Frontpoint vs Brinks Home Security

Frontpoint is a relatively new home security company started in Virginia in 2007; despite being relatively new, you can rely on them for decent security equipment and reasonable home automation options.

There's a lot to consider when you're choosing your home security system, so we'll compare both companies side by side so you can decide which is best for you. Brinks has been around for a lot longer, with around 150 years of experience in the home security industry. Brinks is predominantly known for its fast response times, boasting one of the fastest in the home security industry.

Frontpoint vs. Brinks Home Security - What do they have in common?

• Warranty: You'll get either a two or three-year warranty with either company, giving you total peace of mind
• Long-term contract: With either company, you'll be encouraged to sign a long-term contract
• Smart Home Automation: With Z-wave compatible technologies, you can set up many of the same smart home products and design your very own smart-home systems
• Mobile App: With either company, you'll have access to an easy-to-use mobile app that allows you to monitor your system on the go; your motion sensors can alert you via push notifications if there's been a possible security breach
• Cellular backup connection: You can use a cellular connection with both of these systems, which is excellent. Many people prefer it to a hardwired system, and they're considered less vulnerable to tampering
• Professional Monitoring: 24/7 Monitoring is essential with both providers, at least for the initial contract period

Frontpoint vs. Brinks Home Security - What are their differences?

Installation: With Frontpoint, you don't have any professional installation options, whereas, with Brinks, you do. Frontpoint only caters to DIY installers.

Credit checking: Frontpoint insists that you pass a credit check before giving you a quote for their services. Brinks doesn't need a credit check.

Customer complaints: Brinks doesn't have the best reputation in terms of customer service; customers complain about pressure to extend contracts and equipment faults.

Brinks Home Security - What you need to know

Brinks is one of the oldest home security companies in the industry, longevity is a significant benefit, but we'll break down each area of their service so you can see what to expect from their services.

Installation

As a DIY company, you'll be responsible for installation yourself, and there are no required fees for this process. If you need a professional to come out and install the equipment, it will cost you extra. Brinks Pro Install services will cost $199 upfront, or you can add the cost to your monthly payments.

Equipment

Your equipment will come with a monitoring service, and their home complete system is around $500; however, promotional discounts may be available. However, you'd need to purchase a monitoring plan at the cost of $29 a month in addition to this. The home complete system comprises:

• Brinks touch screen control panel
• A wireless motion sensor
• Three wireless door sensors
• Yard signs and stickers

Brinks Home Complete with Video comes in at $599. The package is the same as the Brinks Home Complete but includes a video doorbell and an indoor camera. Monitoring is $39 per month with a 3-year contract if you add video too.

Home Automation

Some of the smart home capabilities you can use with your Brinks system include:

• Smart Lights: You can design a smart light system including in-wall dimmers, smart switches, and other light control features
• Temperature control: The system is compatible with smart thermostats, including the IQ thermostat, which allows you to quickly and remotely control your home's temperature
• Smart locks: You can control your home security, including who can come and go, with the touch of a button
• Z wave compatibility: You can use your system with an array of z-wave compatible products such as the Samsung smart home hub in addition to Google Home devices, Amazon's Alexa, and Apple TV

Costs

Brinks pricing depends on the package you select. Key costs to consider include:

• Upfront costs: The upfront cost of equipment varies depending on which package you select. Upfront costs can be as little as $199 or as much as $599, plus the cost of a monthly monitoring fee
• Professional monitoring costs: Monitoring is available with a monthly fee of $29 with most plans if you sign a contract, or is $39 per month if you sign up for Nest Secure with no contractual commitment

In addition to the equipment packages, you can also buy individual security components or smart home devices through Brinks as optional add-ons. Here are some examples of prices for these items:

• Brinks Home indoor camera: $199
• Brinks Home outdoor camera: $299
• SkyBell Slim Line video doorbell: $199
• IQ Smoke detector: $79
• IQ wireless garage door tilt sensor: $39
• IQ wireless carbon monoxide detector: $79

Nerd Pros

• Flexibility in Equipment Choice: Brinks gives you the option to choose a Brinks Complete system or buy Nest Secure products individually
• Effective monitoring: One of the top benefits is the Brinks Alarm response monitoring center, which operates 24/7 and has a response time of seconds. Trained professionals will quickly alert fire, police, or medical staff in the case of a break-in or other crisis
• Cellular backup: Brinks systems connect your system to the Alarm Response Center via cellular and WiFi. Cellular backup and battery backup ensure monitoring will not be interrupted in the case of tampering or a power cut

Nerd Cons

• Poor Reviews: Customer reviews reveal complaints about the pressure to extend contracts, problems with equipment, and poor customer service experiences
• Long-term commitment: While you can sign up for month-to-month monitoring with Brinks if you go with a Nest Secure system, other plans, including Home Complete Systems, require a long-term contract that lasts at least 36 months

Frontpoint Security: What you need to know

Not only does Frontpoint shine in the areas of ease of use, flexibility, and DIY functions. They're a great security equipment provider that offers homeowners a comprehensive system compatible with many smart home devices and security solutions.

Installation

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

Home Automation

Frontpoint offers its 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's Alexa, and Z-wave technologies.

Equipment

Frontpoint comprises secure, quality equipment available on a flexible a la carte basis, and you can purchase unlimited add ons for your security system. The hub and keypad are tamper-proof, and you can buy pet-sensitive motion sensors which safeguard you against false alarms.

The best part about this equipment is that you can still use your equipment with another company if you decide to leave the Frontpoint monitoring service after your contract is up.

Pricing

• Equipment Costs: These upfront costs tend to be higher for DIY security companies. The basic bundle starts at $99. You can choose from five bundles or create your customized system
• Monthly Costs: You must select a security monitoring plan from Frontpoint based on three different tiers. A basic plan with basic monitoring will run about $35 per month, and as you add more interactive features, the plans increase in price. The highest tier monitoring service is about $50 a month and includes live video streaming and motion-triggered alerts. There are no activation fees

Nerd Pros

• Hardware options: You'll have a wide range of choices with a la carte equipment being offered alongside various bundles. The customer support team will do a virtual walkthrough to help you decide what you need, too
• Home automation: Frontpoint offers some of its smart home options, including a doorbell camera, but also offers Z-wave compatible products such as Yale smart door lock range

Nerd Cons

• Credit check: If you have a poor credit score, you'll be charged more upfront as a security deposit
• Price: Frontpoint has some higher upfront costs and professional monitoring fees

Frontpoint or Brinks Home Security?

Either represent an ideal smart home security system, with professional monitoring and good hardware on offer from both providers. They have their drawbacks, though as customers are heavily-encouraged to commit to expensive long-term contracts, you don't have the option to self-monitor with no contracts, unlike competitors such as SimpliSafe. Frontpoint has more reliable customer support than Brinks, but they ask for credit checks and may require a large downpayment if you have poorer credit.