DIY Security Systems but which is Best?
So you have slimmed it down to these two companies… Both Do It Yourself installation security systems where they program the equipment and ship it out to you. If you are looking for a company who installs it professionally for you, check out ADT — otherwise keep reading. Protect America has been in the industry longer but with Frontpoint’s newer system and home automation features, they are having a hard time keeping up.
Comparison Table
| Protect America | Frontpoint Security |
| $19.99-54.99 / Month
$0 Starting Costs | $36.99-59.99 / Month
$99+ Starting Costs |
| DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Installation | DIY (Do-it-Yourself) Installation |
| Founded in 1992 | Founded in 2007 |
| GE Equipment
Basic Home Automation (Cameras) | GE Equipment
Advanced Home Automation Available |
| Free Mobile Control on Smart Phones | Free Mobile Control on any Smart device |
| A- BBB Rating | B+ BBB Rating |
| 500,000+ Customers | 125,000+ Customers |
| Headquartered in Texas | Headquarters in Virginia |
| Renters allowed | Renters allowed |
| Security Cameras and Home Automation | Cameras (Indoor & Out), Home Automation |
| Fire Monitoring $9.99/month | Fire Monitoring Equipment add on |
| BEST of: Overall Value | BEST: Overall Company |
|
Call 888-936-2878  |
Call 855-861-8730  |
Comparing Starting Equipment Packages
Beep — beep — beep!
You will get more equipment per package with Protect America. However, you will get higher end quality equipment with Frontpoint’s starter package. They both use General Electric brand of security equipment but offer different devices. If you have a land line still (not recommended) you can get monitoring costs down to $19.99 with Protect America if you are fine with only the basic security setup.
Products unique to Protect America:
- GPS Sensor in case your car gets stolen
- Secondary touchscreen panel
- Outdoor Siren
Products unique to Frontpoint:
- Standard touchscreen panel that is better
- Outdoor camera
- More smart home security features
- Recently added video doorbell viewer to their lineup
Both companies offer the standard to advanced equipment such as:
- Free mobile app to arm and disarm alarm system
- Window, Door, Motion & Glass-break sensors
- Security camera’s you can control from app
- Control panel
No products found.
Final Opinion between these two security companies
Both are great companies and are here to stay. You really can’t go wrong choosing one over the other but after reading this you should understand the key differences. Frontpoint has a fan base unlike any other company which is rare in this industry (typically only complainers that write reviews online).
New to 2015-2016 you can also pay an extra fee for either company to send out a certified technician to install the system for you. This can save you the headache of trying to do it yourself but it really isn’t anything to be scared of. Both systems are peel-and-stick technology with helpful guides and customer service to help you get it done in 60 minutes or less. You can check out our top DIY security systems here.
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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 2023-05-14 at 03:33 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Jayne L says
I went with Protect America and it was much easier than I anticipated. The sensors come with numbers on them and you attach them right above the door and then call them to test / activate the system. For the motion detector it stuck to the corner of the living room easily and the cameras weren’t any kind of a hassle either. The price is unbeatable and so far the customer service has answered my call and called me every-time the alarm has gone off so I can’t complain.
Lance says
One of the best comparisons between Protect America and Frontpoint Security online. I was confused between both as to which one to go with. At first glance, I thought to myself, what the hell! There isn’t any difference between the two at all on paper. Only when I dove deeper and read the full comparison that I realized that Frontpoint Security was trying to base their business model on Protect America’s strategy, which is a shame. You removed all my doubts now. I know exactly whom I have to go with. There’s nothing in the world that beats originality. In this case, Protect America.
Brain Mccarrel says
Both are good companies but I switched from Protect America to Frontpoint this year and love them even more! I wanted to get some of the camera’s they offer and more advanced features. I kept my previous door and window sensors on and then they upgraded my panel and I was able to add some extra equipment I didn’t get the first time around. They both have the same agreement length so that’s not an issue when choosing.
Jessica says
After reading this post, I am going to use the services of Protect America over Frontpoint Security. This post cleared my previous doubts about them.
Christian says
I am going to have to choose Protect America over FrontPoint here. That is based on your short comparison and what I read on the other reviews pages. I also like a company with experience.
Brian Smith says
I am happy to say that we have been using Protect America for about 4 years now and the best thing about what the company offers is the home automation. The prices are very reasonable as well.
Debby says
My husband was torn between these two companies and went with Protect America. We have had them for just over a year now and I can say this was the right choice. They had so many more deals and packages to offer and they even helped customize outs to better suite our needs. We don’t have a large home so they cut the price down to make it affordable.
Dane says
OK, so I’m still on the hunt for the best option for renters since ADT doesn’t service renters. This puts both Protect American and FrontPoint Security in the running, any tips to which one I should choose? It seems Frontpoint is basically the same thing but costs more and is cheaper equipment than Protect America.
Alarm Reviews says
Hey Dane,
Frontpoint’s equipment is actually higher quality so you get what you pay for but that being said they both use GE so you aren’t going to get a junky system with either.
Ian says
I challenge you to find a product/company that has only positive reviews! You won’t be able to find something and that’s ok. What bugs me most about Frontpoint is their lack of transparency and their shady business methods. These guys don’t have a revolutionary system or cheap prices; they just wanted to make a quick buck.
Kerry says
I have heard this about FrontPoint from a neighbor and that’s what got me to this point. I like having more equipment in my house as I am a stay at home Mom and any loud noise panics me at night! I went a little overboard with motions and window sensors but hey, if you are going to get a security system do it right the first time!
Heather Smith says
Hmmmm, you know what. I think if I had to make a choice, I’d choose Protect America, but in the end I think I’d choose neither and go with ADT.
Anita says
I have a feeling I’d be on the Protect America bandwagon with everyone else since I see so much more benefit with them being higher rated, more equipment, been in business longer, more customers, etc. There’s so much to have without having to have a bad carbon copy. Thanks for giving us a heads up on them.
Dave Smada says
Yeah they seem to be pretty close in comparison, but I believe I might go with Protect America simply because they have a better rating, seem to be cheaper and probably more reliable as well. And I don’t like the idea that they copied a competitor, that’s never a good thing to do.
Darlene Unsett says
Well, they’re really not a lot different so I’m not sure why you consider one so much better than the other. But then there’s the matter of cost, if they’re basically the same, might as well go with the one that’s cheaper. And then there’s the matter how long they’ve been around. If they’re basically the same, might well go with the one with more experience. Last but not least, is the matter of honesty. If Frontpoint copied Protect America’s idea, then shame on them. I guess it’s not such a toss up after all.
George says
Exactly. The reviews are similar and the comparison does not show any reason to not go with one or the other, other than cost. Good point!