Compare ADT Home Security vs. Frontpoint Home Security Systems

Overview

When comparing the top home security providers, ADT Monitoring vs. Frontpoint Security, we found that both companies offer great service and have state of the art equipment.

ADT Security Systems is the largest provider of home security services in both the U.S. and Canada, with over 140 years in the security industry. ADT offers expert installation and monitoring plans. ADT provides services to residential and commercial customers with average to high budgets. The systems offered by ADT is installed by company technicians and can be hardwired or wireless. The equipment is included at no additional cost after the one-time installation fee. Customers must sign a 36-month contract. ADT advertises a six-month money back guarantee, if the company cannot solve the installation/service-related concern.

Newcomer, Frontpoint Security, on the other hand, was founded in 2007, and services the U.S. and Canada. Frontpoint customers order their monitoring equipment by phone or online and receive it by mail. Customers install it themselves in about 30 minutes, using easy to follow online instructions and helpful online videos. The cost of the equipment varies depending on the system purchased and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. It is priced for a one or three-year contract. Frontpoint monitors homes or businesses wirelessly using a cellular network.

Both companies are strong contenders when it comes to keeping your family safe. Nonetheless, before choosing a home security system provider, do your research and get quotes from each one of the companies you are considering. To help you with the task, we compared Frontpoint Security vs. ADT Monitoring. We examined each company and the features that set each system apart. We looked at the compatibility and cost of the equipment, the type of monitoring offered by each provider, their reputation with customers and in the industry, the type of contract and price, and the technology integrated to the system. To see our top-rated home security companies, check out our reviews of the best companies.

ADT Monitoring, the oldest and largest security monitoring company, and Frontpoint, a relatively new company are preferred by consumers, taking two of the top 5 home security spots in the industry. Both companies offer standard and advance packages, require customers to sign a monitoring contract, and provide wireless equipment. However, there are variations in costs and options that set each company apart and have made Frontpoint the top choice for several years running.

One of these differences is cost. ADT offers 5 different monitoring plans, ranging from $36.99 to $52.99 per month. Frontpoint has 3 plans available, ranging from $34.99 to $49.99. Albeit, with ADT, customers don’t pay for the equipment upfront, they need to sign a three-year contract. Frontpoint, on the other hand, sells the equipment at a reduced cost with a minimum equipment purchase of $99. When we added the cost of the equipment and monitoring service, Frontpoint was the most affordable. Another advantage Frontpoint has over ADT is the ease of installation. All the equipment offered by Frontpoint is wireless, and customers install the system themselves. They can also integrate additional equipment at any time after the initial purchase. Everything comes through the mail and is already programmed. Frontpoint’s systems are portable too, which make the company the perfect choice for renters or people who are planning to move soon. Moreover, customers can choose a one-year contract, a clear advantage over the three-year contract required by ADT. All systems available from ADT require a visit for a quote and professional installation.

The equipment available from both Frontpoint and ADT is very similar. Both companies use GE equipment which can be monitored by other home security monitoring services. Frontpoint, however, has the advantage because customers install the already programmed system themselves and can purchase additional Frontpoint equipment, such as cameras, sensors, and home automation accessories at any time without requiring the visit of a company technician. Frontpoint also uses 100% cellular connection to monitor the system, which cannot be affected by landline or internet failure.

Two critical aspects that drive customer satisfaction in home security are monitoring service and response times. The clock starts when your alarm is triggered and ends once the authorities are contacted. National averages after the event is verified are influenced by the quality of the security system, the monitoring center efficiency, and police protocol.

The sensors and devices available from Frontpoint and ADT are placed in the same locations in your home or business. Sensors are installed strategically to monitor doors, windows, and garage doors. They both offer glass break sensors, motion sensors, recessed door sensors, smoke and heat sensors, carbon monoxide sensors, and flood sensors. APL or Advanced Protection Logic, better known as Crash & Smash Protection, is also available from the providers. For additional protection and peace of mind, customers can acquire indoor and outdoor cameras and event-triggered surveillance. As one would expect, all these sensors are state of the art.

Regarding sensor placement, ADT Monitoring and Frontpoint Security both aim to meet customer expectations. ADT will send a professional to assess the particular needs of each locale and Frontpoint’s customer support agents will offer personalized equipment placement recommendations during the phone consultation. The best company in this category depends on the customer’s willingness to install the system or the desire to have a technician install and program the system.

Several added features will suit customers who require extra monitoring, be it for peace of mind or necessity. For these customers, adding surveillance monitoring is ideal. Both ADT and Frontpoint have the required equipment and monitoring plans to meet the needs of their customers. They also offer additional cameras, a doorbell camera, and a tilt and pan model that adds an extra layer of security. Moreover, life safety accessories can make the elderly, disabled, or people with certain diseases or ailments feel better protected in their homes. ADT and Frontpoint provide medical alert pendants that send an alert to a medical response team when the panic button is activated.

Handling security threats is paramount to customer satisfaction. When a sensor is triggered, the monitoring center is alerted and a high decibel alarm, if equipped, will go off as well. A security expert at the monitoring center contacts the customer to assess if there is an actual emergency or if the alarm was triggered accidentally. After confirmation, the authorities are notified. This process can take anywhere from 15 seconds to one minute. Frontpoint’s response time, from alarm triggering to contacting the authorities is 30 seconds. ADT’s is 45 seconds. The national average for when a home security alarm is triggered to when the authorities show up is about seven minutes. Of course, these numbers are not set in stone, and many factors can influence response time such as time of day and the type of the system installed.

Since its inception, Frontpoint’s monitoring has been done over a cellular network, whereas ADT has recently introduced Cellguard^®, a system that uses a cellular network as a backup or primary way to notify monitoring centers. Customers who have older ADT devices might need to upgrade by adding a chip to their control pad or purchasing new devices from the company. Whether customers choose the chip or the device, they need to schedule a visit with an ADT technician. Furthermore, the response centers of both companies have redundant power system in the event of a commercial power failure. Frontpoint’s centers can operate in a standalone capacity, but if an ADT monitoring center goes “offline,” the signals are sent to the next available center.

Frontpoint outsources its monitoring to Rapid Response Monitoring Services while ADT owns six monitoring centers across the U.S. and Canada. It has the largest monitoring network in the industry. Both companies boast about their monitoring technology and state-of-the-art equipment. So, what’s best, outsourcing or owning the monitoring center? Both options have their merits. ADT must invest in its centers to maintain their cutting-edge monitoring technology, while Frontpoint partners with Rapid Response, a monitoring service that specializes in monitoring serivices. Like ADT and Frontpoint, Rapid Response Monitoring Services is accredited by the BBB and holds an A+ score with the organization. The company was founded in 1992.

The home security system provider you choose will likely depend on two major points, the equipment you need and whether a contract is required. Generally, providers require customers to sign a one or three-year agreement; the latter being the industry standard. Before selecting a company, be sure to find out about any requirements, fees, and charges you’ll be responsible for.

Whether signing a contract is right for you depends on your unique security needs. Both options come with its set of pros and cons. For example, customers who don’t sign a service contract are able to cancel or upgrade their service at any time without incurring cancellation or early termination fees. No contract also means that if a customer is not happy with the service the monitoring company is providing, they can switch to another provider. These customers can also add new devices without violating the non-existing contract.

When it comes to initial costs, however, not having a contract means that consumers will have to pay for the monitoring devices upfront and that prices are subject to change. Another disadvantage of not having a contract is not being able to purchase a maintenance plan. Thus, if or when the equipment malfunctions, the customer must find and hire an independent technician who will then visit the home to make repairs. The customer will have to foot the entire bill. Some home security providers offer customer support by phone, email, and chat. This perk is often included with a contract. Sometimes available at an extra cost are optional maintenance plans that will keep customers from having to deal with looking for a trustworthy technician to troubleshoot their system.

Frontpoint customers sign a one or three-year contract, and ADT customers must sign a three-year contract; the industry standard. Frontpoint offers a 30-day free trial, while ADT’s customers “have the chance to get a refund of all paid installation costs and monitoring fees up to 6 months after installation.” Thus, customers will receive a refund provided they meet ADT’s requirements. Before making your choice, be sure to read the fine print.

Technology is influencing every aspect of our lives to the point that the once sci-fi only dreamed smart home is now a popular reality. Technology also plays a significant role in the home security industry. Being able to integrate smart technology gives customers added control and flexibility. Devices such as computers and smartphones and tablets can be used to remotely monitor and control home sensors and smart door locks. While not every provider offers these advances, top companies such as Frontpoint and ADT do.

Frontpoint and ADT each have an application that lets users monitor and control their home security devices when they are away from home. Out of the three plans available from Frontpoint, its Interactive and Ultimate plans offer a load of features that give costumers control of their security system through an Android or Apple device application. ADT’s Pulse^® and Pulse^® + Video plans also offer a platform to integrate smart devices with the company app. Both home security providers give users the power of automation by allowing them to control their thermostat, lighting, and security cameras through the app when they are away from home. Frontpoint and ADT come on top regarding home automation, but if customers want more sophisticated equipment, they might consider ADT Monitoring’s technology. This service is available with ADT Pulse^® plans, at $52.99 and $58.99 a month with an installation cost of $99 and a 36-month contract. Frontpoint offers its Interactive and Ultimate plans at $44.99 and $49.99. The equipment must be paid for upfront. ADT provides the equipment at no additional cost with a three-year contract.

The purchasing experiences for Frontpoint and ADT are quite different, with Frontpoint taking the most praise in this regard. For starters, customers can purchase the system online or by phone. If ordering by phone the sales representative will ask customers a lot of questions to assess their security needs, the home’s layout, and entry points. Customers can choose from bundled systems or can hand pick the devices and sensors they want to install. Conversely, with ADT, customers need to set up an in-home visit after which they will receive a detailed quote for the security system.

Regarding reviews, both companies are accredited by the Better Business Bureau, ADT since 2013 and Frontpoint since 2009. ADT as well as Frontpoint has earned an A+ rating from the organization. However, Frontpoint’s composite score is a 4.8/5 while ADT has a 3.76/5 score. Over on Consumer Affairs, Frontpoint has 4.2 stars and ADT has a 4.5-star rating. As to the amount of negative reviews posted, keep in mind that a negative review isn’t necessarily cause for concern. It’s important to learn how to distinguish an honest review from a fake one.

ADT and Frontpoint have the following certifications and associations: Underwriters Laboratory (UL) that ensures all devices are manufactured following strict safety measures; Factory Mutual (FM), to ensure that the devices meet the highest standards for property loss prevention and safety; the Electronic Security Association, providing technical and management training, and government advocacy; and are certified by the New York City Fire Department, stating that the companies who obtain said certificate can install, inspect, tests, and service fire alarms.

The decision about which home security system a customer will purchase will likely be based on what they value more: the ability to DIY the installation and to add extra devices without requiring the visit of a technician or having a professional install the initial equipment and any other upgrades or additional devices.