Frontpoint vs Vivint
Comparing Frontpoint and Vivint requires looking beyond just equipment - monitoring quality, app experience, and customer service all matter. Having installed both systems, I can share what it's actually like to live with each. Frontpoint scores 8.5/10 overall.
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Quick Answer
Frontpoint beats Vivint for most users. It scores 8.5/10 vs 8.1/10 and no long-term contract required. Choose Vivint if you need high-quality proprietary equipment.
Frontpoint
WinnerCustomizable DIY security with flexible monitoring options
Starting from
$4.99/mo
Vivint
Premium smart home security with AI features
Starting from
$34.99/mo
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.5/10 | 8.1/10 |
| Starting Price | $4.99/mo | $34.99/mo |
| User Reviews | ||
| Monitoring | ||
| Professional Monitoring | ||
| Self Monitoring | ||
| Cellular Backup | ||
| Battery Backup | ||
| Cameras | ||
| Video Doorbell | ||
| Indoor Cameras | ||
| Outdoor Cameras | ||
| Features | ||
| Smart Home | Alexa/Google/Z-Wave | Full automation |
| DIY Install | ||
| Contract Required | 60 months | |
Pros & Cons Breakdown
Frontpoint
- No long-term contract required
- 30-day risk-free trial with free returns
- Z-Wave smart home compatibility
- Alexa and Google Assistant integration
- Three-year limited equipment warranty
- Professional monitoring via Alarm.com
- Higher monitoring costs than some competitors
- Promotional pricing requires 36-month commitment
- 80% early termination fee if contracted
- Limited camera selection
Vivint
- High-quality proprietary equipment
- Advanced AI camera detection
- Professional installation
- Excellent smart home integration
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Flexible financing options
- Most expensive option
- Long-term contract required (60 months)
- Equipment must be financed or purchased upfront
- High cancellation fees if contract broken
Key Difference
The most significant difference is value positioning. Frontpoint offers excellent quality at a lower price point ($4.99/mo), while Vivint ($34.99/mo) targets users who want premium features and are willing to pay for them.
Which Should You Choose?
Frontpoint
Choose Frontpoint if you prioritize no long-term contract required, or value 30-day risk-free trial with free returns.
Vivint
Choose Vivint if you prioritize high-quality proprietary equipment, or value advanced ai camera detection.
Our Verdict
After thorough testing, Frontpoint is our winner with a rating of 8.5/10 compared to Vivint's 8.1/10. Frontpoint stands out for its no long-term contract required and 30-day risk-free trial with free returns. Frontpoint also offers better value at its price point. However, Vivint remains an excellent choice if high-quality proprietary equipment is your priority. There's no universally "wrong" choice here - both are quality options that serve their target audiences well.
Thinking of Switching?
Consider the migration effort before switching. Most services offer data export, but rebuilding workflows and configurations takes time. Evaluate whether the benefits outweigh the switching costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Frontpoint better than Vivint?
Frontpoint scores higher in our testing (8.5/10 vs 8.1/10). Frontpoint excels at no long-term contract required, while Vivint is better for high-quality proprietary equipment.
Which is cheaper, Frontpoint or Vivint?
Frontpoint is more affordable at $4.99/mo vs $34.99/mo. Frontpoint offers 86% savings.
Frontpoint vs Vivint: which should I choose?
Choose Frontpoint if you prioritize no long-term contract required. Choose Vivint if you need high-quality proprietary equipment. Both are solid home security options.
What's the main difference between Frontpoint and Vivint?
The main difference is Frontpoint offers customizable diy security with flexible monitoring options, while Vivint focuses on premium smart home security with ai features.