their specific deal to see exactly how to initiate a return, should they decide to return their equipment.

Verdict: Neither Frontpoint nor Vivint require customers to be locked into a contract to use their systems. However, Vivint only offers a 3-day trial, while Frontpoint has a generous 30-day trial period.

Winner: Frontpoint

9. Warranty

No matter how reputable a company is, equipment is bound to have occasional issues. Warranties ensure that defects and broken devices will be repaired or replaced without additional payment. Both Vivint and Frontpoint offer generous warranties to shoppers, though only Vivint allows shoppers to purchase an extended warranty.

The standard warranty for Frontpoint equipment is 3 years, whereas the standard warranty for Vivint is 120 days. Frontpoint warranties cannot be extended, but Vivint warranties can be extended if a customer purchases a Protection Plan.

As long as customers continue to pay for the Vivint Protection Plan, their equipment will be covered under an extended warranty. This plan provides users with free on-site repair, free shipping costs for replacement parts, additional coverage for damage due to power surges, and priority calls to customer service agents, along with complimentary semiannual system checks.

Pricing for the Vivint Protection Plan is not readily available online and may vary by package and location—interested customers will need to call Vivint to learn about its customized plan.

Verdict: Frontpoint’s 3-year warranty is much longer than Vivint’s 120-day warranty. However, only Vivint’s warranty can be extended for the duration of the service contract.

Winner: Vivint

10. Home Automation and Device Compatibility

Households with established smart-home networks will be glad to hear that Frontpoint and Vivint products both support Amazon Alexa and Google Home. This allows customers to sync their security devices with products offered by Amazon and Google and gives them an easy way to control all their devices. Many other popular smart-home brands don’t include support for both Alexa and Google Home, making this a big perk of Frontpoint and Vivint.

Customers who don’t yet have other smart-home devices installed on their property can opt to use first-party gear from Frontpoint and Vivint instead of shopping elsewhere. These smart devices can be controlled directly from the Frontpoint and Vivint app, eliminating the need to toggle between a variety of mobile apps.

The two companies offer plenty of their own smart devices, such as smart thermostats, smart locks, and smart garage door openers. Popular smart devices at Frontpoint include the outdoor smart plug, smart door lock, and wireless light control. Popular smart devices at Vivint include the smart thermostat, smart lights, and Car Guard.

Shoppers will want to keep in mind that smart devices purchased through Vivint will need to be professionally installed, while smart devices from Frontpoint support DIY installation. Beyond that minor caveat, the smart-home catalogs of the two brands are remarkably similar.

Verdict: Frontpoint and Vivint both offer a range of smart devices, including thermostats, locks, and garage door openers. Both systems are also compatible with smart-home systems like Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

Winner: Tie

Verdict: Vivint wins out against Frontpoint because of its large selection of high-quality security equipment, flexible payment options, and comprehensive mobile app. However, Frontpoint is an excellent choice for customers who want a lower-cost DIY security system with a generous free trial period.

While shoppers looking for a DIY security system will find much to love about Frontpoint, Vivint may be the better option for many households. Not only does the company offer premium equipment and stellar customer service, but its mobile app and the option to pay for the system monthly make it slightly more attractive. Vivint is an established brand that has been around much longer than Frontpoint, giving customers another layer of security knowing the company has served hundreds of thousands of satisfied clients.

• Think Vivint is the best choice? See everything Vivint has to offer.

Frontpoint is still worth considering, as its lengthy free trial and more affordable pricing make it a good option for shoppers on a more limited budget. Its products can also be installed without the need to set up a professional installation, which provides buyers with more flexibility. But anyone seeking the best all-around home security system will likely find that Vivint offers everything they’re looking for. Customers may also want to consider Vivint vs. Ring to see if either option stands out as a good fit for their home security needs.

• See all Frontpoint plans and equipment