Choosing between Link Interactive and Frontpoint for your home security system needs? There are some things you should know before you make your decision.
Frontpoint is a relatively new DIY security company—it started in 2007 and based out of Virginia. Known for its flexibility, high-quality equipment and stellar customer service, it’s a solid option for renters and homeowners alike. Although the hardware is a little pricier than some DIY competitors, you can take the equipment with you to your next home if you move, which is a nice benefit.
Link Interactive is another popular DIY company known for customization and smart home options. It has a proven track record, as it’s been in the home security business since 1952. This option is perfect for homeowners or renters looking for reliable service without a huge price tag.
While both companies are worth purchasing, Frontpoint comes out on top. We like Frontpoint’s wide variety of hardware along with its top-notch customer service. In the end, it’s a personal choice. Here, we dig into how to decide which company is best for your home security needs.
Link Interactive and Frontpoint: What do they have in common?
- Good quality equipment: Whether you go with Frontpoint or Link, you’ll get reliable hardware choices with features you’ll be happy to add into your home. From smart home options to motion sensors, carbon monoxide detectors, garage door sensors, control panels, thermostats, and cameras, there’s something for every part of your home.
- Contract options: Both companies offer the option to go without a contract and pay for equipment upfront, or to choose a 1- or 3-year contract which allows you to pay it off over time. Link Interactive also has a 2-year contract option.
- DIY installation: You’ll need to be comfortable setting up your own equipment with both companies. These are not traditional home security companies where installers come to your home to do a site survey and do the work for you. This lack of professional installation is great for some folks, but not what others are looking for.
- Smart home integration: Both companies offer a variety of smart home integrations, from voice commands to smart lights.
- Customization: Whether you’re going with Link or Frontpoint, you can build whatever equipment bundle works for your home. You won’t be required to purchase from predetermined bundles, and thus, won’t get stuck paying for something you don’t need.
- Cellular monitoring: Both Frontpoint and Link use cellular monitoring, which some customers prefer over hardwired service.
- Strict cancellation policies: If you sign a contract with either company, you’ll have some strict cancellation policies to haggle out of, if you no longer want the service. Both companies are highly rated, but the contract length and cancellation was one of the few sticking points with customers.
Link Interactive and Frontpoint: What are the differences?
- Ease of setup: Both companies get high marks on installation. But there is a clear winner: Frontpoint. There are some reviews which claim Link’s setup can be confusing, while Frontpoint’s comes pre-programmed and gets great reviews on simplicity.
- Equipment packages: Link Interactive allows the customer to choose everything a la carte, which means there are no predetermined bundles to choose from. Frontpoint has a couple of packages to choose from for ease, but it also offers customization.
- Price of monitoring: Take note if you’re on a budget: Link is significantly less expensive in its monthly home security monitoring services, while Frontpoint costs more.
- Medical pendant availability: Some people who use a medical alert system for an elderly or disabled person in the household may want to tie that service in with their security system. Link offers a medical pendant option, while Frontpoint does not.
Link Interactive: What you need to know
Link’s DIY security system is ideal for homeowners or renters looking for a highly customizable system with smart home options. Its hardware gets high marks from users, and so does its customer service. Customers also seem to like the option to create their own system from scratch, and not being required to sign a contract.
Nerd Pros
- Flexibility: One of the best reasons to go with Link is its flexibility and customization. Choose from no contract, or a contract that allows you to spread out payments. No need to buy pre-packaged bundles either when you can create your own from scratch.
- Smart home options: Link sells a lot of its own smart home hardware from smart lights to locks, and that’s not to mention third party compatibility.
- Satisfaction guarantee: What’s better than a satisfaction guarantee? Link gives you 30 days to get out of the deal if you don’t like it.
Nerd Cons
- Cancellation fees: Link is pretty strict about its cancellation policies, so just like any contract, make sure you understand all the terms before entering into it. The great thing is, you’re not required to sign one with Link if you pay for your equipment in full upfront.
- Upfront costs: Paying month-to-month does have its downsides. Purchasing your equipment upfront means a sizable chunk out of your pocket at once.
- Ambiguous pricing: There’s no real way to look at the Link website and know exactly what you’ll be paying for your security equipment. You’ll need to go through the process of getting a quote and talking with a rep before getting a straight answer on price, due to the many customizations there are to choose from.
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. 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 is in the smart home department. Frontpoint has many smart home options the company sells itself, while also offering a variety of third party integrations.
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 a la carte, and a customer service representative will do a virtual walkthrough with you to figure out 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.
- Satisfaction guarantee: You’ll also get a 30-day satisfaction guarantee with Frontpoint, which means there’s really no risk to give it a try.
Nerd Cons
- Credit check: If you don’t have a 600 or higher credit score, you’ll be required to put down money upfront.
- Price: Frontpoint can give customers a bit of sticker shock at the beginning because of some higher upfront costs along with professional monitoring fees.
Link Interactive vs Frontpoint: Which should you choose?
While it’s true both companies have a lot of similarities, we think Frontpoint takes the win because of its stellar customer service, home automation options and reliable hardware. At the end of the day, customer service can make a huge difference with a DIY installation experience, and Frontpoint has a great reputation in that area.
Still, Link Interactive is a great choice for a DIY security company if you’re in the market for an option without long-term contracts, installation, or activation fees. When deciding between Link Interactive and Frontpoint, you really can’t go wrong with either option.
Still unsure?
If you're still unsure about which option is best for you, check out our full Frontpoint review, as well as our Link Interactive review.
Made your call?
This article has been reviewed and approved by Officer Banta.
![img-banta-headshot Officer James Banta](https://securitynerd.com/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/img-banta-headshot-150x150-circle-a381cbde719e5eafdfd04eb1f1a6e625-5dd68487d61ba.jpg)
Officer Banta is the official SecurityNerd home security and safety expert. A member of the Biloxi Police Department for over 24 years, Officer Banta reviews all articles before lending his stamp of approval. Click here for more information on Officer Banta and the rest of our team.