DIY Security System Battle between Old & New
Founded within 1 year of each other, Frontpoint and SimpliSafe Security have several similarities.
They both:
- Ship the security system to you pre-activated in a box which you setup requiring 30-60 minutes (not hard).
- Great customer support on the technical end.
- Have a testing period of the alarm system which if you are not happy you can return it.
With all of these things being said, below is a summary of both companies where we look for things that they aren’t so similar on to better help you make choose which system is best.
Frontpoint Security is used by the modern and tech savvy generation. They are a trendy company and cater to those who want to have ‘smart’ controls and ‘smart’ home automation. Frontpoint has all the basic security equipment such as motion detectors, door sensors along with add-on options like security cameras.
SimpliSafe hasn’t progressed much since being established 10 years ago but it still known as the older & most basic system among home security companies. SimpliSafe (often misspelled Simply Safe) has the same equipment setup now as they did when starting. Why is this? They target an older market of consumers, most between 50-80 year old. This generation doesn’t care much for smart phone integration and cool new automated features. Their users are happy as long as it works. Nothing’s a matter with this approach but from a home security reviewers perspective, we can’t be happy about complacency in this industry.
Side by Side Comparison
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Good online and offline ratings. | ||
with Frontpoint app |
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good security + Medical alert system | better, modern security system |
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Who has the better security system?
Frontpoint wins by a long shot in this comparison. Better looking, better quality and ironically enough, simpler to use than Simplisafe. Frontpoint has a easy to use free mobile app that you can turn on and off the alarm system with. Their control panel is simpler and cleaner of a layout then that of Simplisafe’s. Frontpoint’s has been less faulty upon testing which can be attributed to better equipment.
Here is a screenshot of Frontpoint’s starting package:
Here is the basic package you can get for $259 with Simplisafe
As you can tell from these two pictures, Simplisafe’s equipment is something you would see in a older hospital or senior care home.
Who has the better customer support?
This is a coin flip. Frontpoint has a 30 day trial period which SimpliSafe does not (update; they now offer their own free trial). SimpliSafe has shown over the years that they greatly care about customers and maintain a great BBB rating. They avoid angry customers by making people pay upfront for the security system and don’t have to sign a contract.
Several companies like Vivint have increased contract lengths to 48 and 60 months. Luckily, Frontpoint has kept theirs at 36 months which is reasonable and good for the customer who locks in their rate. These two companies rank in the top 3 along with ADT for the best in customer support.
And the Winner Is…
Frontpoint is the winner as they continue to innovate and enhance their security system. They cater to customers by providing a test trial and live support at any time. Simplisafe will always be a top contender with their marketing campaigns that include big names endorsing their product. By spending millions of dollars every year on ads, SimpliSafe will always be heard of. FrontPoint gets more of their customer base from referrals instead of interrupting ads. In the end though when comparing apples to apples, Frontpoint wins in our books.
Let us know your thoughts about these 2 companies below
Read our Simplisafe Reviews
Read our Frontpoint Reviews
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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.
Jonathan says
I’ll have to commend your comparison fore-mostly. Frontpoint might win your comparison article, but, us old folks value security more than aesthetics and complexity of high tech systems like Frontpoint. My friends and I prefer and use Simplisafe because it’s easier for us to use. Thanks anyways.
LR says
You are incorrect on Simplisafe not being available to renters, and in fact SimpliSafe does have essentially a trial money back period.
Alarm Reviews says
Thanks LR, we have updated the article accordingly to reflect those changes.
Randy Laws says
Good article. I just did a comparison of both systems, and went with the Simplisafe system. Here is why:
1. It is MUCH less expensive up-front. I have a big house and the Simplisafe sensors I needed to buy cost almost $700. Still, the Frontpoint system would have been over $100 more, and would have only covered the back part of my house entries (Frontpoint discouraged alarming the front windows, saying they were low risk)
2. I don’t care about aesthetics. I care about security. Yes, Frontpoint looks nicer and has some online bells and whistles Slimplisafe doesn’t, but in the end it is about security.
3. I’m on the top-tier of the monitored package, and only pay $25 per month. It was twice that for Frontpoint.
I recommend stepping back and thinking about what is more important to you. The security features are basically the same. If you need the more modern look and are willing to pay significantly more for it, go with Frontpoint. If the bottom line is security, Simplisafe does the job for a LOT less money.
Phil says
Interesting comparison. I can say Simplisafe isn’t a bad choice cause if you can get pass the cost of purchase, it really makes for a great security system. Still waiting for Simplisafe to update their security system.
Stephen Fenster says
Well Written and detailed. As a techie of some sort, I prefer the Frontpoint security Alarm system. The Interface and look are more aesthetically appealing. compared to Simplisafe, It’s really a no-brainer as to the right choice but of cause, the main point is who does security better.