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| Monitoring Options | Monitoring Prices starting at | Installation Options | |
| Frontpoint | 24/7 professional monitoring | $49.99/month | DIY |
| Ring | Self-monitoring, 24/7 professional monitoring | $20/month (Protect Pro) | DIY, professional |
Data current as of 2025; verify latest pricing on the providers’ pages: Frontpoint, Ring Protect plans.
When you’re researching the best home security systems, compare monitoring models, monthly costs, features, and device ecosystems. Frontpoint security focuses on a single, contract-free professional monitoring plan (about $49.99/month), while Ring security offers flexible self-monitoring for video and optional 24/7 professional monitoring for Ring Alarm via its Protect Pro plan ($20/month or $200/year per location). See Frontpoint pricing and Ring Protect plans for current details.
Key differences today: Frontpoint’s subscription bundles UL-listed monitoring, cellular backup, app control, and smart home features into one rate (Frontpoint monitoring), whereas Ring separates video storage (Basic/Plus) from professional monitoring (Protect Pro) for Ring Alarm, with US video history up to 180 days on eligible plans (Ring Protect Plan overview).
Whether you choose Frontpoint security vs. Ring security will ultimately depend on your budget, whether you want professional monitoring or self-monitoring, and which ecosystem (e.g., Alexa/Google Home and evolving Matter support) you prefer (Alexa + Matter; Google Home + Matter; Matter 1.4).
Frontpoint
Frontpoint provides DIY-installed systems with an all-in-one, month-to-month professional monitoring plan that includes cellular backup, app control, and smart home integrations (Frontpoint pricing; Frontpoint monitoring).
Pros
- Cloud-assisted crash-and-smash protection helps ensure an alarm is sent even if the panel is damaged during entry delay (Alarm.com Crash & Smash Protection).
- App-guided DIY setup with QR-code onboarding trends reduces setup friction (e.g., Wi‑Fi Easy Connect DPP); most homes can activate without pro install (How Frontpoint Works; Wi‑Fi Easy Connect).
- 24/7 professional monitoring with cellular backup and dual-path resilience plus mobile alerts and automation controls in one app (Frontpoint monitoring).
- Works with popular voice assistants (Alexa/Google); industry movement toward Matter aims to streamline cross-ecosystem control (Alexa + Matter; Google Home + Matter; CSA Matter 1.4).
- Flexible, contract-free service; equipment frequently discounted via promos; month-to-month terms (Frontpoint pricing).
Cons
- Professional monitoring subscription required; no self-monitoring tier is advertised (Frontpoint monitoring).
- Higher monthly price than Ring’s Protect Pro monitoring ($49.99 vs. $20), though plan scopes differ (Frontpoint pricing; Ring Protect plans).
- DIY-only installation; no in-home professional install option from Frontpoint (How Frontpoint Works).
- Equipment, taxes/fees, and local alarm permits (where required) are extra; features/availability can vary by location (Frontpoint pricing).
Ring
Ring centers on DIY video devices and Ring Alarm, with optional 24/7 professional monitoring via Protect Pro and flexible video plans (Basic/Plus). US users can configure video history for up to 180 days on eligible plans (Ring Protect plans; video history and plan inclusions).
Pros
- Exceptional affordability for self-monitoring and video: entry Basic plan recently increased to about $5.99/month per device in the US (2024 price update).
- DIY setup with app guidance; optional pro installation available in many areas (fees vary) (Ring plans).
- Whole-home video coverage at one address with Plus/Pro plans and up to 180-day video history (US; retention settings vary) (Ring plan overview).
- Designed for the Alexa ecosystem; Matter support across ecosystems continues to mature industry-wide for simpler onboarding and local control (Alexa + Matter; CSA Matter 1.4).
- Choice of single devices or full alarm systems; accessories like solar chargers help reduce battery maintenance.
Cons
- 24/7 professional monitoring for Ring Alarm is only available with Protect Pro in eligible regions; permit rules may apply (Ring Alarm professional monitoring).
- Free plan is limited (no cloud video history); advanced features require a paid plan (Ring Protect plans).
- Advanced camera features and longer retention live in the Ring app/cloud; cross-ecosystem camera support via Matter remains limited as standards evolve (CSA Matter 1.4).
Plans
Frontpoint
Frontpoint now markets a single, comprehensive professional monitoring plan rather than legacy multi-tier options. See current inclusions and price at Frontpoint monitoring and pricing.
This plan typically includes 24/7 professional monitoring, cellular backup, mobile app access, and smart home features (scenes, rules, voice assistant integrations). Video support and cloud clip storage are available through the platform; exact limits may depend on camera count/account configuration (Frontpoint monitoring).
Contract terms are positioned as month-to-month with no long-term commitment; equipment is purchased separately (upfront or financed), and local taxes/fees/permits may apply (How Frontpoint Works).
Ring
Ring offers three subscription tiers for video and Alarm features: Basic, Plus, and Pro. Basic covers one camera/doorbell per device; Plus covers all cameras/doorbells at one address and adds extended warranties/discounts; Pro covers all devices at one address and enables 24/7 professional monitoring for Ring Alarm (US/Canada eligibility varies) (Ring Protect Plan overview; Alarm professional monitoring).
US video history can be set up to 180 days on eligible plans and devices; retention and features vary by region and model (Ring Plan details).
Users can also use Ring equipment without a paid plan for Live View, motion alerts, and two-way talk; paid plans add cloud recording, rich notifications, and—for Protect Pro—professional monitoring for Ring Alarm (Ring Protect plans).
Who is it best for
Frontpoint
- Frontpoint Monitoring — Best if you want a traditional, professionally monitored system with cellular backup, app automation, and voice integrations bundled in one subscription (Frontpoint monitoring).
- Frontpoint Monitoring + cameras — Best if you also want integrated video features and cloud clip storage managed in the same app; exact video allowances depend on devices/account (Frontpoint monitoring).
Ring
- Basic Plan — Best for one camera/doorbell per device with low-cost cloud video and smart alerts (about $5.99/month in the US after the 2024 update) (price change).
- Protect Pro Plan — Best for whole-home Ring setups needing 24/7 professional monitoring for Ring Alarm plus video for all devices at one address ($20/month or $200/year per location) (Ring Protect Pro).
Contracts and Pricing
Frontpoint
All product packages typically include signage and decals. Service is marketed as month-to-month with no long-term contract, and the single monitoring plan runs about $49.99/month (equipment, taxes/fees, and permits extra) (Frontpoint pricing).
Monitoring includes 24/7 dispatch with cellular backup, app control, automation rules, and integration with popular voice assistants. Equipment is purchased separately; promotions and financing may reduce upfront costs (Frontpoint monitoring; How Frontpoint Works).
- Entry kit examples: Typically a hub, keypad, 2+ door/window sensors, and a motion sensor; bundle contents and discounts change periodically — see Frontpoint pricing for current offers.
- Everyday kit examples: Adds more sensors and options (e.g., glass break/leak sensors); final price depends on configuration and promos (see current pricing).
- Select kit examples: Expand with smart locks, thermostats, or cameras; total cost varies with device count and financing (Frontpoint pricing).
- Preferred kit examples: Larger bundles with expanded coverage; check the site for up-to-date packages and incentives (Frontpoint pricing).
Ring
Without a paid plan, you get Live View, motion alerts, and two-way talk on supported devices. Cloud video and advanced features are added via Basic/Plus/Pro plans (Ring Protect plans).
Pricing (US): Basic about $5.99/month or $59.99/year per device (2024 update); Plus $10/month or $100/year per address; Protect Pro $20/month or $200/year per address, which enables 24/7 professional monitoring for Ring Alarm. Equipment is sold separately; professional installation is optional and fees vary by market (Ring plans; Alarm professional monitoring).
Customer Service
Frontpoint
FrontPoint Security Solutions, LLC is accredited with the Better Business Bureau; see its BBB profile for current rating details, customer reviews, and complaint history. For support, customers can use online chat, phone, or request a callback (How Frontpoint Works).
Context from independent benchmarks: US customer satisfaction across industries has fluctuated since 2020, with uneven recovery by sector; ACSI remains the principal cross-industry benchmark (ACSI). Broader consumer complaint and fraud patterns (e.g., elevated identity-theft and imposter-scam reports) continue to shape expectations for responsiveness and resolution (CFPB Consumer Complaint Database; FTC Consumer Sentinel). Best practices emphasize first-contact resolution and proactive communication during incidents (ACSI).
Ring
Ring is accredited with the Better Business Bureau; visit its BBB profile for the latest rating, reviews, and complaint counts. Ring support is available via online chat, phone, and social channels.
Privacy and policy changes also influence customer experience: in 2024 Ring removed the in-app “Request for Assistance” tool that allowed police to solicit user video via Neighbors, reflecting a broader privacy shift (policy change coverage). As with other providers, clear status updates and easy complaint channels correlate with higher satisfaction (ACSI).
Ease of Installation
Frontpoint
Frontpoint is designed for DIY installation. The app guides placement and activation, and current industry standards like QR-code onboarding (Wi‑Fi Easy Connect DPP) reduce manual Wi‑Fi entry and setup errors (How Frontpoint Works; Wi‑Fi Easy Connect).
After connecting the hub and adding sensors, you’ll verify signals and customize alerts/automation. Professional installation isn’t required or offered by Frontpoint; monitoring includes cellular backup for resilience during internet outages (Frontpoint monitoring).
For smart home control, voice integrations (Alexa/Google) are supported; the broader ecosystem is moving toward Matter and Thread for simpler, multi-platform setup and local control (Alexa + Matter; Google Home + Matter; Matter 1.4).
Ring
Ring supports DIY and optional professional installation. Setup uses the Ring app to pair the base station, then add sensors and cameras; you can adjust motion sensitivity, zones, and notification frequency within the app (Ring plans).
Commissioning is QR-code driven on most devices, and many homes complete installs in under an hour. If you prefer pro help, scheduling and fees vary by market. For broader ecosystem control, Ring is Alexa-first; industry-wide Matter capabilities continue to expand, though advanced camera features often remain in native apps for now (Alexa + Matter; CSA Matter 1.4).
Tip: Ensure solid Wi‑Fi coverage before commissioning; self-organizing mesh standards like Wi‑Fi EasyMesh can improve reliability for multi-device homes (Wi‑Fi EasyMesh).
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