Frontpoint vs. Vivint Security

As the bar for quality home security gets higher, it’s tougher to tell what makes one security company better than another. To help you figure it out, we’re facing off our top security systems against one another.

Vivint is well-established as the one to watch when it comes to combining home security and home automation. But Frontpoint hasn’t let smart home trends pass it by, and it doesn't require a contract.

Trying to decide between these two home security giants? Here are the strengths and weaknesses of Vivint and Frontpoint.

Even though Frontpoint is a solid home security choice for anyone, we think its DIY installation and wireless equipment are the perfect match for renters and those with smaller homes and properties.

Because it’s a self-installed security system, it can get complicated to set up multiple sensors, cameras, and motion detectors on different floors and across a larger property—especially if you’re not a seasoned DIY-er.

It’s also tough to know exactly how much security is right for your situation. Because Frontpoint’s security experts work with you over the phone (instead of in person), it’s harder to know if you’ve got everything covered.

But if all you need is straightforward security for a small- to medium-sized home, Frontpoint can be an easy solution. And if moving is in your future, Frontpoint’s portable equipment is ideal.

If you love technology and dig the idea of having the smartest home on the block, Vivint is a standout option for home security. It’s also a good match for those who aren’t into DIY or those who have a larger home or property that needs protection.

Even though Vivint home security may seem more expensive than Frontpoint (when it comes to initial equipment), if you have a big house or a large yard, you’ll need to add on a lot of extras with Frontpoint.

By the time you’re done, you’ll be in the same neighborhood (cost-wise) or higher than Vivint. And you’ll have to set up all those components yourself. Plus, if you’re able to pay for equipment up front, you won’t be tied to a contract with Vivint.

Vivint and Frontpoint have more in common than not. Both security companies have strong reputations, 24/7 professional monitoring services, and advanced technology. Plus, you can get environmental safety monitoring (like smoke detectors and flood sensors) along with security measures. Here’s a breakdown of other ways Vivint and Frontpoint are similar:

• Included home automation features
• Free mobile app
• Monthly monitoring costs
• Live video streaming available
• Cellular monitoring
• Compatibility with third-party home automation devices
• Contract requirement for financing

Where Frontpoint and Vivint differ most is installation and contract options. Frontpoint is a DIY-only security system and Vivint requires professional installation. We’ll look more closely at the impact that difference makes below, but another disparity is contract length.

Before we dive deeper, here’s a summary of Vivint’s and Frontpoint’s significant distinctions and who we think wins:

• Equipment: Vivint consistently has the coolest integrated smart home tech 
• Cost: Frontpoint's monthly cost edges out Vivint's monitoring cost 
• Installation type: Tie, since it depends on what you want
• Trial period: Frontpoint's 30-day trial beats Vivint's virtually non-existent trial

Vivint's equipment line-up is nearly identical to Frontpoint's. Here are the major differences:

• Vivint offers a unique Car Guard device.
• Frontpoint's smoke alarm also detects heat.
• Vivint's equipment is designed and manufactured in-house.
• Frontpoint resells Alarm.com equipment.
• On average, Frontpoint's equipment costs less than Vivint's. 

In terms of equipment quality and features, Vivint's camera line-up is the Vivint Outdoor Camera and Vivint Indoor Camera, both of which are comparable to Frontpoint's outdoor and indoor cameras but have slightly better features.

Frontpoint also offers smart home devices like a smart plug and smart thermostat, which are more affordable alternatives to Vivint's plugs and the Element Smart Thermostat.

Vivint is unique in that you can start out with a month-to-month contract if you buy your home security equipment outright. This option is rare when it comes to full-fledged, professionally-monitored alarm systems.

But if you’d rather not fork over hundreds of dollars up front, you can finance your equipment. If you finance, you’re looking at a 42- or 60-month contract, which is much longer than the industry standard of 36 months.

And if you cancel Vivint early, you’re on the hook for 100% of the remainder of your Vivint contract.

Unlike Vivint, Frontpoint doesn’t require a contract—but you have to ask for the month-to-month option over the phone. If you use Frontpoint's online cart, you automatically enroll in a three-year contract. 

If you don’t want to pay upfront for your Frontpoint equipment, you can finance it for about $10 a month. This results in a month-to-month deal with a little more freedom for renters and frequent movers. But note that all online orders automatically default to the three-year contract—you need to call to get month-to-month service from Frontpoint.

Vivint security system equipment comes with a 120-day warranty, but if you get a a premium plan, Vivint will repair or replace faulty equipment as long as you have Vivint professional monitoring service.

But you can get repair and replacement service outside the 120-day window (or without premium service)—you just have to pay for the service call.

Frontpoint includes a three-year warranty on its equipment.

Vivint customer service was a struggle when it first hit the scene. But the company’s response to customer feedback was swift and sustained.

Vivint has recovered significantly from its initial poor reputation to become a company that’s been awarded for its outstanding service, both in-house (how it treats its employees) and in the world.² 

Frontpoint also puts customers first, which is evident in ongoing customer feedback.¹

Frontpoint home security consistently ranks four stars or higher on customer reviews, and the Frontpoint boasts that “96% of new customers would recommend Frontpoint.”

Vivint shines for its customized approach to installation. Not only do you get a pro who knows exactly what they’re doing, but every Vivint home security system includes a free home security assessment as well. 

That means you’ll get an expert determination of your home’s security vulnerabilities along with a thorough recommendation of what security measures make the most sense. The only downsides are waiting for the installer and welcoming a stranger into your home. Vivint installation costs and there's no DIY option.

In contrast, Frontpoint only offers DIY installation with no pro option. This is usually associated with more stripped-down home security systems like Scout or SimpliSafe. But Frontpoint manages to provide robust home security that is still simple for a homeowner (or renter) to install on their own.

And your Frontpoint home security system equipment comes pre-programmed, so all you have to do is power up the devices and they’re ready to go. Check out our guide to Frontpoint installation for more info.

Plus, since Vivint maintains a hands-on approach to installation and customer service, you can have someone come out to troubleshoot faulty Vivint equipment should the need arise. Frontpoint can only help you over the phone or online.

When you bring Vivint’s AI system (called Sky) into your home, you get a smart home system that not only follows your commands but also learns your habits and preferences automatically.

Vivint’s seamless integration of smart home tech and home security tech is like having a sentry that looks out for danger and works hard to make you as comfortable as possible.  

Portability is one of Frontpoint’s best features—their equipment is easy to pick up and take with you if you move while still under contract.

Unlike other companies (like ADT) that make you start over with new equipment, you can uninstall your Frontpoint security devices and reinstall them in your new digs. All you need to do is give Frontpoint your new address so they know where to send help if you need it.

It’s hard to see a clear-cut winner between Frontpoint and Vivint. A lot of it depends on your circumstances and security needs—and both companies deliver diligent home security that you can rely on to keep your home and family safe.

But we think that when you throw Vivint in the ring you have to emphasize home automation and other technical specs. In that regard, we put Vivint on top.

But there are still plenty of valid considerations that impact whether Vivint or Frontpoint is the best home security choice for you. Read our full Vivint review and full Frontpoint review to learn more.

When comparing Vivint and Frontpoint, we knew that each company attracts customers with different expectations. If you gotta have a professional installation, Vivint is the default winner. Frontpoint wins for the die-hard DIYer. 

Beyond that, we also compared each company's equipment, policies, and pricing based on our industry knowledge and personal experience. Learn more on our methodology page.

• Vivint FAQs
• Frontpoint FAQs
• Alternatives to Vivint
• Vivint App Review
• Frontpoint App Review

1. Consumer Affairs, “Frontpoint Consumer Reviews and Complaints." Accessed September 18, 2024.
2. The Monitoring Association, “Vivint is TMA 2017 Monitoring Center of the Year," June 22, 2017. Accessed September 18, 2024.