Frontpoint vs Vector Home Security

If you're looking for a new home security system, it's no surprise that you've happened across these two names. Frontpoint is a relative novice to the home security industry, launched in 2007. Frontpoint offers DIY home security systems with professional monitoring available for a monthly fee.

Vector is a more long-running option with around 50+ years in the industry so far, and if you want to take out a contract with Vector, you'll have three different options to look at.

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

• Warranty: Both Frontpoint and Vector offer warranties on all their security equipment. Frontpoint will give you a warranty for your entire contract. For Vector, this is only 90-days; however, the warranty is extendable
• Professional monitoring: If you want to purchase a system via Frontpoint or Vector, you'll need to take out a professional monitoring plan
• Customizable packages: You can customize your packages and buy a la carte add ons
• Home automation: Both offer Z-wave compatibility and integration with Amazon's Alexa and other smart home technology
• Credit checks: Whether you choose Frontpoint or Vector, you'll be asked to undergo a credit check. While this could save you some money, it could be financially punitive if you have less than stellar credit

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

• DIY installation: Frontpoint only offers a simple DIY installation process. With Vector, you'll have professional installation
• Wireless equipment: Most of Frontpoint's equipment is wireless or WiFi-based, contributing to the easy install process. Most of Vector's equipment is wired
• Cost: Vector is more expensive than Frontpoint
• Service area: Frontpoint covers all of the USA and parts of Canada, but Vector's coverage is unclear. You may find yourself liable to pay a penalty if you move house, even within the same state, as Vector's coverage is patchy

Vector - What you need to know

Installation

Professional installation will be dealt with by qualified Vector technicians, meaning you don't have to do anything yourself.

Equipment

Overall, Vector has a great selection. The basic system consists of:

• A control panel
• 3 window and door sensors
• Motion sensors
• Window decals and yard sign
• Security care plus plan

You can also buy additional equipment individually, but pricing varies based on your location, so you'll need to contact Vector directly for pricing.

• Cameras for indoor and outdoor
• Yard sign
• Window decals
• Smart thermostat
• Smart door lock
• Stream video recorder
• Doorbell camera
• Smart lights
• Smart outlets
• Garage control
• Panic pendants and wellness button

Home Automation

Vector's smart home capability is an excellent pro, but it's another casualty of unclear pricing. Customers can use devices like smoke detectors, smart locks, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and smart thermostats. Plus, Z-wave compatible products.

Costs

When you purchase a Vector system, here's what you'll need to consider:

• Equipment costs: You won't be asked to pay upfront costs; however, the higher cost packages require a downpayment of $99-$149
• Monthly costs: There are three standard packages for monthly monitoring, $44.95/month, $59.95/month ($99 upfront), or $69.95/month ($149 down payment). Additional equipment may add to this cost
• Extra equipment: If you want to purchase extra equipment, your monthly payments could increase. Get a thorough breakdown from a Vector specialist

Nerd Pros:

•  24/7 monitoring: One of the biggest benefits is 24/7 monitoring. This somewhat justifies the higher pricing
• Home automation: Vector can offer you everything you need for a fully functioning smart home, from smart locks to compatibility with Alexa
• Mobile app: Vector has a popular (4-star and above) smartphone app that is excellent for monitoring your home and packed with great features

Nerd Cons:

• Pricing: Pricing is quite unclear; you can't access any information without checking your zip code, which may still be inaccurate. You'll want to contact your local specialist to see if you're covered or not
• Credit checks: You'll be asked to pass a credit check before you can get a contract with Vector. A worse credit score may impact the price you pay
• Lengthy contracts: The contracts are long (36-months) and inflexible with automatic renewal. You need to provide handwritten notice to Vector before you can break a contract
• Limited service area: Vector's service area isn't very transparent; even different areas within the same state aren't covered. You should clarify this when you want to move house

Frontpoint Security: What you need to know

Frontpoint Home Security offers great flexibility and DIY installation. You can get a comprehensive system with smart home options and 24/7 monitoring. In a break-in or similar crisis, Frontpoint will dispatch a rapid response.

Installation

You'll only have the option of DIY installation with Frontpoint, so there are no installation fees. Customers report that self-install is a simple process, typically taking less than an hour.

Home Automation

Frontpoint offers Z-wave compatibility with Apple TV, Google Home, Amazon's Alexa, and its own line of automation products, including smart locks and lights.

Equipment

Frontpoint offers reliable, secure equipment in packages and on an a la carte basis. The packages are as follows:

The Safehouse $99

• Keypad and Frontpoint hub
• Window and door sensors x2
• Motion detector x1
• Video doorbell
• Yard sign
• Door sticker
• Window decals x3

The Bunker $475

• Frontpoint hub
• Keypad
• Door/window sensors x3
• Motion sensor x1
• Smoke/heat sensor x1
• Outdoor camera x1
• Indoor camera x1
• Yard sign
• Door sticker
• 3x window decals

The Fortress $598

• Frontpoint hub
• Keypad
• Door/window sensors x6
• Motion sensor x2
• Smoke/heat sensor x1
• Indoor camera x1
• Video doorbell x1
• Yard sign
• Door sticker
• 3x window decals

You can use your equipment to self-monitor on a no-contract basis or join another security company if you've completed your contract.

Pricing

• Equipment Costs:  You can choose from several bundles or create a fully custom system. Equipment costs can be higher than some other DIY companies. Costs start at $99
• Monthly Costs: You can select a monitoring plan based on what you need. A basic plan with only essential monitoring will set you back around $35; as you add more features, you'll need to pay more with $50 (the highest tier), including video streaming and motion-triggered alerts

Nerd Pros

• Hardware options: You'll have several packages to choose from, and a Frontpoint customer service representative will complete a virtual walkthrough with you to ensure you have everything you need
• Home automation: Frontpoint offers several smart home options, including a video doorbell, but can integrate with Z-wave compatible products such as the Yale smart lock

Nerd Cons

• Credit check: If you don't have a 600 or higher credit score, you'll need to make upfront payments. This could become a pro, though; you may save money if you have an excellent credit score
• Price: Frontpoint has some higher upfront costs and monitoring costs

Frontpoint or Vector?

Security cameras are fast becoming essential for American homeowners, contributing to new home security companies popping up everywhere. If you're looking for a monitoring service with years in the industry, you should consider Vector Home Security. But if you want a DIY provider that offers a little more security, you could try Frontpoint. Overall, Vector offers better monitoring and home automation options and a more reliable reputation.