Looking for a Protect America vs Frontpoint comparison? Protect America is dead — it shut down permanently in October 2021 after filing for bankruptcy. Frontpoint is still operating but has become one of the most overpriced DIY security options available.
This guide covers what happened to Protect America, why Frontpoint isn’t worth $50/month, where both companies’ former customers should go, and the 3-year cost math that makes the decision obvious.
What Happened to Protect America? (Complete Timeline)
| Year | Event | Impact on Customers |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Founded in Round Rock, Texas | Started as affordable alarm monitoring with free equipment + contract model |
| 2005-2015 | Peak growth — 500,000+ customers | Popular for budget monitoring ($19.99-$39.99/mo with free GE/Interlogix panels) |
| 2017 | GE/Interlogix announces security division shutdown | Protect America’s primary equipment supplier begins winding down — no path to modern hardware |
| 2018 | Customer growth stalls, DIY competitors surge | Ring, SimpliSafe, and Abode offered no-contract alternatives — PA’s 3-year contracts became liability |
| 2020 | GE/Interlogix fully discontinues security products | PA’s equipment pipeline dies — can’t offer new customers modern panels or sensors |
| 2021 (October) | Files bankruptcy, ceases all operations | All monitoring terminated immediately — 100,000+ active customers stranded with no transition plan |
| 2022-2026 | Website offline, company dissolved | Equipment is useless — GE panels can’t be reactivated with PA’s monitoring backend gone |
Why Protect America Failed (5 Fatal Mistakes)
| Mistake | What Happened | Lesson for Consumers |
|---|---|---|
| Single equipment supplier | 100% dependent on GE/Interlogix — when GE exited security, PA had no hardware | Choose systems with open ecosystems (Z-Wave, Zigbee, Wi-Fi) not proprietary panels |
| 3-year contracts | Locked customers in while competitors offered no-contract alternatives | Never sign a multi-year security contract — month-to-month is the standard now |
| No cameras | Never developed a camera ecosystem — fatal in a camera-driven market | Any security system without cameras in 2026 is incomplete |
| No smart home integration | No HomeKit, limited Alexa/Google, basic Z-Wave at best | Smart home integration isn’t optional anymore |
| No transition plan | When they shut down, customers got nothing — no account transfer, no equipment trade-in | Use systems where you own the equipment outright with no contract |
Frontpoint in 2026: Still Operating, But Overpriced
Frontpoint survived where Protect America didn’t, but the company has its own problems:
| Feature | Details | Concern |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $49.99/mo (single plan) | 2-4x more expensive than competitors for similar features |
| Platform | Alarm.com | Good platform, but you’re paying Frontpoint’s markup on top of it |
| Equipment | Qolsys IQ Panel 4 | Same panel available through cheaper Alarm.com dealers |
| Contract | Month-to-month (improved from old 3-year) | Better than before, but still expensive month-to-month |
| Ownership | Private equity owned (multiple PE firms since 2019) | PE firms optimize for profit extraction, not customer experience |
| Video verification | Yes — faster police dispatch | Useful feature, but available elsewhere for less |
| BBB rating | A+ with 3.2★ customer reviews | Declining from historical highs |
Frontpoint’s Real Problem: The Math
| Timeframe | Frontpoint ($49.99/mo) | Abode Connect+ ($12/mo) | You Save With Abode |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | $699 (equipment) + $600 = $1,299 | $199 + $144 = $343 | $956/year |
| 2 years | $699 + $1,200 = $1,899 | $199 + $288 = $487 | $1,412 |
| 3 years | $699 + $1,800 = $2,499 | $199 + $432 = $631 | $1,868 |
| 5 years | $699 + $3,000 = $3,699 | $199 + $720 = $919 | $2,780 |
Frontpoint costs $1,868 more than Abode over 3 years for essentially the same protection. Both offer 24/7 professional monitoring, cellular backup, app control, door/window sensors, and motion detection. Abode adds HomeKit, Z-Wave hub, Zigbee, and free self-monitoring — Frontpoint offers none of these.
What Frontpoint Gets You vs What Abode Gets You
| Feature | Frontpoint ($49.99/mo) | Abode ($0-$20/mo) |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 professional monitoring | ✅ | ✅ ($12/mo+) |
| Cellular backup | ✅ | ✅ ($6/mo+) |
| Video verification | ✅ | ❌ (camera clips available) |
| Free self-monitoring | ❌ | ✅ |
| HomeKit support | ❌ | ✅ Native |
| Z-Wave hub | Via Alarm.com (limited) | ✅ Full Z-Wave Plus hub |
| Zigbee hub | ❌ | ✅ |
| Alexa/Google | ✅ | ✅ |
| Geofencing | ✅ (Alarm.com) | ✅ (CUE automations) |
| Cameras | Alarm.com cameras ($100+) | Abode Cam 2 ($35) |
| Contract | Month-to-month | Month-to-month |
| Equipment ownership | You own it | You own it |
| Installation | DIY | DIY |
| Crash & smash protection | ✅ | ✅ ($12/mo+) |
Frontpoint’s only advantage is video verification — where the monitoring center can view a camera clip before dispatching police, reducing false alarms and improving response. It’s a real feature, but is it worth $38/month more? For most households, no.
Dead Alarm Company Pattern: What to Watch For
Protect America isn’t the only security company to disappear. Here’s the pattern:
| Company | What Happened | Year | Customers Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protect America | Bankruptcy — ceased operations | 2021 | 100,000+ stranded |
| Nest Secure | Google discontinued the product | 2020 | Millions of Nest users left without a security system option |
| LiveWatch | Acquired by Monitronics, brand dissolved | 2013-2019 | Customers absorbed into Brinks (post-bankruptcy) |
| AT&T Digital Life | AT&T shut down home security division | 2019 | Customers forced to find alternatives |
| Cox Homelife | Cox Communications exited home security | 2023 | Existing customers given transition deadline |
| Zmodo | Brand fading — no new products since 2021 | Ongoing | Cloud servers at risk of shutdown |
| ASG Security | Acquired by Guardian Protection | 2018 | Customers transitioned to Guardian contracts |
| Monitronics | Rebranded to Brinks, filed Chapter 11 | 2023 | ~1 million customers through bankruptcy |
How to Protect Yourself From Brand Death
| Protection Strategy | Why It Works | Systems That Qualify |
|---|---|---|
| No long-term contracts | You can leave instantly if company declines | Abode, Ring, SimpliSafe |
| Own your equipment | If company dies, you still have hardware | All DIY systems (you buy upfront) |
| Open protocol devices | Z-Wave/Zigbee sensors work with multiple hubs | Abode, SmartThings, Hubitat |
| Local processing option | System works even if cloud servers shut down | Abode (via HomeKit), Hubitat |
| Multi-ecosystem support | Not locked into one company’s ecosystem | Abode (HomeKit + Alexa + Google + Z-Wave + Zigbee) |
Former Protect America Customer? Here’s What to Do
| Your Situation | Action | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Still have PA equipment installed | Remove it — it’s not monitored and can’t be reactivated. Replace with Abode Smart Security Kit | $199 one-time |
| Have GE/Interlogix panel + wired sensors | Wired sensors may work with Alarm Relay/Alarm Grid for $10-$15/mo monitoring | $10-$15/mo |
| Want to keep costs minimal | Abode with free self-monitoring — own the system, $0/month | $199 total |
| Want professional monitoring | Abode Connect+ at $12/mo — includes monitoring + cellular backup | $199 + $12/mo |
| Want the closest PA equivalent | Abode — DIY, affordable, better smart home, no contract (everything PA should have been) | $199-$631 over 3 years |
Full 3-Year Cost Comparison
| System | Equipment | Monthly | 3-Year Total | Contract | Smart Home Hub |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abode (self-monitored) | $199 | $0 | $199 | None | ✅ (Z-Wave/Zigbee/HomeKit) |
| Abode Connect | $199 | $6 | $415 | None | ✅ |
| Abode Connect+ | $199 | $12 | $631 | None | ✅ |
| SimpliSafe | $249 | $17.99 | $897 | None | ❌ |
| Ring | $199 | $20 | $919 | None | Limited (Z-Wave) |
| Cove | $0 (with plan) | $17.99-$27.99 | $648-$1,008 | None | ❌ |
| Frontpoint | $99-$699 | $49.99 | $1,899-$2,499 | None | Limited (Alarm.com) |
| Protect America | N/A | N/A | DEAD | N/A | N/A |
Protect America vs Frontpoint FAQ
Is Protect America still in business?
No. Protect America filed for bankruptcy and permanently ceased all operations in October 2021. Their website is offline, monitoring centers are closed, and no customer accounts were transferred to another provider. If you still have their equipment installed, it is not being monitored.
Can I reactivate my Protect America equipment?
No — not through Protect America (they no longer exist). If you have a GE/Interlogix hardwired panel, services like Alarm Grid or Alarm Relay may be able to provide basic monitoring for $10-$15/month. However, for most people, replacing with a modern DIY system like Abode is the better choice — newer sensors, cellular backup, app control, and smart home integration that legacy panels can’t offer.
Is Frontpoint worth $49.99/month?
For most people, no. Frontpoint’s primary differentiator is video verification (monitoring center can view camera clips before dispatching). This is a useful feature, but Abode offers the same core security (monitoring, cellular, sensors, siren) for $12/month — saving $1,868 over 3 years. The $38/month premium for video verification is hard to justify for residential use.
What’s the best replacement for Protect America?
Abode Smart Security Kit ($199) — it’s everything Protect America should have been. DIY install, affordable monitoring ($0-$20/month), no contract, HomeKit/Alexa/Google support, Z-Wave/Zigbee smart home hub, and cameras for $35. Former PA customers who valued affordability and DIY will feel right at home.
Why did Protect America go out of business?
Five fatal mistakes: (1) 100% dependence on GE/Interlogix equipment that was discontinued, (2) 3-year contracts when competitors went no-contract, (3) no camera ecosystem, (4) minimal smart home integration, and (5) no transition plan for customers when they shut down. The DIY security market evolved and PA didn’t evolve with it.
Should I choose Frontpoint or Abode?
Abode — unless you specifically need video verification for police dispatch. Abode offers native HomeKit (Frontpoint doesn’t), Z-Wave + Zigbee hub (Frontpoint is limited to Alarm.com), free self-monitoring (Frontpoint requires $49.99/mo minimum), and costs $1,868 less over 3 years. Both are month-to-month with no contract.
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.
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!