Frontpoint vs Abode Security

Abode and Frontpoint are both great home security providers that are relatively new on the scene, and both companies offer innovative products and flexibility. Abode was launched in 2014 by a former ADT executive. Frontpoint was established in 2007 out of Virginia. Both offer excellent security cameras, among other products, such as entry sensors, smart home devices, indoor cameras, and glass break sensors. All of which can be significant building blocks to make up an excellent home security system that can protect you and your family. Today we'll compare both so you can choose which offers the best smart home security system.

Frontpoint vs. Abode – What do they have in common?

• Home automation: Both services work with Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant, Nest thermostat, Plus Z-wave. Though Abode has compatibility with more third-party integrations, there is still a significant crossover here.
• Mobile App: Frontpoint and Abode both offer a convenient, easy-to-use mobile app that can be used to control and monitor their respective security systems live. Both can alert you to any issues via push notifications, and you can arm and disarm your system remotely.
• Choice of equipment: Both offer a wide choice of equipment like Motion detectors, door/window sensors, alarm systems, and smoke monitoring, most of which can be used for smart home integration, too. There are some differences, but there is a significant overlap.
• Professional monitoring: Frontpoint and Abode pride themselves in offering 24/7 monitoring plans that keep you and your property safe.
• Diy home security systems: Though both offer professional monitoring options, you're also able to monitor on a DIY basis.

Frontpoint vs. Abode – What are the differences?

• Doorbell cameras: Frontpoint offers a video doorbell with the Safe home elite plan.
• Smoke detectors and Carbon Monoxide monitoring: Abode only offers Smoke monitoring, but Frontpoint offers both smoke and CO monitoring.
• Outdoor Cameras: Abode doesn't offer any outdoor camera options.

Frontpoint Security: What you need to know

Frontpoint is known for its stellar home security customer service, its ease of use, and flexibility in the DIY world. There's no need to get locked into a long-term contract with Frontpoint or worry about getting caught up in any pressuring sales tactics. Another area Frontpoint shines in is the smart home department. Frontpoint has many smart home options the company sells itself while also offering a variety of third-party integrations.

Installation 

Frontpoint offers only DIY installation, so there are no professional installation fees to consider. Frontpoint customers report that the DIY installation process is straightforward and typically takes under an hour to complete.

Home Automation 

Frontpoint offers its own line of automation products such as smart lights and a Smart lock, but they don't stop there. Frontpoint can also integrate with existing smart home equipment such as Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Z-wave technologies.

Pricing 

• Equipment Costs: These upfront costs tend to be higher for DIY security companies. You can choose from five bundles or create your own customized system. The basic bundle (the safehouse) is $99 and comprises.
  • 1x Frontpoint Hub & Keypad
  • 2x Door & Window Sensors
  • 1x Motion Sensor + 1 free doorbell camera.
• Monthly Costs: You must choose a monitoring service from Frontpoint based on three different tiers. A basic plan with basic monitoring will incur a monthly fee of $35, and as you add more interactive features, the plans increase in price. The highest tier monitoring service is about $50 a month and includes important features like live video streaming and motion-triggered alerts.

Nerd Pros

• Hardware options: If you like equipment bundles to choose from, you'll have that option with Frontpoint. But you can also purchase items individually. Customer service will do a virtual walkthrough to help you choose what you need.
• Home automation: Frontpoint offers some of its own smart home options, including a doorbell camera, but also realizes customers might already have existing ones they want to incorporate into the system. Frontpoint can integrate any Z-Wave compatible products, such as a Yale smart door lock.

Nerd Cons

• Credit check: If you don't have a 600 or higher credit score, you'll be required to put down a deposit.
• Price: Frontpoint has some higher upfront costs and professional monitoring fees.

Abode: What you need to know

The abode security system is a stellar choice for renters and homeowners alike, ideal for anyone looking for an array of smart home options to add to their home. It has more home automation capabilities than your average security system, including integrations with Z-Wave, Alexa, and Nest. On top of that, Abode offers flexibility with hardware and professional monitoring, which is another hallmark of most popular DIY companies.

Home automation

Abode does manufacture its own smart home products, but we really liked that Abode is compatible with other integrations; you can integrate it with popular systems like Alexa and Nest.

Installation

Abode has a simple installation process and gets high marks for quick setup. But this DIY home security company understands some customers may still want professional installation, so that is offered as well at the time of purchase and is completed by a third party.

Costs

• Equipment Cost: You'll have to purchase one of the two starter kits, but both are reasonably priced. It gets more expensive with every add-on, and if you choose professional installation, you'll pay extra for installing those add-ons, too. Customers pay for equipment upfront but will receive a hefty discount if they sign up for a longer contract.
• Monthly Costs: If you choose to self-monitor, you'll only pay a fee if you want to purchase the $8 a month cellular backup plan. Professional monitoring will cost you $20 a month. However, if you buy one of the starter packs directly from Abode, you'll receive a hefty discount on your first year of professional monitoring.

Nerd Pros

• Flexibility: When deciding on a security plan with Abode, customers aren't stuck with predetermined plans or bundles that they don't want to pay for. Whether you want to self-monitor or professional monitor, you'll get the choice. You can also choose from hardware bundles or start from scratch without committing to a long-term contract.
• Home automation: If you're looking for a DIY security system with superior smart home options, Abode is a frontrunner, with several choices, including Google Assistant, HomeKit, and Alexa.
• Price: This is an ideal choice for thrifty consumers, with low upfront costs and competitive hardware prices.

Nerd Cons

• Customer service: This is an area where Abode certainly has room to grow. While we had a great experience with abode customer service, online reviews reveal otherwise, citing long wait times.
• Basic starter kits: Compared with other DIY companies, you don't get a lot of bang for your buck with Abode's security-kit bundles. For example, it only includes one motion sensor and one door sensor, so customers with more area to protect will need to purchase extra add-ons.
• No outdoor camera: Although Abode lists its new outdoor camera as "coming soon," it is not yet available to purchase. With all the smart home automation options, it is surprising that this is not yet an option for abode customers.

Frontpoint Or Abode?

As a homeowner, choosing a good home security system is something you can't afford to get wrong. Thankfully, Frontpoint and Abode are both among the best home security systems.

Both are quality home security systems that offer monitoring options to guarantee the safety of you and your property, but there are some other things to consider.

Abode doesn't currently offer outdoor cameras, which means for a more comprehensive security system, Frontpoint is perhaps a better option.

Abode is a better option for you if you're not happy to undergo a credit check to get your security system.