Vivint vs. Frontpoint

Vivint vs Fronpoint: Overview

Vivint and Frontpoint take two different approaches to home security.

Vivint is focused on providing a full-service experience, taking care of everything for you, from designing your security system to installing it. 

Frontpoint offers more flexibility to its customers, allowing you to build your own equipment package and install it yourself. 

Despite these varied approaches, both providers have quickly built a name for themselves in the industry. They offer extensive smart capabilities and responsive professional monitoring, giving you a modern security system that provides both safety and convenience.

Who is Vivint?

Vivint has been providing home security solutions for over 20 years. It focuses on providing devices and services that meet today’s demands and adapt easily to industry evolutions.

When researching security systems, you will quickly see that Vivint’s technology is hard to beat. Its products offer every security feature available, as well as many customizations. 

As a leader in home automation and connectivity, you can use this company to build a system that makes your daily life easier. Developing a system that connects and works as a single unit is one of Vivint’s top priorities, a focus that sets them apart from competitors.

You also get 24/7, professional monitoring with your system. Vivint ensures that your home’s security extends far beyond alarms and sensors.

Who is Frontpoint?

Though Frontpoint is one of the newest home security providers in the industry, its DIY system and exceptional customer service have driven it to the top. 

Since 2007, it has helped build the market for self-installed security systems. This company was one of the first to integrate smart devices with all of its systems. It also pioneered providing a professional monitoring service with a DIY system, proving you can still offer a luxury security service without professional installation.

Before you can determine which brand is right for you, you have to know what they offer.

What is the difference between Vivint and Frontpoint?

The main difference between these companies is the type of installation required for each system. Having the option to bypass installation fees and set up your equipment yourself is generally a plus. Since Vivint’s professional installation service is free, however, this may be more of a loss than a gain.

In addition to this difference, the equipment and prices for both companies differ considerably. We’ll walk through the main features of both security providers below.

Vivint vs Frontpoint: Equipment

Vivint’s advanced software and technology continually land it the top spots on most home security company lists. It has created its own line of smart security devices, customizing these products to meet its customers exact demands.

Since many of Frontpoint’s products are from third-party companies, they don’t work quite as seamlessly as a whole system. Still, its devices are still better than most of the other DIY options available.

Security cameras

There are some camera features that are essential to any home security system. Both Vivint and Frontpoint have equipped their cameras with these capabilities, including:

• Wireless connectivity
• Live streaming and recording video
• Night vision
• Crystal clear video quality
• Remote access through the app

Their cameras also offer several additional features, which give customers more options than other providers. 

Vivint, for example, offers three feature-heavy security cameras, the Ping Indoor Camera, the Outdoor Camera Pro, and the Doorbell Camera Pro. Each camera allows you to watch live feeds, speak through the devices with two-way communication, and automatically identifies intruders or lurkers.

They also include features such as:

• Smart, custom perimeters
• Advanced analytics that automatically differentiate between threats and unimportant activity
• Smart Sentry, an automated deterrent that lights the camera’s LED ring and sounds an alert to tell lurkers they’re being recorded (outdoor and doorbell cameras)
• Smart package detection and proactive protection (doorbell cameras)
• 24/7 recording with Smart Clips to identify important events

Frontpoint has programmed its cameras with smart perimeters and similar advanced analytics, but it doesn’t offer the rest of the other company’s more extensive features.

Plus, while Vivint has built these extensive capabilities into all three of its cameras, Frontpoint charges an additional premium for some of its indoor camera options. 

This company sells both the Indoor Camera and the Premium Indoor Camera. The more expensive camera includes smart features, a Bluetooth speaker, two-way communication, and analytics that differentiate between animals and people. It may be nice to have the simpler option, but it’s never fun to pay more for features that other companies automatically build in.

Sensors

You can get the standard set of security sensors from each provider. Door/window sensors and motion sensors are included in every equipment package for both. If you choose a more advanced package or add devices to your system, you can include:

• Glass break sensors
• Smoke detectors
• Carbon monoxide detectors
• Flood sensors

If you have recessed doors or want a more robust door sensor, you will only be able to get a recessed door sensor through Vivint. Frontpoint only offers a standard door/window sensor.

Frontpoint carries a garage tilt sensor, which alerts you when your garage door opens. Vivint, however, gives you full control over your garage door with a smart garage door controller.

Smart home automation

Today, smart devices are often the most important parts of a home security system. Since both Vivint and Frontpoint are well-known for their home automation options, you should consider these options carefully.

Going with either security provider allows you to add several smart home devices to your system, including:

• Smart locks
• Smart touchscreen control panels
• Smart thermostats
• Smart plugs

Smart lighting is also an option for both, though each brand has different devices. Vivint has partnered with Philips Hue lighting to offer smart light bulbs that you can add to your home. With Frontpoint, you won’t purchase the actual lighting with your equipment. Instead, you can use its wireless light control device to connect any smart lights you purchase separately to your home security system.

Vivint also provides two additional smart devices. Its smart garage door controller lets you open and close your garage door through the app or Smart Hub. You can also see its position at any time through the app.

Car Guard is one of its most unique options. This device plugs into your car so you can track its location and monitor maintenance needs. If someone bumps into or tampers with your vehicle, it will trigger the Smart Sentry feature on your outdoor cameras to scare off the thief.

Additionally, Vivint’s home automation equipment includes devices developed by the company and some third-party options. All of Frontpoint’s smart products are from third-party brands.

If you already have smart devices in your home, you can likely integrate them into either system. Both companies use Z Wave protocol to connect their smart devices, so you can add any products that run on this technology. Vivint, for example, integrates directly with Nest thermostats.

This connectivity also includes smart home systems, including Amazon Echo and Google Home. Using either of these devices with your security system enables voice commands for your smart devices. You can ask Amazon Alexa or the Google Assistant to pull up video feeds, lock your door, or turn on the lights with nothing more than a voice command.

As you can see, both companies provide similar smart home options. If you want to go beyond simple smart home capabilities, however, Vivint is the better choice.

This company creates a deeper network integration than other security solutions. Its devices connect and work seamlessly as a unified system, which gives you more options for automation and customization. Since you’re already paying for an advanced security system, having these extensive abilities makes your devices worth the extra cost.

Mobile app

You can use both providers’ mobile apps to view your camera footage, adjust your system’s settings, control your smart devices, and arm/disarm the security system. Both apps have high ratings and are easy to use.

The app is especially important if you don’t purchase the touchscreen control panel with your Frontpoint system. Without this device, the app is the best and easiest way to access and control your system.

Extras

This category is where the differences between both companies are more obvious. They have some of the same extra features, but Vivint’s are a bit nicer than Frontpoint’s.

When you have a Vivint system, you can use it to request help during a medical emergency, even if you can’t access your phone. Using either its medical pendent or the two-way communication feature on the Smart Hub or indoor camera, you can ask the professional monitoring team to send first responders. If an elderly or sick person lives in your home, this capability offers extra peace of mind.

During a medical emergency, you can also use Frontpoint’s panic pendent to indicate a medical or security emergency. If you don’t upgrade to the Premium Indoor Camera or touchscreen control panel, however, you won’t be able to use any other security device for help.

The control panel is another category that Vivint does better. Every customer receives its touchscreen Smart Hub at no extra cost, no matter which package they choose. You can use this device to view live or recorded footage from every camera, update your settings, contact Vivint, arm/disarm your system, control your smart devices, and more.

Frontpoint does offer a touchscreen control panel, but it is only available as an add-on. If you want one place to control all of your system outside of the mobile app, you will have to pay more for Frontpoint Touchscreen. 

Without this add-on, you will instead receive a keypad panel and Frontpoint Hub, a device that connects each part of your system. This command center doesn’t have any built-in controls, however, so you will make any changes through the mobile app.

If you prefer a keypad or want to have another way to use your system, Vivint offers this simpler type of control panel as an add-on option.

Vivint vs Frontpoint: Pricing

One reason that customers love both of these companies is that they don’t require a contract with their systems. Going with either option also means owning your equipment rather than leasing it.

Neither system is cheap, however, so be prepared to pay a premium price for either option.

Vivint’s plans & pricing

Rather than choosing a pre-packaged equipment bundle, you will work with a Vivint agent to choose the devices that will best fit your home. This allows you to meet your exact needs and wants.

Thankfully, Vivint gives customers two options for purchasing their equipment. If you want to pay upfront, you can avoid any contracts and won’t be locked into a plan, though you will need to sign up for a monthly monitoring plan to use the system. 

Since this can be a large investment, Vivint also allows customers to finance their equipment, often for as little as $0 down. Just note that you will have to sign a 42- or 60-month service agreement if you choose to finance your equipment.

This brand also offers several options for its monthly monitoring plans, including:

• Smart Security Monitoring – You can use basic security equipment with this plan, including door/window sensors, motion detectors, and the Smart Hub. Though you do get Vivint’s exceptional services with this plan, you can’t enjoy many of the features that make them an industry favorite.
• Smart Home Monitoring – This plan includes smart home devices and automation. If you choose this option, you can add advanced products such as smart thermostats, lights, and locks to your home.
• Smart Home Video Monitoring – Vivint’s top-tier monitoring plan helps you cover every part of your home and property. The professional monitoring team will also keep an eye on your cameras, so you can enjoy the strongest home security.

If you choose the Smart Home Video Monitoring plan, you can add up to six cameras to your system. Each camera will add an additional fee to your monthly cost.

Frontpoint’s plans & pricing

With Frontpoint, you will order and pay for your equipment upfront. The company will then ship your devices to you for free, unless you want 2-day or next-day shipping. You can also try this system for free for 30 days to see if it’s what you want.

If you want to select every device in your system, you can choose the Build Your Own plan. For a less intensive option, the company offers three equipment packages:

• The Safehouse – Frontpoint Hub, keypad, two door/window sensors, one motion sensor, and a Home Defense Kit. with decals, signs, and stickers.
• The Bunker – Frontpoint Hub, keypad, three door/window sensors, one motion sensor, one indoor camera, one smoke detector, and a Home Defense Kit.
• The Fortress – Frontpoint Hub, keypad, six door/window sensors, two motion sensors, one indoor camera, one smoke detector, and a Home Defense Kit.

Similar to Vivint, professional monitoring is required and included with every system. Frontpoint only offers one plan, so you will have to pay the current monthly price to cover this expense. This price is typically higher than any of Vivint’s options, but you do get security, smart home, and video monitoring with every equipment package.

Frontpoint also includes ID Protect and Crash and Smash protection in its monthly plan. ID Protect is a service that protects your finances and identity from theft and fraud. It is powered by Allstate Identity Protection.

Crash and Smash protection is an automatic response to someone destroying your control panel. If part of your system, such as a window sensor or motion detector, is triggered and the control panel doesn’t send a follow-up signal to the monitoring center, Frontpoint will treat the situation like a break-in. They will reach out to your emergency contact list and dispatch first responders.

Vivint vs Frontpoint: Installation

If you prefer either professional or do-it-yourself installation, this factor is an easier way to determine which company you prefer.

Vivint includes free professional installation in every purchase. This service also includes a security evaluation. A Vivint security expert will come to your home to see which devices will work best. They will then help you finalize the equipment you want to purchase.

On the day of your installation appointment, a Vivint installer will bring your equipment to your home. They will find the best locations for each device, ensuring that you get the best coverage and strongest security from your system. 

Most importantly, the technician will then walk you through using your system and how it works. By the time they leave, you can have full confidence in your security set-up and ability to use it.

Frontpoint provides a DIY security system, so you will install all of your equipment yourself. These products are made for easy installation, so you can easily set them up around your home. 

Since you are placing your devices yourself, it may take some time to find the best placements for each option. You may also have to get creative in your set-up. The Outdoor Camera, for example, must be installed within 14 ft. of an outlet so its power cord can be plugged in. Installation shouldn’t be too difficult, but it may be frustrating at times.

Vivint vs Frontpoint: Monitoring

Both companies provide professional 24/7 monitoring. A team is ready to respond to any alerts or requests for assistance at all times. Whether you see the notification or not, these monitoring experts will make sure that law enforcement arrives before burglars can do extensive damage.

They will also keep an eye on your system to make sure it is functioning as it should. 

Professional monitoring allows you to leave your security to the experts so you can focus on other priorities.

Not sure which security system is best for your home? Give us a call at 855-707-3746 to learn more about the benefits of both Vivint and Frontpoint security systems.