We may earn money when you buy through our links.
8 min readFor over 11 years, SafeWise experts have conducted independent research and testing to create unbiased, human reviews. Learn how we test and review.
Frontpoint has a hefty roster of equipment and accessories that covers almost any security situation, from break-ins to fires and everything in between. It also connects with Alexa, Google Home, and Z-Wave devices for a complete home automation experience.
If you're looking for an overview, read our Frontpoint review. To learn more details about Frontpoint's equipment and smart home compatibility, read on.
🔥 Frontpoint is offering up to 82% off and packages starting as low as $69!
Info current as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
For new customers. Limited time offer, while supplies last.
Image: Cathy Habas, SafeWise
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more videos like this one! Learn how to protect your home, your loved ones, yourself, and your belongings.
Individual Frontpoint components cost from around $4 to $230, and packages range from around $70 to $370. Compared to other top brands, sometimes Frontpoint has better prices, and sometimes it doesn’t.
Motion detectors are on the pricier end. Typically, a motion sensor will run around $30, but Frontpoint charges closer to $70. That's more than double the average, and can add up quickly if you have a larger home that needs a lot of coverage.
On the other hand, Frontpoint’s starter kit is pretty darn affordable. You can get the Essential Home Security System for as little as $69. This kit includes a hub and keypad, two door/window sensors, a yard sign, and window decals. That’s a lot for the price, especially considering that a single motion sensor is around $70 when purchased alone. SimpliSafe’s starter kit is nearly three times as much and offers the same equipment.We like that you can add a camera to the starter package—just know that puts the price closer to $100 or $160, depending on the camera you choose.
The Essential Home Security System is best if you just want a dash of security for your home. Its low price and limited gadgets make it the perfect solution for folks who aren’t sure what security system products to get or don’t want to clutter their home with too many gadgets.
The Total Home Security System starts at $239 (about the same price as the aforementioned SimpliSafe starter kit) and comes with a bit more equipment:
We like The Total Home Security System for people that are all-in on their security. They want to keep safe from intruders, fires, and other emergencies. Again, your choice of cameras will alter the price of this package. If you pick two indoor cameras, you'll pay around $240, but if you pick two outdoor cameras, the price jumps to around $370.
Package | Starting price | Door and window sensors | Motion sensors | Smoke and heat sensor | Cameras | Learn more |
| $69.00 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | View Packages | |
| $239.00 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | View Packages |
Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
You can also build your own package with Frontpoint. You'll start with the Frontpoint Hub and Keypad and then add the security equipment that makes sense or your home. You can even add extra equipment, like more door and window sensors or a glass break sensor, to the Essential or Total Home systems. Just keep in mind that the more equipment you add, the more you'll pay. But Frontpoint makes it easier on your wallet with options to spread those costs over time or pay more upfront with a lower monthly fee.
Frontpoint devices can supplement equipment packages, or you can build your Frontpoint home security system from scratch, adding as many or as few devices as you like.
Here’s how all the individual device prices shake out:
Frontpoint recently released an Indoor Smart Plug to help you turn any item that plugs into an outlet into a smart device! The smart plug works with the Frontpoint mobile app, is easy to set up, and is Z-Wave certified.
It’s a good thing that the Frontpoint app is free. (The price is included in the monitoring fees.) It’s your key to the whole shebang. The app guides you through the Frontpoint installation process, and then you can use it to do the following:
Screenshots: Alina Bradford; SafeWise
All Frontpoint packages have a few standard security components: a hub, keypad, door and window sensors, and Frontpoint's Home Defense Kit that includes a yard sign, window decals, and a door sticker. These are considered the foundation of any home security system. But one of the reasons we like Frontpoint so much is that you can get a ton of security accessories too—making it your most comprehensive DIY home security option.
The hub is the “brain” of your Frontpoint security system. The system uses dual cellular/Wi-Fi connections to communicate with devices and the monitoring center.
Unlike our brains, though, the hub has a backup system. When the cellular connection isn’t working as it should, the Frontpoint hub switches over to Wi-Fi. Its battery backup will keep the system up and running for 24 hours during a blackout too.
With the keypad, you can arm and disarm the system or call for help. You get up to four codes for family or your roommates.
You can upgrade from a basic keypad to the Frontpoint Touchscreen control panel (it's included in the Total Home equipment package). This HD display controls your entire Frontpoint home security system and all your smart devices without using the app. The touchscreen also displays the four-day weather forecast and your favorite photos as a screen saver (like a digital picture frame).
Images: Cathy Habas, SafeWise
As you probably guessed, window/door sensors “sense” when a door or window opens and motion detectors sense, well, motion. When your Frontpoint security system is armed, these sensors will signal the hub and sound the alarm. The hub will also send notifications to your phone.
So you may be asking, “When do you need a motion sensor instead of entry sensors?” Motion sensors are for areas that don’t open and close like doors and windows. You can get super creative with them:
Need some more ideas? Check out our five surprising ways to use sensors.
Frontpoint sensors install in seconds. Just peel the film off the back and press them to a wall or door jamb. Plus, the sensor battery lasts around five years, so you don’t need to worry about installing them again for a long time.
To learn more about how sensors work, check out our beginner’s guide to motion sensors.
Images: Cathy Habas, SafeWise
Frontpoint has a hefty range of accessories to customize your security system and automate your smart home fully. Here’s everything Frontpoint offers beyond the basics (as featured in the package we tested).
Image: Cathy Habas, SafeWise
This sensor detects glass breaking and sends messages to your system after a breach. It works within 20 feet of any window, so you’ll only need a few throughout the house. These are perfect for picture windows that don’t open since you can’t use a window sensor.
Image: Cathy Habas, SafeWise
When your garage door opens more than 45°, this tilt sensor will sound an alarm and notify the hub of an intruder when the security system is armed.
Image: Cathy Habas, SafeWise
The Frontpoint smoke and heat sensor doesn’t just set off an alarm like most smoke detectors. It’ll also notify you of danger through the app. If you don’t reply (because you’re hurt or asleep) the monitoring center will call emergency responders.
When toxic CO gas is detected, the sensor sounds an alarm, notifies the monitoring center, and sends you a notification on your phone. We like that there are three different ways this sensor aids in getting everyone out of the house safely.
Image: Cathy Habas, SafeWise
Even if you don’t live in a flood zone, a flood sensor is a valuable addition to your home. It can detect washer overflows or water heater leaks. You’ll prevent costly repairs by getting a notification as soon as water is detected.
Image: Cathy Habas, SafeWise
You can arm/disarm your system and turn on your home’s lights from your car with the Frontpoint key fob. The keychain remote is perfect for kids because they can come and go without remembering a code—no more accidental alarms.
We also like that it has an emergency mode. After holding a combination of buttons for three seconds, local authorities are alerted. If someone follows you home and you’re afraid to get out of your car, the emergency mode is a fast, discrete way to call for help.
Image: Cathy Habas, SafeWise
The panic button is a must-have for older folks living independently at home. A button push notifies the Frontpoint monitoring center of an emergency when you can’t get to your phone. It also has customizable alerts, a waterproof design, and a recessed button to lessen accidental pressing.
Image: Cathy Habas, SafeWise
This little gadget is basically a smart plug. You plug a lamp into one end and then plug the gadget into an outlet. From there, you can control the light using the Frontpoint app and set schedules for when the light will go on or off automatically.
It also works to control appliances that have power cords remotely. We like that we can start our coffee pot from the comfort of our beds.
Image: Cathy Habas, SafeWise
No need for keys with this smart lock by Yale. Unlock your door using the app or the built-in keypad. The bright backlit touchscreen makes typing in the correct code easier at night too.
With this thermostat, you can warm up your home without getting out of bed or cool the house down on your way home from work with the Frontpoint app. The app will also alert you if it gets too humid or dry in your home. And it’ll shut down your furnace and fans during a fire so they won’t literally fan the flames.
There are four Frontpoint cameras, so no matter what you need, you’re covered: a doorbell security camera, outdoor camera, indoor camera, and the Premium Indoor Camera.
We found that all of the cameras offer clear video and work well. They are also reasonably priced compared to other security cameras. And the cloud stores the footage for free.
Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
While the indoor and outdoor cameras have basic security camera features like two-way talk and night vision, the floodlight and wireless doorbell cams offer even more. These cameras include some premium features:
You can read more about each camera in our Frontpoint cameras guide.
Frontpoint meshes with third-party smart home products very well. You can use Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands to control devices connected to the wireless light control device. The Frontpoint app lets you control Alexa, Z-Wave, and Google Home devices without switching to a different app too.
While many Z-Wave products are compatible with Frontpoint, not all of them are. And Frontpoint isn’t very transparent on which Z-Wave brands to choose. Give Frontpoint customer service a call to confirm compatibility before buying.
Frontpoint delivers all the perks you want from a DIY home security system, from smart home integration and app control, to 24/7 video recordings and professional monitoring. Plus, every system comes with identity theft protection.
If you like the independence of DIY, but don’t want to compromise on equipment options or features, Frontpoint is a great choice.
Yes, you can schedule temperatures for different times of the day using the Frontpoint dashboard at Myfrontpoint.com.
Most of its security equipment is proprietary, but others make some devices. For example, the Premium Indoor Camera is by Alarm.com and the Frontpoint Smart Lock is by Yale.
SimpliSafe wins when it comes to price, but we like Frontpoint for customer service and features. You can take a look at our head-to-head comparison.
Read answers to more Frontpoint FAQs.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.
Subscribe to SafeWise for updates on safety news, product releases, and deals!
