ADT and Frontpoint take notably different paths in 2025. ADT offers nationwide professional installation and monitoring with tight integration of Google Nest devices and a parallel DIY option via ADT Self Setup (ADT; ADT + Google; ADT Self Setup). Frontpoint is a 100% DIY provider with pre-configured, peel-and-stick sensors, guided by the mobile app from unboxing to activation (Frontpoint equipment; how it works).
To choose between them, compare total cost of ownership (equipment, monthly monitoring, and video add-ons), contract flexibility, installation preference (pro install vs. DIY), smart-home integrations (e.g., growing Matter support across Apple Home/Google/Alexa controllers), and overall performance in effective monitoring . Typical 2025 bands range from ~$20–$30/month for mid-range DIY and ~$30–$60+/month for premium/pro-install ecosystems (SimpliSafe plans; Ring Protect; Cove plans; abode plans; Wyze Home Monitoring; Vivint services). For smart-home interoperability trends (Matter, Thread, multi-admin), see the Connectivity Standards Alliance.
ADT
Backed by a national footprint and professional monitoring, ADT security combines pro-installed systems with a DIY route (ADT Self Setup) and consolidates control in the ADT+ app, while emphasizing Google Nest cameras and devices for video and automation (ADT; ADT + Google; ADT apps; Self Setup).
Pros
- 24/7 professional monitoring with dual-path connectivity and backup common in pro systems (UL 827A hosted central station).
- Choice of professional installation or DIY via ADT Self Setup (ADT Self Setup).
- Deep Google Nest integration and unified control in the ADT+ app (ADT + Google; ADT apps).
Cons
- Professionally installed systems often involve multi-year agreements; cancellation terms matter (ROSCA; FTC negative-option guidance).
- Premium/pro-install ecosystems generally cost more monthly (typical ~$30–$60+) (Vivint services).
- Video recording/advanced analytics add-ons increase total cost in most ecosystems (SimpliSafe plans; Ring Protect).
Frontpoint
Frontpoint Security is built for DIY: equipment ships pre-configured, sensors mount with peel-and-stick, and the app guides setup and activation. Professional monitoring is offered without requiring a long-term contract, and you can expand with cameras and life-safety sensors as needed (equipment catalog; how it works).
Pros
- Fast DIY installation with app guidance; no technician visit (how it works).
- Month-to-month professional monitoring available; flexible for renters and movers (typical mid-range DIY pricing) (abode plans; Cove plans).
- Customizable packages with a range of sensors, cameras, and life-safety add-ons (Frontpoint equipment).
Cons
- No professional installation option; complex placements (e.g., exterior wiring) require DIY comfort (how it works).
- Advanced features (camera recording, analytics) typically require paid monitoring tiers, increasing monthly costs (Ring Protect; SimpliSafe plans).
- As with most DIY ecosystems, add-on devices can raise total cost of ownership over time (Vivint services).
| Monitoring Options | Monitoring Prices starting at | Installation Options | |
| ADT | Professional monitoring | Typical $30–$60+ (premium/pro install) | Professional or DIY |
| FrontPoint | Professional monitoring | Typical $20–$30 (DIY mid-range) | DIY |
Data as of 2025; ranges derived from current U.S. plan pages and industry snapshots (SimpliSafe, Ring, Cove, abode, Wyze, Vivint). Taxes/fees/equipment extra; verify ZIP-specific offers.
Plans
ADT
The Secure Plan concept maps to ADT’s professionally installed systems, which typically include 24/7 alarm monitoring, life-safety sensors (smoke/CO/water), and pro installation. Modern monitoring centers increasingly operate with cloud-hosted resilience and dual-path connectivity for reliability (UL 827A). Security-by-design practices (unique credentials, automatic updates) are now baseline expectations (CISA Secure by Design; U.S. Cyber Trust Mark).
With the Smart Plan, homeowners can expect remote arming/disarming, schedules, and automation through ADT’s current app experience (ADT+), and ADT also offers a DIY track via ADT Self Setup for renters or anyone who prefers no tech visit (ADT apps; ADT Self Setup).
The Complete Plan tier aligns to adding video: Google Nest cameras and doorbells provide live view and recorded clips, and video verification is increasingly used across the industry to reduce false alarms and speed dispatch (ADT + Google; example of video-verified tiers).
Frontpoint
The Safe Home Starter kit covers the basics (hub/keypad, entry and motion sensors, signage) with quick DIY setup and app guidance—an easy on-ramp for apartments or small homes (how it works).
The Build Your Own path lets you tailor the system with additional sensors and accessories, keeping hardware and monitoring arrangements flexible for changing needs (equipment catalog).
With the Safe Home Everyday bundle, you scale coverage by adding more entry/motion sensors while keeping the same DIY install flow and mobile-app control.
Safe Home Select adds options such as glass break and smoke/heat sensors for broader intrusion and life-safety coverage—features commonly tied into professional dispatch.
The Safe Home Preferred package layers in a camera for live view and recordings. As with most ecosystems, video storage and AI-enabled detection typically require paid tiers (video plan example; tiered monitoring example).
Who is it best for
ADT
- Secure Plan is a great option when you want pro installation, life-safety monitoring, and centrally managed support (UL 827A).
- Smart Plan is best if you want automation and remote control in the ADT+ app, or prefer DIY setup with ADT Self Setup (ADT apps; Self Setup).
- Complete Plan suits those who want integrated video (Nest cams/doorbells) and the benefits of video-assisted alarm response (ADT + Google).
Frontpoint
- Safe Home Starter offers a streamlined DIY start for smaller spaces and basic needs (how it works).
- Build Your Own is ideal if you want to tailor sensors and accessories without locking into a fixed bundle (equipment).
- Safe Home Everyday is for homes with additional entry points that need more sensors without adding installation complexity.
- Safe Home Select helps expand to glass break and life-safety coverage for broader protection with pro monitoring readiness.
- Safe Home Preferred adds a camera for high-risk areas (entries/garages), with cloud recording available on paid tiers.
Contract and Pricing
ADT
ADT’s professionally installed systems commonly involve multi-year monitoring agreements; total monthly cost varies by devices and services selected. In 2025, premium/pro-install ecosystems typically land around ~$30–$60+ per month (equipment, taxes/fees extra), with video services adding to the bill (Vivint services). U.S. rules require clearer disclosures and easier cancellation paths for subscriptions/auto-renewals—review terms, renewal notices, and online cancellation options before signing (ROSCA; FTC negative-option guidance).
Frontpoint
Frontpoint sells equipment upfront (financing often available) and offers professional monitoring on a month-to-month basis with no long-term contract required. Typical DIY monitoring sits around ~$20–$30/month for mid-range feature sets; adding cameras/recording increases the total (SimpliSafe; Ring Protect; abode; Cove). As with all subscriptions in 2025, confirm pre-renewal notices and simple online cancellation aligned to FTC guidance (FTC negative-option guidance).
Customer Service
ADT
ADT was accredited with BBB and appears on multiple 2025 “best home security systems” lists, reflecting brand reach and mainstream visibility (U.S. News 360 Reviews 2025; PCMag 2025; Tom’s Guide 2025). When comparing providers, rely on fresh, high-volume reviews and visible company responses—recency and response behavior significantly influence consumer trust in 2025 (BrightLocal Local Consumer Review Survey 2025; Yelp Trust & Safety).
Frontpoint
Frontpoint maintains an A+ rating with BBB and is known for easy setup and customizable kits, though its national visibility in 2025 roundups is comparatively lower than larger brands. Use a cross-platform approach—prioritize recent reviews, volume, and company response rate—to get the most current view of support quality (BrightLocal 2025; Yelp Trust & Safety).
Ease of Installation
ADT
ADT offers professional installation for its pro systems—techs handle system design, device placement, setup, and onboarding to the ADT+ app for control and video. There is also a DIY option via ADT Self Setup if you prefer to install it yourself (ADT; ADT apps; Self Setup). Modern monitoring emphasizes resilience (dual-path communications, backup power, hosted central-station capabilities) (UL 827A).
Frontpoint
Frontpoint is the security solution for the DIY enthusiast, with self-install as the standard. Setup time depends on how many components you choose. Before starting, download the Frontpoint app; the Setup Wizard walks you through placement and connection steps (how it works). For best results, follow modern security hygiene (unique credentials, automatic updates) and consider segmenting IoT devices from your main network (CISA Secure by Design).
Further Reading
You may want to learn more about our reviews on the best wireless home security systems.
FAQs
Is Frontpoint better than ADT, and vice versa?
Choose Frontpoint if you want fast DIY setup and month-to-month monitoring without a long-term contract. Choose ADT if you prefer expert professional installation, integrated Google Nest video, and a larger support footprint (DIY via ADT Self Setup is also available). In 2025 rankings, ADT remains a frequent pick among top providers, while Frontpoint has a smaller national profile (U.S. News 2025; PCMag 2025; Tom’s Guide 2025). If it’s Frontpoint vs. ADT, it often comes down to contract/DIY flexibility versus professional design and installation.
Is Frontpoint a good security system?
Frontpoint is a solid DIY system with app-guided setup, pro monitoring without long-term contracts, and a range of sensors, cameras, and life-safety devices (how it works; equipment). For smart-home integration in 2025, major platforms (Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings) support the Matter standard for cross-ecosystem devices—use compatible accessories where possible (CSA Matter; Apple Home + Matter; Google Home + Matter; Alexa + Matter; SmartThings + Matter).
Is ADT a good security system?
ADT is known for nationwide professional installation and monitoring, strong Google Nest integration, and consolidated app control. It is consistently represented in current-year “best of” lists, reflecting mainstream credibility—though professionally installed ecosystems often come with higher monthly costs and multi-year agreements (ADT + Google; U.S. News 2025; PCMag 2025).
How much do Frontpoint and ADT cost per month?
In 2025, DIY-focused professional monitoring commonly falls around ~$20–$30/month, while premium/pro-install ecosystems typically run ~$30–$60+ per month before taxes/fees and video add-ons. Frontpoint aligns with DIY mid-range pricing; ADT’s pro-installed systems align with the premium range (confirm exact offers for your ZIP code) (SimpliSafe; Ring Protect; abode; Cove; Wyze; Vivint).
