Frontpoint and ADT both charge premium prices for professionally monitored security. Both use contracts. Both require monthly fees north of $28. The difference: Frontpoint is an Alarm.com reseller with DIY install, ADT is America’s oldest alarm company with professional installation and Google Nest hardware.
Neither is the best deal in 2026. Here’s why — and who should still consider each.
Quick Comparison: Frontpoint vs ADT
| Feature | Frontpoint | ADT |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $35–$50/mo | $28–$60/mo |
| Contract | 1–3 years | 36–60 months |
| Installation | DIY (free) | Professional ($99–$199) |
| Platform | Alarm.com | ADT+ (Google Nest) |
| Cameras | Alarm.com OEM (1080p) | Google Nest (4K indoor/outdoor) |
| Smart Home | Z-Wave via Alarm.com | Google Home, Alexa, Z-Wave |
| HomeKit | No | No |
| Cancellation Fee | Remaining contract balance | 75% of remaining balance |
| Equipment Ownership | You own it | Leased on some plans |
| 3-Year Total | $1,260–$1,800 | $1,508–$3,360 |
Where Frontpoint Wins
1. DIY Installation Saves $99–$199
Frontpoint ships pre-configured equipment. Peel-and-stick sensors, plug in the panel, activate through the app. No technician, no installation fee. ADT requires professional installation on most plans — $99–$199 depending on system complexity.
2. You Own the Equipment
Frontpoint sells you the hardware outright. Cancel your plan and the sensors still work as local alarms. ADT leases equipment on some plans — cancel early and you may owe for hardware you can’t keep using.
3. Alarm.com Platform
Alarm.com is the industry’s most reliable monitoring platform. Used by 10,000+ security dealers. Frontpoint gives you full Alarm.com access with Z-Wave automation, geofencing, and video analytics. The same platform Abode offers at $6/mo — but through Frontpoint it costs $35–$50/mo.
Where ADT Wins
1. Google Nest Camera Integration
ADT’s partnership with Google means you get Nest Cam (Indoor/Outdoor) with 4K resolution, facial recognition, and package detection. Frontpoint’s OEM cameras are 1080p and forgettable. If camera quality matters, ADT has a real advantage.
2. Brand Recognition and Insurance Discounts
ADT has been in business since 1874. Insurance companies know the name. Some homeowners get 5–20% discounts on premiums with an ADT-monitored system — savings that partially offset the higher monthly cost.
3. Professional Installation for Complex Homes
4,000+ sq ft home with 30 windows and hardwired sensors from a previous system? ADT’s technicians can integrate everything. Frontpoint’s DIY approach works for straightforward setups but struggles with legacy wiring or large properties.
3-Year Total Cost Breakdown
| Scenario | Frontpoint | ADT |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment (starter kit) | $0–$200 (included or purchased) | $0–$400 (varies by package) |
| Installation | $0 (DIY) | $99–$199 |
| Monthly × 36 months | $1,260 ($35/mo) – $1,800 ($50/mo) | $1,008 ($28/mo) – $2,160 ($60/mo) |
| 3-Year Total | $1,260–$2,000 | $1,107–$2,759 |
Both systems cost over $1,000 at minimum. The cheapest ADT plan ($28/mo) undercuts Frontpoint’s $35/mo, but the moment you add cameras or smart home features, ADT’s price climbs fast.
The DIY Alternative: $495 Over 3 Years
Here is what a comparable DIY setup costs with Abode:
| Abode (DIY) | Frontpoint | ADT | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment | $200 (Smart Security Kit) | $0–$200 | $0–$400 |
| Monthly (3 years) | $216 ($6/mo Connect) | $1,260–$1,800 | $1,008–$2,160 |
| Installation | $0 | $0 | $99–$199 |
| Total | $416 | $1,260–$2,000 | $1,107–$2,759 |
| Contract | None | 1–3 years | 3–5 years |
| HomeKit | Yes | No | No |
Abode’s $6/mo Connect plan includes Alarm.com monitoring — the same platform Frontpoint charges $35/mo for. No contract. HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Assistant built in. Z-Wave, Zigbee, and Matter support.
Read the full comparisons: Abode vs ADT | SimpliSafe vs ADT | SimpliSafe vs Frontpoint
Verdict
Pick Frontpoint if you want Alarm.com features with DIY install and equipment ownership. It is the better of these two options for most buyers.
Pick ADT if you have a large or complex home that needs professional installation, or if you want 4K Google Nest cameras integrated with monitoring.
Pick neither if you want to save $800+. DIY systems like Abode offer the same Alarm.com monitoring at a fraction of the cost, with broader smart home support and zero contracts.
Related comparisons worth reading
- Ring vs ADT 2026 for another look at contract-heavy monitoring versus lower-cost DIY options.
- ADT vs Frontpoint if you want the legacy version of this matchup and extra context on long-term pricing.
- Abode vs ADT if you are comparing ADT against a no-contract HomeKit-friendly alternative.
- Alarm Grid Review if you like Alarm.com but do not want Frontpoint’s markup.
Bottom line
Frontpoint is easier to install and usually less painful than ADT, but both systems stay expensive for what you get. If you want the smartest cameras and hands-on installation help, ADT can still fit. If you want to avoid long contracts and lower your total cost, a modern DIY system makes more sense.
Related Frontpoint and ADT Alternatives
2026 refresh: patio doors, smart locks, camera privacy, and subscription-free fallback
For 2026 comparisons, include the practical gaps that decide whether a system works day to day: large glass doors, shared access, camera privacy, and what still works without a subscription.
- Patio doors: compare contact sensors, glass-break coverage, camera verification, lighting, and lock/access checks.
- Smart locks: review guest codes, temporary access, activity history, app roles, and fast access removal.
- Camera privacy: check zones, indoor schedules, audio limits, clip retention, and user permissions.
- Subscription-free fallback: confirm push alerts, live view, local sirens, event history, and local recording after trials end.
- Renter-safe setup: favor no-drill sensors, removable mounts, and devices that move with you.
Related comparisons: Brinks vs Apple Home, Ring vs Vivint, and Reolink vs Aqara.
With over 20 years of experience evaluating home security technologies, Andrew is a trusted home security expert. He specializes in DIY home security systems, indoor and outdoor security cameras, doorbell cameras, and safety software such as password managers. Andrew uses in-depth research to provide accurate and actionable insights. His work helps you make better decisions to protect your home.
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