Frontpoint Alternatives: 7 Home Security Options to Consider

Frontpoint offers professionally monitored home security with equipment designed for DIY installation. That combination can work well for homeowners who are comfortable setting up and managing their own system.

But DIY security is not the right fit for everyone.

You may prefer professional installation. You may want a local company that can service your equipment. Or you may be looking for different smart home features or contract options.

If you are considering a Frontpoint alternative, there are several home security providers worth comparing. Below, we look at seven options and the differences that may matter most when choosing a system.

Frontpoint Alternatives at a Glance

Pricing, promotions and contract terms can change. Always review the current offer and agreement before choosing a security provider.

1. Guardian Alarm

For homeowners who like the idea of professional monitoring but would rather not install their security system themselves, Guardian Alarm offers a fundamentally different approach from Frontpoint.

Frontpoint centers its residential offering around preconfigured equipment that customers install themselves. Guardian provides professional installation and ongoing service in addition to 24/7 professional monitoring.

That distinction matters if you would rather have a security professional determine where sensors and cameras should go, install the equipment and show you how everything works.

Guardian offers customizable home security packages that can include door and window sensors, motion or glass-break detection, touchscreen controls and access through the MyGuardian mobile app.

Additional options can extend the system beyond intrusion detection.

Professional installation

DIY security can reduce the amount of interaction you need with an installer, but it also means you are responsible for setting up the system.

Guardian takes a more hands-on approach. Its security professionals install and test the system, helping homeowners avoid questions about sensor placement, equipment configuration or whether everything has been set up correctly.

For homeowners who simply want their security system handled for them, that can be one of the biggest differences between Guardian and Frontpoint.

24/7 professional monitoring

Guardian systems can connect to 24/7 professional security monitoring.

When an intrusion or life-safety alarm is triggered, the system communicates with Guardian’s monitoring center. Monitoring can extend beyond burglary protection to smoke, carbon monoxide and other emergencies when the appropriate equipment is installed.

Security cameras and video

Guardian also offers professionally installed home security cameras, including indoor cameras, outdoor cameras and video doorbells.

Video analytics can help distinguish people, animals and vehicles while providing alerts through the Guardian mobile experience.

Smart home automation

Homeowners interested in more than a traditional alarm can add smart home automation features.

Depending on the system, Guardian can connect security with devices such as smart locks, thermostats, garage controls and smart plugs. That gives homeowners a way to manage security and connected-home functions through a more unified system.

Fire, carbon monoxide and water protection

Guardian can also expand a security system with home life-safety monitoring.

Options include monitored smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detection, water sensors and other devices designed to detect problems beyond a break-in.

Where is Guardian Alarm available?

Guardian is a regional provider rather than a nationwide home security company. It currently serves communities across Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, West Virginia, Arkansas and Mississippi.

You can check Guardian Alarm locations and service areas to see whether service is available near your home.

Guardian may be a good Frontpoint alternative if: You want professional installation, 24/7 monitoring and an ongoing service relationship rather than a primarily DIY security experience.

2. ADT

ADT is one of the largest and longest-established home security providers in the United States.

Its traditional security offering more closely resembles Guardian than Frontpoint because professional installation and professional monitoring are central to many ADT packages. ADT has also expanded into DIY security, giving customers multiple ways to purchase a system.

ADT may appeal to shoppers who prioritize national availability or want access to its Google Nest integrations.

The trade-off is that pricing, equipment and contract terms can vary considerably depending on the package and promotion. Shoppers should compare the complete cost of equipment, installation and monitoring rather than focusing on an introductory offer alone.

ADT may be a good Frontpoint alternative if: You want a large national provider with both professionally installed and DIY options.

3. SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe is another well-known alternative for shoppers attracted to Frontpoint’s DIY approach.

The company offers wireless sensors, cameras, video doorbells and smart locks, with systems designed primarily for customer installation. Professional installation is also available for customers who do not want to set everything up themselves.

One of SimpliSafe’s biggest differences from both Frontpoint and Guardian is contract flexibility. SimpliSafe markets its professional monitoring without a long-term monitoring contract.

That makes it worth considering if avoiding a multi-year agreement is one of your highest priorities.

The trade-off is the service model. If you specifically want a local technician to install your equipment and provide ongoing field service, a professionally managed system such as Guardian may be a better match.

SimpliSafe may be a good Frontpoint alternative if: You want DIY installation and professional monitoring without a long-term contract.

4. Vivint

Vivint is positioned toward the premium end of professionally installed home security.

Its systems can combine intrusion detection with cameras, smart locks, thermostats, garage controls and other connected-home technology. Professional installation is a core part of the experience.

That makes Vivint an interesting alternative for Frontpoint customers who want to move away from DIY installation while still prioritizing advanced smart home features.

Equipment costs can be considerably higher than some DIY systems, however. Customers may pay for equipment upfront or finance it over an extended period, so it is important to look at both equipment and monitoring costs when comparing quotes.

Vivint may be a good Frontpoint alternative if: You want professional installation and a deeply integrated smart home system.

5. Cove

Cove takes a different approach.

Like Frontpoint, Cove is designed primarily around DIY installation and professional monitoring. Its systems can include door and window sensors, motion detection, smoke and flood sensors, cameras and other equipment.

The biggest distinction is contract flexibility. Cove offers month-to-month professional monitoring rather than requiring a long-term monitoring agreement.

That can make Cove appealing to shoppers primarily concerned with monthly cost and flexibility.

For homeowners comparing Cove with Guardian Alarm home security, the decision is less about which company follows the same model and more about which model you prefer. Cove emphasizes DIY convenience and flexibility. Guardian emphasizes professional installation and ongoing service.

Cove may be a good Frontpoint alternative if: Your priorities are DIY installation, transparent monitoring tiers and no long-term contract.

6. Brinks Home

Brinks Home is another traditional professionally monitored security provider.

Its systems combine security equipment, connected-home features and app-based controls. Compared with companies such as SimpliSafe or Cove, the buying process tends to rely more heavily on consultation and customized quotes.

Brinks can therefore appeal to homeowners who want a more traditional relationship with a monitored security provider but do not necessarily want a purely DIY product.

As with any quote-based security provider, compare the complete agreement carefully. Look at equipment costs, monitoring charges, installation or service fees and the length of the monitoring commitment.

Brinks Home may be a good Frontpoint alternative if: You are comfortable with a traditional monitored-security model and want an alternative to a primarily DIY provider.

7. Vector Security

Vector Security is another regional security provider offering professionally installed and monitored systems.

Its service model is closer to Guardian than to Frontpoint. Rather than simply shipping equipment for the homeowner to install, Vector provides professional installation and service in the markets it covers.

Availability and exact packages vary by location, making it important to confirm both coverage and pricing before comparing Vector with national providers.

Vector Security may be a good Frontpoint alternative if: You prefer working with a regional provider that offers professional installation and ongoing service.

What Should You Look for in a Frontpoint Alternative?

The right home security provider depends on what you are trying to change about your current or prospective Frontpoint system.

Here are some of the most important differences to consider.

DIY vs. professional installation

This may be the biggest dividing line.

Frontpoint, Cove and SimpliSafe emphasize systems homeowners can install themselves. Guardian and Vivint build professional installation into the service experience.

Neither model is inherently right for everyone.

DIY can make sense if you are comfortable installing and troubleshooting connected devices. Professional installation may be preferable if you want someone else responsible for configuring the system correctly from the start.

Monitoring

Many DIY security companies still offer professional monitoring, so DIY installation should not be confused with self-monitoring.

Frontpoint, Guardian, ADT, Vivint, Cove, Brinks and Vector all offer professional monitoring in some form.

Compare what the monitoring plan includes rather than looking only at the monthly price.

Contract length

Contract terms vary significantly.

Some providers offer month-to-month monitoring. Others use multi-year agreements.

Frontpoint’s regular professionally monitored plans and Guardian’s current residential packages both use three-year agreements. If flexibility is your priority, providers such as Cove or SimpliSafe may deserve closer consideration.

If you are comfortable with a longer agreement, compare what you receive in return. For example, a professionally installed provider may include a different level of installation and service than a DIY provider with a similar monitoring commitment.

Equipment and smart home features

Most modern security companies offer much more than door sensors.

Depending on the provider, your system could include cameras, video doorbells, smart locks, thermostats, garage controls, smoke and carbon monoxide detection or water sensors.

Guardian, for example, allows homeowners to combine security with smart home technology, video security and life-safety protection.

Before comparing equipment lists, think about what you actually want your system to do.

Service after installation

This is easy to overlook when shopping for a system.

Ask what happens when a sensor stops working, a camera needs to be replaced or you want to expand your system several years later.

With a DIY company, more of that responsibility may remain with the homeowner. A professionally serviced provider can offer a more hands-on relationship.

Frontpoint Alternative FAQs

Is Guardian Alarm a Frontpoint alternative?

Yes, if Guardian serves your area. Both companies offer professionally monitored home security, mobile access, sensors and camera options. The primary difference is installation: Frontpoint focuses on DIY installation, while Guardian professionally installs its systems.

Does Guardian Alarm require a contract?

Guardian’s current residential package terms require a three-year monitoring agreement with credit approval. Frontpoint’s regular professionally monitored plans also currently use 36-month agreements. Contract terms and promotions can change, so review your specific agreement before signing.

Is Guardian Alarm cheaper than Frontpoint?

Not necessarily. Pricing depends on equipment, monitoring, promotions and the protection you choose. Rather than assuming one company is cheaper, compare the complete cost of the system over the period you expect to use it.

Does Guardian Alarm offer professional installation?

Yes. Professional installation is a central part of Guardian’s residential security service. You can explore current Guardian Alarm security packages to see available configurations.

Can Guardian Alarm replace an existing Frontpoint system?

Equipment compatibility depends on the devices currently installed in your home. A Guardian security specialist can review your existing system and determine what may be reusable and what should be replaced.

Where does Guardian Alarm provide service?

Guardian currently serves communities in Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, West Virginia, Arkansas and Mississippi. Visit the Guardian Alarm locations page to check availability in your area.