Home Security Giants ADT & Frontpoint’s Comparison
So you’re stuck at a crossroads between two security companies, ADT and Frontpoint. A new (FrontPoint) versus old (ADT) battle. We’ll compare apples to apples on pricing, equipment, smart home control and history. Then you can decide which company you let put a sign in front of your residence.
Image of Frontpoints security system package as it arrives in the mail
The main difference between the two is comfort. With Frontpoint, you are the technician and set it up yourself. This saves a one time $99-149 installation fee. Security units have peel and stick technology, making it quick and easy to get the security system up and running. If follow an installation guide isn’t your cup of tea, then go with ADT who will send out a professional to install it.
Price advantage? With Frontpoint, you do pay more out of pocket for your equipment. So even without a install fee, most users still pay more initially for Frontpoint then ADT. ADT offers $850 in free equipment, Frontpoint is only $300 for approved customers (credit approval based).
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Head to Head Battle – Comparison Chart
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and offline reputation | ||
Option: | ||
or touchscreen | ||
Free monitoring with app | with Frontpoint app | |
homes & customer support lovers. | ||
Equipment | ||
Who has the Better Security System?
Both companies will cater to what you need. However, each has a standard basic package. You can pay extra for security cameras and home automation parts. Mobile apps and control are free with both brands. Both companies have all the standard sensors and touchscreen control panels. The look and feel of the equipment has a minimal difference.
Here’s a look at ADT’s Security equipment:
Here’s a look at Frontpoint’s starting package:
Frontpoint just added (as of July 2017) a slicker new version of a Smart doorbell security camera. This allows users to see what is going on in front of the home and set up a perimeter that alerts your phone if someone is within it. ADT Pulse can integrate with the Ring doorbell cam and Nest thermostats.
New doorbell cam offered by Frontpoint Shown
Who has the better smart control app?
ADT Pulse app interface shown on smartphone
ADT Pulse app (review here) is their own smart device app they have developed from ground up. Not many companies can afford to do this (Vivint is another who has) and so an option for those companies is use a third party app. Frontpoint’s app (review here) does this. This allows them to white label the app, and connects great with 2gig, GE and Honeywell equipment.
Screenshots of the Frontpoint mobile app
Both apps are reliable. You can turn on and off the alarm system remotely. Add other users (kids can download the app and have access to alarm control). With ADT Pulse app, you will get The majority of crash issues come when live viewing camera feeds. Compare the both to other home security apps here.
In today, out tomorrow?
Luckily, neither company is going to be selling your monitoring services out to another company, a frequent problem in home security. Frontpoint and ADT have a great BBB records and over 70 years in business.
Hands down the best reputation and history record goes to ADT with over 100+ years in the market and dozens of monitoring companies. Frontpoint’s rapid growth has been possible due to them sending out the equipment to your door step activated and allowing you to be the installer. It connects through your local cellular towers and they set up emergency response to your local Fire and Police departments based on your address.
So Who Should you Choose for Your Home Security?
You can’t go wrong with either…
All in all you really don’t have to worry that you aren’t getting a good deal with either company. Both will treat you good and also have lower sales pressure then Vivint and other companies. They are totally different companies in our minds.
1 – You get Frontpoint if you value customer service and don’t mind installing it yourself. The setup is quick and easy and no longer something to be worried about. They have good home automation and are continually adding new items.
2 – You get ADT if you want what has been through the test of time and a no hassle option. Their Pulse system is top of the line and have full control through their app.
Let us know which one you will choose or if you have experience with either company below.
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William is a tech buff and former corporate security officer turned cybercrime analyst. Computers have few secrets left for him, but home security and alarm systems… Well, those have plenty of secrets for their users, which William is now uncovering and explaining. His articles on home security helped many people take the matter seriously, invest in highly performing systems, and avoid becoming victims of burglaries.
Last update on 2025-11-19 at 02:26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Brad Sutter says
You know, both systems are excellent, but I’m a guy who believes in reliable companies that last. ADT is one of the oldest security companies out there. If I’m forced to pick, I have to go with ADT.
DAN says
I currently have ADT and love the system and the Mobil app. I am currently trying out Frontpoint since they offer a 30 day trial. I chose to do this because I would save $15 a month and they are offered everything I have with ADT plus an upgraded touchscreen,and doorbell camera. for less than $200. ADT gave me a price of $360 to add the doorbell camera. If this trial goes well I will be switching to Frontpoint.
Side note: I remember when ADT installed my system and I asked my self how easy is this. Peel and stick installation and I’m paying what for this?
Gary says
Let me ask everyone one simple question..what type of cell phone do you have?? Flip phone? iPhone? 75% of the customers I meet, have iPhones.why is that? Because they want value, service and reliability! Period..You get what you pay for. If you want “mail order” security and do it yourself, expect the unexpected! SECURITY…is that giving vital personal information over the phone to an unknown person??? What if you credit card, social security number and DOB is kept or SOLD? What can you do? NOTHING! What about service calls? Are you professionals to repair or fix a security system? What about needing need parts? WIt for in the mail? That’s why I choose and sell ADT…
Alarm Reviews says
Thanks Gary for insight. The apps both companies have are available for iOS & Android. While I get what you are saying about being subject to fraud – that isn’t going to happen with Frontpoint. If they were doing this they wouldn’t have a A on BBB and they would be shutdown long ago. By mailing security systems (DIY) this enables them to reach to a larger national audience. We agree with you that the average consumer should pursue ADT if they are not comfortable with installing it themselves as security isn’t something you want to get wrong. But users can trust either company to monitor and safeguard their information. Best of luck!
Kandall Paulkstermeister says
I have been with ADT for 3 years in our first home.
We initially went with ADT because we needed an alarm installed quickly. And the realtor gave us a install credit.
Our home had a pre-installed ADT system which the former owners had let their contract lapse. The previous owners didn’t maintain much of anything around here we found out after the inspection and moving in. There is some maintenance you should be performing.. Batteries and keeping the squirrels out
So, the old system was a hard wired system. The installer came out and put a pulse system head unit in and wired all the wired alarm contacts/points into the existing box using wireless access points/relays.
It worked great but it was missing some items I had them come back out and installed cameras, smoke detectors and glass breaks. Two of my wired glass breaks were not installed correctly by the first installer and we had several alarms.
What we learned was the first installer was from a authorized dealer a contractor if you will. And the focus of the franchise is sales and installs.
The company was get in and out quick… Transfer your service.to ADT after some time.
What I discovered next was the alarm was not setup correctly.
They sent out a highly trained uniformed tech who fixed the quick install.
ADT fixed the mistakes on the second visit. The mother in law quarters has a secondary station operating on a partitioned system.
When we come home late or leave early… Our arrivals and departures are never bothering the mother in law. Our partitioned alarm systems call 911 services independent of each other. The first tech couldn’t figure this out. The ADT authorized dealer tech got it right the first time he came out.
We have three panels split between two partitioned systems. Both portions use existing equipment and cover merging zones such as the common area laundry room. The smoke alarms and heat detector which were installed on the first install all were brought into the new cellular box he put in. The strobes and horns operate independently of each other across the partition. The system is truly 2 systems in one. It is pretty much like a business zoned system which operates independent of the other system.
ADT fixed the shotty install by the contractor tech gave me a credit and upgrades for free. He ripped the old control box out and has installed a very positive and well designed upgrade with new panels and cell transmitter.
The use of legacy pre-installed sensors mixed with wireless sensors completes our system.
The ONLY thing I would ask ADT to provide next is to incorporate a full NVR with multiple cameras to work through the system and the Nest Camera with voice broadcast enabled so I can talk to the dog from work.
When you call this authorized dealer for ADT make sure you ask to have an employee of the company come out to do the install.
I don’t think another DIY system can do what our specialized home system now does for 56.00 a month.
Richard says
Both ADT and frontpoint are excellent security service companies. I have an edge on ADT.
Reason:
ADT has many more years of experience. They are known for their reputation and credibility. I am old fashion that way and prefer a rich history over a new startup.
Jimmy says
Are these legit comments? Are there really that many ADT fanboys around. I can’ t believe so many comments saying they need “professional” installations because they don’t want to install. Both companies use wireless these days – you mean you can’t walk around your house and peel and stick a few sensors? I’m reviewing ADT, Frontpoint, Livewatch, and a few others, and it is a little tricky to compare all of the costs (equipment, installation, activation fees, monthly costs (which really add up) so not sure eveyone’s evaluation of priciing is convincing without details. So many mean comments about Frontpoint for no apparent reason makes me a bit skeptical of some comments here.
Alarm Reviews says
Hey Jimmy thanks for your thoughts! Agreed, it can be confusing. Cost wise would be Frontpoint highest ($150+ for activation) then ADT and then LiveWatch. ADT has the most home automation features between them, and yes the comments are real! People love having an installer but like you mentioned, everything is wireless now so the DIY setup that Frontpoint and LiveWatch offer is not a big deal now. The panel can be the hardest part if trying to conceal the wires (drill and put through the walls) as well as security cameras. If you want a basic system that you can do yourself, go with Frontpoint.
Hope that information helps and best of luck!
Gary says
Huhhhh. Security, define the word. Ask yourself, “mail order Security ” or professionally installed security (remember, define that word). We all have homes and we “try” to be handy men and end up making matters worst “trying” to save a few bucks, and end up spending more after we messed up! This is why I use ADT so they can come out and fix system if needed and I don’t have to be the one setting it up (or attempting to) at home.
Marshall says
ADT wins this for me, easy. I’ve been flirting with the idea of a DIY installation for a while now and the only thing holding me back was my serious lack of technical skill… Thinking long term though, the money I’ll save and the satisfaction of doing it myself pale next to the peace of mind professionally installed ADT will provide.
Bertha Cunningham says
I am not cool with the Do-It-Yourself FrointPoint offers as an installation option. While it offers some idea of privacy and a sense of being in control of your security. The possibility of breaking something or installing wrongly always seem to be present. I would rather an experienced personnel install my Security system. This is why I opted for ADT.
Frank Taylor says
I honestly feel like I’m being pulled on either side by two giants and both seem to be making a headway in claiming the prize. Since the price is almost the same for both alarm providers, I think I would opt in for Frontpoint for just one reason. I love DIY projects and ownership of doing it.
Ralph says
I mean ADT have been around what seems to be forever, but these companies are really close in comparison. Millennials just don’t seem to go with what is know and experienced, they seem to go with the newer companies
Cheryl B says
If you go with FrontPoint as I did, I recommend you do not choose their new doorbell security camera! The live stream of graphics were not as advertised and I sent it back after day 3. That was the only hard thing to install, the rest of the security system was simple peel-and-stick, only took about 20 minutes.
Mary says
After reading reviews I am going with ADT. Thank you all for the helpful comments because I was having. Hard time making a decision.
Tee says
I chose Frontpoint. Frontpoint had me sold from the moment the sales rep answered the phone and sounds as if he was concerned about my needs and keeping the cost low, but I didn’t make a decision right away. I called ADT and had to hang up on the Sales Rep because of his pushiness, and then someone called me the next day saying they had some great offers! I told them I was no longer interested. The cost of the security systems is $29 less than what ADT quoted me and ADT tried to tell me they were cheaper than Frontpoint. ADT has numerous bad complaints (too many to count), whereas Frontpoint had more good reviews than bad.
Jeff C says
For me, the clear choice is ADT. Though I can do DIY just fine, I’d rather have professionals install the home security system because they know better about the process. And if something goes wrong or the device breaks down, they should be able to fix the problem. I don’t think they’d be so willing to fix something that they didn’t install in the first place.
Nina says
This head to head battle is very close. It’s very difficult to say who’s going to get my service at the end of the day. FrontPoint did a great job in past 9 years and on the other hand ADT has for over 100 and stayed with the evolving smart security system.
Holly Golightly says
Thanks for updating this data. It is definitely a close match and I personally would recommend one to someone and then the other to a different person. Both of their equipment is good and ADT Pulse is still a little farther ahead then Frontpoint in the automation race but at least Frontpoint comes standard with a touchscreen now.
Alarm Reviews says
Thanks Holly! You’re right, we did have some outdated numbers and facts on this but we have gone through and made it current. Best of luck to you in your home security endeavors.
Guy says
Front point didn’t come with a touchscreen as standard for me. I’ve had their system for 10 days now and No touchscreen.
Alarm Reviews says
Hey Guy sorry to hear that. You need to make sure you request it on the phone with them or you will get the standard Simon XT. Their current website shows a touchscreen on the front indicating it is the normal but you may have to be on their higher digital package to get it. Their customer service is great so try calling in again and letting them know you were expecting a touchscreen and sure they will work something out with you!
Olivia G says
I had in ADT security system for three years and switched over to Frontpoint. I honestly recommend either or for people deciding which too choose. Frontpoint’s customer service is quicker to get hold of but equipment seems to be about the same except with ADT you don’t have to do self install.
Jon-O says
With both companies the monitors are all wireless and you just stick them where you need them. No drilling, no wiring, nothing. They test your sensors every 62 minutes, instead of having you call in every month and waste your time or forget. Your preference is your preference for landline over cellular, but they do a check on the strongest signal in your area and if you go with landline or LAN connections, cutting your cable/phone lines will incapacitate your system. They now have touch screen control panels that take your picture when you access the system as well. After speaking with both companies on the phone, it seems like either one is a sure bet.
Timmy says
That is another thing I liked today…FP rep told me their in house monitors run off their own chip so my phone signal or wi-fi is irrelevant to the viability of protecting my family…
jenn says
They are totally different companies. One with a long resume and history, the other short. One that does DIY installation and the other professional. At least both are National and not out to stick it to you. They also both have a 3 year agreement and prices end up being around the same for monitoring, you could flip a coin when choosing and be happy either way really.
Marcus says
Nice comparison I must say. They really are two completely different companies almost. Professional installation vs do it yourself. Starting costs end up being the same between installation and activation. Frontpoint’s customer service seems more happy and friendly but when it comes down to the wire I am going to trust ADT to monitor my home. I may try Frontpoint on my second residence though, haven’t heard much bad about them.
William says
Yes, I chose Frontpoint because of the technology that they were using. It was wireless. I could put things around my house without having a string of things everywhere. And it seemed to be expandable to me. Installation was very easy. A quick phone call to activate the system and just placing all of the various detectors around the house. The Frontpoint mobile app is also very nice and helpful. This is a house where I’m here a few days of the week and it’s nice to be able to control things remotely when I’m not here. It’s always been a positive experience when I call them on the phone. They’re very attentive to details and to customer service. No issues and I’m very happy with them.
James Smith says
Honestly either company seems good to me. As long as you aren’t going with a small local knockoff branch of security then you should be fine. Both companies allow National coverage, move with you service and other features you won’t find (trust me I’ve tried) in a small town business.
Auch says
What about Frontpoint’s:
Patented Crash and Smash;
Option for technician to come out;
Lower monthly service;
Very low complaintsT.
Alarm Reviews says
Hi Auch, good points.
Smash and crash technology resides in the GE Panel itself, ADT has advanced touchscreen panels but Frontpoint is coming out with new touchscreen panels soon. The SimonXT they use is ancient in the security industry.
Option for tech — That’s great they offer that. ADT’s techs are all certified and not a 3rd party service they use.
Lower monthly service – This can be true depending on package
Low Complaints – Well ADT has millions more customers so of course they will have more complaints but they also have millions more happy customers. These companies are as different as you can get in the home security industry. Thanks for your feedback!
William James says
After talking with Frontpoint, I extensively reviewed this crash and smash. As the technology does not reside in the GE panels…it is a patented technology developed by Alarm-dot-com and only available to the companies partnered with them, such as Frontpoint. I am more than happy with my decision to go with Frontpoint
Eric says
ADT is using 3rd party installers now, I had one out today to give me a quote. I too am evaluating both companies and found that ADT mounts their control panel whereas FrontPoint’s is portable.
Brain Mccarrel says
ADT is a good company. Their customer assistance is top in my opinion. I’ve had ADT for over 10 months now and I am completely satisfied with ADT. Once I had a issue with one of the glass breakage sensors and they also sent out serviceman on the same day! It’s Amazing.
Dave M. says
Totally agree Brain Mccarrel. I had a similar experience with ADT last month when one of my Windows sensor went kaput. I immediately called them and their service guy arrived with the replacement sensor at a lightning speed and changed the faulty with the new one before I could even blink. This was exactly the reason I went with them. They take their 100+ years of brand name quite seriously.
kiki says
My Pulse app didn’t work for a few days but I called them and found out we had our login information wrong. I felt pretty dumb after that happened! During those days we were still able to control it from the control panel but after using the smart control on the phone everything else feels outdated.
Michaele Maren says
We’ve only been with Frontpoint for a couple of months, and we thankfully haven’t experienced any break in. Hope, We never face, to be honest. We’re overall happy with the service and support. Great job, Frontpoint!
Julia says
Not sure if I’ll be choosing either of them honestly ha! I don’t have anything necessarily bad about either of them though, I suppose if I had to choose now it would be ADT but I’m going to keep reading your other reviews.
Nicky Grosster says
I don’t know, at first it looked like FrontPoint was going to be the one for me, but I do not like the 60 month agreement.
Kellar says
I am afraid that because ADT has the land line option I am going to be going with them. The other company looks like it offers a pretty good deal, but for me the deal-breaker is the no landline option and that will not work.
Kyle says
This is the only reason I went with them myself. I have seen other companies I did like more but I want the land line option. I just feel it brings the whole package together for me and my family. It is a shame because I really did consider Frontpoint.
Timmy says
I pray you do not run into a smart thief, the first thing they will cut is the phone line and cut your power.
Regardless though, if you do not have a HIGH QUALITY LOCK like a MUL-T-LOCK for example coupled with a well made metal door and frame with 3-6″ screws into studs, then any crook can get into your house quickly with a crow bar and sledge hammer..
James says
ADT is no match for Frontpoint! You can’t compare ADT with a company that was founded god knows why cause their security systems are both poorly designed and super overpriced, not even mentioning the fact that you have to install it yourself!
Heather Smith says
Well after reading this, the decision seems like a no brainer! Go with ADT over FrontPoint!
Jen says
This sold me on ADT. I wonder how Frontpoint even keeps in business with their prices so off base.
Lisa Arden says
My mother uses Frontpoint home security and she is happy with it. I know a family who uses ADT and they love it. It’s hard to make a decision, but I think I’m leaning more towards ADT simply for the cheaper costs plus the fact that they’ve been doing this for so long already pretty much sells me on this.
Nicole Savage says
Well it’s clear what service I will be going with. ADT seems to be the overall best of the two, but I’m still not sold on which one to go for. I might check out some of the other VS. topics about other home security systems.
Maddie W. says
Eww Frontpoint bugs me. I almost signed up until I realized I not only had to install it myself but I also had to pay for them shipping it to me! Who does that?? All in all you will pay more for frontpoint for cheaper equipment only to get stuck with it. For less of a price you can have ADT installed for you and better equipment and more monitoring stations. Anyone that was about to choose Frontpoint Security I hope I just saved you some money and hassle!
Phil K says
I’m with you Maddie – I just don’t want to install the system myself. I don’t want to invest the time, and then I simply don’t have faith that I would install things correctly. Why would I want to install myself, for a higher cost, instead of having an expert install it right and guarantee the installation? Although I admit I’m not that fond of someone knowing exactly how the security system in my house is wired.
Auch says
I’ve seen Frontpoint can install for you if you don’t want to get off your chair, put on stickies, and learn about your system.
Jake Birchall says
How is this even a comparison? Lol. Frontpoint is the worst of the worst. 5 years running and about to fall into a bankruptcy ditch. I have ran a ADT Dealership and ADT does a great job at maintaining a professional company across the Nation for how many customers and dealers they have to work with. Basically anyone on the internet can sell for Frontpoint as long as they put them in “#1” spot but you have to pay huge starting costs only to get it shipped to you and wonder what to do next. Even Frontpoints sign is poor quality, it folds in half at the middle.
Trevor says
Exactly! FrontPoint seems like a little kid who’s lost his mama when you compare it to a reputable company like ADT :)! And I think his mama could very well be ADT. Jokes aside, Frontpoint doesn’t have that good of a track record to ever be on the same page as ADT who is a recognized brand not only in America but in Mexico and other countries as well. Besides for the fact that they have medical emergency protection I can’t see a single better things compared to ADT. ADT has lower starting costs, much more customers, a 36 month contract compared to 60 month from FrontPoint and land line options.