Frontpoint vs Honeywell Home Security

When you're looking for your new home security system, hundreds of home security companies are to consider. Still, both Frontpoint and Honeywell should be at the top of your list for consideration.

Honeywell is a flexible, DIY self-monitored system known for its track record in the home security industry. Frontpoint offers professionally monitored systems to customers across North America. Today, we'll compare them both to see which is best for you.

Frontpoint vs. Honeywell Home Security - What are their similarities?

• Home automation: In terms of smart home integration, they're quite similar, offering compatibility with Google Home and Amazon's Alexa
• Mobile App: Well-rated mobile apps are a feature that these providers share. You can arm/disarm your system remotely and monitor your equipment, in addition to receiving push notifications
• Water leak and freeze detectors: You have the option of products that can detect water leaks or freeze - a useful feature if you're away on vacation or at work, potentially avoiding thousands of dollars worth of damage to your home
• DIY installation: With either Honeywell or Frontpoint, your system will require DIY installation, which customers report is quick and straightforward

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

Professional monitoring: Honeywell only offers self-monitoring, whereas Frontpoint heavily encourages you to renew your professional monitoring contract. With that said, you can self-monitor with Frontpoint after you've completed your contract with them.

Warranty: Frontpoint offers a warranty for the duration of your security contract.

Contracts: Frontpoint requires you to sign up for an agreement with them; however, Honeywell doesn't offer any contracts. Honeywell is overall much more flexible than Frontpoint.

Customer Service: Frontpoint is known for its excellent customer service, but our SecurityNerd found Honeywell's customer support to be a bit lacking, so that's quite a big gap.

Facial recognition: Frontpoint's cameras don't offer facial recognition yet; however, Honeywell's cameras can tell the difference between a person and an object, and they can also identify the person for you.

Credit checks: Frontpoint will require you to have a credit check before signing up for a plan with them; if your credit score is under 600, you'll need a larger downpayment.

Honeywell Home Security: What you need to know

Honeywell is a sound choice if you're looking for a DIY setup with unique features like facial recognition. You can also make use of Amazon's Alexa, along with Z-wave products and Google Assistant depending upon the equipment you choose for your home. This is a self-monitoring system, so you must be comfortable being ultimately responsible for your own security.

Installation

Like Frontpoint, Honeywell only offers DIY installation, which customers report is simple. If you use a DIY home security system, you'll usually save on professional installation fees, which is a plus.

Home automation

While you can create your own smart home ecosystem using Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT technology, Honeywell also offers their own equipment such as useful smart thermostats and programmable light switches.

Equipment

Much like Frontpoint, you can purchase a pre-designed bundle or purchase items individually.

Basic System

• Honeywell Smart Home Security Base Station
• Motion sensors
• Key fob

A La Carte Items

• Additional cameras
• Motion viewer (motion sensor with a camera inside)
• Smart thermostats
• Light timer
• Water leak and freeze detector

Pricing

Each part of Honeywell's security system can be bought separately, although they offer a starter kit. Equipment costs vary from $30 for a single wi-fi doorbell camera to $350+ for a more comprehensive security system.

• Equipment costs: Customers purchase all equipment up front with Honeywell and incur no monthly payment for equipment after that; while other companies may be cheaper, you do save in the long term by paying upfront
• Installation costs: Installation is DIY, so you won't need to pay for professional installation
• Monthly costs: If you would like to store videos on the devices, you can choose from a 30-day and 60-day storage option for between $50 and $150 per year. Otherwise, there are no monthly costs

Nerd Pros

• Facial recognition: This is an uncommon but brilliant feature for a home security system - not only can Honeywell Security cameras tell the difference between a person and an object, but they can also identify the person for you
• Smart home options: You can add in third-party equipment like Z-wave tech, Google Assistant, Alexa, and IFTTT
• No contract: When you purchase hardware from Honeywell Security, you aren't tied to any contract. You can use it for your chosen duration, and the only monthly fee you need to consider is video storage fees

Nerd Cons

• No professional monitoring options: When you purchase hardware from Honeywell, you'll install the system and then wholly monitor it yourself. If an incident like a break-in occurs, you're ultimately responsible for notifying the authorities
• Poor customer service: Our SecurityNerd experienced poor customer service on the sales side and the IT department

Frontpoint Security: What you need to know

Frontpoint shines in DIY installation, smart home functions, flexibility, and ease of use. They're a reliable security equipment provider that can offer homeowners and renters alike a simple system with all of the smart home devices you could hope for to design your very own smart-home ecosystem. All contracts do have a 30-day trial period, but you'll need to return your equipment if you cancel during this time.

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 line of automation products such as smart lights and a smart lock, but they can integrate with existing smart home equipment such as Apple TV, Google Assistant, Amazon's Alexa, and Z-wave technologies.

Equipment

Frontpoint can offer you high-quality and secure equipment, and you can purchase bundles starting from $99 or buy equipment on an individual basis. You can buy unlimited add-ons. The alarm system hub and keypad are tamper-proof, and you can purchase 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. Equipment available from Frontpoint includes:

• Carbon monoxide detectors
• Yard signs
• Smoke detectors/heat sensors
• Outdoor cameras, including a video doorbell
• Flood sensors
• Glass break sensors
• Indoor cameras
• Garage door sensors
• Motion detectors
• Keychain remote
• Panic pendant
• Window sensors
• Door sensors
• Smart door locks

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 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 variety of security packages to choose from, but you can also purchase items individually. A customer service representative will do a virtual walkthrough to help you decide what you need, too
• Cellular connection: A cellular backup is one of the most crucial things for a home security system - without it, you're vulnerable to power cuts and tampering. Your Frontpoint security system can run on a cellular connection, which keeps you much safer
• Customer Service: Frontpoint is known for its excellent customer service; its teams are knowledgeable and easy to get ahold of
• Home automation: Frontpoint offers some of its 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
• Price: Frontpoint has some higher upfront costs and professional monitoring fees
• Long-term contracts: Unlike Honeywell, you'll need to take out a contract before you can enjoy Frontpoint's services

Frontpoint or Honeywell Home Security?

Honeywell is a flexible, DIY security provider that offers decent security equipment and good home automation options without the cost of monthly monitoring to consider. Overall you can save a lot of money by choosing a DIY system. However, their customer service leaves a lot to be desired. Frontpoint, on the other hand, offers excellent customer service and is one of the best home security systems. But Frontpoint does have negatives, like needing to undergo a credit check. Overall, it's worth the effort to go with Frontpoint as you'll benefit from reliable, advanced security from a popular provider.