We recommend products and services based on unbiased research from our editorial team. We make money via affiliate links, which means if you click a link on our site, we may earn a commission. Any commissions we receive do not affect our recommendations; if you want to know more about how that works, read more.
| Monitoring Options | Monitoring Prices starting at | Installation Options | |
| Frontpoint | 24/7 professional monitoring | $44.40/month | DIY |
| Ring | Self-monitoring, 24/7 professional monitoring | $3/month | DIY, professional |
Data as of 7/22/20
When you’re researching the best home security systems, you may be interested in comparing cost, features, products, and plans. Frontpoint security and Ring security systems are two of the best home security systems available. Each one offers different advantages depending on what you’re looking for.
Comparing both companies, Frontpoint offers comprehensive plans and systems along with 24/7 professional monitoring for all products. Ring offers affordable home security with self-monitoring options and free plans.
Whether you choose Frontpoint security vs. Ring security will ultimately depend on your budget and the type of monitoring you want.
Frontpoint
Frontpoint offers DIY home security product plans with 24/7 professional monitoring.
Pros
- Crash- and smash-proof technology
- 100% pre-programmed for activation within 30 minutes out of the box
- Customized smartphone notifications
- Integrated with Google Home and Alexa
- Add on to your package any time
Cons
- Signing up for professional monitoring is required with each plan
- Customer service ratings are low
- No option for self-monitoring
- No single device options
Ring
Ring provides create-your-own video security monitoring, with free self-monitoring available, plus pro monitoring
Pros
- Local crime monitoring
- Choice of easy DIY or professional installation
- Exceptional affordability
- Choice of single or full systems
- Solar charging available
Cons
- Poor customer complaint ratings
- Free plan has limited features
- Abundance of product choice may be overwhelming and end up costly compared to straightforward bundled plans
Plans
Frontpoint
With each type of Frontpoint security equipment purchase, users must choose between two monitoring plans: the Interactive Plan and the Ultimate Plan.
The Interactive Plan includes 100% wireless and cellular 24/7 professional monitoring, automated system check, crash and smash protection, expandable and portable, geo-location services, mobile alert and notifications via email and text, remote access and control, sensor history, and unique user codes.
The Ultimate Plan contains everything the Interactive Plan offers, plus motioned triggered alerts, night vision enabled, light control, live video streaming, smart lock control, and video and image history.
Ring
Ring offers a variety of home security equipment and two subscription plans for video recording equipment activation: Basic and Plus. The Basic Plan lets you activate video recording for one device. Features include two-way talk, motion-activated notifications, lifetime theft protection, video saving and sharing, Snapshot Capture, real-time video with live view, and video history for 60 days.
The Plus Plan lets you activate video recording for all devices at your home and 24/7 professional monitoring for the Ring Alarm. Features include all Basic features plus 24/7 professional monitoring for Ring Alarm, 10% off select products at Ring.com, and extended warranties for all devices.
Users can also use Ring equipment for free for real-time video with live view, motion-activated notifications, two-way talk, and lifetime theft protection capabilities.
Who is it best for
Frontpoint
- Interactive Plan — Best for those happy with basic features including mobile alerts, remote control and access, and unique user codes
- Ultimate Plan — Best for those who want 24/7 professional monitoring with features like motion-triggered alerts, live video streaming, saved image and video history, and night vision enabled
Ring
- Basic Plan — Best for users with one video recording device who want self-monitoring capabilities and saved video history and sharing features
- Plus Plan — Best for Ring users with multiple devices who want 24/7 professional monitoring
Contracts and Pricing
Frontpoint
All product packages include one yard sign, one set of three window decals, and one door sticker. In addition to physical equipment, users must choose professional 24/7 monitoring through the Interactive Plan or the Ultimate Plan.
Frontpoint offers month-to-month pricing without a contract. You’ll pay $1.48/day for the Interactive Plan and $1.64/day for the Ultimate Plan. Pricing for your initial Frontpoint equipment is as follows:
- Safe Home Starter: $99
- Safe Home Everyday: $295.94
- Safe Home Select: $383.92
- Safe Home Preferred: $479.90
Ring
Users get free real-time video with live view, motion-activated notifications, two-way talk, and lifetime theft protection capabilities with video recording equipment. Additional capabilities must be purchased through the Basic or Plus plans.
Ring offers month-to-month pricing without a contract. The Basic Plan runs you $3 a month or $30 a year, while the Plus Plan is $10 a month or $100 a year. Products start at $59.99 for an Indoor Cam and $99.99 for a Video Doorbell. You’ll also need to pay a professional installation fee of $99 if you don’t install your equipment yourself.
Customer Service
Frontpoint
FrontPoint Security Solutions, LLC, has been accredited with the Better Business Bureau since 2009 and had an A+ rating as of July 2020. The average customer review score is less than two stars out of five, out of 140 customer reviews. In July 2020, the company had 383 customer complaints.
Recent complaints and customer reviews cite issues with Frontpoint customer service. For customers who need to get in touch with Frontpoint, you can fill out an online form and the company will call you back. You can also use online chat for instant answers.
Ring
Ring has been accredited with the Better Business Bureau since 2006 and had an A+ rating as of July 2020. The average customer review score is less than 1.5 stars out of five, out of 70 customer reviews. In July 2020, the company had 333 customer complaints.
Recent complaints and customer reviews cite issues with Ring shipping and customer service. For customers who need to contact Ring, you can use online chat, call Ring, or contact the company on social media.
Ease of Installation
Frontpoint
Frontpoint only offers DIY installation, with no professional installation options available. Frontpoint has a user-friendly DIY installation process for the wireless security system.
There’s no drilling required for a phone line. You can access the mobile website to see how to connect the control panel and get it running online, as well as where and how to place door sensors.
There are also tips if you need help. When you’re ready to activate, call the customer service line to get the system online. Installation takes about 30 minutes total.
Frontpoint integrates with Alexa and Google Home systems, and home automation is included in one app.
Ring
Ring offers both professional and DIY installation. Ring installation is simple and easy if you want to DIY. You’ll use the Ring app to connect your Wi-Fi to the Ring base station.
After pulling the tabs off the backs of the motion detectors and contact sensors, you’ll activate the product. From there, you can customize motion detector sensitivity settings and alert notification frequency.
Ring integrates with Alexa, Google Home, Dome, EcoLink, First Alert, GE, and Leviton products. With Ring, home automation is also fully integrated in one app.
Further reading
FAQs
About the Authors
Nicki Escudero is a freelance writer and journalist with more than 18 years of experience in the publishing industry, writing for international publications such as USA Today, Entrepreneur, Marketing Land, American Art Collector magazine and the Arizona Republic. She is passionate about helping readers discover helpful tips that lead to happier, healthier lives. A former Australian expat, Nicki has a passion for world travel and loves to learn about new cultures.
Keep Reading
