ADT Self Setup vs. Frontpoint

Choosing a security system requires a lot of research. But in our experience, that’s not even the hardest part. The hardest part is when you’re down to two really good options, and you think any of them could work. You might be tempted to skip the final leg of your selection process and just go with whatever your finger lands on, but it’s crucial that you don’t. You have to stick it out and compare your top security system options.

Don’t worry; we got you covered. If ADT Self Setup (formerly Blue by ADT) and Frontpoint are your top options, we’ll help you see which one is better suited for you. Both systems will protect you, both offer great value, and both appear on our list of the best home security systems on the market. Here, we’ll zoom in on the finer details to help you make a final decision.

Key Similarities

Part of the reason it can be hard to decide between these two systems is that they have so many things in common. Here’s a list of features you can expect from both.

Equipment

You’ll see a lot of overlap between ADT Self Setup and Frontpoint in terms of equipment. Both offer high-quality and robust equipment packages that cover intrusion detection and environmental monitoring.

Both ADT Self Setup and Frontpoint have premade packages. ADT Self Setup offers two packages with varying numbers of equipment, plus one open-plan package that starts you off with a hub and a door sensor. You’re free to build out any of those packages as you see fit.

With Frontpoint, you have three equipment packages to choose between ranging from $129 to $419. You also get a Build Your Own System Option that starts you off with a hub and keypad. Again, you can customize any of those packages to your liking.

Cameras

Speaking of customizing, security cameras are one of the most common components homeowners add to their systems. ADT Self Setup and Frontpoint both offer indoor cameras, outdoor cameras, and video doorbells.

Keep in mind, the two companies aren’t like Lorex that offers dozens of options. ADT Self Setup offers exactly three camera modes (one of each kind), while Frontpoint offers four (one of each kind plus a ‘premium’ indoor camera).

That said, ADT Self Setup’s cameras are more high-quality, considering that they’re made by Google Nest. In fact, the Google Nest Cams made our roundup of this year’s top security cameras because they offer features such as person detection and facial recognition. Frontpoint’s cameras, on the other hand, offer more standard features like motion zones.

Smart Home Integration

Frontpoint and ADT Self Setup both provide integration with Alexa and Google Home, which means you can easily operate either system using voice controls. The integration also gives you access to special features and even more equipment. Once you’ve connected to Alexa or Google Home, for instance, you can create routines that connect your security equipment to smart locks, smart light bulbs, and garage doors.

Additionally, both Frontpoint and ADT Self Setup offer integrations with third-party smart home products, particularly those that use Z-Wave. With this, you can connect smart home products to either system and control them using the Frontpoint or ADT+ app.

One advantage of ADT Self Setup is that it works closely with Google Nest to provide native controls for Google Nest smart home products (e.g. security cameras, smart thermostats, smart speakers/displays) through the ADT+ app.

Installation

Whether you sign up with ADT Self Setup or Frontpoint, you’ll get DIY installation, which saves money on professional installation. Both systems are remarkably straightforward. Their base stations and sensors are all plug-and-play, so you’ll mostly just have to plug them in or turn them on to set up. The Frontpoint system comes preprogrammed so components all work with the keypad hub right out of the box. Neither system took more than a half-hour total to set up. If you need a little help setting up your system, though, you can check out our handy installation guide.

Responsive Apps

A strong app is key for any top-tier home security system. You need to be able to access your system no matter where you are. Both companies offer intuitive, easy-to-use apps that send real-time alerts any time one of its sensors goes off. In addition, they let you pull up live or recorded video. You also have the option to turn both systems on or off using just the app.

One Key Difference: Monitoring

The real difference between the security systems has to do with monitoring. Frontpoint offers only one option for 24/7 professional monitoring, which costs $49.99 per month, while with ADT Self Setup, you can go with basic professional monitoring ($29.99 per month) or add cloud video storage and video verification.

If you’ve read any of our other home security reviews, you know we always recommend professional monitoring. We know we’re never going to be available 24/7 to check alerts and monitor footage. Every once in a while, we like to turn off our phones and take a nap under the big elm trees in our local park. And there are all those other pesky things, like dentist appointments, that tie up our attention as well. With professional monitoring, we never have to worry about paying attention. We let trained professionals do it for us.

With both systems offering professional monitoring, it comes down to price and features.

Frontpoint’s professional monitoring costs $49.99 per month, which is on the more expensive side. That said, considering that it’s the only available monitoring plan, and that it offers everything in Frontpoint’s deep bag of tricks, it’s a good value. In addition to professional monitoring, the Frontpoint monthly subscription gives you access to the Frontpoint app, cellular backup, home automation features, cloud video storage, and so much more.

With ADT Self Setup, all systems come with Essential monitoring, which costs $29.99 per month. For that price, you’ll get 24/7 monitoring, access to the ADT+ app, and all the smart home features that come with the app.

Essential monitoring won’t cut it, though, if you have security cameras as well. As mentioned, ADT Self Setup uses cameras from Google Nest, and Nest Cams require Nest Aware to store videos. For $10 more per month, you’ll get a Nest Aware subscription and all the smart features that come with it, including facial recognition (a.k.a. Familiar Face Alerts). ADT will also be able to use Nest Cams to verify alerts, also known as video verification.

We’d have to give ADT Self Setup the edge here because it offers more options, it’s more affordable, and it’s backed by ADT’s world-class professional monitoring service.

Like the idea of self-monitoring? Check out our page on the best no-monthly-fee security systems.

Let’s Talk About Pricing

Let’s get to the bottom line: What will it cost to install these two systems, and how do their price points compare?

First, let’s talk about what you pay for with a home security system.

• Equipment: Obviously you have to buy the equipment itself, including door and window sensors, motion sensors, cameras, and hubs.
• Monitoring: If you sign up for professional monitoring, you’ll pay a monthly fee for it.
• Installation: Some home security companies require professional installation. That costs money, but luckily, neither ADT Self Setup nor Frontpoint require professional installation.

Since we’ve already discussed their monitoring costs, and since there are no installation costs for both systems, let’s go straight to equipment pricing.

At first look, Frontpoint’s starter kits seem more enticing, price-wise. A starter kit with one base station, one motion sensor, and one entry sensor costs only $129. With ADT Self Setup, a starter kit costs $335.97. However, if you look at what’s included, it’s clear that ADT Self Setup has the advantage. That starter package includes four entry sensors, two motion sensors, and even a Google Nest Doorbell (battery). That’s a lot of goodies for its price.

If you look at individual equipment pricing, it becomes clearer that ADT Self Setup is the more budget-friendly option. An entry sensor from ADT Self Setup costs $15, for example. The same type of sensor costs over $30 from Frontpoint.

The only area where Frontpoint and ADT Self Setup see eye-to-eye in terms of price is the cameras. For instance, Frontpoint’s indoor camera costs $99, and the Nest Cam (wired) also costs $99. You have to remember, however, that the Nest Cam (wired) is one of the best indoor cameras on the market, with features like person detection, facial recognition, and customizable motion zones. Frontpoint cameras are simply not that smart.

Advantage to ADT Self Setup here.

Components Table

Want to compare apples to apples? Both companies offer a variety of packages. In addition, you can add equipment to any of these packages or build your own package from scratch. For comparison’s sake, we compared the most similar equipment packages from both companies.

Recap

How does it all shake out in the end? Honestly, there’s not a lot of daylight between them. Both offer solid midrange security equipment, including sensors, cameras, and hubs. Both make use of advanced technology features such as person detection and face recognition. Both require DIY installation, but in both cases that DIY is about as easy as self-installation gets. Both integrate well with Alexa and Google Home ecosystems.

Frontpoint has a bit of an edge on equipment options. In addition to basic security sensors, Frontpoint offers sensors like carbon monoxide detectors, glass break sensors, garage door sensors, and more. ADT Self Setup, however, has an edge on price both for monitoring and equipment. It’s also backed by ADT’s monitoring service, so you know you’re getting quality service there.

With the two so close together, you know what we’re going to say: It really comes down to what your home needs.