SimpliSafe vs Frontpoint

A major appeal of SimpliSafe is the company does not require a contract. Most home security companies require contracts for close to three years. Frontpoint's contract, on the other hand, can range from 12–36 months, depending on the security package you select.

 

SimpliSafe and Frontpoint both include a three-year warranty on equipment as well as a risk-free trial. SimpliSafe's risk-free trial is longer and lasts for 60 days, while Frontpoint's trial lasts for only 30 days.

SimpliSafe's monthly fees are cheaper than Frontpoint's and start at $14.99. Frontpoint monthly fees range between $34.99 and $49.99. Although Frontpoint has a higher monthly cost, the company's upfront fees are much less than SimpliSafe's. Frontpoint's upfront fees are $99 in total, whereas SimpliSafe's upfront fees range between $229 and $489, depending on which security package you choose.

Although you're paying a higher monthly fee for Frontpoint, you're getting higher quality equipment. Frontpoint has high-tech equipment with an array of home automation capabilities, such as geo-location services, remote access, live video streaming, light control, smart lock control, garage door control, and more. Frontpoint also has a variety of security cameras, such as indoor cameras, outdoor cameras, doorbell cameras, etc.

 

With equipment quality being a high priority to consumers, SimpliSafe is concerning. Although SimpliSafe has a mobile app and is an easy do-it-yourself security option, the company's equipment is behind in quality. Touchscreen equipment is not available and home automation capabilities are limited, such as smart lighting and temperature control. SimpliSafe also does not currently offer an outdoor camera. Although there has been speculation that SimpliSafe is working on an outdoor camera, it doesn't look like there are solid plans in place for any time soon.

Basic Security Package (Winner: Frontpoint)
Frontpoint's most basic security package: $69
SimpliSafe's most basic security package: $122

When comparing SimpliSafe's and Frontpoint's basic security package, Frontpoint comes out on top. Frontpoint's basic security package includes the following: one Frontpoint Hub base station and keypad, two door/window sensors, one motion sensor, one yard sign, five window decals, and one door sticker.

 

SimpliSafe's basic security package includes one base station and keypad, two door/window sensors, one motion sensor, and one free keychain remote. SimpliSafe's basic plan does not include the yard sign, door sticker, and window decals like Frontpoint's package does. Frontpoint also holds the cheaper price even with more items included in the package.

Advanced Security Package (Winner: Frontpoint)
Frontpoint's most advanced security package: $509.86 (does include security cameras)
SimpliSafe's most advanced security package: $832.84 (does not include security cameras)

Frontpoint's advanced security package includes these items:

SimpliSafe's advanced security package includes the following equipment:

Frontpoint's advanced security package is much more expensive than SimpliSafe's, but that is because Frontpoint's includes three high-tech cameras. If SimpliSafe's package included an indoor camera and a doorbell camera like Frontpoint's did, SimpliSafe's plan price would be around $777.86, and this doesn't include an outdoor camera because SimpliSafe does not currently offer one.

Build Your Own Security Package (Winner: SimpliSafe and Frontpoint)
Frontpoint and SimpliSafe both offer build your own plans that allow you to customize your security package to your liking. If you want to create your own plan, you can select equipment a la carte and only pick out the items you want. Keep in mind that because these products are priced individually, it may save you money if you go with a premade package; it depends on how robust of a plan you want. You also have the option to select a premade package and add on additional sensors or motion detectors to make your package more extensive without having to create a plan from scratch.

A La Carte Equipment Pricing (Price Winner: SimpliSafe; Equipment Quality and Variety Winner: Frontpoint)
If you want to purchase equipment individually, Frontpoint and SimpliSafe allow you to buy most equipment a la carte. While Frontpoint has a wider variety of equipment that is higher quality, SimpliSafe has the cheaper price point. If you're willing to pay a bit more for additional equipment options and better quality, Frontpoint home security is the better choice. If you're looking for the cheapest option, SimpliSafe is best.

SimpliSafe's equipment costs are as follows:

Frontpoint's equipment costs are as follows:

Standard Monitoring (Winner: SimpliSafe)
SimpliSafe and Frontpoint both offer a 24/7 professional monitoring service with their most basic security packages. You can choose between standard monitoring or interactive monitoring. Standard monitoring is 24/7 professional monitoring that will alert the police in an emergency.

 

SimpliSafe's standard plan is $14.99 per month and includes an around-the-clock monitoring service with certified staff members that will send the police to your home if an emergency occurs. Frontpoint's standard plan costs a bit more at $34.99, but it includes 24/7 monitoring in addition to an automated system check, an expandable and portable system, unique user codes, and it is 100 percent wireless and cellular.

 

Both companies offer environmental monitoring included with each of their monitoring packages.

Interactive Monitoring (Winner: Frontpoint)
Interactive monitoring gives you remote access to your home security system at all times. You can arm and disarm your system as well as control other home automation capabilities. You also receive text or email notifications to update you on your home's security. Interactive monitoring will cost you more with both companies.

 

SimpliSafe's interactive monitoring is $24.99 per month and includes the company's mobile app that lets you control your system remotely and receive text and email alerts. You can arm and disarm your system as well as control security settings with it. SimpliSafe's package includes portable equipment, crash and smash protection, and power outage protection.

 

Frontpoint has two interactive monitoring options. Its more basic plan is $44.99 per month and includes crash and smash protection, geo-location services, email and text alerts, remote access and control, and sensor history. Although this plan is more expensive than SimpliSafe's interactive plan, it is more robust and includes more features. Frontpoint also has a second interactive monitoring plan that includes even more features. It costs $49.99 per month and includes additional capabilities, such as live video streaming, video and image history, motion-triggered alerts, night vision, light control, and smart lock control.

 

Frontpoint reviews are mostly positive, highlighting easy-to-use and quality equipment, excellent customer support, and home security packages that give you the best value for your money. SimpliSafe reviews aren't awful, but they aren't as positive as Frontpoint reviews. SimpliSafe complaints mainly note poor customer support and defective equipment.

If you want to skip hefty upfront fees and are interested in a quality home security system with home automation capabilities, we suggest going with Frontpoint Security Solutions as your home security provider. The company has better offerings, positive reviews, and although you'll pay a bit more in monthly fees, you'll be getting more for your money.