Frontpoint vs Cox Homelife

Frontpoint and Cox Homelife are two names you're probably quite familiar with if you're looking for a new home security system. Frontpoint is a DIY home security company that offers professional monitoring for a monthly fee. Homelife is an arm of Cox Communications; like AT&T and Comcast's Xfinity, they've branched into the home automation and security sector after some success in entertainment services.

Frontpoint vs. Cox Homelife - what do they have in common?

Smart Home Automation: Whether you choose Homelife or Frontpoint, you'll have an array of smart home integrations at your disposal. While they're not the same, they offer smart lights, thermostats, and door locks.

Reputation: Both companies are accredited with the better business bureau.

Long-term contracts: You'll need a long-term contract with either security provider, as they don't offer security on a rolling basis.  

Warranty: Frontpoint comes with a warranty that'll last for the duration of your contract. Cox Homelife comes with a 90-day warranty; however, this can also be extended for the contract duration.

Mobile App: Frontpoint's mobile app has better reviews than the homelife app; however, You can use both apps to monitor and manage your home security system efficiently; you can monitor your notifications and arm/disarm your system in seconds.

Frontpoint vs. Cox Homelife - what are their differences?

Professional installation: Cox offers professional installation starting from a low fee of just $25; Frontpoint is DIY only.

Credit checks: Frontpoint requires a credit check before signing up for a contract; if your credit rating is less-than-perfect, you may have to pay an extra downpayment.

Activation fee: Frontpoint doesn't charge an activation fee, but Cox Homelife does. There is a $25 activation fee for the SmartHome Automation Plan. There's an activation fee of $99.99 for the Monitored Security plan.

Service Area: Homelife only offers a limited service area, partially available services in 18 states. Frontpoint covers most of North America, with all 50 states and parts of Canada being covered.

Extra fees: While Cox Homelife may give the impression of being reasonably priced, they do charge additional fees. For example, there's a $4 monthly fee for a touchscreen keypad, which is required for some of their plans. You'll have to keep an eye out for these hidden extras.

Frontpoint Security: What you need to know

Not only does Frontpoint shine in the areas of ease of use, flexibility, and DIY installation. They're a great security equipment provider that offers homeowners a comprehensive system compatible with many smart home devices and security solutions. The 24/7 monitoring provided by the monitoring center is excellent for peace of mind. In a break-in or similar issue, Frontpoint will dispatch help quickly via rapid response.

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

Not only does Frontpoint offer its line of automation products (including smart locks and lights), but they're also compatible with existing smart home equipment such as Google Home, Apple TV, Amazon's Alexa, and other 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 system is tamper-proof, and the motion sensors are pet-sensitive, preventing false alarms. The security packages are as follows:

The Safehouse $99

• 1 Frontpoint hub + keypad
• 2 door/window sensors
• 1 motion sensor
• 1 free video doorbell
• 1 yard sign
• 1 door sticker
• 3 window decals
• Frontpoint hub

The Bunker $475

• 1 Frontpoint hub + keypad
• 3 door/window sensors
• 1 motion sensor
• 1 smoke/heat sensor
• 1 indoor camera
• 1 free video doorbell
• 1 yard sign
• 1 door sticker
• 3 window decals
• Frontpoint door sensor

The Fortress $598

• 1 Frontpoint hub + keypad
• 6 door/window sensors
• 2 motion sensors
• 1 smoke/heat sensor
• 1 indoor camera
• 1 free video doorbell
• 1 yard sign
• 1 door sticker
• 3 window decals

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:  You can choose from five bundles or create your customized system. You can choose from several different bundles or create a customized system. Equipment costs can be a bit higher than other companies, and the basic bundle starts at $99; other bundle prices are listed above
• Monthly Costs: You must select a 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: 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 decide what you need, too
• Home automation: Frontpoint offers some 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 need to spend money upfront. This could become a pro, though; if your credit score is near perfect, you may even save money
• Price: Frontpoint has some higher upfront costs and professional monitoring fees

Cox Homelife - What you need to know

Cox is a fairly well-known brand, with most of its success including entertainment and internet services. However, they also offer a budding security service. So, now that we've looked at Frontpoint let's take a look at what Cox has to offer.

Installation

Cox Homelife offers professional installation, so you can sit back and let them take care of it for you. When you choose a package, a customer service rep will offer you an appointment for an installer to come and fit your system. There is a $25 installation fee for most installations with the Homelife Automation plan, though it's sometimes free in a promotional deal. There is a $49 installation fee for the Monitored Security plan.

Home Automation

Cox Homelife offers a variety of smart devices that can be connected to your Homelife system, including HD cameras, Smart Door Locks, Smart LED Light Bulbs, Smart Plugs, and more.

You can design your own smart home ecosystem that you can control with the help of your mobile app.

Equipment

Cox Homelife provides several different security packages, their packages only include limited equipment, and anything beyond that costs extra.

The Smart Home system includes:

•  Video camera
• Smart LED bulb
• Door/window sensor

The Monitored Security Plan Includes: 

• Control panel
• Motion detectors
• Security sign

Add-ons include: 

• Yard signs
• Leak/flood sensor
• Door sensors
• Glass break sensor
• Door lock
• Carbon monoxide sensor
• Thermostat
• Smoke and heat detector
• Wireless keypad

Pricing

• Equipment costs: Limited equipment is included in both of Cox Homelife's plans, but you can buy extras on an a la carte basis
• Installation costs: Depending on the plan that you choose, your installation fee could be $25 or $49. You may not pay an installation fee if you sign up under a promotional offer
• Monthly costs: The SmartHome Automation plan starts at $29.99 per month, though it may be available for $19.99 per month with specific bundling options. The Monitored Security plan starts at $54.99 per month ($44.99 with some bundles) but also requires a touchscreen control panel that costs $4 a month
• Activation fee: There is a $25 activation fee for the SmartHome Automation Plan. There's an activation fee of $99.99 for the Monitored Security plan

Nerd Pros

• Bundles: To save money, you can purchase your alarm system as part of a bundle, including wi-fi service and other extras. If you're already a Cox customer or are looking to sign up for their other services, then bundling your home security system in with them can be convenient as you only have to deal with one company and one monthly bill
• Professional installation: You don't have to worry about installation, as the professionals will handle it for you
• Simplified plan choices: Cox Homelife only offers two simple plan choices, making it easy to understand and choose the best plan

Nerd Cons

Pricing: At first glance, Cox Homelife seems to offer a very competitive system cost for its home security equipment. But many hidden fees can quickly add up, such as $4 a month for the touchscreen pad.

Limited service area: Cox Homelife is only available in 18 states; compared to Frontpoint, their coverage is very limited.

Contracts: Their contracts can be hard to get out of. If you want to break the contract, you'll need to pay an early termination fee. Some customer reviews report confusion about how long their contract is - be sure to clarify the contract term explicitly before you agree to anything.

Frontpoint or Cox Homelife?

Choosing the best home security system can be difficult. Frontpoint and Cox Homelife offer a lot of similar benefits, such as the protection of cellular backup and outdoor cameras. However, there are some differences. Frontpoint requires a credit check (which could affect the price you pay) before you can sign up for a contract. While it's easier to sign up for a contract with Cox Homelife, their service area is limited, covering just 18 states. In addition, their customer service seems to have mixed reviews, so it may be worth the inconvenience of a credit check to have access to Frontpoint's excellent customer service.