Frontpoint vs. Protect America Review

Frontpoint Security vs. Protect America  -2018 HSA Review

 

 Reputation and Credibility

 

While they are a relative newcomer, with 10+ years in the business, Frontpoint has distinguished themselves by offering world-class customer service. Frontpoint has earned numerous customer and industry accolades as a top-rated security company and has an A+ BBB rating.

Protect America has been ranked a Consumer Digest Best Buy for 5 year’s running. This 20+ year old company  enjoys an A- BBB rating and is recognized as the leader in DIY home security systems.

While Frontpoint’s A+ rating is impressive and indicative of their company’s commitment to customer satisfaction, Protect America  has made great strides to improve their BBB rating to an A.

Protect America pioneered the DIY security industry, has a 20 year track record, a customer base of about a half million customers and has enjoyed a TOP 15 ranking on the SDM Top 100 for past 4 years.

Protect America takes this category by a slim margin.

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Frontpoint  vs. Protect America  Monitoring Services

 

Frontpoint

 

Frontpoint Security offers either one(1) or three(3) year monitoring agreement options, with the latter affording a $300 equipment discount. (all package pricing will assume the 3 year agreement) They both offer UL Listed, 5 Diamond Certified  monitoring  which provides 24/7 protection against intrusion, medical and personal safety, fire and environmental hazards.

They have elected to offer only fully integrated cellular based communication technologies. This eliminates the possibility of defeating the system by disabling cable or landlines.

Frontpoint offers more advanced home automation and surveillance as well as some invaluable advanced monitoring features such as Alarm.com‘s  “Crash and Smash”, and  Geo-Location services. Crash and Smash ensures that even if the main control panel is disabled or destroyed…. the monitoring center is alerted to the fact that there is trouble if the system is not properly disarmed with appropriate codes.

Geo Location is an advanced home automation function that enables your system to perform a variety of functions based on you’re your GPS position relative to “geo-fences” that you set up.

These are cutting-edge features and monitoring technologies that improve the security and the ‘sex appeal” of the today’s best home security systems.

 

Protect America

 

Protect America requires a 3-year monitoring agreement-which is pretty much the industry standard. One of the unique features of Protect America’s program is the fact that the monthly monitoring fees include the equipment costs.   This $0 Up Front Cost approach makes quality home security available to almost anyone.

Protect America utilizes Criticom monitoring services which provide fully redundant capabilities – with 3 separate facilities servicing their clients. In the event of a regional catastrophic event, calls can be re-routed to one of the other facilities- ensuring that customers are never without service.

Protect America also offers the widest variety of monitoring solutions to accommodate almost any situation.  Monitoring connection options include landline, 2-way voice intercom, broadband and cellular technologies.

Both companies offer quality monitoring services by highly regarded Central Stations. Frontpoint offers Crash and Smash Protection, Geo Location and monitoring contract flexibility…But, Protect America offers better redundancy, a wider array of monitoring service options-and a much lower entry level monitoring service.

I’m not sure that there is a clear-cut winner in this category.  It really depends on individual factors, but I’d probably give a slight edge to Frontpoint in this round based on the superior monitoring features that are available.

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Customer Service

 

Frontpoint Security Customer Service

 

Perhaps the single biggest differentiator may be Frontpoints’  commitment to providing superior customer service. In addition to online videos, tutorial, and e-books, they offer outstanding telephone and e-mail support.

The most impressive feature, however, is their 30 day, risk-free money-back return policy.  This “no questions asked” policy even includes return shipping and requires no restocking fees.

 

Protect America Customer Service

 

Having pioneered the self-installation or DIY security model, Protect America has been offering installation support since 1992.  They have streamlined the entire process and offer the most seasoned support and service model in the industry.  Installation directions and videos are simple and straightforward.  In addition, unparalleled one-on-one support is available through multiple channels including toll-free telephone, e-mail, and online chat.

Although both companies offer quality customer service, via multiple channels, Frontpoint Security has a higher BBB rating, a superior return policy and has demonstrated a stronger overall commitment to customer satisfaction.

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Equipment and Technology- Frontpoint vs Protect America

 

Both companies utilize the GE Simon XT – a highly regarded system which offers 40 zones of protection, a 100 event history buffer, voice annunciation and a 2-way voice intercom. More comprehensive protection packages are available that can be fully customized to meet individual needs and preferences. All equipment is provided by GE and meets the highest industry quality standards.

However, Frontpoint now offers a premium control panel to meet the demands customers looking for next-generation features and technologies. This upscale touchscreen panel from Qolsys is available for an additional cost on any of the Frontpoint Security packages.

This modern, aesthetically pleasing control panel has a bright 7” color touchscreen display and comes fully equipped with multiple cellular, wi-fi and z-wave communication technologies.

The full-featured Qolsys IQ is powerful enough to control the most extensive security and home automation systems…while even displaying a slideshow of favorite family photos, current weather conditions or monitoring networked video cameras. It even provides severe weather alerts and has a built-in camera to identify who arms or disarms the system.

Want more elaborate video surveillance? Frontpoint has an updated indoor HD video camera with 2-way voice, night vision, and motion detection and also offers the new Skybell Video Doorbell.

The basic equipment package for Frontpoint starts at $99 plus monthly monitoring beginning at $34.99

Both companies offer a variety of pricing and packaging offers, which will be investigated more thoroughly in the next round. However, overall, Protect America makes equipment more affordable by eliminating upfront costs and incorporating the equipment prices into the monthly monitoring.

Monthly monitoring rates include the equipment and range from $19.99-54.99 depending on the equipment package and the monitoring services selected. Protect America also offers a lifetime warranty on the equipment.

However, when it comes to the diversity of the technology and equipment that is offered, Frontpoint gets the nod.

They offer a more comprehensive selection of home automation equipment. While both companies offer interactive Z-Wave locks, lights, and small appliance controls, Frontpoint also offers  Z-wave thermostats to enable home energy management capabilities.

In addition, Frontpoint offers more interactive video capabilities with both outdoor and Pan and Tilt cameras available. Of course, all of these equipment options come at a price…but, for those who desire more comprehensive security and home automation capabilities, these options are available.

In addition, Frontpoint Security offers Crash and Smash Protection technology and Geo-Location Services through Alarm.com interactive platform-which is currently unavailable through Protect America.

Although Protect America does offer  $0 upfront equipment options and a longer warranty, Frontpoint offers a greater variety of equipment options and technologies than Protect America.

If you are looking for Energy Management and a wider range of  Video Surveillance selections, Frontpoint has more security solutions to address those needs.

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Price and Value

 

Protect America offers a wide variety of equipment packages that incorporate both the equipment and monitoring-with $0 up front costs.  This allows you to customize your security system to meet your individual needs and preference. In addition, they offer a best price guarantee on their products and services.

The basic Protect America Copper Package, a perennial Consumer Digest Best Buy winner,  is available for just $19.99/mo. and includes:

• Simon XT Control Panel
• 3 Door/Window Sensors
• 1 Motion Detector
• 1 Yard Sign
• 3 Window Stickers
• Owners Manual
• Lifetime Equipment Warranty

Frontpoint packages start at $34.99 and includes Cellular monitoring.(a $12 monthly add-on to the Copper package)This program includes only 2 door sensors and does not include interactive services or Crash and Smash Protection- and requires an upfront payment of $99.

There are a variety of packages available for both companies which target various price points. Protect America includes specific equipment packages in their monitoring pricing, with $0 Upfront Costs, whereas Frontpoint will charge anywhere between $99 and $479 upfront for their standard packages.

Both companies allow one to mix and match equipment in their packages. If equipment beyond the package offerings is required, Frontpoint add-ons are more competitively priced, which could offset some of the pricing differentials in more comprehensive protection packages.

Frontpoint equipment carries a 3-year warranty, whereas Protect America offers a lifetime warranty.

While Frontpoint offers an outstanding value, superior advanced monitoring features and lower add-on pricing, Protect America wins this round overall with $0 upfront costs, lifetime warranty, and entry-level pricing that starts at just $19.99!

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Frontpoint vs Protect America Security Review Summary

 

Protect America is a tremendous value with reliable equipment and outstanding service at an extremely affordable price. They make home security affordable for virtually anyone with their $0 upfront pricing structure and back it with an industry leading lifetime equipment warranty and best price guarantee.

However, at the end of the day, Frontpoint delivers a better overall value for anyone looking for more comprehensive home security.  They provide truly exceptional service and a full portfolio of brand name security and home automation equipment.

With 100% cellular monitoring, next-generation equipment and the most innovative and desirable monitoring features such as “Crash and Smash” Protection and Geo-Location. .. Frontpoint earns a close win in this matchup of our two highest rated home security companies.

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Frontpoint Security vs Protect America Home Security  Video Summary

 

2018 Update Coming Soon

FAQs and Final Thoughts

 

So which is best for me- a Frontpoint or Protect America  Home Security System?

 

While one can make a compelling argument for either company, overall, we feel that Frontpoint offers the best overall value. Nevertheless…no company can be all things to all people.  Each company has some strengths and weaknesses…and depending on your priorities, there may be situations where Frontpoint might better meet your needs.

 

Frontpoint Security may be best for you if you are looking for:

• Energy Management Capabilities
• Extensive Video Surveillance Capabilities
• Best Customer Service
• 30 Day Return Policy
• Crash and Smash Protection
• Geo Location Services
• Advanced Touchscreen Control Panel- Qolsys

 

For more information on Frontpoint, check out our Frontpoint Review,

Visit the Website

or call 844-688-2894,today!

 

Protect America may be best  for you if you are looking for:

• 20+ Year Track Record
• $0 Up Front Costs
• Lower Entry Price Point
• Poor Cellular Reception in Your location
• Lifetime Warranty
• Best Price Guarantee
• Locked In Monitoring Rates

For more information on Protect America, check out our Protect America Review,

Visit the Website

or call 888-951-5140,today!

Frontpoint vs Protect America – Monitoring Options

 

When contrasting  Frontpoint vs Protect America, one of the distinguishing factors is the ability to use a landline for monitoring.

When comparing monitoring options between  Protect America vs Frontpoint, cellular monitoring is the only option available on  Frontpoint security systems.  This means there are no phone or cable wires that can be cut to interfere with sending an alarm signal to the monitoring station.

However, in areas where the cellular service is questionable, this can be an issue.

Protect America offers landline, broadband and cellular options.  This enables them to provide basic very cost effective basic landline security for as low as $19.99/mo….as well as the option for more robust services with either broadband or cellular service.

While some Frontpoint vs Protect America reviews might complain about the additional expense of a cellular connection, having all three options is an advantage to those on a tight budget or living in more remote areas where cellular service is unavailable.

Conclusion

 

Both of these Top DIY Alarm Companies represent exceptional values for anyone looking to protect their homes and families with a quality home security and automation system.

 Protect America offers more monitoring options, a much lower basic monitoring rate, $0 Up Front Pricing, Lifetime Warranty and is clear value leader.

Overall, Frontpoint offers more security solutions for one seeking to install a more comprehensive home automation protection package.and is a top pick- offering what many believe to be The Best Overall Value!

Thank you for visiting. Please feel free to leave your comments and feedback on this  Frontpoint vs. Protect America Security Review, below.

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