ADT vs Frontpoint
ADT is a good home security system for long-term homeowners. How does it compare to Frontpoint? Read our comparison chart below.
ADT is the oldest and most popular name in home security. Plans start at $28.99/month for the most basic protection to $58.99/month for video monitoring and home automation. Note that the base plan only comes with 24/7 burglary monitoring by landline. Cellular monitoring is available at an additional cost. Fire/smoke, carbon monoxide and flood monitoring equipment are also extra costs.
You only get the option of professional installation with ADT, which means that you'll usually have to pay for the labor that comes with that. There is a 3-year contract and a 6-month money-back guarantee, but only if there is an equipment or service problem that ADT can't solve.
While Frontpoint has been a solid customer favorite due to its customer service. Plans start at $34.99/month for basic protection to $49.99/month for home automation services. All plans support 100% wireless and cellular monitoring with 24/7 monitoring (for burglary, fire, carbon monoxide, and water damage). This system is DIY so there is no installation fee.
Frontpoint offers either a 1-year or 3-year contract. If you only want to try it out for 1 year, you must pay an upfront equipment cost of either at least $99 for the lowest tier, or $199 for the highest two tiers. With a 3 year contract, you will get a $300 equipment credit. Frontpoint offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you're not happy with the system.
Compare ADT with Frontpoint, side-by-side. Read on for an in-depth look, including ratings, reviews, pros and cons.
 | ||
 | | |
ADT | Frontpoint | |
|---|---|---|
Free Personalized Quote | ||
Benefits and Features | ||
| Home Security | Plans start from $28.99/month to $58.99/month. All plans include 24/7 monitoring for burglary. $58.99 ADT Pulse Video Plan includes remote secure video and smartphone control. | Plans start from $34.99/month to $49.99/month. All plans offer 100% wireless and cellular system with 24/7 professional monitoring. $49.99 Ultimate Plan supports video streaming, automated door locks, and advanced thermostat control. |
| Customer Service | 24/7 customer support and monitoring. | Monday to Friday from 8am to 11pm Eastern. Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 6pm Eastern. 24/7 Monitoring. |
| Return Policy | 6 months money back guarantee if there is a problem ADT cannot resolve | |
| Warranty | After 90 days, there is a charge for servicing broken equipment. Or you can choose to pay a monthly fee for equipment warranty | |
| Equipment | Minimum $99 for lowest tier/$199 for upper tier | |
| Mobile App | ADT Pulse app allows you to activate alarm, check sensors, watch live video feeds, control lights and appliances, adjust thermostats and view history of home activities. Available on App Store and Google Play. | |
| Contract | ||
| Installation | Professional installation available. | |
| Yard Sign |  | |
| Home Automation | ADT Pulse allows you to arm/disarm your house, control your lights and thermostats remotely. | Automate your lights, door locks, and thermostats using Z-Wave technology. |
| Control Panel | ADT Pulse touchscreen control panel allows you to know alarm status, arm/disarm your alarm, control lights, check weather, and view live video from security cameras. Also allows you to quickly send an immediate alarm (medical, fire, or police). | Standard control panel includes cellular technology. Optional touch screen control panel upgrade. |
| Door Lock | ADT Pulse door locks allow you to remotely lock/unlock your door from any internet-connected device. | Supports Z-Wave door locks. |
| Door Sensor | Wired and wireless door sensors. Wireless door sensors can be installed yourself with no drilling or hardwiring necessary. | Wireless door sensors. Recessed door sensors available. Garage door sensors available. |
| Glass Break Sensor | Detects if a pane of glass is shattered | |
| Lowest Monthly Price | ||
| Motion Sensor | | Pet-friendly wireless motion sensors. |
| Outdoor Camera | | Wireless outdoor camera (requires power) |
| Security Camera | | Indoor and outdoor wireless camera options available (requires power) |
| Thermostat | | Supports many Z-Wave thermostats |
| Touch Screen | | |
| Water Flood Monitoring | | |
| Window Sensor | | Wireless window sensors. |
| Z-Wave | | |
CreditDonkey® Reviews | ||
| ||
| Discount |    | |
| Home Security | | |
| Customer Service | | |
| Equipment | | |
| Mobile App | | |
| Packages | | |
| Cancellation | | |
| Installation | | |
| Yard Sign | | |
| Home Automation | | |
| Pros & Cons | Pros:
| Pros:
|
| Bottom Line | Good home security system for long-term homeowners... | Best all-around home security system... |
ADT: Pricing information including fees, features and contract length was obtained on January 8, 2016 from published websites and is believed to be accurate, but not guaranteed. Frontpoint: Pricing information including fees, features and contract length was obtained on January 13, 2016 from published websites and is believed to be accurate, but not guaranteed. | ||
Which is Better: ADT or Frontpoint?
In short: ADT's installation and yard sign are excellent. Frontpoint's customer service is impressive.
Articles on ADT
ADT Review
Articles on Frontpoint
Frontpoint Security Review
Which Do You Think is Best?
You Might Also Like
Study: Average Cost of a Home Security System
Home Security
SimpliSafe Review: Is the Security System Good?
