Vivint offers 24/7 cellular monitoring, a lifetime equipment warranty, and innovative technology. However, Frontpoint comes out on top, offering 24/7 monitoring as well as shorter contract lengths, easier installation, better package options, and outstanding customer service. Read on to see our take on Vivint vs. Frontpoint.

Key differences: Vivint vs. Frontpoint

• Contracts
• Installation
• Monitoring
• Customer service & reputation
• Packages
• Warranty

42-month contracts vs. 36-month contracts

Vivint has several contract options available. The first is a month-to-month option, but you are only able to get this contract if you purchase all your equipment up front when you sign. It also offers 42- and 60-month contracts if you finance your equipment (at 0% APR). Once you fulfill the financing contract obligation, and as long as you don’t want to finance additional equipment, you will go to a month-to-month contract. Frontpoint’s contract is only 36 months and there is no minimum monthly requirement. So while Vivint has several options, it can still be quite expensive (because of either a high up-front cost for a month-to-month contract, or a higher monthly fee if you finance for 42 or 60 months). Frontpoint is the clear winner in this category.

Installation: Free vs. fee

Because all of Frontpoint’s equipment installation is DIY, it doesn’t charge any installation fee. The system comes preconfigured and all the sensors are peel and stick. All you need to mount is the control panel, but even that can be placed on a tabletop. Once you set up the system, you call Frontpoint to have them test it to make sure it’s working properly. Frontpoint will then activate your system. However, Frontpoint does charge either a $99 or $199 equipment fee, depending on the plan you choose.

Vivint charges a $49.99 installation fee on top if its base equipment package fee of $549.99. Vivint requires that a professional come to your home to install your security system. You may prefer professional installation because it’s slightly less hassle, but otherwise, the $49.99 fee puts a damper on things. Frontpoint’s DIY installation is quick and easy, so Frontpoint is the winner of this category.

24/7 monitoring from both

Monitoring from both Frontpoint and Vivint is 100% cellular, which we love. Cellular is the safest form of monitoring compared to broadband and landline. With broadband and landline monitoring, connections can be lost with the monitoring center if your power goes out or someone were to cut your wires. Frontpoint and Vivint are both winners in this category.

Which company’s customer service & reputation is better?

Vivint customers are overall happy with their system and service. Where the negativity comes from is Vivint’s customer service. Vivint has a history of aggressive sales tactics, though the company is taking steps to improve its reputation. Frontpoint, on the other hand, has a longstanding positive reputation and outstanding customer service. It also has a low-pressure approach, which is why Frontpoint is our winner for this category.

Which offers better packages?

Below are all the packages Vivint and Frontpoint offer. Here you can compare prices and equipment to see which company offers the best deal.

*Space Monkey is a cloud storage unit. It can hold up to 1TB of storage (about 300,000 photos). Your photos and videos are automatically backed up to the device and you can access them from any Android, iOS, Windows, or Mac device.

Interested in comparing Vivint vs. Frontpoint packages to each other or the dozens of other packages available from home security companies? Take our Home Security Package Selector quiz to get tailored results.

Vivint has a better warranty

Frontpoint offers a three-year warranty while Vivint offers a lifetime warranty. This is a pretty big deal. While a three-year warranty is considered good for home security equipment, a lifetime warranty is rare. Vivint is definitely the winner here.

Frontpoint vs. Vivint: Who wins?

Vivint’s equipment is impressive, and its flexible contract options are unique in the industry. However, its high prices, potentially lengthy contracts, and more aggressive sales approach keep it out of first place on our list of the best home security systems. Frontpoint excels in customer service, lower prices, and more equipment options, which is why it is our #1 pick for best home security system.

Do you agree with our comparison?