When looking for a home security system, the most important aspects consumers will be looking for are how the system will secure their home and how much it will cost. Compared to other home protection products, Frontpoint does have features that surpass satisfaction. Aspects like the ease of installation and use make it desirable for any homeowner. Such quality is backed by price, however, as there are relatively expensive monthly payments along with a one- or three-year contract choices. Consumers must take all of these details into consideration before selecting a home security system.
This system comes with a plethora of security equipment available. One way Frontpoint sets itself apart from other security systems is that users can choose which devices they want because they can install it themselves. There are a total of 17 different devices, including panels, sensors, cameras, and more.
The panels control the home automation; the other home security devices can be monitored and administered through these products.
Sensors let the homeowner know of what individuals and potential dangers arrive in and around the home.
The cameras are relatively up-to-date, allowing for a clear picture of what was captured through the sensors.
Related: Compare All Home Security Systems
There are two types of panels: standard and wireless. There is also an app that can be downloaded on a smartphone. Though it has an interesting interface that could be more convenient to use than the standard, the standard panel allows the user to check the status of their system and set the alarm faster. It can give updates about the weather through the small information screen.
The wireless panel does provide more than that. It's not a requirement to obtain, especially if the homeowner already has the app on their phone. However, it does contain certain extra features like taking a photo each time someone disarms the system. The wireless panel is a touchscreen. Directly through this screen, pictures can be seen that were taken at the moment an alarm was triggered. Video feeds could also be displayed through this touchscreen.
In addition to these, the wireless panel pretty much contains all the other features the standard panel contains, such as the emergency button and being able to check the status of the system. Other features the touchscreen panel have are the apps menu and the home control menu. Like the Frontpoint app, the user has access to other system features. The home control menu is made for the home automation devices. The menu can be utilized to handle various equipment, such as some of the cameras. This feature is also available in the smartphone app.
The cellular app can provide some remote administration of devices, which is useful if a user's friend must enter the home to obtain something for the homeowner if the owner isn't home.
Not all three panels are needed to monitor the home unless the home is large.
There are a total of nine different sensors: door and window, recessed door, garage door, smoke and heat, carbon monoxide, water flood, motion, glass break, and light sensors. The door and window sensors are small but functional. There are sensors for both flat and recessed doors. When a door is opened, then the name of that particular door is resounded throughout the house. For example, if the front door is opened, then a voice that says, "front door" will resonate. The same goes for the back door and the door that leads to the garage. The garage door itself will contain a sensor that users can check via the app or touchscreen.
Many people mistakenly think that all that is needed to warn occupants of the home about a fire is the standard smoke detector. These indicators were made to go off as soon as smoke was recognized. However, that is all these typical detectors can do. Frontpoint's security system features a sensor that not only detects smoke but heat as well. Since heat is created faster than smoke, the heat and smoke sensor will be able to detect a fire faster than a regular smoke indicator. Basic detectors also can't identify and warn when the air contains carbon monoxide. Since carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, tasteless, and deadly, it's essential to have a sensor that alerts individuals to its presence. People who live in areas prone to flood will find the water sensor useful. Users will be notified when the sensor goes off on the app and be able to respond quickly before too much damage is done.
Motion sensors notify of the activity inside and in the front of a home. A large number of burglars are seen or have confessed to scouting the parameter of a home before the planned break-in for easy ways to get in. Motion sensors can help prevent this. The same goes for the glass break sensors. These indicators can detect the sound of multiple types of broken glass, including laminated and insulating glass. Glass break sensors can identify the sound of a window breaking as well as a glass plate. Sometimes dangerous individuals may not be coming close enough to the house for the motion sensors to detect them. They might be stalkers who park outside of a home late at night. Light from their car could be recognized by the light detectors. In addition, this could be a good indicator that lets the homeowners know that their spouse has arrived safely after parking their car in the driveway.
Each of these sensors is easy to install with the provided instructions.
Not all of them are immediately available with certain monthly plans. It's important for homeowners to determine which sensors are the most important for their home or, at the very least, the homeowner should call a representative for a consultation.
Through the Frontpoint app, all of these sensors can be monitored and the user can be sent alerts in case one of them goes off.
Most associated with security systems are cameras. There's the wireless indoor camera, the wireless outdoor camera, and a video doorbell. Both the wireless indoor and outdoor cameras are very similar in features. To save on power, they're not constantly on; they turn on when motion is sensed. The cameras record in 720p. Not only can the user hear what's happening in the feed, but those in the feed could pick up the sounds from the user's end. Communication could be among people who must complete projects in different rooms or a homeowner to a visitor walking up the driveway. The main difference between the indoor and outdoor cameras is the outdoor camera was made to withstand various weather and temperature conditions.
It could be possible that pets or plants moving in the wind could turn on the feed of these cameras. That might be a small annoyance, but it's important to test this out nonetheless.
The video doorbell can easily replace almost any doorbell, especially with its simple installation. Like the other cameras, this one contains 2-way audio. The convenience comes with not only seeing who is ringing the doorbell but also communicating to solicitors the lack of interest in buying anything. Users do not have to leave their current spots to answer the door unless it's for wanted guests. An advantage with the video doorbell is that it functions both day and night. This doorbell has a night vision feature. As risky as answering a door late at night is, there may be times where it is necessary. To reduce the risk, seeing who is ringing the doorbell in the middle of the night could confirm whether it's a friend, a person in need, or a potentially dangerous individual.
The video doorbell is highly recommended for busy homeowners who may not expect guests often.
Like the other equipment, not all of the camera devices may be available with all plans.
The Frontpoint Home Security System also features a panic pendant, keychain remote, and smart lock. The panic button on the control panel may be too far away to reach in an emergency situation. That's what the panic pendant is for. Its small size allows users to wear it around their necks or put it in their pockets.
Besides the control panel, the keychain remote is the quickest way to arm and disarm the alarm system. The difference is that the remote, like the pendant, is a convenient size. It could be put on car keys and used while rushing out of the home. In addition, the outdoor lights can be turned on through the keychain remote.
The smart lock is both manual and automatic. Also called the keypad door lock, the smart lock can lock and unlock the door from far away. Combinations can be set up for easy access to individuals that are approved for entry. Users can receive notifications of when people have arrived and when they have left.
Most of the items, particularly sensors and cameras, can be controlled and monitored through a smartphone. Specifically, through the Frontpoint app. All that is needed is a Wi-Fi connection between the phone and devices. The interface on the app is simple to use. The complete cellular automation is one of the multiple ways Frontpoint stands out.
Frontpoint has friendly representatives that can help consumers make their purchase over the phone in less than 30 minutes. Callers are not pressured into buying certain equipment or taking a more expensive plan. Questions will be asked to the user about the layout of the home, whether an event has occurred that caused the decision to buy a home security system, possible concerns the consumer may have about home security systems, and other inquiries. This consultation is to provide clarity on what equipment will be needed and how it will be used.
Installation is not needed by a professional; it can all be done by the purchaser. The equipment comes in a box along with a set of installation instructions. These instructions have clear steps with pictures to help users understand what to do. There are also instructions online displayed through videos. Depending on the size of the home, set up doesn't take very long.
The alarm doesn't immediately go off when triggered. The reason it takes between 30-60 seconds is to give the user time to disarm the alarm upon arrival to the home. It could also be for when the alarm is tripped by accident. When intruders come in, this extra time might provide them with the chance to run in and destroy the alarm system themselves. Even if this is done, when an alarm is triggered Frontpoint is immediately notified. Destroying the control panel doesn't disarm the alarm system. If the alarm isn't disarmed after a certain amount of time, then Frontpoint will inform both the homeowner and the police.
Certain plans come with a particular set of equipment. Consumers can add other desirable products to their arrangement for extra costs. There are two parts of payment: the equipment itself and a monthly plan. When calling Frontpoint for a consultation, they can give exact prices of the products in the form of a quote. The monthly plans are then discussed.
The monthly plans are for monitoring. There are three plans: protection, interactive, and ultimate monitoring. The protection monitoring plan is $34.99 a month and includes fire, life safety, burglary intrusion, and environmental conditions monitoring. The interactive plan is $44.99 a month. It has what protection has as well as remote access, email and text alerts, home automation light control, and access to an alarm history. Finally is the ultimate monitoring plan, which is $49.99 a month. It includes everything the interactive plan has, plus the smart lock for home automation access control, video surveillance that is both recorded and has a live feed, and a thermostat for home automation climate control. The pricing might be a bit expensive on some of the features, but worth it for what they provide.
Customers may find that certain products, like the indoor and outdoor cameras for video monitoring, are only available through certain monthly plans. Even if a consumer wants a different plan with additional products, some of those products will not be available as such. It can be possible to speak to a representative and discuss changes in price. This is not guaranteed, however. It's important to call and ask first.
The protection plan is basic and recommended for small homes.
The interactive plan can be very useful for moderately-sized homes that a family lives in.
Larger homes, including mansions, would need the ultimate monitoring plan to cover the bigger space.
For consumers who are unsure or feel that customization is the better plan, they can call a representative and discuss which plan and equipment are the most beneficial.
There isn't a no-contract plan available. Consumers can only choose between a 1-year contract and a 3-year contract. Either contract does not change the overall price of the monthly monitoring fees. If a consumer is unsure, then they could take a free trial of the Frontpoint Home Security System for 30 days.
The Frontpoint Home Security System stands out in multiple ways, including easy self-installation and cellular control of home automation. There is a lot of equipment to choose from for customization of home security. Though not all equipment comes immediately with certain monthly plans, they could still be added to a select monthly plan. Prices of equipment and plans can be done over the phone. There's also the option of going to the website and directly buying through there. It's recommended to make the call for a consultation to better understand what is needed for the home. The support and service are helpful, friendly, and do not upsell their customers. The Frontpoint Home Security System is recommended for homeowners who like to customize and set up home security systems on their own.
