What Frontpoint is and who offers it
Frontpoint is a home security system sold by Frontpoint Security, a company owned by Monitronics International. You buy or lease equipment — door and window sensors, motion detectors, a control panel — and pay a monthly monitoring fee so that a 24/7 center watches your system and calls emergency services if an alarm triggers. Frontpoint operates in all 50 states and does not require a long-term contract; you can cancel month to month.
The company handles its own monitoring rather than outsourcing to a third party, which means the same organization that sold you the system is the one responding to alerts. Frontpoint also offers mobile app control, so you can arm and disarm the system, check sensor status, and receive alerts from your phone.
Key Takeaways
- Frontpoint sells equipment outright or leases it, with no contract required, and you pay a separate monthly monitoring fee that starts around $30 to $50 depending on the plan.
- The system uses wireless sensors for doors and windows plus motion detection, and you control it through a keypad, mobile app, or web portal.
- Frontpoint monitors its own alarms 24/7 and dispatches emergency services if you do not respond to a prompt, rather than routing calls through a third-party center.
- Installation is self-service for most customers, though Frontpoint offers professional installation for an additional fee if you prefer not to set it up yourself.
- The company does not lock you into a contract, so you can pause service, downgrade, or cancel without early termination fees.
Equipment options and how you pay for them
Frontpoint offers two paths to equipment: purchase or lease. If you buy outright, you own the sensors, panel, and any additional devices, and you keep them if you cancel service. If you lease, you pay a monthly equipment fee on top of your monitoring fee, and Frontpoint retains ownership.
The starter package typically includes a control panel, one or two door/window sensors, and a motion detector. You can add more sensors, glass-break detectors, environmental monitors (for temperature or water), and video cameras as separate purchases or lease additions. Prices for equipment vary by retailer and current promotions, so comparing quotes from Frontpoint directly and authorized resellers will show you the range available.
Monthly monitoring plans vary in what they cover. A basic plan monitors door and window sensors and motion detection. Higher tiers add video recording, environmental monitoring, or priority dispatch. Frontpoint publishes pricing on its website, though the exact monthly cost depends on which sensors and features you choose.
How installation and setup work
Most Frontpoint customers install the system themselves. The control panel connects to your home Wi-Fi or a cellular backup connection, and sensors attach to doors and windows with adhesive strips or screws — no wiring required. Frontpoint sends instructions and video guides, and you can contact customer service during setup if you get stuck.
If you prefer professional installation, Frontpoint offers it for a one-time fee. A technician will mount the panel, place sensors, test the system, and walk you through operation. This route takes longer to schedule but removes the setup work from your hands.
Once the system is live, you create a user account, set your PIN code for the keypad, and read the mobile app if you want remote control. You can arm the system in "home" mode (perimeter sensors only) or "away" mode (all sensors active), and you receive notifications on your phone when doors open or motion is detected.
Monitoring and emergency response
When a sensor triggers an alarm, the Frontpoint monitoring center receives the alert. A dispatcher calls the phone number on file and asks for your PIN code to confirm it is a real emergency. If you provide the code, the dispatcher cancels the call-out. If you do not answer or cannot provide the code, the dispatcher sends police or fire to your address.
Frontpoint monitors 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays. The company is certified by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL), which means it meets industry standards for response time and record-keeping. Response times vary by local dispatch, but most police departments arrive within 10 to 15 minutes of a confirmed alarm.
You can also trigger an alarm manually using the panic button on the keypad or the mobile app, which is useful if you feel unsafe or witness a break-in. The same verification process applies — the dispatcher will call and ask for your PIN before dispatching.
Contract terms and cancellation
Frontpoint does not require a long-term contract. You pay month to month for monitoring, and you can cancel anytime without an early termination fee. If you leased equipment, you return it to Frontpoint; if you purchased it, you keep it and can use it with another monitoring company or store it.
You can also pause service temporarily — for example, if you are away for several months — and resume later without losing your account settings. Downgrading to a lower monitoring tier or removing sensors also happens without penalty.
Cancellation requires contacting Frontpoint customer service by phone or through your online account. The company will confirm your request and provide instructions for equipment return if applicable. Most cancellations take effect at the end of your current billing cycle.
Mobile app and remote control features
The Frontpoint mobile app lets you arm and disarm the system, check which doors and windows are open, view live video if you have cameras, and receive push notifications when sensors trigger. You log in with your account credentials, and the app works on iOS and Android devices.
You can also control the system through the web portal on any computer. Both the app and web portal show your alarm history, let you adjust settings, and allow you to add or remove users — for example, giving a family member or house cleaner temporary access to arm and disarm without sharing your PIN.
Notifications are customizable. You can choose to receive alerts for all sensor activity, only alarms, or specific doors and windows. You can also set quiet hours so that notifications do not arrive during sleep time, though the monitoring center still responds to alarms.
Comparing Frontpoint to other monitoring companies
Frontpoint's main distinction is that it handles its own monitoring rather than outsourcing to a third-party center. This can mean faster response because there is no handoff between the company that sold you the system and the company that monitors it. However, other companies like ADT, Vivint, and Alarm.com also offer 24/7 monitoring and mobile control, often with contract options if you prefer a discount in exchange for a commitment.
Frontpoint's no-contract model appeals to renters and people who move frequently, since you are not locked in. Other companies may offer lower monthly rates if you sign a two- or three-year agreement. Equipment costs and feature availability also vary — some competitors bundle video or smart home integration differently, so comparing what each company includes in its base package will show you the real difference in price.
Local alarm companies in your area may also offer monitoring and installation. These smaller providers sometimes have lower overhead and can customize systems more flexibly, though they may not have the same mobile app or national infrastructure as Frontpoint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need internet for Frontpoint to work?
The system works best with Wi-Fi so you can use the mobile app and receive notifications, but Frontpoint includes a cellular backup connection. If your internet goes down, the system switches to cellular automatically and continues monitoring. You will not be able to use the app until internet is restored, but the monitoring center will still respond to alarms.
What happens if I move to a new house?
You can transfer your Frontpoint service to a new address. Contact customer service with your new location, and they will update your account and dispatch information. If you move out of Frontpoint's service area, you can cancel without a fee. Equipment can move with you or stay behind depending on whether you own or lease it.
Can I use Frontpoint if I rent my home?
Yes. Frontpoint sensors attach with adhesive strips and do not require drilling or permanent installation, so most landlords allow them. Check your lease or ask your landlord before installing. If you move, you take the equipment with you since you own or lease it, not the property owner.
What if the power goes out?
The Frontpoint control panel has a battery backup that keeps the system running for several hours during a power outage. The cellular backup connection also works on battery, so monitoring continues. Once power returns, the system recharges automatically.
How much does professional installation cost?
Frontpoint charges a one-time fee for professional installation, though the exact amount varies by location and system complexity. Contact Frontpoint directly or check your quote for the installation fee in your area.